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What to do for New Year’s Eve in Cartagena

If you’re planning to be in Cartagena for New Year’s Eve, you’re always in for a treat! Colombia is known for its extensive festive New Year’s traditions, and Cartagena in particular offers some of the best opportunities for visitors to participate in the celebrations. Let’s be honest, Cartagena is not afraid of a party!

Each year, we announce the hottest tickets for NYE here!

We work with many party promoters, bars, clubs and restaurants in Cartagena. As soon as they start to release tickets for the hottest events in October or November of each year, we open access to you.
If you want to be first on the VIP list to access tickets, sign up today!

GET ME ON THE VIP LIST

And while you wait for New Year’s event announcements, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Cartagena, Colombia for the turn of the year. Get in touch and we will help you celebrate in style!

How to Spend New Year’s Eve in Cartagena

These traditions are a lot of fun, but you may still be wondering about what exactly to do on New Year’s Eve in Cartagena. If so, check out this list of the top 5 ways to celebrate the New Year during your Cartagena vacation!

1. New Year’s Eve Restaurant Reservations

If you’d like to ring in the New Year in style, we’d recommend reserving a spot at a Cartagena New Year’s Eve Feast. Several of the top restaurants, hotels, clubs, and bars will have special events, feasts, or parties planned. Many of the more popular events sell out well in advance, so be sure to book your reservations ahead of time!

For a dinner you won’t forget, we highly recommend these restaurants. We know they will all do something really special for New Year – Lobo de Mar, Carmen Restauran Cartagena, Celele, La Cocina de Pepina and La Única. If you’d like to find out more about the restaurants in Cartagena, check our our Cartagena restaurant recommendations.

2. NYE Fireworks at Parque de la Marina

One of the most popular Cartagena NYE activities is the fireworks at Parque de la Marina. Most locals will arrive well before dark with a picnic dinner and chairs or blankets to sit on. If you don’t feel like bringing all that, you can also pick up some delicious Colombian street food on your way and then rent chairs and tables at the park.

The firework show doesn’t start until midnight, but you’ll need to arrive early in order to find a place to camp out in the park. If you don’t make it in time to save a spot in this crowded square, you can also usually find a place to watch the fireworks at Muelle de los Pegasos or Cafe Del Mar, and then dance in the streets until dawn!

3. Tickets to the Best Cartagena New Year’s Eve Events and Parties

If your idea of a great New Year’s Eve celebration is exciting nightlife, Cartagena is the place for you! There are dozens of popular clubs and bars that stay open late on New Year’s Eve. Some, especially those in El Centro, host amazing festive New Year parties with live music. It’s best to head out for some dancing after dinner or other celebrations, as most locals won’t be venturing out to the bars until after midnight on New Year’s Eve.

If you’re looking to get a little bit more exclusive, we have the parties for you.

Special New Year’s Eve events are announced in October and November,
and we can offer you first VIP access to the best with the best prices too.

Wild Brunch

Wild Brunch is one of the most famous parties in Cartagena, and also sells out FAST! You’ll discover that Cartagena is ready to party like there’s no tomorrow at Wild Brunch. This really is our top recommendation! It takes place Dec 29, so you get a day to recover, before New Year’s Eve!

El Barón

El Barón is famous for its cocktails and five star menu. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in this beautiful spot in San Pedro Claver square and don’t forget to dress to impress! Cartagena’s famous cocktail lounge will be sure to lay on live music, amazing food, and champagne! Get in touch and we’ll help you get tickets when they’re released!

Alquimico

Another favorite place for New Year is also one of the world’s best bars. Alquimico will no doubt have an exclusive party planned, with international DJs. Tickets for a sought-after table on the rooftop will sell out within days of release.

Casa Cruxada

This club was developed by the highly talented team that made Bogotá nightlife a mainstay. Its dark ambience and far-from-flawless decor only accentuate the perfection of the night this team will be throwing. Enjoy NYE dancing to international DJs with Tropical Vibes and Dark Disco.

La Jugada

Immerse yourself with the best Cartagena has to offer. This event always brings down the house. With top DJs, fireworks, dancers and many surprises, this NYE is one people never forget.

We also recommend Townhouse and Santa Clara for fantastic New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

4. Cartagena New Year’s Eve Street Party

Perhaps the most looked-forward to Cartagena New Year’s event is the traditional street party in San Diego Square. Located in one of Cartagena’s trendiest plazas, the BYOB event includes live music, dancing, and drinks. This is one of the most popular events in the city and seating is limited. So, you’ll definitely want to book your tickets well in advance to make sure you can welcome in 2023 at this Cartagena New Year’s party!

Note: Tickets to this event cost upwards of $75 per person. Information about the music line-up and other details of the party will be released closer to the date.

If you want to ring in 2023 the right way, you can bet that this is one city you won’t be disappointed to visit during this time.

5. Join a family celebration

As in all of Colombia, Cartagena New Year’s Eve celebrations tend to be much more family-oriented than they are in many other countries. You’ll find that most locals spend the day and evening at home with their families. Some of the younger members head out to clubs and bars, but usually only after midnight when the family celebrations are over. So if you’d really like to celebrate the New Year like a local, try to make some friends and get invited to a family celebration. Then you’ll be able to naturally participate in all the unique Colombian New Year’s traditions along with your host family!

While you’re here, why not take a deeper look at Cartagena? There are plenty of villas, private islands, experiences and yachts to make the most of! We still have some villas available over Christmas and New Year. Get in touch today!

Ray November 23, 2021January 26, 2023 Cartagena, Colombia Drink, Night, Party

The Best Way to Visit the Rosario Islands

You are not alone if you’ve never heard of the Rosario Islands before. Most people who’ve not visited Colombia have no idea that just off the coast of Cartagena, there lies an archipelago of nearly 30 protected islands to rival the picture perfect Caribbean islands of your dreams.

The Rosario Islands nestle in a national park just an hour from Cartagena. The national park protects this important coral reef and the biodiversity that thrives in it. They are a must see for anyone coming to the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The experiences you can have in the Rosarios are as varied as the sea life you’ll find here.

This Two Travel guide to the Rosario Islands will help you decide what kind of trip you want to take. Discover when to visit, the best things to do in the Rosarios, and the things to know, before you go.

What kind of Rosarios Islands trip are you looking for?

The Rosario Islands offer a wealth of options for visitors who want to explore this beautiful Caribbean setting. Before you book, it’s important to know what kind of trip you want.

Party Vibe with Friends

The party you can have in the islands with friends all depends on your time and budget.

If you’re on a budget with just one day to spare, hire a speed boat for an island hopping party.

For parties of 4 to 15 people, we’ll take you to the best spots to swim, snorkel and hit the beach. You´ll enjoy a traditional fish lunch and some dancing on the boat. And you´ll have time to explore some hotspots like Cholon which is THE party place in the Rosario Islands. Or maybe the hotspot where locals are flocking these days. It’s called La Piscina.

For a simple upgrade, choose a yacht or catamaran instead of a speed boat. You can even hire your own DJ and chef. This is a great option for bachelor and bachelorette weekends. It also works for a pre-wedding event, or for friends looking for a spring breaks style day trip.

For a more exclusive party if you have more time, you can rent a villa on a private island. This really gives you the chance to kick back and relax, or adventure and party. Staying the night in the Rosario Islands is the perfect way to enjoy the turquoise waters and perfect sandy beaches. With a private boat, you can explore anytime, then come back to the villa to relax, or continue the party.

Check out our villas and private islands

Tell us what you need and our concierge will make sure everything is arranged for you – be it the boat you want, a DJ and bartender for the evening, or drinks and snacks for the ride.

A Romantic Trip for Couples

The Rosario Islands are the perfect weekend away for couples. There are some incredibly beautiful places to relax, reconnect and recharge. Even if you don’t stay on a private island, if you choose a weekday trip to a small island, you may well be the only people there after the day trippers leave. Go for a sunset stroll or take in the sunset with a cocktail on the deck of a beach-side cabin, before an intimate dinner for two in the most gorgeous of surroundings.

Exploring and Adventure

If you’re keen to explore the biodiversity of the Rosarios, there are a wealth of options to suit any visitor. See the wildlife, coral reef or the mangroves in a kayak or on a paddle board.

Take a trip out for some excellent snorkelling or even better, scuba diving, and you will find yourself swimming with shoals of tropical fish in a unique coral wonderland. And if you’re staying the night, local residents will often offer you a chance to see and swim with bioluminescent plankton!

Relax for the day on a Caribbean beach

If you’re in Cartagena, without a doubt, you’ll be offered a trip to Playa Blanca. It’s true that the beach has idyllic white sand, tropical palms and incredible turquoise waters, but it can also get VERY busy. If you don’t know the best spot, you will (most likely) be hounded by vendors. That’s not to say it can’t be enjoyable, but we know some better spots if what you’re looking for is an Instagram shot to keep or a day to chill away from everyone.

As well as the villas that are available on private islands in the Rosarios, there are plenty of beach clubs you can go to for the day (we can help with those all important recommendations!) Perfect for those iconic Caribbean Instagram shots in the warm, turquoise-jewelled waters, or on incredible white-sanded beaches. You’ll need to arrange a day pass or stay the night at these island hotels, but we can guarantee that they’re worth it if you’re looking to relax for a couple of days. We can help you get the best price – just get in touch.

What you need to know before a trip to the Rosario Islands

Although a day trip is great for a boat party trip to the Rosarios, to really kick back and relax, we recommend you stay at least one night to enjoy more of what makes these islands so very special. Most boats, whether you go on a tour or hire a private boat, will leave from the main marinas in Cartagena between 7.30am and 9am, returning at around 4pm, before the sea gets too choppy.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for places to stay and things to do in the Rosarios, but do your research. If you’re looking for a quiet relaxing day, don’t head to Cholon or Playa Blanca. Instead, up your budget for a more luxe affair that you won’t forget.

Also, beware of gringo prices. Some tours, boats and lunch options are blatantly overpriced. When you’re out in the islands, there’s no choice to go elsewhere. So please choose a trusted operator who can tailor a trip to what you’re looking for.

Because there’s one thing we do know – the Rosario Islands are a great option for every visitor to Cartagena.

If you enjoyed these recommendations, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more inspiration for your next trip to Cartagena or Tulum. And get in touch if you need help with a boat, island or in building your journey.

Ray November 23, 2021March 24, 2023 Boats, Cartagena, Colombia Activities, Beach, Boat, Day, Island, Party

Cartagena Bachelor & Bachelorette Party Ideas

Cartagena is a top destination for brides and grooms to celebrate with friends before tying the knot. With its beautiful landscape, relaxing Caribbean vibe, bustling nightlife, and wide array of fun activities, this city is the perfect backdrop for a great time.

Whether you are looking for a crazy night out on the town for the bachelor party or a relaxing bachelorette weekend on the beach with private in house massages, Cartagena has everything you need for a fun and memorable excursion!

If you’re ready to plan your escape to Cartagena, we’ve got you covered. This list of the top five ways to party in Cartagena includes the best places to stay, what to do, and where to eat.

Stay in a Private Villa

While there are a lot of premium hotels and resorts available in Cartagena, we think you’ll enjoy your bachelor trip a lot more if you rent a private villa for your entire entourage.

Many villa’s feature exquisite 19th century architecture, private pools, rooftop views, and even dedicated staff.

If you book a villa with Two Travel, we will offer you a private chef to prepare delicious meals for you and your guests during your stay, a full staff to provide daily cleaning, a professional masseuse, and a dedicated concierge to take care of any last-minute needs. At your request, you can also have a bodyguard to accompany you around the town.

No need to worry about spending hours planning a bachelorette party. We’ll take care of all the details, so you can just enjoy bonding with friends and visiting Cartagena!

Whether you want to spend your time exploring all that Cartagena has to offer or just relaxing by the pool in your secluded courtyard— a private villa is the perfect home base for your bachelor or bachelorette party!

Find a Villa

Rent a Private Island

If you really want to treat yourself to something special, you may want to consider renting one of the many private Cartagena islands!

Our top choice for renting an island in the Caribbean are the Rosario Islands, Cartagena. Located about an hour off shore of the city, these islands offer secluded white sand beaches, exotic palm trees, crystal blue waters, and stunning sunsets.

Surrounded by coral reefs and native south-american vegetation, the Rosario Islands are as close as you can get to heaven on earth. They’re the perfect backdrop for a tropical bachelorette party, an unforgettable stag weekend, or even a joint bachelor and bachelorette party.

The best thing about renting a private island? It’s all yours, so you can do whatever you like, whenever you like. Throw a giant party, stroll through tropical gardens, relax on the beach, or go kayaking or jet skiing on the ocean.

Our private island rentals accommodate from 10 guests and come with a full staff who will cook and clean daily. All the groceries you need for your stay will be delivered to the island before you arrive, and each day you’ll get a delivery of fresh-caught fish of the day! We’ll take care of everything for you, so you can just spend your time enjoying your Cartagena vacation.

Find a private island property

Take a Yacht to the Islands

Whether you stay at a private villa, rent an island, or opt for a resort vacation, there’s one Cartagena activity you definitely won’t want to miss out on: yachting!

If you want to enjoy a good party while taking in some breathtaking sights, renting a private yacht is the perfect solution for your stagette or bucks party.

As Cartagena is located right on the southern coast of the Caribbean Sea, you can board a yacht directly from the Old Town. Then spend the day exploring the islands and coral reefs of Cholon, Playa Blanca, and the Islas de Rosario.

Finish the day off by watching the majesty of a Caribbean sunset on board your yacht before heading back to shore.

Too busy to think about preparing food while partying? If you rent a yacht with Two Travel, we can provide catering onboard. We’ll make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your day on the sea! Find out more about the best way to explore the islands.

Go Clubbing

If you’re idea of the perfect bachelor party entertainment involves drinking and nightlife, Cartagena has some fantastic options! This city boasts a vibrant club scene complete with craft cocktails, dancing, and even live music for some special events.

If you want to enjoy some classic clubbing in a stylish setting, try out La Jugada. This club features up-cycled interiors, craft cocktails, and a dance-ready playlist. If you book a table here, come prepared for a stylish crowd and be sure to dress with an appropriate amount of class. It’s a local favorite, so spending an evening at La Jugada is a great way to experience the culture of Cartagena.

For an unforgettable and unique nightlife experience, head to Alquímico in the Historic Walled City. This innovative club features inventive cocktails, liquor infusions, and a menu that draws from local recipes and fresh ingredients. The menu isn’t the only reason to visit Alquimico, though! This club features a gorgeous art-deco cocktail bar on the ground floor, a roof terrace with city views upstairs, and a DJ curated playlist that features a variety of trendy music styles.

More Cartagena bar RECOMMENDATIONS

Having difficulties booking a table at your chosen club? Looking for VIP access to the best tables? If this is your scenario, we can help you out! At Two Travel, we have established relationships with the owners and managers of the top clubs and restaurants. We’re happy to get our clients VIP access, no cover charge, and even sold-out reservations that aren’t available online or by phone

Dine out

No Cartagena bachelorette or bachelor party would be complete without a dining experience at one of the city’s famous restaurants.

Visit Carmen for an intimate dining experience with a menu that features contemporary cuisine and authentic Colombian flavors. At Lobo Del Mar, you’ll find innovative cocktails and gastronomic creations inspired by classic Caribbean flavors and locally sourced seasonal ingredients.

Both Maria and Lila’s Pomarossa offer fine dining, locally sourced ingredients, and elegant cocktails, all served up in a stylish setting.

MORE RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

There you have it — our top five tips to make your Cartagena party unforgettable!

If you’d like some help with your Cartagena Bachelor party or Bachelorette weekend, get in touch and we’ll build an itinerary that you’ll never forget!

Ray November 22, 2021January 26, 2023 Leave a comment Bachelorettes, Bachelors, Cartagena Activities, Party

Drinks Tasting Experiences

First, pick your poison! Rum, gin, mezcal or Colombian craft spirits. Enjoy a welcome cocktail as you’re taken on a journey through the history of your chosen liquor, before learning about the aromas and flavors with a flavor board, and tasting five delicious varieties of your chosen liquor. We can also pair up these experiences with chocolate or tobacco tastings.

If you can’t wait to live this experience, our concierge team will make it happen for you, whether you choose to have it at one of the best bars in town (we have partnerships with El Barón, Members Only, El Arsenal Rum Box and more), or we bring the drinks and top class bartender to you with a private tasting in your villa.

Ray November 5, 2021January 11, 2023 Leave a comment Bachelorettes, Cartagena, Colombia, Experiences Activities, Drink, Night, Party

Rosario Islands Boat Party

If you’re searching for the best Rosario Islands day trip, look no further! Rent a private boat for the day and we’ll take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Rosario Islands. We start early to get to some swimming and snorkelling spots, then head to an island beach for a fresh fish lunch and an afternoon of lounging or liveliness – you choose your vibe and we’ll live up to your expectations.

The Rosario Islands day trip is a private tour, personalized to you. It’s your boat for the day and you can always manage your schedule, however we recommend going early in the morning (9 or 10 am latest). It takes an hour to get out to the islands on speed boat and another 30 minutes to boat around and see all the beautiful islands, But we know there are many swimming spots you’ll want to enjoy throughout the day, so that 30 minutes can stretch out the whole day.

We can arrange catering on board your boat or lunch at a beach club giving you enough time to enjoy your Rosario Islands day trip without having to rush. A note for the rainy season especially – the sea can get rought in the afternoon and occasionally, the captain will have to return earlier than expected in order to keep everyone safe. Whichever day you choose, all boats have to be at the dock at 5pm in Cartagena.

For a more extensive Rosario Islands trip, we can help you find a place to stay on an island, and get you the best rates for a beach club near Cartagena. If you’re looking for more advice (and some videos) of what to expect in the Rosarios, here’s our guide to the Best Way to Visit the Rosario Islands.

Ray November 5, 2021January 23, 2023 Leave a comment Boats, Cartagena, Colombia, Experiences Activities, Beach, Boat, Day, Day Trips, Island, Party