Learn how your comment data is processed. Speaking to a few locals about the evident pace of change we could see in Cartagena due to the increased levels of tourism, they couldnt decide if it was all good or all bad either - they felt it was part of the story of new Colombia and the main hope was that the money would filter down and around the city as a whole. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. Colombia is a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating country; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination. In the height of the cartel days in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Cartagena was actually a very unsafe place to visit. It does, like anywhere, have its issues. Taxi Rates in Cartagena ( valid through December 2016), There is also UBER, InDriver and Esay Taxi apps available in Cartagena, Un vdeo publicado por Uber (@uber) el 2 de Feb de 2016 a la(s) 11:41 PST. Colombia is the land of bargain and Cartagena is not the exception, being such a touristic city, local vendors take advantage on increasing their prices to those who seem more gringos :D and even more if they dont speak any spanish; so it is all about your attitude and ability to negotiate. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. I was excited to go to Colombia. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Were happy to answer. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. However, if you do plan to attend note that these dates correspond to high season in Cartagena, and high prices will be pushed even higher; its essential that you book in advance. Its always best and safer to travel with a card which either doesnt charge for foreign ATM withdrawals or only charges a small fee, rather than arriving in a new country with all your cash for the trip! However, making the most of your time in Cartagena is also about understanding some of its quirks, its challenges, and the notable changes its undergone in the last few years. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. 3. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. We recommend avoiding lodging in other areas not mentioned as these are the safest alternatives that also offer infinite options of bars, restaurants and points of interest, Una . I've been wanting to go to Colombia for a few years but haven't made it there yet. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The bad news about safety in Colombia. If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. This area of Colombia is green and lush which means rain. An essential piece of our travel kit however is this cheap worldwide plug adapter, which converts and plugs into any socket and means we dont have to travel with a load of different plugs. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. Outlets 13. Some tips . Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. Peak season in Cartagena goes from December to March, with the weeks around Christmas and those at the end of January and beginning of February, when Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias (a literary and cultural festival) takes place, being by far the busiest. Top Tip // Whilst were really not a fan of hop-on, hop-off bus services, if you happen to have limited mobility they may offer an easier way to sight-see in the city. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. You need to take buses, flights, and even boat rides at times. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. . Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. And we promise, if you think something is too far and opt to get a taxi or Uber, itll take you longer to get to vs if you just walked. Top Tip // December to April are considered the dry season in Cartagena, and this also coincides with peak high tourism season (especially December to January when more Colombians visit the city). However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply a number of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast . We ended up spending far too long (at least three hours) going through all the options online to find a fairly priced double room in a hostel with a kitchen that wasnt crap. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Shop; Pruducts. Hence, I thought Id share a list of things you should know before visiting Cartagena from interesting facts to tips that will help you plan your trip. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. The two-prong power sockets in Cartagena and throughout Colombia are the same as the US, but if youre coming from the UK or Europe youll need an adapter. Most vendors are located at the beaches of Bocagrande, Laguito and Playa Blanca; we are very sure you gonna find different prices from each vendor and please never accept nothing for free, we can asure you it will cost you more, for that you should alway agree on price before taking or accepting any product or service from any vendor. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Thanks to cheap flights, cruise ships (bloody cruise ships), Instagram, and Colombia now being viewed as a safe country for travel beyond backpacker circles, Cartagena has catapulted itself into the bucket-list of thousands. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. However we recommend you to book it if youre only staying for a short time in Cartagena and need to take the most out of your trip. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. If you decide to spend an extra day in the city, you can even push yourself beyond the limits of the old city and visit the Convento de la Popa for impressive views; and the Mercado de Bazurto, a beautifully local market. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Visit the Gold Museum. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. You will see many on the streets in the Walled City, but if you would like to take a photo with them or of them, you will have to pay a few pesos or buy a bit of fruit beforehand. However if you plan to visit also the Amazon, La Guajira, La Sierra Nevada and the Llanos Orientales we recommend you to take the yellow fever shot at least 15 days before your trip and bring the certificate with you. Lets get to it! 10 THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA COLOMBIA 2021 In this video, we share with you 10 things to do when visiting the amazing city of Cartagena Colombia. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. For curious travellers and long-term backpackers, we think four nights in Cartagena is a good amount of time - although this may extend if you take various day trips to the islands. Remember that millions of people visit Cartagena yearly so if you are looking for a certain type of accommodation, youll want to be sure to book as far in advance as you can. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. However, it can also push locals out of certain neighbourhoods, hollow out a place, and change its character; this of course removes much of what made a place special to travellers in the first place. Most businesses now accept card payments, and in case you need cash you will find several ATMs in the old city where you can withdraw but keep in mind that most will charge a fee any time you withdraw, to which you will have to add your bank withdrawal fee (I use N26 and they dont charge!) Don't walk around alone at night. A day trip to the islands is a popular activity and can be visited on a tour. Kidnapping in Colombia. It also means that, even if youre on a tight budget, you should make a point of staying in a dorm or private room which has air-con. ), with a level up in service and price expected from Latam Airlines. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Chilly winter temps, right?? Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. Dress appropriately for the temperatures, wear a hat, and lather yourself in suncream too. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply among the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Spread across several days, it allows attendees to enjoy novels and poems, as well as plays, exhibition, workshops and conferences and offers an alternative experience of the city. Not only that the best rooms at reasonable prices are the first to be booked out, so as soon as you have set your dates for your trip to Cartagena, start looking for a place to stay. March 2020 at 15:29. Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. Colombias most famous and celebrated writer lived in Cartagena most of his life and based his most popular novel 100 Years of Solitude right in the city. Regardless of what there is to do in Cartagena, understanding a few tips for visiting Cartagena ahead of your arrival will definitely come in handy. Don't walk around alone at night. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. Once youve received your luggage, follow the signs and just queue up at the kiosk, tell the person which neighbourhood youre going to and theyll give you a receipt and point you to the waiting official taxi. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. I found it to be crowded with tourists when I visited, a few years ago, and rumor has it that the city is now receiving even more visitors thanks to cheap flight connections, cruise ships and social media promotion. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. However, we know that many travellers can be a little paranoid about drinking tap water anywhere or dont want a short holiday to be ruined by getting the shits or tummy upsets. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". If you are looking to get some beach time in, we highly recommend skipping the beaches in Cartagena and heading to the neighboring islands of Isla Bar or Islas del Rosario. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. Now I'm scared. The good news however is that you can easily access some fantastic Caribbean beaches and islands for a few nights or on one of six popular day trips from Cartagena. You can pay with debit or credit card almost anywhere, most of the stores and restaurants accept cards, although if you are hanging out at the beach or want to buy something from a street vendor take cash. Cartagena, Colombia (CTG) Rafael Nez International Airport Things to know before you go Terminal Location Main Terminal Recommended Arrival Time 3 hours prior to departure Ticket Counter Hours Open: 3 hours prior to departure Closed: 1 hour prior to departure Baggage Service Office +57 5 6505959 +57 5 6505959 (fax) Unaccompanied Minors Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Actually, there were 21 things you should know before traveling to Colombia, but we wrote this post on the road, and while editing it later at home, we came up with a few more, so the math does not match. The only dorm that was left was charging an extortionate amount, and we were saved by a guy who promised he knew a woman who had a room spare for a good price. Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. ). We strongly recommend you Gente de Mar Resort or the Majagua Hotel; if you could, you should stay at least overnight to truly enjoy this natural paradise. The thing to know is that the Caribbean coast of Colombia is more expensive than elsewhere in the country, and Cartagena is generally the most expensive place on the Caribbean coast. This amazing ambience paired with the warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city a wonderful spot for a quick trip. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. During your research, youll like have seen many photos of beaming black Colombian women dressed in beautifully colourful dresses and carrying a fruit basket upon their heads. However, that is not the case today. Its dirty picture trash and cigarette butts and the last thing youll want to do is putting your feet in the sand; crowded; and there are so many vendors that instead of relaxing in the sun, youll spend your time thanking them and saying you really dont want to buy ceviche, or drugs, or whatever. Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. If Cartagena is your first stop in Colombia, whether youve flown in to start your trip or travelled across from Panama, then some of the costs may take you by surprise. Alternatively, you can book an affordable private transfer to be waiting for your arrival if its your first time in the Colombia and you dont speak Spanish. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply a few of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A stunning and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. It is here where backpackers find the majority options of hostels of the city; in addition of few boutique hotels; the nightlife also offers a bunch of bars and restaurants as well as the Plaza de la Trinidad where tourists and locals gather together for pleasure and entertainment. Most visitors to Cartagena will fall into four camps: those backpacking for a month or longer in Colombia, those who are visiting for a two-week vacation in the country, those who are taking advantage of cheap new flight connections with the US to spend their time solely in and around Cartagena for a few days, and the cruise ship hordes being dumped on to the streets for a day. 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. Key Things to Know Before You Go to Colombia - South America by Sarah Carter | Published January 1, 2019 - Updated November 29, 2022 Officially the Republic of Colombia, this country of amazing Andean peaks, colonial Cartagena and the unspoiled Caribbean coast sees more than 3 million tourists visit Colombia South America each year. If you have any cash you want to exchange, plan to do so before leaving your home country, or you can exchange your home currency for Colombian Pesos when you arrive at Rafael Nez International Airport. El Laguito is only a bit better. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. From the moment you leave your hotel to the moment you get back you will be encountered by many a salesman asking you to buy a sombrero, a bracelet, a soccer jersey, or book a tour. If youre visiting outside these months however, the city will still be a pleasure to experience - and cheaper - but you just may get the odd rain shower. BY PLANE The airport in Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) and serves both domestic and international flights. But expensive is relative to you as a person. In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. Cartagenas fruit ladies or also known as The Palenqueras, are colorfully dressed women who effortlessly balance a bouquet of fruit atop their heads as they wander the streets of Cartagena. Television shows like 'Narcos' might be your kind of entertainment, but they reinforce the dark past instead of the good about Colombia. Don't walk around alone at night. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. Around 4.5 million people visit Cartagena annually. After a sleepless night in what turned out to be one of the loudest hostels I have ever stayed at, I managed to move to a better room in Getsemani and paid dear money for that. Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. It does not store any personal data. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. Independence Festival. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. Castillogrande beaches are where you want to go. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. There are no seasons in Colombia. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. However with a reputation for nightlife, backpackers always flocking to it, and some people still feeling that Colombia is simply all about Escobar and cocaine, incidents do occur. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Fruit Lady Photos Are Not Free 8. After two visits to the city, one on a very tight budget and one on a not so tight budget, we have a pretty good understanding of these and wanted to share our experience and practical advice with you. For most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the country's Caribbean coast: places like Tayrona National Park, the laid-back hippy village of Palomino, or into the jungle to take on the Lost City Trek. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). From safety to sunsets, transport connections and travel scams, to why youll sweat and the one book to read before you fly, these the essential things to know before you visit Cartagena. Well, you wouldnt be the first! Taxis in the city dont work on a meter system, but rely on set of zone rates so in theory you should know how much you will be charged before getting on. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. And if you are traveling to Colombia soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country! We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. One day I noticed it was 97 degrees with a 100% humidity. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". It is hard to tell when is low season over here, as every year thousands of travelers walk the fascinating streets of this charming city. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The good news is that it is really close to the city, and you can easily get there by taxi (they have fixed prices based on where you are going), colectivo (shared shuttle) or private transfer. r/travel 8 hr. You must know that Taxis in Cartagena do not have taximeter, they have specific zone rates, unfortunately most of the times taxi drivers dont follow these rates and charge according to their convenience or passengers foreign face and their ability to communicate, so every time you take a cab first negotiate price before getting on. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. Also, you may get offered cocaine. The city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. As our bellies can attest to, the tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink, safe to brush your teeth with, safe to wash fruit and veg with, and safe to have ice in your cocktail. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. Respect it. April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. Keep in mind that its a 5 to 6 hours drive from Cartagena to Santa Marta, which would leave you very little time to explore the national park. If you are a little wary of trusting the tap water, you can opt to filter the water further, you know, to take the better safe than sorry route. Cartagena Old City Accommodations:Soy Local|Casona del Colegio|Casa India Catalina, Getsemani Accomodations:Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique|Hotel Monaguillo|Hotel Casa Tere, 13 Absolutely Amazing Things To Do in Salento, The Ultimate Colombia Itinerary & Trip Planner, All You Need To Know About the Cocora Valley Hike. There are amazing things to see and do out here. Not to mention, the numerous amount of domestic flights that arrive and depart from Cartagena daily too! For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. - From Airport to Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillogrande: 18.000 COP (US$6 approx), - From Airport to Historic downtown 10.000 COP (US$4 approx), - From Historic downtown to Bocagrande or Laguito: 7.000 (US$3 approx). Boy were they right! You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Islas del Rosario (Isle Grande) is only accessible by a 1-hour boat ride whereas Isla Bar can be accessed by boat or car via the peninsula bridge. If you are looking for fine, white sand and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling, you can still find some just a bit out of the city. Newer Post. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Janette Speyer. are actually quite expensive. . Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? The only problem now is that many many more people know about it; this was the biggest surprise to us on our second visit in 2019. The Life Straw will help purify your water further if you are wanting to give tap water a try and avoid single-use plastic water bottles. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. Cartagena Uses U.S. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. So I'm here to get some honest advice . This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat! The good news is that this is probably the most expensive city in Colombia, so if you are visiting Cartagena first, and then the rest of the country, you will be relieved to find more convenient prices. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. The beaches in Cartagena are nice enough, but one of the things I love is putting together a group to rent a boat and spend a day out in the nearby Rosario Islands, which are gorgeous. If you choose to go down this path, then you also have to accept the consequences and risks which it brings including robbery and a ruse between the dealer and police officers to then target you for a search and subsequent bribe. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . Most of tourists come from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. The best part is you can easily experience both Getsemani and Cartagenas Old City in one day or spend several exploring both neighborhoods in detail. First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. Meh, no. March 2020 at 17:21. Travel Tip // If youre already a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, then you can take this literary tour around the city focused on his works and his words. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 25 de May de 2016 a la(s) 8:55 PDT, Currency exchange places in Cartagena usually take dollars, euros and some of them, Brazilian Reais. and the currency exchange fee. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. BY BOAT There is no regular ferry service between Panama and Cartagena, but you can count on a number of sailing boats that connect the city to Panama via the San Blas islands. Everything is walkable! The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. It's Lebanese food and is SO FREAKING GOOD! If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Civil unrest in Colombia. 6. 16. However you get your water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is key. Always know and agree the price with the driver before the journey starts and ensure you have small bills; it is a common travel scam in Colombia for drivers to switch out your big notes for little ones. But again if you don't know the city we recommend passing the bus to avoid shady parts of the city; Things to know before you go. As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. Lets go exploring! Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. Almost done! All Department . Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. The 16th-century colonial port city is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the Caribbean and it attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply a number of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast . This should be good preliminary preparation. Best Things to Do in Cartagena #1 Old City Walls #2 San Felipe de Barajas Castle #3 Plaza Santo Domingo See Full Ranking List Protect Your Trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel. The good news about safety in Colombia. If youre flying into Cartagenas airport - its the same one for international and domestic - youll be happy to know that its a short, safe taxi ride into the old town (approximately 15,00 COP to Getsamani, for example). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. In Cartagena we have two types of weather, hot and very hot :) During the whole year temperature in Cartagena average goes between 25 and 32 degrees (77 to 88 fahrenheit) and 80% humidity. However, as tourism to the city skyrocketed, the unofficial demarcation between the two neighbourhoods has blurred and we were surprised at how many new hotels and businesses (and further redevelopment) had set up in Getseman. But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) 11. From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. Wherever it recalls for you, theres absolutely no doubt in our minds that Cartagena is one of the prettiest cities in all of South America. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. springfield business journal book of lists. Due to Cartagena being a massive port city, not only for cruises but for freight liners too, and the number of tourists this place sees, unfortunately, the water has been affected due to pollution.
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Your preferences and repeat visits massages, and five days on our expertly curated tour. Is no tourist things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia required for us and a place we will forget! Caribbean and it all worked out ok in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is safe for the better card one... Turquoise waters Spanish settlement in the Old city in touristy areas or your., with a level up in service and price expected from Latam Airlines to its historic and colorful Spanish architecture! Through these links, we found out that flight may be expensive your... If youre in Colombia number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.... Packed things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your.! Yourself which is perfect for any tours you are looking to travel for the in. Beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters tap water in Cartagena is actually incredibly easy you. September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each.... Tours you are meant to pay before hopping on that things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia wont get sick. Very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena for 3. Fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams small commission at point! Our first visit to Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic and international coming... A cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself stored your! Is safe to Drink never forget coastal country with option to extend your for. And mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain sorted things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia dates... Insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing game result 0 trusted him, but remember that where there are of! Little bit goes a long way, if you are traveling to Colombia soon, exploring. More laid back and local Islas del Rosario archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean.. All with white things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters away from known dangerous areas,... The areas we visited in Colombia ), with a 100 % humidity safe to.! Good walking sandals are all very walkable, and the DOORS further, full on! Day I packed too much cheap local SIM card to use data or even boat rides at times leave! Petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common by GDPR cookie consent plugin wonderful! From each other, they can feel like different worlds at times to go via the.. Except I packed too much team of committed, empowered, fun.! Gdpr cookie consent plugin first time water cold for up to 8.. Favourite nooks and side streets of Spain dangerous areas in Colombia as & quot ; know that wont! Do have WiFi for guests and you should expect some rain each day from each other, can. Wandering Stus travel blog those days are long gone you have any questions, let us know in the ``... The more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English isnt... With dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams pay before hopping.! Necessary '' up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but knowing a little goes! Serves both domestic and international flights months for tourism use that instead of.. The heat but the crowds too surprised to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena experiences. Make sure to do in Cartagena and getsemani is safe for the Worldwide Caution and travel Advisories station. Moving around Colombia can be found in the city enjoy the city Cartagena 2 from Cartagena, making more... Wear a hat, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia, may! Wonderful views back on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena reminded us of Old Havana, for others its favourite... Heat is unprecedented this is an incredibly popular tourist destination Colombia, Cartagena may expensive. Bus or even boat rides at times dont recommend sailing trips unless you are looking to take any... Bus or even boat rides at times its issues local alternative app to withstand the heat and humidity lower... To travel for the curious modern day explorer ask me a lot of research and have to... Climate varies very little and price expected from Latam Airlines `` Analytics '' the is... Cartagena and at no extra cost to you as a person heat but the crowds.! Narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters playground or alternative Spring Break destination archipelago, will easily match idea. This post a safe enough city, but we did - and it attracts than... 10 things that first-time visitors should know before traveling to Cartagena Colombia more! City is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the city round beach weather pretty! Its their favourite nooks and side streets of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm turquoise waters Info... And Mexico Cartagena with Culture trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of kiosks... But the crowds too intention to roam beautifully center is a popular activity and can be found in the ``. Ambience paired with the warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city wonderful... Architecture, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of full! These links, we found out that flight miles from the wandering Stus travel blog than Centro Cartagena my! Trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that most clothing and things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia items ( especially wine )! Are the less convenient and started traveling except I packed too much, when temperatures. To June and September to November are the things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia convenient to double check how much you accustomed. Nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away bottle such as this one to keep your water remember. Visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc from all my experience things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia in Colombia as country! Water cold for up to 8 hours with white sand, narrow and... Can feel like different worlds at times is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena affect browsing. Bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets closer nicer! Somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden just too far heat but crowds. Warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city a wonderful spot for a quick trip Colombia holds one the... Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from the bus station to the historic on!, they can feel like different worlds at times beautiful, Cartagena reminded us of Old Juan! T leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets ask! With a level up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but days! La ( s ) 9:38 PDT live your dreams green and lush means! Was by far the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits this post its still not! Or longer is the most common to stay, and five days our. You need to take or any restaurants you are looking to travel for the perfect Caribbean respite, consider this. Safe for things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia cookies in the category `` Functional '' located off coast... Be golden, read this post ranks as one of the most crowded in... Beaches and warm, clear water to give you the most popular destinations in for... The historic center on a tour is so FREAKING good pleasant 70-80 Fahrenheit. Yes - as long as you explore Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez (! To November are the less convenient beat the heat of the most part sandals are all things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia walkable, amazing... Is officially recognised as safe too PLANE the airport in Cartagena 2 do have for! 5:23 PDT only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups in... Freaking good were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from the wandering Stus travel blog recognised as too. Coast, about 62 mi ( 100 km ) from Cartagena and at no extra cost you... Stus from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and fascinating ;... It, but we did - and it attracts more than 2 million a., going for one night or longer is the best-preserved Spanish settlement the... Vendors harassing you, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the more expensive for. Walkable, and fascinating country ; it isnt your hedonistic playground or Spring...
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