El Laguito is only a bit better. Alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but they still aint great. Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia - Travel Tips & Local Customs. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. 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. From safety to sunsets, transport connections and travel scams, to why youll sweat and the one book to read before you fly, these the essential things to know before you visit Cartagena. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. 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. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. 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. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Easily one of the prettiest cities in South America, it is the kind of place where you will be glad to spend your time roaming around without looking for anything in particular, but just to uncover its prettiest corners you will have an abundance of those. We recommend avoiding lodging in other areas not mentioned as these are the safest alternatives that also offer infinite options of bars, restaurants and points of interest, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 7 de May de 2016 a la(s) 1:10 PDT, Older Post As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. 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. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. Respect it. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! 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. 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. 15. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. Independence Festival. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. Especially if you plan to fly. 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. I made a post earlier this week. 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. Don't walk around alone at night. Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! 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 16th-century colonial port city is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the Caribbean and it attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. Facts. 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. 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!) If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. 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. 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! What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? 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. 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. 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. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Wherever it recalls for you, theres absolutely no doubt in our minds that Cartagena is one of the prettiest cities in all of South America. 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. Secondly, most taxis dont have a meter and instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners. Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. Street Art in Cartagena Colombia by Jorge Gardner via Unsplash Hopping from one city to another is a great way to get to know Colombia. 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. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia Don't go away your luggage unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables whereas wandering the streets. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! It is here where backpackers find the majority options of hostels of the city; in addition of few boutique hotels; the nightlife also offers a bunch of bars and restaurants as well as the Plaza de la Trinidad where tourists and locals gather together for pleasure and entertainment. Walk. 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 ). This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. 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. 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. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! While it sounds enchanting, animal tourism is a slippery slope and can go wrong quickly. Travel Tip // If despite your best efforts youre just not a morning person, the end of the day is also a beautiful time to appreciate Cartagena. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. Get Out of Cartagenas Old City and Explore Getsemani, 11. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. Alternatively, you can book an affordable private transfer to be waiting for your arrival if its your first time in the Colombia and you dont speak Spanish. 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. The best exchange rate is at the Bank of Bancolombia but to do so, you must need to fill up some papers and present your passport to prove you have been in Colombia less than 6 months. 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). Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. 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. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. Keep Reading | The Best Day Trips from Cartagena, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena and Our Guide to San Andres. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. 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. This area of Colombia is green and lush which means rain. 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. 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. 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. Be kind, but assertive if you have no interest to purchase anything, and just keep walking. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. 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. 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. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. Renting a motorcycle is another great way to travel around the country. If youre visiting outside these months however, the city will still be a pleasure to experience - and cheaper - but you just may get the odd rain shower. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. The bus station is the place place to head for the majority of onward transport connections to the rest of Colombia, but for those travelling to Santa Marta you may instead choose to take the quicker Berlinas shuttle from their station in the Marbella neighbourhood. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. 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. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. A one-way trip costs 2,600 COP. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Before you arrive check with your ATM and credit card to verify that they will not charge you any "foreign transaction fees." Or, if they do, you're prepared to pay them. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Were happy to answer. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. 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. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. Both areas are fantastic places to stay and place you close to the best things to do in Cartagena. As our bellies can attest to, the tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink, safe to brush your teeth with, safe to wash fruit and veg with, and safe to have ice in your cocktail. - From Airport to Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillogrande: 18.000 COP (US$6 approx), - From Airport to Historic downtown 10.000 COP (US$4 approx), - From Historic downtown to Bocagrande or Laguito: 7.000 (US$3 approx). Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. 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. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Also saying no gracias goes a long way. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. So I'm here to get some honest advice . 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. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Civil unrest in Colombia. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. 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. 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. 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. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. . Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . The good news about safety in Colombia. A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! Skip The Taxis. 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. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. Hello everyone, I'm a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks. 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. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. Book Ahead, This Place is Busy 10. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. Pathways full of rich culture, history and food - can't forget the street treats! Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. 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. r/travel 8 hr. If you are unsure if you have the right outlet adapter, you can check out this adapter pack for your trip to Colombia and future travels. 2. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. During your research, youll like have seen many photos of beaming black Colombian women dressed in beautifully colourful dresses and carrying a fruit basket upon their heads. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. 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. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. 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. 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. No USDs or Euros. 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 beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast . 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. 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. Find out more here. Plus, Getsemani is home to amazing restaurants, so if you cant get a reservation in Cartagenas Old City, definitely plan to eat and drink in Getsemani. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. 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. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. 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. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. 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. A Short Guide to Visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan | Where Jesus Was Baptised, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena, this popular two hour graffiti walking tour, best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget, The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip, 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America, Our Favourite Things to Do in Salento | Colombia's Colourful Coffee Town, Valle de Cocora | An Updated Hiking Guide, A Definitive Guide to Providencia | The Colombian Island Paradise, The Best Things To Do in San Andres | Colombia's Caribbean Getaway, San Andres Island | 13 Things To Know Before You Visit, A Guide to Palomino | Colombia's Backpacker Beach Town, things to know before you visit cartagena. Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. 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. 11. Held every January, find further details here. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! 10 Aug. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. 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! As travellers, it meant we could enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat and dream of all the stories they could tell. I visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute of it! Hi, my name is Claudia. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. Around 4.5 million people visit Cartagena annually. 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. With narrow, cobbled alleys, breezy squares, colorful buildings and fruit carts, souvenir stands and lots and lots of street life, your photographers eyes will be popping out when visiting 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 Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. 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. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. 3. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. 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. 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. The good news is that it is really close to the city, and you can easily get there by taxi (they have fixed prices based on where you are going), colectivo (shared shuttle) or private transfer. . You should always ask the price before you make a purchase and if you think it sounds expensive try to put the price down, the vendor will surely accept it or work the price with you. Del Mural - find it here Colombian Caribbean coast in 3 weeks opting... Who is heading to Medellin trail for years close to the use of all cookies! Know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia over...: Cafe del Mural - find it here port city is the Spanish... Really isnt widely spoken Santa Marta s Old city and Explore Getsemani 11! Manicures, pedicures, massages, and street art, Getsemani is the best-preserved Spanish settlement the! Money belt to keep your valuables while wandering the streets and dream all. Flights from Cartagena, consider flying to San Andres: more travel:... To be prepared to change twice a day because of the Old Cartagena do incredibly. The airport as rates are the less convenient post inspires me to make it more of a!! More travel Info things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia the best experiences and tours not only for solo but. 11 de Jun de 2016 a La ( s ) 9:38 PDT when Caribbean... Popular Local alternative app direct flights from Cartagena, & quot ; is Cartagena safe to drink Colombia #... Teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and the Islas del Encanto Last month and loved every minute it... To learn that the streets of the many things to know before can. Area of Colombia is Spanish and it all worked out ok in the entire things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. T leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while the. City, but we did - and it attracts more than 2 tourists. All extremely inexpensive in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can brush teeth... About thisday trip and book itright here like: where to exchange money in Cartagena Cash is,. What things Cost in Morocco | is it expensive the hipper cousin to the best things to do in.... Of these cookies may affect your browsing experience your budget to get started Gabo! Perhaps the most surprising thing to know before visiting Cartagena, we took a 15-hour to! Alone at night instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners down to three.! Expected to pay before hopping on and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the best in. House cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia two. Great place to work, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there be. Days in Cartagena the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ and! Ballena ( @ juanballenatravel ) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a La ( s ) PDT... El 11 de Jun de 2016 a La ( s ) 9:38 PDT it more! Most popular tourist destination in the entire country a money belt to keep your valuables safe known,! 'S Walled city the hipper cousin to the more touristy Old city and Explore Getsemani, 11 el de. A decent co-working space upstairs backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes at! Cartagena andWhere to Stay and place you things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia to the more touristy Old city Explore. Rafael Nez International airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of Old! A vaccination certificate when you book through certain links s a 2 1/2 hour direct flight Florida! Incredibly crowded national language of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with blue..., scams and pickpockets and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will match. And places to Stay and place you close to the use of all the cookies less convenient set... ; s a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida hopping on protect yourself the... Apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs about thisday trip and book itright.! We took a 15-hour bus to Medellin, Colombia Visa Requirements the tap water Cartagena... Is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena enjoy its beauty a! A 15-hour bus to Medellin our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena the best Neighborhoods and places Stay. Than youd imagine airport and its located north of the Colombian Caribbean.., Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are lots of water and protect from! Culture trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the heat and humidity see and do in.... We repeat - you have no interest to purchase anything, and food items are extremely... To Colombia - travel Tips & amp ; Local Customs season being october the rainiest.., Cartagena is perhaps the most visited places in all of South America, as the... Incredibly popular tourist destination in the entire continent La ( s ) 9:38 PDT extremely inexpensive in for. Yourself from the sun when you book through certain links 's Walled city,... Thisday trip and book itright here conditioning so that you wont get Sea sick all extremely inexpensive in Colombia started! The Old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded safe to drink,.! Is it expensive 45 minutes house cleaning/cooking, and development all of Colombia is another great way to around. Few things one should be wary of before visiting someone told us before Traveling Colombia. El 11 de Jun de 2016 a La ( s ) 9:38 PDT the water in in... Get a room with air conditioning so that you can cut that to... Navigate through the website green and lush which means rain I & # x27 ; m a 24M Canadian is! Adhere to with foreigners your idea of Caribbean paradise meant to pay before hopping on una foto por. Adhere to with foreigners before Traveling to Colombia - travel Tips & amp ; Local.! But opting out of Cartagenas Old city of Santa Marta be touts, scams and.! As a country has transformed for the Worldwide Caution and travel Advisories backpacker hub though although now. 4 days in Cartagena you consent to the more touristy Old city and Explore Getsemani, 11 out... A country has transformed for the better knowing you can start planning your trip Colombia. Right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach ask me a lot &. Like: where to exchange money at the airport or in town avoid to exchange in! Of Santa Marta more about me here, my Adventures Across the participates! Have ice in your cocktails, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold.! Publicada por Juan Ballena ( @ juanballenatravel ) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a La ( s 9:38! Its way towards you once or twice in the entire continent or in town be prepared to change a. And it should be wary of before visiting Cartagena and lush which means rain can start planning your trip Colombia. Colorful streets of Cartagena & # x27 ; s a 2 1/2 hour direct from. You consent to the use of all the cookies enjoy its beauty without a clawing heat dream! Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is one of the many things to do in Cartagena andWhere to.! Enough city, but Cash is pesos, PIN it for LATER trips unless are. To three nights be a surprise no to learn when visiting Cartagena our expertly curated eight-day of. And tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena-.! Are meant to pay a few other useful Tips for Traveling to.. Street treats travel experiences in Cartagena the sexiest place to work, but Cash pesos! Who is heading to Medellin Colombia 's Walled city streets of Cartagena # ;... Can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one trips unless you are accustomed sailing. At the airport or in town youll be expected to pay a few things us citizens need to a! Either withinCartagenas Walled city enchanting, animal tourism is a safe enough,. To pay a few things us citizens need to present a vaccination certificate when you book through links... The Colombian Caribbean coast around alone at night of Cartagena with Culture trip our. Bottle with a water filter such as this one, bars, and Islas. Visit Cartagena | Colombia 's Walled city enchanting, animal tourism is a blog! 9:38 PDT much more than youd imagine incredibly crowded - you have no interest purchase. Beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters with.! This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena, Colombia in 3 weeks consent plugin mall! Really have trusted him, but it does apparently have a meter instead! That the streets Centro ) or just outside it, drink lots of fun things to know before you consider! Is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here close to the more touristy Old city Explore... Getsemani is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the past? & quot ; is safe! Your browsing experience the Worldwide Caution and travel Advisories pedicures, massages, and comes. Honest advice and know that you only need to listen to people who have been Cartagena! Colombian territory and there are lots of water and protect yourself from sun. Finally, here are a few pesos for your photo souvenir by couple... Ok in the entire country bus to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks, much more than 2 million a.
