How to rent a villa in Cartagena

I’ll help you find the villa of your dreams for an unforgettable stay in this stunning colonial city. But first, check out my 5 tips to avoid ending up with a rental that doesn’t suit you, is poorly located, or, even worse, doesn’t exist at all.

The 5 key tips for renting a villa

By following these recommendations, you’ll avoid most potential disappointments.

TIP 1: Choose a reliable expert

Villa Rental Cartagena Colombia - Getsemani - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Adrien

Renting a villa in Cartagena often requires a significant budget, so don’t entrust your stay to just anyone! A trusted expert is essential to avoid scams and make your life easier. Look for a reliable, legally established company with all the necessary insurance.

That’s not all: the agency should also be capable of offering options tailored to your needs. Whether you want a seafront villa, a house with a pool, or a cozy patio, he must have a vast enough network to find you the perfect fit.

Lastly, make sure they’re responsive in case of problems. An issue during your stay? You’ll want quick and effective solutions. With the right expert, you can enjoy your trip with total peace of mind.

For all these reasons, we’ve gone ahead and found the right villa rental expert in Cartagena. Let me introduce you to Ray.

Based in Cartagena, Ray has built a broad network of homeowners ready to rent their villas. These homes, often stunning family-owned colonial houses, are typically too large for a single family. Established in 2018, his agency leverages his expertise to offer you accommodations ideally suited to your needs while ensuring high-quality service throughout your stay.

TOM’S TIP

At Tomplanmytrip, our mission is to help our readers connect with our favorite local agencies for free. A fantastic trip is guaranteed 🙂 Learn more about Ray and find out how to contact him here.

TIP 2: Decide which neighborhood to stay in

Villa Rental Pool - Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast (12)

In Cartagena, the location of your villa will make all the difference in thoroughly enjoying your stay. Here are the main options:

Old Town: This is, in my opinion, the best choice. The villas often have a charming colonial style, and you’ll be right in the heart of the main tourist attractions. Everything is within walking distance: lively squares, restaurants, and colorful streets.

Getsemaní: More bohemian and lively, this neighborhood is ideal if you’re looking for a more local and relaxed vibe. Villas here tend to be more affordable, although not all of them feature the stunning colonial architecture of the Old Town.

Bocagrande and Laguito: These modern districts mainly offer modern apartments, not the typical charming houses. I don’t recommend this area for villa rentals, as you might miss out on the true magic of the city.

Rosario Islands: These exclusive villas are perfect if you’re dreaming of a paradise by the sea. However, be prepared for high prices and more complicated logistics to reach the islands.

ADRIEN’S TIP

With our approach, you can first talk to an expert and only book if the offer meets your expectations. Learn more about Ray and find out how to contact him here.

TIP 3: Identify the services and amenities you want

Luxury Villa Rental - Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast (11)

Before booking, take the time to clearly define what you’re looking for in your accommodation. In Cartagena, many villas have at least a pool, a great bonus to cool off in the tropical heat.

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can aim for extras like a jacuzzi, a rooftop with breathtaking views, spacious bedrooms with private bathrooms, or a flower-filled patio for relaxing moments.

Everything is customizable when it comes to services—dreaming of a private chef to enjoy local dishes without leaving the villa? It’s doable. Need daily housekeeping to keep everything spotless? No problem.

Ray even offers a concierge service to handle anything on-site: grocery shopping, organizing activities, arranging transportation, or making reservations at restaurants and bars.

Chat directly with our partner; he will guide you according to your needs, budget, and number of people.

TOM’S TIP

Our service is 100% free, and with our experience in Colombian tourism, we guarantee a fair price for our readers. Everything is transparent, and you’ll pay the local rate. Here’s how to contact this expert.

TIP 4: a good deal for groups, large or small

Villa Rental San Diego Historic Center - Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast

Traveling as a group in Cartagena is often the best way to enjoy a stunning villa at an unbeatable price. Whether you’re a small group of 4 to 6 people or a large crew of 20 to 40 people (or even more!), there are options to suit every need.

The big advantage? The larger your group, the more you can optimize costs. By reaching the villa’s maximum capacity, you can secure a per-person rate comparable to a mid-range hotel while enjoying an exceptional setting: colonial charm, a private pool, a rooftop, and other dream amenities.

If you want a unique and friendly experience, sharing a villa with your group offers comfort and “savings.” It’s a fantastic way to experience Cartagena differently!

TIP 5: stay three nights or more to make the most

Villa Rental Pool - Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast (11)

Renting a villa in Cartagena is ideal for 3 or more nights. This duration allows you to soak in the city’s unique atmosphere, visit its historic gems, and explore the surroundings while enjoying the comfort of your villa and its customized services.

With 3 nights or more, you’ll have enough time to relax in a beautiful setting, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by a private chef, and take in the charming details that make each villa unique.

While 2-night stays are possible, you might leave feeling like you missed something. Cartagena deserves to be fully appreciated, so plan for a few days to truly savor this exceptional experience.


Contact our favorite villas expert

Ray, that’s the guy pausing in the photo 🙂

We’ve been working with Ray since 2023 now. He is our preferred partner for travelers looking for villas in Cartagena and/or a high-end concierge service. You can learn more about him here.

  • Ray speaks Spanish and English and is experienced in organizing trips for international travelers.
  • He stands out for the high quality of his services and the great variety of villas he offers.
  • Most of the time, he deals directly with the villa owners, which allows him to provide you with unique homes you won’t find anywhere else.

CONTACTING HIM IS SUPER EASY

We’ve listed different types of villas according to several features to give you some ideas, but ‘everything’ is customizable to your preferences – just ask him.

  • The cost varies depending on several factors, such as location, type of house, number of guests, amenities, and services requested.
  • You should expect to pay at least €120 per night per person for the more affordable villas that still offer charm, a great location, and top-notch facilities.

For each experience, you’ll find a ‘Contact this partner’ button. By clicking on it, you’ll be directed to a short online form (just 1 minute) that will allow us to connect you directly and for free with him via a WhatsApp group.

Then you can talk to him until you have no more doubts. Simple, isn’t it?

WHY TRUST US?

We’re probably among Colombia’s top 2 tourism experts (we’ve been exploring the country since 2015. Wow, I feel old now!). By the way, don’t hesitate to check out our awesome About Us page 😉

Our goal is to connect you easily with the best experts in the country so you can talk to them and create a tailor-made experience. No more doubts, no more unpleasant surprises

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