The Verdict
Cartagena wins
Better GO Score by 10 points (55 vs 45)
Cartagena is the stronger pick in April 2026. Our algorithm weighs flight prices, weather, events, currency, and hotel availability — and Cartagena comes out ahead across more factors than Cancun.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Cancun | Cartagena |
|---|---|---|
| GO Score | 45/ 100 | 55/ 100 |
| Flight Price | Fares found from $181 | Fares found from $239 |
| vs Average | 43% below avg | 47% below avg |
| Weather Score | 85/100 | 68/100 |
| Currency (YoY) | +1.3% weaker (good) | -2.5% stronger |
| Hotel / night | $193.95 | $88.8 |
| Active Moment | None | None |
| Daily Budget | $100/day | $70/day |
| Region | Americas | Americas |
Pick this one
Cancun is better if…
- •you want the best flight deal (fares found from ~$181 vs $239)
- •flights are 43% below average right now
- •you want a packed calendar of events and festivals
- •you want better weather (score 85/100 vs 68/100)
Or pick this one
Cartagena is better if…
- •flights are 47% below average right now
- •you want a packed calendar of events and festivals
- •you have a tighter daily budget ($70/day vs $100/day)
- •you want cheaper hotels (~$88.8/night vs $193.95/night)
7-Day Trip Cost Comparison
Cancun
Cartagena
CheaperCartagena saves you $888 vs Cancun for a 7-day trip.
Book Your Flight
Fares found from recent searches. Prices may have changed. Updated multiple times daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cancun or Cartagena cheaper?
Cartagena is cheaper overall for a 7-day trip. Estimated total: $1,351 for Cartagena vs $2,239 for Cancun (flight + hotel + daily budget). Cartagena flights have recently been found from ~$239 vs ~$181 for Cancun.
Is Cancun or Cartagena better for first-time visitors?
Cancun offers a rich mix of experiences while Cartagena is known for its own unique character. First-time visitors often prefer the destination with the stronger current GO Score — Cartagena (55/100) — because conditions across flights, weather, and events are more favorable right now.
Which is better in April, Cancun or Cartagena?
Cartagena is the better pick in April 2026 with a GO Score of 55/100, beating Cancun by 10 points. Our algorithm weighs flights, weather, events, currency, and hotel prices — all updated daily.
How long does it take to fly to Cancun vs Cartagena?
Flight times vary by origin city. From New York, Cancun is varies and Cartagena is varies (approximate). Use our flight search to see exact durations and layovers for your specific dates.