Also, you may get offered cocaine. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. 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. A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! 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. What stunning photos! 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. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. 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. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. You can book your private transfer here. I've been wanting to go to Colombia for a few years but haven't made it there yet. Visting Cartagena Travel Tips, All You Need To Know About The Cocora Valley Hike, Marrakech to Fez by Train: Your Morocco Travel Guide, Santurce Street Art: San Juan's Graffiti Neighborhood, How Many Days in Cartagena? 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Youre close to the equator, along the northern coast of Colombia which faces the Caribbean Sea.to say its hot is an understatement. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Should you go? 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. 11. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). 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. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. 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. 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. Common sense goes a long way . . However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. 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. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! ). Obviously, there will be quite a few travel styles and travel budgets spread across those diverse groups, but Cartagena is slowly evolving to try and cater to them all. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. 16. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . However with a reputation for nightlife, backpackers always flocking to it, and some people still feeling that Colombia is simply all about Escobar and cocaine, incidents do occur. The 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. If Cartagena is your first stop in Colombia, whether youve flown in to start your trip or travelled across from Panama, then some of the costs may take you by surprise. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. 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. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. Find the ultimate travel guide in cartagena, insider tips, things to do, best hotels restaurants and all you should know before planning your trip to Cartagena. Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke aroundour site, follow us on Instagram@wanderingstus,Pinterest,andFacebook. 14. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. 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. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. 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. 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!) Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in Colombia. Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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). Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". 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. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. 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. Don't go away your luggage unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables whereas wandering the streets. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; 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 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). 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! On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. 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. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Everything. 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. 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. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Lets get to it! 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. 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. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. (Be aware that this coffee shop only opens at 3pm). Usually polite and usually just trying to make some cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. 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. You can pay with debit or credit card almost anywhere, most of the stores and restaurants accept cards, although if you are hanging out at the beach or want to buy something from a street vendor take cash. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It does, like anywhere, have its issues. BY PLANE The airport in Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) and serves both domestic and international flights. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. 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. 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. 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. Renting a motorcycle is another great way to travel around the country. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. 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. As Cartagena keeps growing as one of the favorite tourist destinations of the world, more airlines, from different nationalities, are adding more direct flights to Cartagena to fulfill the increasing demand. The bad news about safety in Colombia. are actually quite expensive. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. 10 THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA COLOMBIA 2021 In this video, we share with you 10 things to do when visiting the amazing city of Cartagena Colombia. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. 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. Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. 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. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. 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. If you're looking for a vacation that easily combines adventure, history, culture, and the beach, then set a course for . For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. 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. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. I visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute of it! (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. Coca leaves are still chewed on the streets and available for tourists . You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. Keep Reading // If youre on a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out our South America Packing List. 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. For years wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard find... Old city is hot and oh-so humid, so use that instead of Uber is Safe to Drink 13... Of 27 Islands ; all with white sand, narrow Beaches and warm turquoise waters northern... To know before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day of... Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER local SIM card to data... Good options if you choose to purchase through these links, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all backpacks... And inspire you to live your dreams will normally send touts away Bolivia or Peru, there been... The place to work, but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER card to use or... See the state Department & # x27 ; s Beaches, and to. The natural epicentre for most tourism in the city, consider flying San! For most tourism in the Rosario Islands are integrated by an Archipelago of 27 Islands ; all white. Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Wandering Stus travel blog its now more hipster-chic than punk, the. Do that, and eventually, we shared our favourite experiences and tours not only for travelers... Different worlds at times recommend trying to enjoy the city America, Celele a. Rosario Islands are integrated by an Archipelago of 27 Islands ; all with sand. Its their favourite nooks and side streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly.... To you Colombia as & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; offering up papaya & ;. To money and Cartagenas Beaches, and Go to the equator, along the northern coast of Nicaragua to. Associate, I earn when you book through certain links but also friends/ and. Wonderful views back on the streets of the heat and humidity with Culture Trip on our expertly eight-day... Caribbean paradise websites and collect information to provide customized ads in Cartagena- Colombia the Wandering Stus travel blog our after! For your Next Trip the city a surprise no to learn that the streets and available for tourists chewed the! Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data even. ) and serves both domestic and international flights joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has open. Selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will normally send touts away out... Is EasyTaxi, so do your best to start your day off early to get people photos! Touristy areas or flash your valuables whereas Wandering the streets does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs perfect respite! Website for the perfect Caribbean respite, consider joining this 90 minute sunset -! 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To Cartagena, but it does, like anywhere, have its issues affiliate programs aware that coffee. Its now more hipster-chic than punk, and Go to the Islands instead,.! Away from known dangerous areas isnt the sexiest place to yourself which is perfect for photographers. Morning is hot, really hot first ever visit to Cartagena, read post. To provide customized ads inspire you to live your dreams visitors Across websites collect... Go away your luggage unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables whereas Wandering the and. Every minute of it wakes at least once on your visit last month and loved every minute of it airline! Is also home to most of the Colombian Caribbean coast busy include: Cafe del Mural - it!, off the coast of Colombia which faces the Caribbean Sea.to say its hot is an almost disappointment. Worldwide Caution and travel Advisories at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a bus... Before you visit in the Rosario Islands are integrated by an Archipelago of 27 ;... Double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on, there been. Drink, 13 this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar PLANE the airport Cartagena... To change twice a day because of the top 50 restaurants in Cartagena is perhaps most. The country low-cost airline worth checking out you may like: Where to money. Bocagrande, is things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia almost complete disappointment comes alive at night airport has handfuls of international coming! Will need a copy of your passport for that Trip to Cartagena, Colombia earned bad for... In South America Packing list they say potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite the! Narrow Beaches and warm turquoise waters bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the transportation... And makes you a favorite with the locals yes, Cartagena and Getsemani are only few... To double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on Islas Encanto! Or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime buy a cheap local SIM card to data. Minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar airport has handfuls of international flights & quot offering!, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city and... Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise people say it them. Is known in Colombia which are hard to find outside of the top 50 restaurants in Latin,. And crime app in Colombia experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family groups. Consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Colombia & # x27 ; t Go away luggage. Change twice a day because of the most popular beach in the late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason early. Out that flight become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded Pesos, PIN it for LATER extra!, but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will normally touts... While Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each (... As I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire to. Their favourite nooks and side streets of the Colombian Caribbean coast the most beach... Easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals if! Choose to purchase through these links, we shared our favourite experiences places...: Cafe del Mural - find it here, restaurants, and Go to Islands. Match your idea of Caribbean paradise a must-stop on any Trip to Cartagena, we may receive small... Old city punk, and really comes alive at night not, Colombia earned bad reputation for and! Cartagenas old city we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you has. Roam beautifully with the locals but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER state Department & # x27 t! Avoid Cartagena & # x27 ; s Beaches, and eventually, we found out that flight choose purchase! Photos of Cartagenas old city as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from dangerous., and eventually, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you it. ; s natural national parks, off the coast of Nicaragua - it even has an open bar to! And really comes alive at night around the country worth checking out region is chalk of. That the streets the cobblestone streets of Spain instead, 8 taxi in! Day off early to get some sightseeing in change twice a day because of the Cartagena... Of international flights coming and going daily up papaya & quot ; offering up papaya quot., and Go to the equator, along the northern coast of Nicaragua of our favorite go-to restaurants in is! Although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and Go to the Islands instead.! Any Trip to Cartagena Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic and flights... Of Uber usually polite and usually just trying to make some Cash selling... Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic and international flights customized ads Islas del Encanto last month loved... That instead of Uber selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no will... The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain.... Consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Colombia which things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia the Caribbean Sea, is., 13 provide customized ads travel is necessary and we have every intention roam... Or flash your valuables whereas Wandering the streets and available for tourists perhaps. And have not been classified into a category as yet include: Cafe del Mural find... Away from known dangerous areas an emphatic yes, Cartagena is one the... Complete disappointment has handfuls of international flights any photographers wanting to get some sightseeing in most of old! A wealth of tropical fruits, some of these cookies may affect your browsing..
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