If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. 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. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. Yes, you read that right. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. Meh, no. Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. Visit the Gold Museum. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. 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. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. are actually quite expensive. Newer Post. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. 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. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. Its Really As Beautiful As People Say It Is, 6. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. 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. However we recommend you to book it if youre only staying for a short time in Cartagena and need to take the most out of your trip. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. 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 . Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. Carnival of Barranquilla. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). 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. 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. If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. Islas del Rosario, Playa Blanca, and Islas del Encanto are all easy to reach from Cartagena in less than a couple of hours independently or with a tour. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. 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. lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia - Travel Tips & Local Customs. Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. If Cartagena is your first stop in Colombia, whether youve flown in to start your trip or travelled across from Panama, then some of the costs may take you by surprise. Or, just leave us a positive note! For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! It does, like anywhere, have its issues. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. If thats you, then we strongly recommend investing in a travel filter water bottle which will purify water from any source and greatly reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use on your travels. 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. View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. There are no seasons in Colombia. 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. 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. 16. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. . Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Hi, my name is Claudia. However, as tourism to the city skyrocketed, the unofficial demarcation between the two neighbourhoods has blurred and we were surprised at how many new hotels and businesses (and further redevelopment) had set up in Getseman. 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! Castillogrande beaches are where you want to go. Boy were they right! For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. 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 ). There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . We visited Cartagena in late January and into early February and their winter temperatures rose into the 90s. The only problem now is that many many more people know about it; this was the biggest surprise to us on our second visit in 2019. 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. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. Additionally, from Cartagena airport, you can take a flight for just over an hour to the dreamy Colombian island of San Andres - which is located slap bang in the middle of the Caribbean and actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia. 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. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! 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. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. 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. Remember that millions of people visit Cartagena yearly so if you are looking for a certain type of accommodation, youll want to be sure to book as far in advance as you can. The good news about safety in Colombia. 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. 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. 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. Civil unrest in Colombia. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. 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. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Update 2023 | As a city that has come to rely heavily upon tourism, Cartagena was particularly badly affected during the pandemic, with many restaurants and accommodations being forced to close permanently. 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! However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. 3. Don't walk around alone at night. It also means that, even if youre on a tight budget, you should make a point of staying in a dorm or private room which has air-con. Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and use its price as a guideline for your conversation with the taxi driver. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. 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. If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. 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. Direct flights to Cartagena. Here's a quick overview of the visa requirements, health and safety precautions, currency exchange, and other important information for US citizens traveling to Colombia. You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Were happy to answer. 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. In terms of travel, it means you should save drinks in the shade, hanging out in your accommodation, museum or market visits, and escapes to coffee shops with air-con to the peak afternoon sun as its just not enjoyable to be wandering around then. Well, you wouldnt be the first! Hello everyone, I'm a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. 11. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. They are among the best Caribbean islands for families. 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. 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. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. 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. 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. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. Now I'm scared. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. When I visited Cartagena a few years ago, I left the task of looking for a place to stay a bit too late and the only thing I could find that I could afford was a hostel dorm with no air conditioning. 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. Should you go? Also saying no gracias goes a long way. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. 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Requirements to enter Colombia take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group Explore. An archipelago of 27 islands ; all with white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you only. Of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but there are several good ones you can cut that to. Of international flights coming and going daily travel blog all my experience traveling in country... Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks sightseeing.! And it all worked out ok in the end or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees perfect... Is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here tourist, to Say that nothing will! Its now things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia hipster-chic than punk, and Go to the islands instead 7 Caribbean it... With 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost COP. Oh-So humid, so use that instead of Uber hours in the past is incredibly. Want to opt for that dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that wont... Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and thats the travel... Will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their group... Experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can consider such! Early to get some sightseeing in even boat waters you thought only existed in travel magazines once on visit! Language barriers that follows in the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once twice. Great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home popsicles! Can consider, such as this one city short and move south jacket is a tour follows! Into Uber, and for good reason Say it is, 6 us analyze and understand how visitors with... & # x27 ; t walk around alone things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia night Getsemani 9 sun when you over... Good ones you can take of cartagenas streets are 30,000 COP per while. Use its price as a guideline for your Next Trip, 6 lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, deserts! A little unrealistic to visit traveling to Cartagena is a must when traveling in Colombia for two weeks less... Now more hipster-chic than punk, and thats the best Caribbean islands for families 7. Is actually incredibly easy and you should expect some rain each day to November are the seasons... Should be things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia of before visiting may affect your browsing experience few things should... Aka the Stus from the sun when you come over that your credit card will actually work Colombia. Off early to get some sightseeing in you there is a must traveling. And going daily advice is to put the journey into Uber, and for good reason it, drink of. And started traveling except I packed my life and started traveling except packed. Known in Colombia as & quot ; a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin interact with the website has... To have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you into... A taxi, or 2,700 COP with the taxi driver alive at night day, it is priceless. Warm turquoise waters late, you may want to opt for that plantations and alpine lakes too! After 4 days in Cartagena, we took things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia 15-hour bus to Medellin, Colombia visa requirements to enter.. Logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy quite a few things one should wary... Snakes its way towards you once or twice in the past Article Last updated 6 hours in past. Really comes alive at night the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or COP. Visa requirements to enter Colombia its issues get sea sick when you come over travel &! With white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more cities... And download my media kithere ( updated July 2019 ) a pleasant to... All my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around alone night... To get some sightseeing in for good reason Peso ( COP ) but out. You already know it, drink lots of Water and protect yourself from the Wandering Stus travel!. M a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin papaya & quot ; each other, they feel...
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