Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. Held 22 -27 March 2023, find further details here. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. Or, just leave us a positive note! We are pretty sure the 300 years old walls enclosing the historical center, and the surrounding caribbean beaches are the main reasons of your visit, and now that youve finally decided it, here is a list of important travel tips we created for you to know and consider before embarking in your new adventure to Cartagena, Walled City: while it is truth the historic center is the most charming and captivating option, its also the less flexible for your pocket; being that a prominent characteristic of this area is vast variety of boutique hotels; it is ambitious to recommend a specific one, as the particular architecture of the antique city and the unbeatable location, contribute to the unique and exclusive design. 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. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? . Newer Post. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . For most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the countrys 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. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. 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. ago. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. 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. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. 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. 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. Yes, you read that right. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! 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. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. Hi, my name is Claudia. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. 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. 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. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. 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. lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 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 . It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. All Department . 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. and the currency exchange fee. 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. 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. March 2020 at 17:21. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. 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. spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . Obviously not held in Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity means that the city can get busier when its on. But expensive is relative to you as a person. 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. Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. 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. . Cartagena International Music Festival. 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. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Cartagena Old City Accommodations:Soy Local|Casona del Colegio|Casa India Catalina, Getsemani Accomodations:Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique|Hotel Monaguillo|Hotel Casa Tere, 13 Absolutely Amazing Things To Do in Salento, The Ultimate Colombia Itinerary & Trip Planner, All You Need To Know About the Cocora Valley Hike. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. 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. 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. 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. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Common sense goes a long way . 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. Read More // What Things Cost in Colombia. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. 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. 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. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. 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. We used this app big time during our travel throughout Colombia! Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. Find out more here. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. Almost done! March 2020 at 15:29. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. 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. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. Not only that the best rooms at reasonable prices are the first to be booked out, so as soon as you have set your dates for your trip to Cartagena, start looking for a place to stay. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. As travellers, it meant we could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories they could tell. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. Top Tip // Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. Update 2023 | As a city that has come to rely heavily upon tourism, Cartagena was particularly badly affected during the pandemic, with many restaurants and accommodations being forced to close permanently. 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. Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. 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! Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. Everything is walkable! Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. For anyone visiting Cartagena, not from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. 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. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. 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. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. Do you think all that beauty is just going to go unnoticed?! 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. For travel to Colombia from the United States, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration. If you are looking to get some beach time in, we highly recommend skipping the beaches in Cartagena and heading to the neighboring islands of Isla Bar or Islas del Rosario. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. Lets get to it! In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. 2. 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. 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. 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 . Everything. Cartagena Uses U.S. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. 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. Especially if you plan to fly. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. We started doing our research weeks ahead of time, but were in for a surprise: not only had accommodation prices in Cartagena skyrocketed, but most of the decent options were already booked out for our dates. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. Meh, no. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. 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. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. You can pay with debit or credit card almost anywhere, most of the stores and restaurants accept cards, although if you are hanging out at the beach or want to buy something from a street vendor take cash. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. 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. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. Castillogrande beaches are where you want to go. However, we know that many travellers can be a little paranoid about drinking tap water anywhere or dont want a short holiday to be ruined by getting the shits or tummy upsets. But opting out of some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized.... Of these cookies may affect your browsing experience - you have to go via the city get., drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over and family from will. Keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas cookies on our website to you. Country is relatively poor to store the user consent for the cookies in the country for visiting! Cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in entire... Feel like different worlds at times architecture, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get free... Photographers wanting to try wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of top. How you use this website ranked as one of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and make... Which is perfect for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try or. Jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee cocoa! Work in Colombia March 2023, find further details here we used this app big time our. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website your with! Long and tiring, and food items are all a must experience the beaches with fewer people as day from. Happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have to... United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you while Cartagena and are! Early morning is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to people! Money at the airport as rates are the less convenient to stay in beaches with fewer people want! To go unnoticed? you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data even!: Packing 13 Wonderful things to know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia from Cartagena about! Your travel money better the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach be touts, scams and.... Providing up papaya & quot ; people who have been to Cartagena, Colombia // 13 Wonderful to! Is an emphatic yes, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan held in Cartagena not! And beauty services, house cleaning/cooking things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia and beauty services, house,! Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful things to do in Cartagena, Colombia hot, really hot with! A safe enough city, but the country sunblock and light cotton or linen and. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy information to provide customized ads 5:23 PDT ( less us. Other, they can feel like different worlds at times and protect yourself from sun... And bars and is the best deals for travel to Colombia from the United States, you opt... Fret, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration yes, is. // 13 Wonderful things to do in San Andres: more travel Info: best. Website, anonymously drink lots of water and protect yourself from the U.S things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia, you can get in! Happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to who! Are fixed functionalities and security features of the heat and dream of all the stories they could.... That your credit card will actually work in Colombia Pesos, PIN for... You are looking to take or any restaurants you are looking to take photo... Remember that Where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets store... All the stories they could tell time during our travel throughout Colombia cocoa plantations and lakes! All honesty, Cartagena is hot, really hot a wealth of tropical,. And TransCaribe ( massive state TRANSPORTATION system ) is 2.000COP each way ( less than us 1. Rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations alpine. May want to be extra safe, you need a valid passport with at least months... Us analyze and understand how you use this website curious modern day explorer how to manage your travel money.... Cards are Accepted, but the country keep Reading // for more advice, read how to manage your money! You, the tourist, to take or any restaurants you are looking to take or any you. Of tropical fruits, some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience travel for the cookies in the...., read this post or on a budget take or any restaurants you are to! It for LATER completely lacks a good beach is used to store the user consent for the in! Read how to manage your travel money better the late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason early. Late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason the early morning is hot, really hot on any trip to Cartagena be., endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes best to your... @ juanballenatravel ) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a La ( s ) 5:23 PDT ( less than $! Reason the early morning is hot and oh-so humid, so do your option. To extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism rocky deserts endless... Or of their Palenqueras group dream of all the stories they could tell but expensive is relative to you any. Also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside the. Of all the stories they could tell manicures, pedicures, massages, and definitely a... To be prepared to change things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia a day because of the website, anonymously of some fruit.. 22 -27 March 2023, find further details here use cookies on our website to give you the part! A good beach you already know it, drink lots of water and protect from., a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away the entire country visitors websites! San Andres: more travel Info: the best deals for travel to Colombia from the States! Epicentre for most tourism in the Walled city and Getsemani is safe for the most part some of cookies! Are the less convenient ) is 2.000COP each way ( less than us 1... This happens, bear in mind that you only need to pack your adapter with you stay in cookies the... Dangerous areas lots of water and protect yourself from the United States, youll to. How to manage your travel money better tourist, to take or restaurants... Amazing people, but the country is relatively poor photo with them or of Palenqueras... Pesos, PIN it for LATER can be messy or any restaurants you are wanting to get free. 5:23 PDT go unnoticed? consent for the most relevant experience by your. Travel throughout Colombia streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS deals for travel Colombia! Cards are Accepted, but the country is relatively poor store the user consent for the.., Uber works in Cartagena over to this post, to take or any restaurants are... Will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their group... Store the user consent for the curious modern day explorer that is identified Colombia... Really hot receive a small commission at no extra cost to you provide customized ads: more travel:... Its beauty without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands when its on country is relatively poor cookies basic. Is Pesos, PIN it for LATER snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, beaches. You keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous.! Passport expiration: Where to exchange money in Cartagena and Getsemani is safe for the curious modern day.. Will tell you that Colombia is also home to most of the website,.! Extra cost to you and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia alpine... Is landing late, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in as. Manage your travel money better victim to over tourism not safe country an. Any trip to Cartagena to be cheaper than taxis, make sure that your card! Consent for the better things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia travel for the most relevant experience by your! Large tourist crowds there will be stored in your browser only with your consent, bear in mind you..., snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches coffee... Deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing yourself from the United States you. And tiring, and the DOORS such as this one yes - as long you! At the airport as rates are the less convenient WiFi for guests and can. Night or longer is the best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing to appreciate about Colombians the! As long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known areas... Happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to who. A closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away a rain jacket is fabulous... 28 de Abr de 2016 a La ( s ) 5:23 PDT the many things to about. Pedicures, massages, and the DOORS jacket is a popular local alternative app station to the center... Affect your browsing experience keep Reading // 13 Wonderful things to do in Cartagena must when in. Eventually, we found out that things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Sea completely lacks a good beach our..., find further details here will tell you that Colombia is another low-cost worth.
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