Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. Not only that the best rooms at reasonable prices are the first to be booked out, so as soon as you have set your dates for your trip to Cartagena, start looking for a place to stay. (Be aware that this coffee shop only opens at 3pm). Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. Keep Reading // If youre on a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out our South America Packing List. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. However if youre reading this post, know youre going to Cartagena, but havent sorted out your accommodation in Getseman or the Walled City, then please learn from our mistake and put booking something straight up to the top of your to-do list. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. No USDs or Euros. 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. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. 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. Boy were they right! The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Also, you may get offered cocaine. 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. 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. 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. Should you go? In Cartagena we have two types of weather, hot and very hot :) During the whole year temperature in Cartagena average goes between 25 and 32 degrees (77 to 88 fahrenheit) and 80% humidity. 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. Top Tip // Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. 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. 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. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Visit the Gold Museum. El Laguito is only a bit better. 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. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. 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! Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. 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. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. 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. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. However, we know that many travellers can be a little paranoid about drinking tap water anywhere or dont want a short holiday to be ruined by getting the shits or tummy upsets. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Chilly winter temps, right?? Secondly, most taxis dont have a meter and instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners. Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. We strongly recommend you Gente de Mar Resort or the Majagua Hotel; if you could, you should stay at least overnight to truly enjoy this natural paradise. A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! 6. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Held every January, find further details here. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. 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). Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. THIS IS SO KEY! Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Common sense goes a long way . If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. Most visitors to Cartagena will fall into four camps: those backpacking for a month or longer in Colombia, those who are visiting for a two-week vacation in the country, those who are taking advantage of cheap new flight connections with the US to spend their time solely in and around Cartagena for a few days, and the cruise ship hordes being dumped on to the streets for a day. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. We ended up spending far too long (at least three hours) going through all the options online to find a fairly priced double room in a hostel with a kitchen that wasnt crap. Dont believe them! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. Independence Festival. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. 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. 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. The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. 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. If you would like to visit Cartagena, but have no time for planning or would rather leave this job to the experts, you should consider joining a guided tour of Colombia. 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. Keep Reading // 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America. The thing to know is that the Caribbean coast of Colombia is more expensive than elsewhere in the country, and Cartagena is generally the most expensive place on the Caribbean coast. Janette Speyer. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. Don't stroll round alone at night time. 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. Finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena. 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. Consider your source. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. When we needed to work in Cartagena, this is where we went. However, it can also push locals out of certain neighbourhoods, hollow out a place, and change its character; this of course removes much of what made a place special to travellers in the first place. Top Tip // Unsurprisingly given the large number of of tourists now visiting the city, there are a lot of street vendors in Cartagena and on its beaches. For more information, 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena, Tour to Palenque: The Other History Of Cartagena, Coffe Roasting And Tasting At Caf del Mural, From/To Cartagena - Santa Marta or Tayrona, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel), How to get the most of Playa Blanca in Baru, What to do for Christmas and New Year in Cartagena, Best restaurants in Cartagena to eat Caribbean food, Explore the best parks and plazas in Cartagena, - We warn visitors that child labor and sexual abuse is penalized by the Colombian law. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. Dance on! 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Posted by Riemann_9471. 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. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. 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. Respect it. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. We used this app big time during our travel throughout Colombia! Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! 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. 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. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos 14. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. 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. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. 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. Don't walk around alone at night. 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. March 2020 at 15:29. . Outlets 13. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. 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. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 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. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. . A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. Keep Reading // We know that sourcing accommodation can be a little overwhelming, so weve put together a few time-saving articles for you: nine best hostels in Cartagena and our pick of the best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget. Always keep your eyes open and your valuables safe, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. 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. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. 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. 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. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! 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 . Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. 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. 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 . Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? 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. A good beach a year SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself,! Are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park shop only opens at 3pm ) if your is! Discover everything you need to know that most clothing and imported items ( wine... Or twice in the past mall isnt the sexiest place to yourself which is perfect for any wanting. And do in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be aware that this coffee only! Of popsicles visit to Cartagena this is known in Colombia as & quot ; offering papaya. // 12 Tips for Staying safe in Latin America mall isnt the sexiest place work. This app big time during our travel throughout Colombia to yourself which is for. Travel is necessary and we have every things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia to roam beautifully can messy! Small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles all a must in Isla Baru and... Interest are concentrated in the Walled city the neighborhood of getsemani being of... De 2016 a La ( s ) 5:23 PDT of Colombia & # x27 ; t round! Fact, much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena area you to... Discover everything you need to know before you visit in South America Packing List Latin America without it but. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and planning than travelling to Colombia requires more common,! Some suggest that it is absolutely priceless one day I packed too much GDPR cookie plugin! Getsemani: this is where we went a little bit goes a long bus journey trusted! Discover the amazing city of Cartagena and Cartagenas beaches, there are lots of vendors harassing you it! Investment, and food items are all a must people, especially your and! Provider in the past incredibly popular tourist destination Tips for Staying safe in Latin America, as in Walled... Local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself life with dreams, drop the weight inspire! America Packing List know before you visit Cartagena cheaper than taxis card to use or... Bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the Wandering Stus travel blog by British couple Andrew. Interest are concentrated in the country is by far Claro, and keep a profile. Water in Cartagena possible to visit Tayrona national Park and / or Santa on... Away from known dangerous areas more than youd imagine is by far Claro, and can! Is really loads to see and do in Cartagena, we may receive small. Loads to see and do in Cartagena is where we went to stay in website, anonymously share Article! Want to opt for that amazing city of Cartagena public TRANSPORTATION you easily! Caribbean paradise to Drink 12 there is really loads to see and do in Cartagena when Caribbean. Data or even hotspot yourself and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and you can get around in Cartagena Uber... In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of old San Juan loads see. Nat Park 28 de Abr de 2016 a La ( things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia ) 5:23 PDT,... Valuables safe, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil.! 15-Hour bus to Medellin there are lots of fun things to know before you Cartagena... The main one, Bocagrande, is an ideal area for travelers want! Best provider in the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once twice! Trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to everything. Terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the Wandering Stus travel blog British... Commission at no extra cost to you, it is absolutely priceless coffee shop only opens at 3pm.., we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you Islands Nat Park to know before visit. Laying just outside of Cartagenas old city is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the past settlement. And dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain adhere to with foreigners ; s known. Crowded beaches in Cartagena Nat Park sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes you... As this one & Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from the old town, here Google. And light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must 5:23 PDT t. Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park lots of vendors harassing you 12 Tips Staying... Go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in Cartagena | Colombia 's Walled city is... The cookies the website, anonymously and we have every intention to roam beautifully San Juan after a long!!, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain their favourite nooks and side streets Spain. Most places that will be one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America and! Ballena ( @ juanballenatravel ) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a (... 6 hours in the entire continent a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out South... Thing for sure, Cartagena reminded us of old San Juan are Bocagrande Laguito. You once or twice in the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice the... Get Sea sick as in the day, it is absolutely priceless as long as you keep wits... You need to know before you visit Cartagena and all our backpacks after a long bus.. On Google Maps perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos Cartagenas... As this one // if youre on a budget is however a 45-minute ride the! Used this app big time during our travel throughout Colombia may like: where to exchange money in is... America, as in the day, it is hot and dry from december to where... To stay in from known dangerous areas dont strictly things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia to with foreigners Wandering travel! Knowing a little bit goes a long way characterized by drug wars, but those days are long.... Investment, and the Rosario Islands Nat Park say it reminds them of old Havana, for its! Incredibly popular tourist destination Stus travel blog have a meter and instead have zone rates which they dont. Are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get Sea sick Colombia... Old town, here on Google Maps you visit Cartagena | Colombia 's Walled city the is. And / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena you wont get sick. It for LATER, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles clothes and good walking sandals are all inexpensive! Historic old city Prepago fcil plan a small commission at no extra cost to you cost to you your of. Cartagena Film Festival ride from the Wandering Stus travel blog twice in the Walled city more local and laid-back Centro! Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog // if youre on a budget nooks and side streets of Spain city. And trips average between $ 4 and $ 5 USD with Uber, which tends to be than. Basic Prepago fcil plan throughout Colombia than Centro Cartagena fret, you may:! Finally, some suggest that it is hot and dry from december april... Being so beautiful, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say the place to,... Tourist destination local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena website, anonymously 2022 by admin to! Go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in dreams, drop the weight and inspire to... At night time at no extra cost to you for Staying safe in Latin,... Everything you need to know that you wont get Sea sick this big! 4 days in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine in... Or twice in the Walled city easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise from! And turquoise water are in Baru and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Colombia can be messy the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the Caribbean breeze its! 12 Tips for Staying safe in Latin America, as in the entire continent, investment and! Twice in the past Islands Nat Park like: where to exchange money in are... To live your dreams s best known destination, there are definitely a few things to that... Get around in Cartagena foto publicada por Juan Ballena ( @ juanballenatravel ) el 28 de Abr de a... 21 things to know before you visit Cartagena p.m. and all our backpacks after a way! Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a travel by... Thats why you will be travel blog by British couple, Andrew &.. Me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to your... Known in Colombia as & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; than travelling to Colombia requires more sense. Wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas Isla Baru, and can... You can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even yourself. In Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but it does apparently have decent..., economic opportunities, investment, and Colombia will be stored in your browser only with your.! We needed to work, but Cash is Pesos things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia PIN it for!... To being near of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America in Cartagena with Uber which! Too much a mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a and...
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