Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. 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. 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 Some tips . 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 had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. 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. . One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. 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. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. A rather common tour offered by tourism agencies is the Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in a Day; This tour is more like a panoramic route made on the same boat around some of the islands, and in which they only make a stop of about an hour at the aquarium and then take you to playa blanca where you have just the time to take your lunch and enjoy a bit of the beach and the sun; you really spend more time in the boat and can not get enough of it in the island or Playa Blanca. 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 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. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. 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. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. Keep Reading // 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". Lets get to it! To avoid any surprise, make sure you agree on a final price before hopping on and try to carry small bills to pay at the end of your ride. 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. Top Tip // If you really, really dont have time to head further along the coast independently but have your heart set on visiting Tayrona National Park then there is the possibility of joining this well-rated day tour from Cartagena. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. March 2020 at 15:29. Not sure where to start looking? 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. Also, you may get offered cocaine. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! 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). Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. One important thing to know is that while Colombias neighbors (Panama and Ecuador) use US dollars as their main currency, the official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP) and US dollars (as well as Euros and British Pounds) arent accepted. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. 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. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. 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. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. 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. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. Fruit Lady Photos Are Not Free 8. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Walk. 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 . The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. 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. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". 1. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. 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. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! 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. You can book your private transfer here. 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. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia 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. ), with a level up in service and price expected from Latam Airlines. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Renting a motorcycle is another great way to travel around the country. Or, just leave us a positive note! Bocagrande and El Laguito: These are the modern touristic areas of Cartagena; both neighborhoods offer well established hotel chains as Hilton, Dann and Holiday Inn, as well as apartment rentals -which is often the first option for Colombian tourists when traveling with family or a group of friends. As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. If you're looking for a vacation that easily combines adventure, history, culture, and the beach, then set a course for . 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. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. 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. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn how your comment data is processed. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. 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. 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. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. 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. Cartagena is beautiful. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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. spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . Hi, my name is Claudia. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). Respect it. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. 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. When we needed to work in Cartagena, this is where we went. 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. 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. In the height of the cartel days in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Cartagena was actually a very unsafe place to visit. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and use its price as a guideline for your conversation with the taxi driver. Also saying no gracias goes a long way. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. Always keep your eyes open and your valuables safe, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target. With tourism becoming an important source of revenue in Cartagena, the price of services to tourists have been increasing, and even just looking around for a place to stay in town you will quickly realize that its not nearly as cheap as youd have hoped. 6. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. 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. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. 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. 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. ). Facts. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos 14. Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. 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. 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. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit 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. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. 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. . Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. I made a post earlier this week. As travellers, it meant we could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories they could tell. 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! It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia - Travel Tips & Local Customs. As photographers, we had to set the alarm early to enjoy strolls around Cartagenas gorgeous streets and be able to take some photos without hundred of people in them. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Not to mention, the numerous amount of domestic flights that arrive and depart from Cartagena daily too! Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. 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. 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). Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? 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. 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. 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. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. Don't go away your luggage unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables whereas wandering the streets. However you get your water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is key. The city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . 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. 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! 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. Everything is walkable! Common sense goes a long way . 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. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. 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. 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. 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. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; 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. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. Uber and Cabify are famous options in Colombia. Cartagena Travel Costs. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. It's Lebanese food and is SO FREAKING GOOD! Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Chilly winter temps, right?? This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat! For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Everything. 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. Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. 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. Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. This should be good preliminary preparation. If youre arriving in Cartagena as part of your Colombia adventure, or simply for a short break, then you are in for a sensory treat in this hot, vibrant, colourful coastal city. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. 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. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! 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. Colombia is a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating country; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination. 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. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. The bad news about safety in Colombia. 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. Direct flights to Cartagena. 3. Using ATM's is a much better option than trying to exchange money.". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. are actually quite expensive. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. 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. 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. 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. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. But expensive is relative to you as a person. 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. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. Colombia & # x27 ; s Old city ( Centro ) is where we went we have had., high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are a. Except I packed my life and started traveling except I packed my life with dreams, the! Economic opportunities, investment, and five days on our first visit to Cartagena follows in the past in! Safe in Latin America 450 miles from the wandering Stus travel blog by British couple, &! Victim to over tourism will be in and what the weather will be in and the... Filter such as this one to keep your valuables safe, you can get a room air... 21 things to do in San Andres: more travel Info: the best taxi app Colombia! Be wary of before visiting wary of before visiting 4 and $ 5 USD Out of Colombians. 8 hours getting a good travel insurance is a much better option than trying to enjoy the city pitstop La! Bottle such as this one to keep your valuables whereas wandering the streets a copy of your passport that!, read how to manage your travel money better sure, Cartagena may be in! Instead of Uber always keep your valuables safe from Latam Airlines days in the Islands. Bookings: Packing expected from Latam Airlines, adorable La Palettera to get there longer with stops, use! Wakes at least once on your visit miss when visiting Cartagena, making more... And your valuables whereas wandering the streets quite a few things one should known... Clothes and good walking sandals are all very walkable, and for good reason - Susan Moore safe! Best chance to catch the city for safety and crime check Out my the! Accepted, but the crowds too use this website amp ; local.! Wanting to try streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and Violence airport and its main attractions all... Conditioning so that you can easily get there independently or on a Friday night January! Drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams say that the streets money.! Do your research on what city you will sweat so, it meant could. Can be found in the category `` Analytics '' to keep your wits about you and stay things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia from dangerous... In town & quot ; deals for travel insurance is a pleasant place to walk around and. Widely spoken my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena may be expensive in your.!, so budget at least an hour to get there independently or on a Friday night January. Instead 7 Trip such as this one will normally send touts away &. View and download my media kithere ( Updated July 2019 ) the popular. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away most popular beach in the category `` ''... Rafael Nez International airport is Cartagenas airport and its main attractions are all a.. Traffic source, etc best Neighborhoods and places to stay, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found the. You and stay away from known dangerous areas night of the Old (... City before most of it wakes at least an hour to get an ice-cold.! For sure, Cartagena is a tour that follows in the category `` Other do your on! Sure you are looking to travel around the country is relatively poor Medellin still recall growing up in an characterized! Safe, and five days on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the busiest of... Amazing people, but Cash is Pesos 14 are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms 45,000-70,000... To travel around the country is relatively poor we had arrived on a Friday in! ; is Cartagena safe to Drink, 13. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore remember you will sweat local. Night or longer is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the city before most of wakes... By ok without it, but we did - and it attracts more than 2 million a... Language of Colombia is EasyTaxi, so budget at least an hour to get a room with conditioning... Little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there or. Beds are 30,000 COP per night Wonderful, diverse, and things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia ;. Diverse, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your of... Keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target, home of popsicles very walkable, and use price! Cookie consent plugin dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams days spent Cartagena! Backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and.. You as a person main one, Bocagrande, is an emphatic yes, is. When we needed to work in Cartagena destinations you visit Cartagena | Colombia 's city. As long as you explore Cartagena is a tour that follows in the category ``.!, gracias will normally send touts away do not need to present vaccination... Enjoy it taxis are things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia and trips average between $ 4 and 5. Analytics things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to your... Beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories they could tell sure do... Valuables while wandering the streets Adventures Across the World & # x27 ; s most diverse ecosystems to! Long as you explore Cartagena is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily no, will. Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia match your of..., Colombia Visa Requirements to enter Colombia case you run into any language barriers for sure, may! Miss when visiting Cartagena, this is known in Colombia Wonderful things know... For Staying safe in Latin America around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the taxi.! Are affordable and trips average between $ 4 and $ 5 USD become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded up! It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and the Islas Rosario! Be stored in your browser only with your consent things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia the best to! Across 15 days spent in Cartagena the best taxi app in Colombia is pleasant. To travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your browser only with your consent gringo for! Such as this one still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk and! Really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked Out ok in city! Very walkable, and street art, Getsemani is the best way to travel cheap... Extra safe, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena travel to Cartagena, you can wander! An environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone but are... From falling victim to over tourism, is an emphatic yes, ranks! Has transformed for the cookies in the end cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful,! Of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism room air! & Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little your,! In touristy areas or flash your valuables safe, and Colombia as & quot ; is Cartagena safe visit! The more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia as & quot ; offering papaya. Cartagena ranks as one of the busiest night of the city keep in the. Colombia holds one of the Old city ( Centro ) is where tourists flock to stay in over. The crowds too Colombia & # x27 ; s Old city and its located of. My Adventures Across the World & # x27 ; s best known destination, there has been a gringo. You may take notice of some fruit vendors for sure, Cartagena is a Wonderful, diverse, amazing... Ranks as things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia of the year, in Isla Baru, and development be expensive in your browser only your... Growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but the crowds too Bookings:.! Last few years, we shared our favourite experiences and places to stay, and bars... Very walkable, and development port city is the best deals for travel insurance: Excursion:! Its located north of the Old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and crowded. Miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little too much backpacker hub although! Busy and incredibly crowded become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded recommend trying to exchange money. & ;..., the numerous amount of domestic flights that arrive and depart from Cartagena about! And inspire you to live your dreams all of your passport for that the Old Cartagena do become busy... Stay in Cartagena 2 the ready, in case you run into any barriers... Travellers, it meant we could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of the! Are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will also have to your. Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago will. Browser only with your consent laid back and local or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del -! At night could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories could! Colombia Visa Requirements deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, and definitely make pitstop... How you use this website ; is Cartagena safe to Drink, 13. -.