Planning · 7 min read
How to Plan a Tattoo Trip to Cartagena: Booking, Dates and What to Send
A tattoo is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home from Colombia, and a little planning makes it much better. Knowing when to write, what to send and who to choose saves time during your trip and helps you arrive with a design you love.
This guide walks you through the process we follow at Ink Lovers Tattoo Studio, in the Walled City of Cartagena, from your first message to the day of your session.
Write as soon as you know your dates, send your idea, placement, size and references, and we will confirm the artist, the price and the availability before you travel.
How far ahead to book
Write as soon as you know your dates. Booking before your trip is the best way to secure your preferred artist, especially in high season and on long weekends, and it gives us time to prepare your design. If your plans change, tell us as early as you can so we can reschedule.
What to send the studio
Send your idea, the style, the placement, the approximate size and any reference images you have. Add photos of the body area, your travel dates and the artist you prefer, if you have one. For a cover-up, include a clear photo of the tattoo you want to hide. The more detail you share, the more accurate your quote will be.
Choosing the right artist for your style
Erick Del Castillo works with Japanese and fine line tattoos. Cristian Perilla specializes in color realism and cover-ups, and Lucas Ink in black and gray realism and large custom pieces. Julio Ruiz is our piercer, and Jorge Granados guides clients through the whole process. All of them have more than 10 years of experience, and you can meet the team on our website.
Deposit and policies
A deposit secures your appointment, and we confirm the amount and conditions before you arrive. We tattoo and pierce clients from age 16, and clients under 18 need the consent of a parent or legal guardian. We accept credit cards, and we explain every term clearly before you pay anything.
Walk-in or appointment?
Small tattoos and piercings can often be done as walk-ins, Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, depending on availability. For bigger or custom designs, we recommend booking ahead so your artist can prepare. If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp the same day and we will tell you who is free.
Getting to the studio from the Clock Tower and Getsemaní
We are at Cra. 6 #34-50, in the Walled City of Cartagena, a short walk from the Clock Tower and Getsemaní. Open our Google Maps pin for walking directions from your hotel, and write to us on WhatsApp if you get lost.
Your checklist for the day
Bring a valid ID or passport, eat beforehand and wear loose clothing that leaves the area accessible. Avoid alcohol before your session, and plan a day without the beach or the pool afterward. We give you written aftercare in English or Spanish before you leave.
Ready to plan your tattoo?
Send your idea and your dates, and we will confirm the artist, the price and the availability.