Cartagena Wedding Guest Guide: Where to Stay and How to Get Around

For a wedding in Cartagena, Colombia, most guests stay in private villas in the walled Old City, a short walk from the venues. Villas start at USD 1,650 per night for up to 12 guests. Meanwhile, larger groups take a house for up to 30.

Prices in USD as of November 3, 2026, read live from our villa rates. However, prices vary by season. Also, see all our luxury villas in Cartagena.

The Old City and Getsemaní are best when the wedding is inside the walls, because guests can walk to the ceremony and the restaurants. In contrast, Bocagrande has beach hotels and towers, 10 minutes by car from the Old City. So read our full guide on where to stay in Cartagena.

Guests land at Rafael Núñez Airport, 10 to 18 minutes by car from the Old City and Getsemaní. A private car for up to 4 guests to Bocagrande starts at USD 49 one way. For groups on the same flight, we also send larger vehicles, quoted on WhatsApp. Then compare every car and area on our page of Cartagena airport to hotel transfer prices.

Inside the Old City, everyone walks. However, for venues outside the walls, we schedule private cars between the villas and the venue. Then, for the island day, boats leave from the docks next to the Old City. So guests never have to find their own ride.

• Light, breathable clothes, because it is hot and humid all year.
• Comfortable shoes, since the Old City has cobblestone streets.
• Sunscreen, a hat and a swimsuit for the island day, too.
• A light layer, because venues are air-conditioned and the boat is breezy at night.

Most visits are trouble-free, especially in the Old City, Getsemaní and Bocagrande. Still, guests should use booked cars at night and keep valuables out of sight. So, before traveling, they can read the U.S. State Department advisory for Colombia and our guide on whether Cartagena is safe for travelers.

The couple can also check the Cartagena wedding cost, the wedding venues and the legal steps to marry in Colombia.