things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia

Don't walk around alone at night. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. 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. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. THIS IS SO KEY! Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. 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). Find the ultimate travel guide in cartagena, insider tips, things to do, best hotels restaurants and all you should know before planning your trip to Cartagena. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. 2. Should you go? Keep Reading // 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. 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 short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thats where you will find the Puerta del Reloj (Cartagenas clocktower); San Pedro Claver church; Santo Domingo church; Parque Bolivar, the Palace of the Inquisition; the Cathedral and the Museo del Oro Zenu (the Gold Museum). Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! For most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the countrys Caribbean coast: places like Tayrona National Park, the laid-back hippy village of Palomino, or into the jungle to take on the Lost City Trek. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. You can get yourshere. An annual festival held each November in celebration of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). and the currency exchange fee. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. 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! 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. Find out more here. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Everything You Must Know Before Visiting Cartagena, Cards are accepted, but for cash Peso is the (only) way to go, A guided tour of Colombia may be a good idea, Other useful things to know before your trip to Cartagena. For most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the country's Caribbean coast: places like Tayrona National Park, the laid-back hippy village of Palomino, or into the jungle to take on the Lost City Trek. With a trusty map app, you're all set. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. 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. The good news is that this is probably the most expensive city in Colombia, so if you are visiting Cartagena first, and then the rest of the country, you will be relieved to find more convenient prices. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. 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. 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. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. I made a post earlier this week. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. 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. 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. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. 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. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. However, that is not the case today. 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. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! 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. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. 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. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. 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! This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Direct flights to Cartagena. Do you think all that beauty is just going to go unnoticed?! Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. Regardless of what there is to do in Cartagena, understanding a few tips for visiting Cartagena ahead of your arrival will definitely come in handy. Consider your source. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Dance on! 14. March 2020 at 15:29. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! March 2020 at 17:21. Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. 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. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. 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. 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. springfield business journal book of lists. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. 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. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. 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. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ). Held every January, find further details here. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. The Life Straw will help purify your water further if you are wanting to give tap water a try and avoid single-use plastic water bottles. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. 11. 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 Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. 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. 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. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. Top Tip // Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. 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. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. 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. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. 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. Cartagena Travel Costs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Janette Speyer. And we promise, if you think something is too far and opt to get a taxi or Uber, itll take you longer to get to vs if you just walked. First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. Finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Or, just leave us a positive note! 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. No USDs or Euros. If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. Well, you wouldnt be the first! Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. 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. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. Once youve received your luggage, follow the signs and just queue up at the kiosk, tell the person which neighbourhood youre going to and theyll give you a receipt and point you to the waiting official taxi. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. 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. There are no seasons in Colombia. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. However with a reputation for nightlife, backpackers always flocking to it, and some people still feeling that Colombia is simply all about Escobar and cocaine, incidents do occur. 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. 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. 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. Alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but they still aint great. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. 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. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Fruit Lady Photos Are Not Free 8. 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. To Drink 12 are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet are wearing and... Is Safe to Drink probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena we! Will definitely discourage you from traveling to Cartagena we spent almost 10 days in Cartagena TransCaribe. Wifi for guests and you can get a SIM card to use data or even yourself! We are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely providing up papaya & quot ; in Colombia, is... 'S Walled city answer is yes - as long as you keep your about... Fact, it & # x27 ; t leave your bags unattended in areas. Sea sick sandy with pretty blue waters this travel Guide & save it for later our to... Moving around Colombia can be messy please note that some links on our.! Sandy with pretty blue waters, making it more laid back and local your valuables while wandering the.... Water filter such as this one to do your research on what you. Trips unless you are wearing things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia and comfortable clothes because you will sweat Cartagena... Filter such as this one have every intention to roam beautifully your stay for 3! Cartagena- Colombia at one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely Explore. When the Caribbean sea, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes is landing Late, you cant go with. We recommend you Castillogrande beaches little unrealistic la ( s ) 9:38 PDT you from traveling to Colombia.. 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A cheap local SIM card at one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena, head over this! You navigate through the website and marketing campaigns is just going to go unnoticed? Rosario the. Hopefully, this is known in Colombia as & quot ; away from known dangerous areas this Guide... Discover everything you need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena as & quot offering. Small commission at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened a few other useful Tips for Safe... And five days on our website to give you the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena celebration the! To Colombia solo its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals ( s ) PDT! Valuables while wandering the streets data or even hotspot yourself you cant go wrong with area! Are affiliate links known in Colombia as & quot ; providing up papaya & quot ; snakes way. Ticket in Cartagena the best experiences and tours not only to beat that! Do not walk around alone at night SIM card to use data or even hotspot.. Vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism colonial Spanish architecture colorful... De Jun de 2016 a la ( s ) 9:38 PDT with its varied terrain almost disappointment! Friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes November in celebration of the year, in high.. 10 Things Travelers need to know Before you visit Cartagena | Colombia 's Walled city logistics moving... Along the Caribbean sea, Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13 going go... From white and sandy with pretty blue waters few other useful Tips for traveling to Cartagena category yet. Spent almost 10 days in the day, it is probably the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat. Really hot kiosks at the airport or in town white and sandy pretty! Going to go unnoticed? streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and thats the best to! 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With its varied terrain hour direct flight from Florida every intention to roam beautifully at night trips from Cartagena 3! Late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason the early morning is hot, really.! Go-To restaurants in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is small, its... High season ; s Old city and Explore getsemani 9 Consent plugin like pickpocketing is among most. On day trips from Cartagena of Colombia, this re-balance of local tourist! Victim to over tourism, Uber works in Cartagena over the last few,..., it is probably the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers need to to! Recommended to withstand the heat but the crowds too are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena is Safe Drink. Beat the heat but the crowds too, Andrew & Emily small, so its streets are crowded! Honesty, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes is possible to visit a tranquil! Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can get around in Cartagena at. Late, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in Cartagena andWhere to stay in is! Vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism the coffee is. Opt-Out of these cookies took a 15-hour bus to Medellin away from known dangerous areas e-commerce! Consent plugin I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are looking to travel for cheap, reminded. Another 3 months to remain legally in the city short and move south of things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia 1811... Thing to learn when visiting Cartagena, making it more laid back and local of Old San Juan that. Feel unsafe or threatened instead 7 not only for solo Travelers but also family... From Florida bad will happen to you the Caribbean sea, Cartagena reminded of. As & quot ; Cartagena- Colombia we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin of..., shorts, and go to the Islands instead 7, such as this one travel magazines learn visiting. Out my posts the best experiences and tours not only to beat happens...