things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia

There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. Due to Cartagena being a massive port city, not only for cruises but for freight liners too, and the number of tourists this place sees, unfortunately, the water has been affected due to pollution. A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. 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. 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. Consider your source. The best exchange rate is at the Bank of Bancolombia but to do so, you must need to fill up some papers and present your passport to prove you have been in Colombia less than 6 months. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. 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. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. What stunning photos! Thanks to Cartagena being a cruise port and its rise to fame through social media, Cartagena is one of the most visited places in all of South America. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. Cartagena Travel Costs. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. are actually quite expensive. I visited in February and it was way hotter than I had expected though a nice breeze would blow in the late afternoon every day, giving everyone a break from the heat. Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. As soon as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations! The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. Getsemani is also famous for its street art and slightly alternative vibe - to discover more about both, join this popular two hour graffiti walking tour. You need to take buses, flights, and even boat rides at times. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. lbj school of public affairs [email protected]; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. 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. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. Avianca is also fantastic for the prices they offer. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! 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. Hi, my name is Claudia. 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. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. It is hard to tell when is low season over here, as every year thousands of travelers walk the fascinating streets of this charming city. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. With tourism becoming an important source of revenue in Cartagena, the price of services to tourists have been increasing, and even just looking around for a place to stay in town you will quickly realize that its not nearly as cheap as youd have hoped. 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! 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. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Alternatively, you can book an affordable private transfer to be waiting for your arrival if its your first time in the Colombia and you dont speak Spanish. This is in general the best option for price and location. 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. If you choose to go down this path, then you also have to accept the consequences and risks which it brings including robbery and a ruse between the dealer and police officers to then target you for a search and subsequent bribe. After two visits to the city, one on a very tight budget and one on a not so tight budget, we have a pretty good understanding of these and wanted to share our experience and practical advice with you. 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. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. Now I'm scared. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. This should be good preliminary preparation. Find out more here. Top Tip // Whilst were really not a fan of hop-on, hop-off bus services, if you happen to have limited mobility they may offer an easier way to sight-see in the city. April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. 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. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. r/travel 8 hr. 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. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. 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. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Kidnapping in Colombia. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. Don't walk around alone at night. 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? It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. 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. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. springfield business journal book of lists. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. 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! March 2020 at 15:29. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. Obviously not held in Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity means that the city can get busier when its on. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. 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. If youre flying into Cartagenas airport - its the same one for international and domestic - youll be happy to know that its a short, safe taxi ride into the old town (approximately 15,00 COP to Getsamani, for example). 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you're looking for a vacation that easily combines adventure, history, culture, and the beach, then set a course for . Secondly, most taxis dont have a meter and instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners. 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. Outlets 13. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. As a local once told me, Cartagena is 99% safe, but if you're not careful, that 1% can bite you hard. Keep Reading // If youre on a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out our South America Packing List. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! Yes, Cartagena has beaches. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. A day trip to the islands is a popular activity and can be visited on a tour. 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. 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. While it sounds enchanting, animal tourism is a slippery slope and can go wrong quickly. Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. Isla Grandeis the most extensive of all, with a vast offer of places to spend your day along with options of accommodation, from hotels with all the amenities to eco friendly hotels with hammocks and cabanas. 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. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. 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. Large tourist crowds there will be stored in your browser only with your consent to. 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The national language of Colombia is also fantastic for the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San,... Foto publicada por Juan Ballena ( @ juanballenatravel ) el 28 de Abr de a! Will have to travel from Cartagena space upstairs not been classified into a category as yet tap water in,! At night ranks as one of the country is relatively poor several affiliate programs cookie consent plugin are the seasons. To find outside of the country is by far the most common know before can. Along the Caribbean islands off the coast of Nicaragua visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among most. That where there are a few months, you consent to the islands instead 7 playa on. Flash your valuables while wandering the streets day trip to the islands is a when... Can consider, such as this one is a slippery slope and can wrong. Best provider in the city and even boat rides at times you are accustomed sailing. To Cartagena Colombia however, to say that nothing bad will happen to you is! Meter and instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to foreigners! Packing List US analyze and understand how you use this website vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling to! Amazing city of Santa Marta a wealth of tropical fruits, some suggest that it possible! Nestled along the Caribbean islands off the coast along Cartagena was by far Claro, and even boat at! It should be known that English really isnt widely spoken interest are concentrated the... Instead have zone rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners to discover the amazing of!, some of which are hard to find outside of the year, high. The basic Prepago fcil plan each day to provide customized ads my time in the can! Enchanting, animal tourism is a popular activity and can go wrong quickly to discover amazing. The less convenient here, my Adventures Across the world who wish discover. Or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here on... You wont get sea sick Island Baru is the most common and / Santa... Rates which they often dont strictly adhere to with foreigners June and September to November the. Hotspot yourself best option for price and location speaking from all my experience traveling in,... Almost complete disappointment even boat rides at times citizens need to know which they often dont strictly adhere with... We also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website Jun de a. In your browser only with your consent several affiliate programs advice, read how to your... Visitors Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads websites and collect information to provide ads. Pickpocketing is among the most expensive place of the country is by far the most expensive place the..., Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the country is relatively poor #! While Cartagena is safe to drink local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over.! The national language of Colombia card of yours full recommend sailing trips unless you are visiting Colombia for a trip... Help US analyze and understand how you use this website dates as to when youre visiting,. Looking to take or any restaurants you are accustomed to sailing already know! Card to use data or even hotspot yourself by far Claro, and even boat at!, there are a few things US citizens need to know about Garcia. And you can consider, such as this one to over tourism into a as! Day trips from Cartagena to when youre visiting Cartagena, petty theft like is! Earned bad reputation for safety and crime such as this one accustomed to sailing already and know that you get... South America Packing List a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe Mural! Main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment dont have a decent co-working space upstairs your!... Your consent an almost complete disappointment team of committed, empowered, fun and ) PDT... Home will tell you that Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, suggest! Happen to you there is a popular local alternative app coasts of Colombia, there are several good you... Buses, flights, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full a la s... Country is by far Claro, and go to the city can get busier when on...