Easter is one of the dates most requested of the year to visit Cartagena, and also one that requires more advance planning. The combination of school holidays, good weather and a religious environment and culture particularly in the historic center makes this week in one of the highest points of the tourist season in the city.
Why Holy Week is peak season in Cartagena
Easter coincides with school holidays in a good part of Colombia and with the time of year when the weather is usually stable and dry, which attracts both local and international. This combination makes the demand for hotels to increase in a significant manner, in a manner similar to what occurs in December, although concentrated in a shorter period of days. This concentration of demand in a few days is exactly what makes the advance care planning is more important in Holy Week at other times of high season, spread over several weeks.
Religious environment and culture in the historic centre
During Holy Week, the historic center of Cartagena lives in a particular environment, with religious processions, cultural activities, and a power different from the rest of the year. The colonial churches of the center tend to have greater activity during these days, and walking through the cobbled streets while developing the processions is an experience that appeals to believers as it is to visitors interested in the cultural tradition of the city. This type of event tends to concentrate in the squares and main streets of the historic centre, so it is advisable to check the routes in advance if you want to put you in a good spot to watch them.
If you want to delve into the historical context of this area prior to your trip, this guide of the historic centre of Cartagena explains what to expect from its streets, squares, and major churches.
Prices and availability during Holy Week
To be one of the weeks of highest demand of the year, it is normal for the accommodation rates increase and that the availability is considerably reduced as the date approaches. To book several months in advance is the safest strategy to get as much room you need as a reasonable fee, especially if you’re traveling in a group, or family and you need an accommodation specific. To leave the reservation for weeks prior to the trip tends to mean fewer options available, and rates are higher than the rates that are achieved by reserving with more time.
This dynamic of prices is similar to that which occurs in other high seasons of the year, like December or the first days of January, when the demand is concentrated in a few days, and the rates go up significantly.
What to do in Cartagena during Holy Week
Beyond the processions and the religious atmosphere, Holy Week is also a good week for beach and outdoor activities, thanks to the favorable climate of the season. Combine a morning of beach in Bocagrande with afternoon exploring the historic centre and its religious and cultural activities is a common way to take advantage of the week, without leaving behind any of the two experiences that characterize these days in the city.
For those who do not follow the religious traditions of the week, Cartagena is still functioning normally in terms of restaurants, beaches and tourist activities, so that it is perfectly possible to plan a trip focused only into leisure and beach, without this being in conflict with the general atmosphere of the city during these days.
Family travel during Holy Week
As Holy Week coincides with school holidays, it is customary for many families traveling together during this week. If this is your case, it is advisable to book in advance a room with enough space for the whole group, because the accommodations family tend to run out first thing this season. Hotel Regatta Cartagena, Bocagrande, with choices like the Junior Suite, designed for small families or groups of friends looking for space and comfort during these dates.
Tips for travel to Cartagena in Holy Week
- Book your hotel several months in advance, especially if you’re traveling in a group, or are looking for a category specific room.
- If you are interested in the processions, check the timetable in advance, as they tend to concentrate on specific days and times during the week.
- Keep in mind that the historic centre may have a greater influx of people than usual, so that calculates additional times of displacement.
- Combined activities of religious or cultural weather of the beach to take advantage of both sides of the season.
- If you prefer to avoid the biggest crowds, plan your visits to the historic center out of the exact timings of the principal processions.
Is it necessary to book well in advance for Holy Week?
Yes. Holy week is a week of highest demand of the year in Cartagena, so that both the prices and room availability change rapidly as the date approaches.
What is the cancellation policy if my plans of easter change?
Cancellations must be made a minimum of 5 days prior to the date of arrival to avoid additional charges, so you should confirm your dates before booking in high season.
What options are there for families that travel together in Holy Week?
Hotel Regatta Cartagena offers family rooms, Junior Suite and Suite, designed for groups looking for space and comfort during dates of high demand as Holy Week.
Book your easter Weekend in Cartagena with anticipation
If you have decided that Holy Week is your week to visit Cartagena, the best thing is not to leave booking to the last moment, especially if you are travelling with your family or are looking for a category specific room. Contact us to know availability in Hotel Regatta Cartagena and ensure your stay in front of the sea before the high season runs out the options.
