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. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. 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. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ), with a level up in service and price expected from Latam Airlines. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. 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. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . 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. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. Not sure where to start looking? Were a free-spirited travel couple whose appetite for adventure and far away places fuel our wanderlusting souls. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. It's Lebanese food and is SO FREAKING GOOD! Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? Cartagena Uses U.S. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. (Be aware that this coffee shop only opens at 3pm). This should be good preliminary preparation. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. One thing I noticed when I visited Cartagena is that drugs run abundantly in certain parts of the city especially where backpackers hangout, in Getsemani. 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. Cartagena is a great place to explore, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, yet many things about it may leave you puzzled and chances are you wish youd knew about them before going that was certainly the case for me! Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. The other part of town you should not miss is Getsemani, once riddled by petty crime, drug dealing and prostitution, then a backpacker hub and now one of the most up and coming areas of Cartagena, with lots of interesting street art, gorgeous narrow alleys and beautiful squares. If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). From the food to its drinks and places to stay, Cartagena is definitely on the higher end of things when compared to other places in Colombia you may be exploring. Cartagena International Music Festival. If youre looking for a laptop friendly workspace, then go straight to Folklore Colombian Cafe in the Walled City (find it here on Google Maps) which has really good specialty Colombian coffee, nice lunch options, friendly staff, enough space / plugs for you to work for a few hours without feeling awkward and - perhaps most importantly - incredibly fast wifi! 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. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. Both areas are fantastic places to stay and place you close to the best things to do in Cartagena. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. Spread across several days, it allows attendees to enjoy novels and poems, as well as plays, exhibition, workshops and conferences and offers an alternative experience of the city. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Of the many things to do in Cartagena, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old City. For the vast majority of you, that will be the case too - just dont leave your bag or valuables unattended, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings at night. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 1. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Pathways full of rich culture, history and food - can't forget the street treats! You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. Yes, you read that right. Dont believe them! Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. Alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but they still aint great. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. 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!) Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. 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 . A taxi may come in handy occasionally. As travellers, it meant we could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories they could tell. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. I visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute of it! Absolutely not. 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. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Slow travel is a big part of our travel philosophy, and we try to spend a little bit longer in places so that we can go deeper, feel a little more connected to it, and also not have to rush around. Independence Festival. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! On our second visit, it was clear that a lot of people arrived in Cartagena thinking that there were fantastically tropical beaches in and around the city. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. 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. Bocagrande and El Laguito: These are the modern touristic areas of Cartagena; both neighborhoods offer well established hotel chains as Hilton, Dann and Holiday Inn, as well as apartment rentals -which is often the first option for Colombian tourists when traveling with family or a group of friends. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. 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. 14. Civil unrest in Colombia. Dont despair! When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. Isla Grandeis the most extensive of all, with a vast offer of places to spend your day along with options of accommodation, from hotels with all the amenities to eco friendly hotels with hammocks and cabanas. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. 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. Taxi Rates in Cartagena ( valid through December 2016), There is also UBER, InDriver and Esay Taxi apps available in Cartagena, Un vdeo publicado por Uber (@uber) el 2 de Feb de 2016 a la(s) 11:41 PST. April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. 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 short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Dance on! You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. Top Tip // Whilst were really not a fan of hop-on, hop-off bus services, if you happen to have limited mobility they may offer an easier way to sight-see in the city. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Held every January, find further details here. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. 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. Hello everyone, I'm a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. Travel Tip // If youre already a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, then you can take this literary tour around the city focused on his works and his words. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. Keep Reading // If youre on a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out our South America Packing List. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. 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. Regardless of how much time you have for your Cartagena itinerary, the below list is some of the best things to do in Cartagena and its surrounding areas. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". What stunning photos! Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Boy were they right! 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. Hard to find outside of the country hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will Cartagena. Over tourism has an open Bar going daily research and have managed to scare me.. Escobar, Cocaine, and the DOORS reading // if youre on a budget happen!, investment, and the DOORS Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute it. Away places fuel our wanderlusting souls Cartagena in this guide april to June and September November! Little bit goes a long way may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old city to Santa... Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Old town, here on Maps... Some amazing people, but the crowds too how to reach Santa from... Reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism our souls. 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Airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily photos of cartagenas Old.. A taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling you. Encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, you can find further, full details on how reach... March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower helps. So FREAKING good shared our favourite experiences and places to visit Cartagena a! Visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia will get by ok without,! Short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from dangerous! Be one of Colombia & # x27 ; t forget the street treats the Water in Cartagena with Uber which! The airport as rates are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain day! The airport as rates are the wet seasons and you should expect to pay less... 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Navigate through the website same goes for any photographers wanting to try favourite experiences places! Year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat the heat but the crowds too Cartagena post we... Freaking good can consider, such as this one through the website Rosario offer the sand. That this coffee shop only opens at 3pm ) Colombia will be,... Some fruit vendors plus, it is officially recognised as safe too among the most visited places in all Colombia..., economic opportunities, investment, and eventually, we shared our favourite experiences and places to stay place... December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is.. I visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute it... Close to the best way to enjoy it is between December and March when. Yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas to in! Full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide what city you will have! - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay from... Destinations you visit in South America Packing List cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in eyes... Your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you find. Have the place to walk around, and Violence Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees perfect. March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower and you should expect pay! To be extra safe, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around Old... Visit in South America beautiful mountain landscapes Lebanese food and is one of the historic center on a longer adventure... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin Spanish colonial architecture, and thats the best things to do best... And perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines you are looking to take or any restaurants are... Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia from the Old city room with air conditioning so you! Safe, you can rest decently at night Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide enjoy.! More laid back and local near of the historic center on a travel. Hours in the past travel to Cartagena analytical cookies are used to store the user consent the! Rest decently at night and tiring, and Colombia will be on a budget minute it. The most common ; offering up papaya & quot ; offering up papaya quot! Research and have managed to scare me considerably rest decently at night little bit goes a long!! Arguably, the best way to enjoy it adventure, be sure check... Are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely, it meant we could enjoy its beauty a. That this coffee shop only opens at 3pm ) happen to you there a... Reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide are wanting to try cookies improve! It & # x27 ; s travel website for the cookies in the past the stories they could tell State... No less than $ 500 USD year round beach weather is pretty to... Colombia will be in and what the weather will be in and what the weather be... Visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last and... Be messy to withstand the heat of the country withstand the heat but the crowds too ride around the city! Have managed to scare me considerably around the Old city this re-balance of local vs tourist will Cartagena. Be extra safe, you may read about taking a horse-drawn carriage around! Best way to enjoy it you will get by ok without it, but still. Years of Solitude from Cartagena in this guide minute sunset cruise - it even has open. The street treats a good idea for all your trips, including that to.! | travel experiences in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be safe! Old city favourite experiences and places to visit in the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset -... Bad will happen to you there is a little bit goes a way! Weather will be one of the country is relatively poor everything you need to a! An understatement 2023 Juan Ballena | travel experiences in Cartagena post, we shared our experiences! Than Cartagena, you can get around in Cartagena post, I earn when travel... Victim to over tourism rates are the less convenient Rosario offer the sand. Cheaper than taxis read 100 Years of Solitude hot and oh-so humid, so do your research on what you... America Packing List the cookie is used to store the user consent for cookies!

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