Cartagena has become the go-to destination for epic pre-wedding celebrations. Here's everything you need to plan yours — from private boat parties to rooftop dinners.
Every year, thousands of groups choose Cartagena for their pre-wedding celebrations — and for good reason. The city has everything: a stunning backdrop, incredible nightlife, boat parties on turquoise water, world-class restaurants, and a vibe that's impossible to replicate anywhere else in Latin America.
I've organized hundreds of bachelor and bachelorette trips here, and I've seen what works and what doesn't. This is the guide I wish every group had before they landed.
Why Cartagena for Your Pre-Wedding Trip?
- Direct flights from most major US and European cities
- Lower cost than Miami or Ibiza — stretch your budget further
- Stunning natural settings: islands, beaches, the Old City
- Warm weather year-round (low season June–October has the best hotel rates)
- Vibrant nightlife that goes until sunrise
- Private experiences that feel genuinely luxurious
The Classic Cartagena Bachelor/Bachelorette Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1: Arrive & Explore the Old City
Check into your villa or hotel in the Old City (Getsemaní is our top neighborhood pick). Walk the walls at golden hour, have cocktails at Alquímico, then dinner at a long table at one of the colonial restaurants in the Centro Histórico. Keep night one relatively low-key — you'll need the energy for what's coming.
Day 2: Private Boat Day
This is the centerpiece of almost every group trip we organize. Charter a private catamaran (we always recommend doing this privately, not on a shared tour) and head to the Rosario Islands or Barú. Open bar, fresh ceviche on board, a floating speaker, and as many hammocks as the boat can hold. Pure magic.
Day 3: Beach Club & Final Night Out
Morning at a private beach club (we book the best ones with reserved sections). Afternoon back to the villa to get ready. Then the last night: private dinner in the city followed by Cartagena nightlife — we know the promoters, the back doors, and the places that are worth your time.
Best Accommodations for Groups
Private villa rental is, without question, the best option for groups of 6 or more. You get your own pool, a shared living space, and total privacy. Prices for good villas in the Old City or Bocagrande range from $500 to $2,000 per night depending on size and season. We vet and book these directly.
What to Budget
- Villa rental (8 people, 3 nights): $1,500–$4,500 total
- Private catamaran (full day, 10 people): $500–$900
- Private dinner for 10: $400–$800
- Nightlife per person per night: $60–$150
- Airport transfers: $20–$40 per way
- Concierge fee (full trip planning): depends on scope
What Mulata Does for Your Group
We handle every single detail: villa selection and booking, private catamaran charter, restaurant reservations, beach club access, nightlife logistics, airport transfers, and on-the-ground support throughout your stay. You just show up and celebrate.
"Margui organized the most perfect bachelorette. Honestly, every detail was thought of — the boat, the flowers, the restaurant. We've been talking about it for months." — Sarah, Atlanta← Back to all guides