Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos 14. Don't walk around alone at night. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Now I'm scared. 6. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Top Tip // Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. 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. 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. Dance on! 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. 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. Secondly, most taxis dont have a meter and instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners. Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. 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. 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 . There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. 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. 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. springfield business journal book of lists. For travel to Colombia from the United States, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. Its always best and safer to travel with a card which either doesnt charge for foreign ATM withdrawals or only charges a small fee, rather than arriving in a new country with all your cash for the trip! What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Keep Reading // 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America. 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 among the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . 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. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! Boy were they right! If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. In order to escape the heat (and the crowds), you will need to have an early start every day, visiting museums when it gets too hot so that you can enjoy a bit of AC; opting for a drink in an air-conditioned caf to give yourself a break; drinking lots of water or juice, while avoiding alcohol, to stay hydrated. 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. Bocagrande is suitable for a few hours if youre really craving the rays, but definitely not somewhere that will give you a relaxing beach holiday. If 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. 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! 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. Colombia is the land of bargain and Cartagena is not the exception, being such a touristic city, local vendors take advantage on increasing their prices to those who seem more gringos :D and even more if they dont speak any spanish; so it is all about your attitude and ability to negotiate. 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. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. The bad news about safety in Colombia. The countrys most famous author dreamed up many of his magical realist tales from a childhood and early journalistic career spent in Cartagena, and appreciating this adds a whole new layer to your strolls around it. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. 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. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. The best shot here, is to take a day trip excursion to one of the hotels to offer the "day pass" service, however be aware of the option you choose as if your plan is to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach, most of this hotels host hundreds of people everyday; besides, not even all of them have really a beach. spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . Readers who have recently visited have let us know that although slow to begin with, the city is in a process of recovery, with visitor numbers improving rapidly (although they still remain relatively low as compared with early 2020). It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. 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. r/travel 8 hr. ago. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. Reception staff at hostels and hotels and many tourist restaurants and attractions will of course speak English, but anywhere that isnt tourist facing will be exclusively in Spanish. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Should you go? Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in Colombia. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. 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. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. 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. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. 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. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. 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. You can get yourshere. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. Its Really As Beautiful As People Say It Is, 6. I made a post earlier this week. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. 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. El Laguito is only a bit better. Cartagenas fruit ladies or also known as The Palenqueras, are colorfully dressed women who effortlessly balance a bouquet of fruit atop their heads as they wander the streets of Cartagena. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. Well, you wouldnt be the first! . Carnival of Barranquilla. Renting a motorcycle is another great way to travel around the country. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Get Out of Cartagenas Old City and Explore Getsemani, 11. 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 ). 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. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. Outlets 13. One important thing to know is that while Colombias neighbors (Panama and Ecuador) use US dollars as their main currency, the official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP) and US dollars (as well as Euros and British Pounds) arent accepted. Some tips . Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. Also, you may get offered cocaine. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. ATM's are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". Luckily, we have written this post How To Get from Cartagena to Santa Marta which shares the three main options with public and private transport, as well this guide on the best things to do there. 14. 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. If you are hoping to come back from your trip with lots of good photos, set your alarm clock nice and early and head out before everyone else does. If you want to take a photo of the Palenqueras (the colorful ladies selling fruit, as pictured above), you will either have to pay for the photo, or buy some fruit or a drink from them. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. Top Tip // If you really, really dont have time to head further along the coast independently but have your heart set on visiting Tayrona National Park then there is the possibility of joining this well-rated day tour from Cartagena. Known as palenqueras, these ladies have long formed a part of the fabric of the city, but have more recently become the poster girls for Cartagena. Respect it. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! However, we know that slow travel isnt always going to be possible for everyone, and most people certainly wont return to the same long-haul city twice. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. 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. A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. Visting Cartagena Travel Tips, All You Need To Know About The Cocora Valley Hike, Marrakech to Fez by Train: Your Morocco Travel Guide, Santurce Street Art: San Juan's Graffiti Neighborhood, How Many Days in Cartagena? 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. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you will be offered drugs. Or, just leave us a positive note! When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. Were happy to answer. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Plan to spend three or four days there, so that you can discover all the main attractions and you have an extra one to get out of town to one of the nearby islands. You need to take buses, flights, and even boat rides at times. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. 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. 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. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. 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. 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. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. To avoid any surprise, make sure you agree on a final price before hopping on and try to carry small bills to pay at the end of your ride. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. 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. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. 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.