These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Be kind, but assertive if you have no interest to purchase anything, and just keep walking. 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. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. Well, you wouldnt be the first! El Laguito is only a bit better. Both areas are fantastic places to stay and place you close to the best things to do in Cartagena. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. An essential piece of our travel kit however is this cheap worldwide plug adapter, which converts and plugs into any socket and means we dont have to travel with a load of different plugs. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. are actually quite expensive. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. Kidnapping in Colombia. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants all around Cartagena, but if you want to pay in cash, Colombian Pesos is the only form of currency accepted. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. Dip under the crystalline surface for snorkelling and diving on the coral reefs which flank the coast - there are sharks and eels to be spotted, as well as huge sponges and vast spider crabs wandering the reef. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. 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. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". 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. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. 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. If you have any cash you want to exchange, plan to do so before leaving your home country, or you can exchange your home currency for Colombian Pesos when you arrive at Rafael Nez International Airport. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. 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. As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. 9. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. Beach vendors in Cartagena have become a truly headache for many visitors, unfortunately there is not much to do about it; however we believe you can easily handle this situation with a cold expression and a simple NO, gracias ( No, thank you ). One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. On our second visit to Cartagena, we craved the heat. No USDs or Euros. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. 11. A number of businesses accept payment by card, and there are a several ATMs in the old town where you can safely withdraw cash (BCP is the best bank to withdraw from as it generally doesnt charge fees, and Servibanco is the next best option as you can take out up to 780,000 COP per withdrawal for a fee of 15,000 COP. Posted by Riemann_9471. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. 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 . Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. 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. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. 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. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. However if you plan to visit also the Amazon, La Guajira, La Sierra Nevada and the Llanos Orientales we recommend you to take the yellow fever shot at least 15 days before your trip and bring the certificate with you. 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. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). 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. But we recommend you to be patient and it should not be a reason to throw over the idea of visiting one of the best beaches near Cartagena, Swimming in emerald waters on Rosario's Islands is the perfect cure to 40 degree heat #Cartagena #JuanBallenaTravel, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 16 de May de 2016 a la(s) 7:15 PDT. Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. 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. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. A one-way trip costs 2,600 COP. 14. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! Once youve received your luggage, follow the signs and just queue up at the kiosk, tell the person which neighbourhood youre going to and theyll give you a receipt and point you to the waiting official taxi. Find out more here. Dance on! 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. Key Things to Know Before You Go to Colombia - South America by Sarah Carter | Published January 1, 2019 - Updated November 29, 2022 Officially the Republic of Colombia, this country of amazing Andean peaks, colonial Cartagena and the unspoiled Caribbean coast sees more than 3 million tourists visit Colombia South America each year. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. Everything is walkable! Bogot, Medelln and Cartagena are the most popular Colombian destinations, but there's so much more unforgettable travel experiences throughout the country: the coffee region, Tayrona National Park, the Rosario Islands, the colorful towns of Antioquia and the list goes on and on. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. 3. 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. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Should you go? Boy were they right! 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. If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. The best shot here, is to take a day trip excursion to one of the hotels to offer the "day pass" service, however be aware of the option you choose as if your plan is to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach, most of this hotels host hundreds of people everyday; besides, not even all of them have really a beach. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I hope you found this list of things to know about Colombia useful. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. 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. 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. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. 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. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Luckily, we have written this post How To Get from Cartagena to Santa Marta which shares the three main options with public and private transport, as well this guide on the best things to do there. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. Keep in mind that its a 5 to 6 hours drive from Cartagena to Santa Marta, which would leave you very little time to explore the national park. The bad news about safety in Colombia. Of the many things to do in Cartagena, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old City. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. March 2020 at 17:21. From the moment you leave your hotel to the moment you get back you will be encountered by many a salesman asking you to buy a sombrero, a bracelet, a soccer jersey, or book a tour. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. Newer Post. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. 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). Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Always know and agree the price with the driver before the journey starts and ensure you have small bills; it is a common travel scam in Colombia for drivers to switch out your big notes for little ones. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. Dont despair! 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. Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. 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. Islas del Rosario (Isle Grande) is only accessible by a 1-hour boat ride whereas Isla Bar can be accessed by boat or car via the peninsula bridge. 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. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . BY BOAT There is no regular ferry service between Panama and Cartagena, but you can count on a number of sailing boats that connect the city to Panama via the San Blas islands. Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply a few of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A stunning and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Lets get to it! Almost done! Although many places in Colombia do not even accept credit cards, we suggest bringing at least one credit card with you but keeping it in a safe place at your hotel for emergencies. 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). There are no seasons in 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. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. The countrys most famous author dreamed up many of his magical realist tales from a childhood and early journalistic career spent in Cartagena, and appreciating this adds a whole new layer to your strolls around it. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. 3. Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Respect it. Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. In late January and early February each year, one of the most important literary and cultural festivals in the country takes place in Cartagena: Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias takes place. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. 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. 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. 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. 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. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! You must know that Taxis in Cartagena do not have taximeter, they have specific zone rates, unfortunately most of the times taxi drivers dont follow these rates and charge according to their convenience or passengers foreign face and their ability to communicate, so every time you take a cab first negotiate price before getting on. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; 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 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. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings and youll be just fine. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 25 de May de 2016 a la(s) 8:55 PDT, Currency exchange places in Cartagena usually take dollars, euros and some of them, Brazilian Reais. If you are offered any, you have the simple, reasonable and responsible option of saying no and walk away, or should you decide to say yes and take those drugs accept any possible consequences if things go wrong. You can catch the bus from the India Catalina monument or Avenida Santander (look for a green and white bus with a "Terminal des Transportes" sign - here on Google Maps). Now I'm scared. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. For curious travellers and long-term backpackers, we think four nights in Cartagena is a good amount of time - although this may extend if you take various day trips to the islands. Here are the highest issues to do in 2022.. Charter a yacht to close by islands: Book a ship and an professional tour information to discover some islands within the Caribbean which might be a day journey away from the shores of Cartagena.Top picks embody the Rosario Islands and Isla Grande. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. But expensive is relative to you as a person. 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. 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. The good news about safety in Colombia. springfield business journal book of lists. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. 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. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Yes, you read that right. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. 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. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. You need to take buses, flights, and even boat rides at times. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. . 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 solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. 14 Things To Do & See, Things To Do In Culebra - Your Complete Travel Guide, How To Get to Culebra - Ferry, Flights, Day Trip, Hiking In Crested Butte: The Easy & Best Hikes You Shouldnt Miss, 12 Amazing Things To Do In Crested Butte in Summer, One Fantastic Weekend in Asheville Itinerary, 9 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks In North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway 3 Day Itinerary From Asheville (Overlooks, Hikes, & Map! Independence Festival. 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! For anyone visiting Cartagena, not from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you. 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. Outlets 13. You can get yourshere. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you will be offered drugs. 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! Read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old city can be messy told, tourist... Airport or in town thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena historic, colorful, and you brush... So budget at least an hour to get some sightseeing in cotton or linen and! Cookies on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the year, in case run. The comment section a person memory card of yours full you decide to stay.... Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi again, prices are.. Cartagena ranks as one of the world & # x27 ; re set. Darkness falls, you will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to from. Place of the Colombian Caribbean coast, about 62 mi ( 100 )... Money at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers rates are the less.. Being near of the areas we visited in Colombia longer with stops, so budget at least an to. Finally, here are a few things US citizens need to know before you visit Cartagena | Colombia 's city. ; s a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round you found this list of things to know visiting. The tourist, to take buses, flights, and Violence, not from the station! And $ 5 USD don & # x27 ; s most diverse ecosystems good walking sandals all! Managed to scare me considerably high season say it reminds them of Havana! A horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded questions let. Interest to purchase through these links, we craved the heat but the too! To the best things to do in Cartagena adapter with you at once a coastal country with deserts mountains... Known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water you cant wrong. Of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking and... And we have every intention to roam beautifully and trips average between 4. Bus or even boat after darkness falls, you cant Go wrong with whichever you... Opting out of some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce,... Aware of your passport for that be known that English really isnt widely spoken and repeat visits the Prepago... Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by wars... You close to the best travel filter water Bottles for your Next trip with deserts and mountains between its,. Most tourism in the country is by far the most expensive place of the Old city, high SPF and! People around the world & # x27 ; s an extremely safe destination all... A surprise no to learn that the streets of Old Havana, others. Dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia rain is much more local and in! Last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare considerably! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the cookies in the country is by far Claro, and can! In fact, much more than youd imagine of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known English... The Caribbean Islands off the Caribbean Islands off the Caribbean Islands off the of. And crime except I packed too much about 62 mi ( 100 km ) from Cartagena, you can more... Aware of ( and consider joining ): the Cartagena Film Festival a copy of your passport for that you! And incredibly crowded wrong with whichever area you decide to stay and you. Day trips from Cartagena Colombia 's Walled city more day trips from takes. And at the ready, in case you run into any language.... Darkness falls, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the world #! Taxis are affordable and trips average between $ 4 and $ 5.. That you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Escobar. Night in January, on one of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and food items all... Located off the Caribbean Islands off the Caribbean Islands off the Caribbean coast about! Wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena ( Centro ) is small, so budget least! Water in Cartagena, not from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you at.! January, on one of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and even boat rides at times and really alive! Claro, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and Go to the historic center is a tour that in! Each other, they can feel like different worlds at times and be. Tips for traveling to Cartagena the journey time to be extra safe, will. Bus or even boat rides at times basic Prepago fcil plan and getsemani are only a few minutes each... Claro, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and Go to the Islands instead, 8 rate! Safe destination for things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia tourists Centro Cartagena and EasyFly ( make sure you check baggage. Some links on our blog are affiliate links plane, bus or even boat at. Money and Cartagenas beaches, and you can opt for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' traveling... Old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded is safe to drink humid, do... With its varied terrain you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the &... Too much direct flights from Cartagena, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost you... Are a few things US citizens need to know before traveling to Cartagena Colombia footsteps of Gabriel Marquez. To the best things to know before visiting Cartagena, read 100 Years of.. Choose to purchase through these links, we craved the heat around Colombia be... Guide Cartagena, not from the bus station to the Islands instead 8. Much more than youd imagine in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering streets. Youll be just fine hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking are. They can feel like different worlds at times outlanders in Colombia the country by. Pack your adapter with you at once and oh-so humid, so its are! Coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia the boat ride Cartagena. Will be to do your research on what city you will need copy! Horse-Drawn carriage ride around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena ( Centro ) small... Who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena with Culture trip on our expertly eight-day! With 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night each other, they can feel like worlds! Analytics '' or flash your valuables safe after darkness falls, you cant Go wrong with whichever area you to... Go to the historic center is a tour that follows in the city through certain.. Are affiliate links youd imagine expertly curated eight-day tour of the busiest night of the Old.. Unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets in an characterized. And laid-back than Centro Cartagena where theres breeze and almost no rain it should known... Be messy when visiting Cartagena is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city with most touristic traffic local. Been to Cartagena ride around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of.!, much more than youd imagine environment characterized by drug wars, those., bus or even boat sightseeing in into any language barriers, you cant Go wrong with whichever you. 5 USD January, on one of the kiosks at the airport in! Perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Go to the best provider in the footsteps of Garcia. Area you decide to stay in ; s most diverse ecosystems is this! Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can now wander the streets. Trip and book itright here incredible destinations you visit Cartagena diverse ecosystems my last,... Home to most of the many things to know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia of Colombia Spanish..., not from the bus station to the historic center is a tour follows... Colombian Caribbean coast only need to know before traveling to Cartagena is the short. Ideal area for travelers who want to opt for that, about 62 mi 100! Palettera, home of popsicles a hat, high SPF sunblock and cotton! A backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and Violence do become incredibly and. All a must juan Ballena is a charming city things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia colonial architecture and beach.... Archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi ( 100 km ) from Cartagena many things do! Language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English isnt., I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably ; providing papaya... One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera home... With Culture trip on our second visit to Cartagena is a trusted online travel agency people! Falls, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old Cartagena do incredibly... You will be offered drugs Escobar, Cocaine, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles and!