Update 2023 | As a city that has come to rely heavily upon tourism, Cartagena was particularly badly affected during the pandemic, with many restaurants and accommodations being forced to close permanently. Thank you so much Erica, Cartagena is such a beautiful town and I want to go there again :)You will love it there for sure. In terms of travel, it means you should save drinks in the shade, hanging out in your accommodation, museum or market visits, and escapes to coffee shops with air-con to the peak afternoon sun as its just not enjoyable to be wandering around then. 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. Nevertheless, whichever group you belong to, most of your time will be spent staying in and exploring around old Cartagena which is split into two neighbourhoods only a five to ten-minute walk apart: Getseman | Used to be the grungy, gritty, but very very pretty, backpacker district. 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. Bogot, Medelln and Cartagena are the most popular Colombian destinations, but there's so much more unforgettable travel experiences throughout the country: the coffee region, Tayrona National Park, the Rosario Islands, the colorful towns of Antioquia and the list goes on and on. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. 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). Also saying no gracias goes a long way. But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. 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. This area of Colombia is green and lush which means rain. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Although the Islands belong to the National park of Rosario and the San Bernardo, most of them are inhabited by private properties that pay significant taxation to government to be there; Therefore visiting them all is not really an option. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. No USDs or Euros. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. ago. 3. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. 16. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. Dont despair! Although many places in Colombia do not even accept credit cards, we suggest bringing at least one credit card with you but keeping it in a safe place at your hotel for emergencies. 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. Slow travel is a big part of our travel philosophy, and we try to spend a little bit longer in places so that we can go deeper, feel a little more connected to it, and also not have to rush around. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Not sure where to start looking? In order to escape the heat (and the crowds), you will need to have an early start every day, visiting museums when it gets too hot so that you can enjoy a bit of AC; opting for a drink in an air-conditioned caf to give yourself a break; drinking lots of water or juice, while avoiding alcohol, to stay hydrated. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat! 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. Here's a quick overview of the visa requirements, health and safety precautions, currency exchange, and other important information for US citizens traveling to Colombia. Don't walk around alone at night. For the vast majority of you, that will be the case too - just dont leave your bag or valuables unattended, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings at night. Dance on! Travel Tip // If despite your best efforts youre just not a morning person, the end of the day is also a beautiful time to appreciate Cartagena. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. Readers who have recently visited have let us know that although slow to begin with, the city is in a process of recovery, with visitor numbers improving rapidly (although they still remain relatively low as compared with early 2020). You do not need to rent a car or even book a cab to get anywhere within Cartagenas Old City or to get to Getsemani for that matter. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. Were a free-spirited travel couple whose appetite for adventure and far away places fuel our wanderlusting souls. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. There are no seasons in Colombia. Additionally, from Cartagena airport, you can take a flight for just over an hour to the dreamy Colombian island of San Andres - which is located slap bang in the middle of the Caribbean and actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Especially if you plan to fly. ). lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. Alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but they still aint great. Held 22 -27 March 2023, find further details here. Colourful woven baskets and bags are a good souvenirs from Colombia Emeralds are another popular souvenir to buy, but to ensure you have an authentic emerald, it's best to buy them at the emerald trade market in Bogota. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. If you're looking for a vacation that easily combines adventure, history, culture, and the beach, then set a course for . On our second visit, it was clear that a lot of people arrived in Cartagena thinking that there were fantastically tropical beaches in and around the city. BY BUS Its interesting to note that while the airport is really close to the city, the main bus terminal is at 45 minutes drive from the historic center. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! Yes, Cartagena has beaches. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. Head out on an early morning jaunt to explore its streets before the crowds descend or alternatively consider a walking tour to cover the Walled Citys most impressive and important sights - this one is highly-rated. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). ATM's are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". 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. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. At the time of writing, the exchange rate is around COP 3500 to $1 USD, COP 4200 to 1 Euro, and COP 4800 to 1 GBP. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. 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. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. 2. What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. THIS IS SO KEY! Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. If the temperatures get too much, try booking accommodation with a pool, head to a few museums, or grab a coffee and a bite to eat in an air-conditioned eatery or coffee shop. are actually quite expensive. It's Lebanese food and is SO FREAKING GOOD! Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos 14. What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? Make sure to read my posts about other Colombia destinations: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1e2a88525395fb846803998dbad156b" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. 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. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. We started doing our research weeks ahead of time, but were in for a surprise: not only had accommodation prices in Cartagena skyrocketed, but most of the decent options were already booked out for our dates. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Held every January, find further details here. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. Its Really As Beautiful As People Say It Is, 6. Hi, my name is Claudia. Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. 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. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. Walk. Book Ahead, This Place is Busy 10. Besides being known as the best beach in Cartagena, Playa Blanca in Baru is also recognized for its high demand of beach vendors who are very persistent to sell their goods. 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. View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. But within a couple of days, we remembered that Cartagena Hot is another level of hot almost entirely - and thats before you factor in the 80-90% humidity! The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. Cartagena is a great place to explore, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, yet many things about it may leave you puzzled and chances are you wish youd knew about them before going that was certainly the case for me! Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. Like in Thailand, dont ride the elephants, and in Cartagena, taking a carriage ride with some horses that dont look to be in the best shape is something you should opt to skip. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. 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. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. Well, you wouldnt be the first! 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. 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. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. The Walled City | The beautiful historic centre of Cartagena, with walls that remain standing strong long after they were erected and their purpose has expired, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and the citys major attraction. Visit the Gold Museum. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings and youll be just fine. Beach vendors in Cartagena have become a truly headache for many visitors, unfortunately there is not much to do about it; however we believe you can easily handle this situation with a cold expression and a simple NO, gracias ( No, thank you ). This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. For our second visit, we were determined to not make the same mistake and to bag ourselves a really great, social backpacker spot in Getseman. We visited Cartagena in late January and into early February and their winter temperatures rose into the 90s. 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. Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. Known as palenqueras, these ladies have long formed a part of the fabric of the city, but have more recently become the poster girls for Cartagena. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bocagrande is suitable for a few hours if youre really craving the rays, but definitely not somewhere that will give you a relaxing beach holiday. Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. . What stunning photos! Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in Colombia. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. 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 . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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). This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. Everything. 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. For more information, 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena, Tour to Palenque: The Other History Of Cartagena, Coffe Roasting And Tasting At Caf del Mural, From/To Cartagena - Santa Marta or Tayrona, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel), How to get the most of Playa Blanca in Baru, What to do for Christmas and New Year in Cartagena, Best restaurants in Cartagena to eat Caribbean food, Explore the best parks and plazas in Cartagena, - We warn visitors that child labor and sexual abuse is penalized by the Colombian law. 10 Aug. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. Avianca is also fantastic for the prices they offer. 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. 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. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. If you want to take a photo of the Palenqueras (the colorful ladies selling fruit, as pictured above), you will either have to pay for the photo, or buy some fruit or a drink from them. Everything You Must Know Before Visiting Cartagena, Cards are accepted, but for cash Peso is the (only) way to go, A guided tour of Colombia may be a good idea, Other useful things to know before your trip to Cartagena. Having said that, there is a fairly good and cheap public transportation system which includes the Transmilenio Bus for which you will need a Transcaribe Card which you can get at one of the many stations and works on a top up basis; and the buseta, smaller, older, more colorful and significantly less comfortable buses. . 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 Cartagena is beautiful. While it sounds enchanting, animal tourism is a slippery slope and can go wrong quickly. Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. Or, just leave us a positive note! The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Do you think all that beauty is just going to go unnoticed?! And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. 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. I made a post earlier this week. Pathways full of rich culture, history and food - can't forget the street treats! Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. Common sense goes a long way . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. In the height of the cartel days in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Cartagena was actually a very unsafe place to visit. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . Carnival of Barranquilla. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. Water in Cartagena is safe to drink, which will come as a massive relief as this way you wont have to worry about brushing your teeth with it, or eating a salad that has been washed in it. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. 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. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. You can book your private transfer here. The doors on some of these houses and buildings are magnificent, not to mention the hanging gardens and outdoor balconies which add a perfect little cherry on top of it all. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If you are unsure if you have the right outlet adapter, you can check out this adapter pack for your trip to Colombia and future travels. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. 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. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. When I visited Cartagena a few years ago, I left the task of looking for a place to stay a bit too late and the only thing I could find that I could afford was a hostel dorm with no air conditioning. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. All you Americans visiting Cartagena, leave your outlet adapters at home! Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. 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. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. As we were backpacking for two years on a really tight budget, we were often happy to just turn up in a place, take our chances, and wander around trying to find a good deal at a hostel we liked the look of. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. Facts. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. 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. If you would like to visit Cartagena, but have no time for planning or would rather leave this job to the experts, you should consider joining a guided tour of Colombia. 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. 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. 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.
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