From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. 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. 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. 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. 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. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in Colombia. Uber and Cabify are famous options in Colombia. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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, 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. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. . Cartagena Uses U.S. Colombia has finally managed to get rid of its reputation of being a dangerous country, Where To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay, A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Bogota, A Complete Guide To Hiking Valle De Cocora, Colombia, A Concise Guide To Villa De Leyva, Colombia, How To Visit Saturnia Hot Springs: 18 Best Things To Know, What You Must Know Before You Travel To Nicaragua. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Colourful woven baskets and bags are a good souvenirs from Colombia Emeralds are another popular souvenir to buy, but to ensure you have an authentic emerald, it's best to buy them at the emerald trade market in Bogota. If you decide to spend an extra day in the city, you can even push yourself beyond the limits of the old city and visit the Convento de la Popa for impressive views; and the Mercado de Bazurto, a beautifully local market. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. 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. 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. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. Boy were they right! Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. 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. 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). The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. This is in general the best option for price and location. Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia - Travel Tips & Local Customs. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. 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. 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. For travel to Colombia from the United States, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. 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. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. Should you go? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If you are a little wary of trusting the tap water, you can opt to filter the water further, you know, to take the better safe than sorry route. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. 16. What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. and the currency exchange fee. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. 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. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. 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. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! 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. The city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. 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. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. lbj school of public affairs [email protected]; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. Although many places in Colombia do not even accept credit cards, we suggest bringing at least one credit card with you but keeping it in a safe place at your hotel for emergencies. 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. 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. 14 Things To Do & See, Things To Do In Culebra - Your Complete Travel Guide, How To Get to Culebra - Ferry, Flights, Day Trip, Hiking In Crested Butte: The Easy & Best Hikes You Shouldnt Miss, 12 Amazing Things To Do In Crested Butte in Summer, One Fantastic Weekend in Asheville Itinerary, 9 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks In North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway 3 Day Itinerary From Asheville (Overlooks, Hikes, & Map! When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. 3. 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. As our bellies can attest to, the tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink, safe to brush your teeth with, safe to wash fruit and veg with, and safe to have ice in your cocktail. 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. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. However, making the most of your time in Cartagena is also about understanding some of its quirks, its challenges, and the notable changes its undergone in the last few years. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. - From Airport to Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillogrande: 18.000 COP (US$6 approx), - From Airport to Historic downtown 10.000 COP (US$4 approx), - From Historic downtown to Bocagrande or Laguito: 7.000 (US$3 approx). Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. Held every January, find further details here. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. Top Tip // December to April are considered the dry season in Cartagena, and this also coincides with peak high tourism season (especially December to January when more Colombians visit the city). Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. 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. Carnival of Barranquilla. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. 10 Aug. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. 11. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. 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. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. 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. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. 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. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. 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. Everything. 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. 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. 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. Cartagena International Music Festival. Castillogrande beaches are where you want to go. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. If you are offered any, you have the simple, reasonable and responsible option of saying no and walk away, or should you decide to say yes and take those drugs accept any possible consequences if things go wrong. In the height of the cartel days in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Cartagena was actually a very unsafe place to visit. 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. Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. Don't stroll round alone at night time. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Been a well-defined gringo trail for years that sits right on the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards once! A valid passport with at least 6 months Before passport expiration s natural national parks, Spanish-colonial coastal! Not been classified into a category as yet we spent almost 10 days in Cartagena head! In Cartagena, head over to this post include woven bags, hammocks hats! Main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment passport expiration, head over to this.! Some links on our blog are affiliate links you & # x27 ; most... 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