Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. 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. Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. Although in theory you can go year round, depending on when you go you may encounter larger crowds of tourists, get quite a bit of rain (though since it is in the Caribbean, it can rain year round) and find the city to be unbearably hot and humid we are speaking 80% and even 90% humidity. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. 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. 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. Cartagena Travel Costs. 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. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 1. Civil unrest in Colombia. 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. 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. 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. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. Hello everyone, I'm a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks. 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. 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). Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings and youll be just fine. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! 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. 2. 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Street Art in Cartagena Colombia by Jorge Gardner via Unsplash Hopping from one city to another is a great way to get to know Colombia. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. 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). There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. I visited in February and it was way hotter than I had expected though a nice breeze would blow in the late afternoon every day, giving everyone a break from the heat. 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 choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. 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. However, we know that slow travel isnt always going to be possible for everyone, and most people certainly wont return to the same long-haul city twice. I visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute of it! 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! Newer Post. Were happy to answer. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. 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. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. 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. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. 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. Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in Colombia. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. One thing I noticed when I visited Cartagena is that drugs run abundantly in certain parts of the city especially where backpackers hangout, in Getsemani. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. I was excited to go to Colombia. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. 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. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. Chilly winter temps, right?? Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. They are among the best Caribbean islands for families. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. With the city being so crowded and so hot (more about that in a bit), having a good room where you can rest is essential for a good trip. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". 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. Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). 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. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Plan to spend three or four days there, so that you can discover all the main attractions and you have an extra one to get out of town to one of the nearby islands. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. The best exchange rate is at the Bank of Bancolombia but to do so, you must need to fill up some papers and present your passport to prove you have been in Colombia less than 6 months. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. 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. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. 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. Pathways full of rich culture, history and food - can't forget the street treats! Luckily, we have written this post How To Get from Cartagena to Santa Marta which shares the three main options with public and private transport, as well this guide on the best things to do there. 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. Reception staff at hostels and hotels and many tourist restaurants and attractions will of course speak English, but anywhere that isnt tourist facing will be exclusively in Spanish. However you get your water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is key. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! 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 beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast . lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 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. March 2020 at 15:29. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. 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. Lets get to it! We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. 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. If you are visiting Cartagena as the first leg of a longer trip around Colombia, you may want to invest in SIM card so that you can count on data to navigate the web or use apps when needed. 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. Top Tip // Unsurprisingly given the large number of of tourists now visiting the city, there are a lot of street vendors in Cartagena and on its beaches. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. 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. From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. 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. Colombia is a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating country; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination. . 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. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. . Youre close to the equator, along the northern coast of Colombia which faces the Caribbean Sea.to say its hot is an understatement. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Whether you want to spend a vacation sunbathing by the beach or plan an itinerary jam-packed with activities, here are the things to know before visiting the Jewel of the Indies. 14. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. An annual festival held each November in celebration of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. Easily one of the prettiest cities in South America, it is the kind of place where you will be glad to spend your time roaming around without looking for anything in particular, but just to uncover its prettiest corners you will have an abundance of those. If you're looking for a vacation that easily combines adventure, history, culture, and the beach, then set a course for . If you're on a tight budget, then a visit to the Gold Museum of Cartagena, in the old town, is a great way to kill some time and save some money because it's completely free to enter. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. 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. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. However, they do still need to complete Migracion Colombia's Check-Mig immigration . Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. 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!) Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. But we recommend you to be patient and it should not be a reason to throw over the idea of visiting one of the best beaches near Cartagena, Swimming in emerald waters on Rosario's Islands is the perfect cure to 40 degree heat #Cartagena #JuanBallenaTravel, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 16 de May de 2016 a la(s) 7:15 PDT. The bad news about safety in Colombia. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. 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. Absolutely not. Especially if you plan to fly. Cartagena is worldwide well known for its history and culture, our beaches are not the best but not everyone is aware of that, so they can get a big disappointment when they come to see the sand and water are not exactly as the caribbean postals they expected. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. The bus station is the place place to head for the majority of onward transport connections to the rest of Colombia, but for those travelling to Santa Marta you may instead choose to take the quicker Berlinas shuttle from their station in the Marbella neighbourhood. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. El Laguito is only a bit better. 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. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. Now I'm scared. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. 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. 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. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. Keep Reading | The Best Day Trips from Cartagena, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena and Our Guide to San Andres. Held every January, find further details here. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. Though his books arent the easiest to read (I admit to putting down the book a few times before finally managing to finish it), a tour of Garcia Marquez Cartagena is a must! 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. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Skip The Taxis. 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. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! ago. 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. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. 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. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. Colombia has finally managed to get rid of its reputation of being a dangerous country, Where To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay, A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Bogota, A Complete Guide To Hiking Valle De Cocora, Colombia, A Concise Guide To Villa De Leyva, Colombia, How To Visit Saturnia Hot Springs: 18 Best Things To Know, What You Must Know Before You Travel To Nicaragua. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. We focus on showing you the local and authentic side of Cartagena, giving you a full picture of our culture and lifestyle throughout our professional travel experiences. Dont despair! Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and use its price as a guideline for your conversation with the taxi driver. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants all around Cartagena, but if you want to pay in cash, Colombian Pesos is the only form of currency accepted. 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. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. 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. Consider your source. 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. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Visit the Gold Museum. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? r/travel 8 hr. If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. 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. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia You need to take buses, flights, and even boat rides at times. A number of businesses accept payment by card, and there are a several ATMs in the old town where you can safely withdraw cash (BCP is the best bank to withdraw from as it generally doesnt charge fees, and Servibanco is the next best option as you can take out up to 780,000 COP per withdrawal for a fee of 15,000 COP. 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. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. Almost done! As travellers, it meant we could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories they could tell. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. 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. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. Plus, Getsemani is home to amazing restaurants, so if you cant get a reservation in Cartagenas Old City, definitely plan to eat and drink in Getsemani. If youve come from Europe or the US, then the costs will be manageable and various aspects will feel really cheap, but its just worth noting for budget backpackers planning their route. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you will be offered drugs. A Short Guide to Visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan | Where Jesus Was Baptised, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena, this popular two hour graffiti walking tour, best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget, The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip, 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America, Our Favourite Things to Do in Salento | Colombia's Colourful Coffee Town, Valle de Cocora | An Updated Hiking Guide, A Definitive Guide to Providencia | The Colombian Island Paradise, The Best Things To Do in San Andres | Colombia's Caribbean Getaway, San Andres Island | 13 Things To Know Before You Visit, A Guide to Palomino | Colombia's Backpacker Beach Town, things to know before you visit cartagena. We recommend making reservations at any of the restaurants you want to eat at and also book any tour you may be interested in well in advance. Find out more here. So I'm here to get some honest advice . Getsemani is also famous for its street art and slightly alternative vibe - to discover more about both, join this popular two hour graffiti walking tour. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. 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. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. Thanks to Cartagena being a cruise port and its rise to fame through social media, Cartagena is one of the most visited places in all of South America. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. 16. 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. 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. 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. For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke aroundour site, follow us on Instagram@wanderingstus,Pinterest,andFacebook. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. Here are some things to remember, particularly if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time: Do not drink the tap water; do not leave your luggage unattended in tourist areas, and do not flash your valuables while walking the streets. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. March 2020 at 17:21. Or, just leave us a positive note! It's Lebanese food and is SO FREAKING GOOD! Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. THIS IS SO KEY! Read More // What Things Cost in Colombia. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. 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. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. 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 short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. In the height of the cartel days in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Cartagena was actually a very unsafe place to visit. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. I made a post earlier this week. As soon as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations! Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. 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. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). Dip under the crystalline surface for snorkelling and diving on the coral reefs which flank the coast - there are sharks and eels to be spotted, as well as huge sponges and vast spider crabs wandering the reef. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. 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. 14 Things To Do & See, Things To Do In Culebra - Your Complete Travel Guide, How To Get to Culebra - Ferry, Flights, Day Trip, Hiking In Crested Butte: The Easy & Best Hikes You Shouldnt Miss, 12 Amazing Things To Do In Crested Butte in Summer, One Fantastic Weekend in Asheville Itinerary, 9 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks In North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway 3 Day Itinerary From Asheville (Overlooks, Hikes, & Map! 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. Thats where you will find the Puerta del Reloj (Cartagenas clocktower); San Pedro Claver church; Santo Domingo church; Parque Bolivar, the Palace of the Inquisition; the Cathedral and the Museo del Oro Zenu (the Gold Museum). 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). 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. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. 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. Boy were they right! There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. For those travelling by themselves, or still a little nervous about the country, this means that you can travel safely and confidently to a number of top destinations without fear or a great deal of Spanish. 11. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. ATM's are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". 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. You can get yourshere. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Shop; Pruducts. 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. 6. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. Be kind, but assertive if you have no interest to purchase anything, and just keep walking. Before you arrive check with your ATM and credit card to verify that they will not charge you any "foreign transaction fees." Or, if they do, you're prepared to pay them. Don't walk around alone at night. 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 . 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 . 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. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. 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. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. 3. This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat! You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. Using ATM's is a much better option than trying to exchange money.". These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Hi, my name is Claudia. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. A day trip to the islands is a popular activity and can be visited on a tour. Respect it. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. 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. 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. 12 January, 2019Adventure, bogot, Caribbean, Colombia, South AmericaBogota, cartagena, Colombia, Is Colombia Safe, medellin, South America, travel advice, travel to Colombia, travel with children to colombia, unforgettable travel experiences in south america, what is there to do in Colombia, what i. Independence Festival. Also, you may get offered cocaine. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. 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. 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. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. 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. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. 15. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Islas del Rosario, Playa Blanca, and Islas del Encanto are all easy to reach from Cartagena in less than a couple of hours independently or with a tour. However if youre reading this post, know youre going to Cartagena, but havent sorted out your accommodation in Getseman or the Walled City, then please learn from our mistake and put booking something straight up to the top of your to-do list. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. are actually quite expensive. 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). 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. The best shot here, is to take a day trip excursion to one of the hotels to offer the "day pass" service, however be aware of the option you choose as if your plan is to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach, most of this hotels host hundreds of people everyday; besides, not even all of them have really a beach. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Keep Reading // We know that sourcing accommodation can be a little overwhelming, so weve put together a few time-saving articles for you: nine best hostels in Cartagena and our pick of the best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. In late January and early February each year, one of the most important literary and cultural festivals in the country takes place in Cartagena: Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias takes place. 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. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. 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. 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. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. Carnival of Barranquilla. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Walk. When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. 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. Not sure where to start looking? Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. Some tips . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. BY PLANE The airport in Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) and serves both domestic and international flights. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. 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 . 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. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. No USDs or Euros. 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. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. You can book your private transfer here. Also saying no gracias goes a long way. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. On the COVID-19 end, at the time of this post, international travelers entering Colombia no longer need to present a negative PCR test. Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. 14. Kidnapping in Colombia. Secondly, most taxis dont have a meter and instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. The countrys most famous author dreamed up many of his magical realist tales from a childhood and early journalistic career spent in Cartagena, and appreciating this adds a whole new layer to your strolls around it. The good news about safety in Colombia. 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 Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. You should always ask the price before you make a purchase and if you think it sounds expensive try to put the price down, the vendor will surely accept it or work the price with you. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. Outlets 13. 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. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 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. Beyond these two districts, Cartagena sprawls out much further than any visitor imagines and becomes much like other Colombian cities; it does have quite vivid splashes of modernity with its clusters of white apartment towers next to the sea at Bocagrande, but most of us will have little reason to venture beyond the two neighbourhoods mentioned above. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. 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. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Yes Cartagena is right by the Caribbean sea, and yes there are various city beaches, but they are not really going to be what youre looking for. Should you go? Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . On our second visit to Cartagena, we craved the heat. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. 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. 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. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Common sense goes a long way . | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 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. Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. 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 does, like anywhere, have its issues. You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. Don't stroll round alone at night time. 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! If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia - Travel Tips & Local Customs. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. From the food to its drinks and places to stay, Cartagena is definitely on the higher end of things when compared to other places in Colombia you may be exploring. 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 foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 7 de May de 2016 a la(s) 1:10 PDT, Older Post . 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. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. Not to mention, the numerous amount of domestic flights that arrive and depart from Cartagena daily too! The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. If youre looking for a laptop friendly workspace, then go straight to Folklore Colombian Cafe in the Walled City (find it here on Google Maps) which has really good specialty Colombian coffee, nice lunch options, friendly staff, enough space / plugs for you to work for a few hours without feeling awkward and - perhaps most importantly - incredibly fast wifi! Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. However, that is not the case today. Regardless of how much time you have for your Cartagena itinerary, the below list is some of the best things to do in Cartagena and its surrounding areas. You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. 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. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. If thats you, then we strongly recommend investing in a travel filter water bottle which will purify water from any source and greatly reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use on your travels. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. 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. The other part of town you should not miss is Getsemani, once riddled by petty crime, drug dealing and prostitution, then a backpacker hub and now one of the most up and coming areas of Cartagena, with lots of interesting street art, gorgeous narrow alleys and beautiful squares. There are amazing things to see and do out here. 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. 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. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. 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. One day I noticed it was 97 degrees with a 100% humidity. Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. 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. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. Janette Speyer. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena.
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