Cartagena is perfect for a long weekend getaway -- all you need is 4-5 days to explore the beauty of this city and its beaches. The flight from NYC is under 5 hours, so it's closer than you might think and you're in South America before you know it!
My favorite part of this trip was the island excursions in the Caribbean, and that's exactly where I'd recommend you spend the majority of your time. That being said, we also had a really great time exploring the town of Cartagena! It was a culturally rich trip, learning how to salsa dance, visiting churches & cathedrals, touring the stunning doors of Cartagena, and experiencing the tastes of Colombian coffee.