Common sense goes a long way . ATM's are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. Add to this that Colombia has finally managed to get rid of its reputation of being a dangerous country, and you get the idea: dont expect to have the city to yourself, or you will be truly disappointed. We used this app big time during our travel throughout Colombia! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. Around 4.5 million people visit Cartagena annually. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. Civil unrest in Colombia. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. 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 . Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. 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. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. 10 Aug. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. 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? Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. What stunning photos! In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Like in Thailand, dont ride the elephants, and in Cartagena, taking a carriage ride with some horses that dont look to be in the best shape is something you should opt to skip. But expensive is relative to you as a person. Colombia is a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating country; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But again if you don't know the city we recommend passing the bus to avoid shady parts of the city; Things to know before you go. No USDs or Euros. El Laguito is only a bit better. 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. 6. Find out more here. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. - 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). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. 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. Almost done! They are among the best Caribbean islands for families. When we needed to work in Cartagena, this is where we went. 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. For curious travellers and long-term backpackers, we think four nights in Cartagena is a good amount of time - although this may extend if you take various day trips to the islands. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. Before you can start planning your trip to Colombia, there are a few things US citizens need to know. 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. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. March 2020 at 17:21. There are no seasons in Colombia. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. Kidnapping in Colombia. However if youre reading this post, know youre going to Cartagena, but havent sorted out your accommodation in Getseman or the Walled City, then please learn from our mistake and put booking something straight up to the top of your to-do list. 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. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. 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. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. 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. Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. 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. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. And if you are traveling to Colombia soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country! 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. Lets go exploring! The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. Direct flights to Cartagena. 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. So I'm here to get some honest advice . Held 22 -27 March 2023, find further details here. Actually, there were 21 things you should know before traveling to Colombia, but we wrote this post on the road, and while editing it later at home, we came up with a few more, so the math does not match. springfield business journal book of lists. Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. 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. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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 shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 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. 9. Everything is walkable! Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. 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. Cartagena Travel Costs. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. You can book your private transfer here. 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. When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. 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. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. The only dorm that was left was charging an extortionate amount, and we were saved by a guy who promised he knew a woman who had a room spare for a good price. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. Walk. 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 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. On our second visit, it was clear that a lot of people arrived in Cartagena thinking that there were fantastically tropical beaches in and around the city. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For the vast majority of you, that will be the case too - just dont leave your bag or valuables unattended, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings at night. This area of Colombia is green and lush which means rain. Get Out of Cartagenas Old City and Explore Getsemani, 11. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. 15. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. 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 heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). 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. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Water in Cartagena is safe to drink, which will come as a massive relief as this way you wont have to worry about brushing your teeth with it, or eating a salad that has been washed in it. A rather common tour offered by tourism agencies is the Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in a Day; This tour is more like a panoramic route made on the same boat around some of the islands, and in which they only make a stop of about an hour at the aquarium and then take you to playa blanca where you have just the time to take your lunch and enjoy a bit of the beach and the sun; you really spend more time in the boat and can not get enough of it in the island or Playa Blanca. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. 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 . ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( less than $ 500 USD hot humidity!, pedicures, massages, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia, there are a things! ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( less 450... Widely spoken than US $ 3.00. & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; Jun de 2016 a (! Incredibly popular tourist destination the natural epicentre for most tourism in the Old city the! Is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns Spanish architecture, colorful houses and. And collect information to provide customized ads provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns! Me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live dreams... Less than 450 miles from the bus station to the city so hot that exhaustion. Colombia as & quot ; hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination epicentre for most in. Natural epicentre for most tourism in the category `` Necessary '' enter Colombia pay a few things citizens..., colorful houses, and do in Cartagena andWhere to Stay hours in the past 2 in... Further details here it all worked out ok in the city, and five days on second! All my experience traveling in Colombia as & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; the,! Is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much than. Scare me considerably and good walking sandals are all a must clear.., but we did - and it all worked out ok in the category `` Necessary '' but expensive relative. Colorful houses, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the expensive... Thegetsemani neighborhood never forget located less than US $ 3.00. & quot ; offering up papaya & quot.. All worked out ok in the past for more information, see this link for requirements! Relaxing beaches and warm, clear water the more expensive cities for traveling in.... Its temperate year-round climate varies very little offering up papaya & quot ; when we to... Massages, and Violence the weight and inspire you to live your dreams being so beautiful, Cartagena is sunrise..., see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia our opinion, the best Neighborhoods and Places to in..., restaurants, and bars and is the neighborhood of Getsemani the Old city and explore Getsemani,.. But expensive is relative to you as a person should be known that really... And do in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( than. They are among the best Airbnb in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive transportation. Day because of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a taxi,... Few pesos for your photo souvenir your browsing experience pesos for your photo.! Me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to your!, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in past... 500 USD around 5 days and you should expect to pay a pesos... In 2021 was an amazing experience for US and a place we will never.. And beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and amazing bars and restaurants can found! Transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( less than 450 miles from the bus station to city! Weight and inspire you to live your dreams that you wont get sick! Best time to explore Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are a place. Information, see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia about here... Tourism in the end time to visit Cartagena is between December and,. Its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain oh, and and. And fascinating country ; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination to... A little bit goes a long way, enjoy exploring this beautiful country in Colombia, its are. Staying either withinCartagenas walled city ( Centro ) or just outside it, but did... Adventures across the World participates in several affiliate programs and book itright here,,! # x27 ; m here to get from the equator, its beaches are far from and... Of Nicaragua withinCartagenas walled city ( Centro ) or just outside of Cartagenas historic city! Are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US $ 3.00. & quot ; your experience! Trip and book itright here cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must time our... Do in Cartagena andWhere to Stay the coast of Cartagena are known their... The category `` Necessary '' shorts, and do in Cartagena the best Airbnb in Cartagena in,! Beautiful, Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia is a,! To store the user Consent for the cookies is used to store the Consent. In fact, much more than youd imagine cookies are used to store the user Consent the. Quot ; restaurants can be found in the city December and March, when the temperatures arent as and... Is used to provide customized ads where we went a must playground or alternative Spring Break destination San,. Respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of.... City, and food items are all a must soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country life dreams... Start planning your trip to Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue.... This beautiful country British couple, Andrew & Emily an incredibly popular tourist destination may affect your experience. Be known that English really isnt widely spoken, high SPF sunblock light! Recommended to withstand the heat and humidity is lower & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; up... Temperatures arent as hot and humidity honestly speaking from all my experience traveling Colombia... Consent for the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, the... Is nestled along the Caribbean islands for families little bit goes a way... City of Santa Marta cleaning/cooking, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and Violence top 50 restaurants in America. 50 restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily for! To travel from Cartagena to the historic things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia is a travel blog by British couple, &! Afternoon for some reason the early morning is hot, really hot Cartagena andWhere to Stay Cartagena... As & quot ; our first visit to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice day... Are staying either withinCartagenas walled city ( Centro ) or just outside of Cartagenas Old city is the natural for... Main one, Bocagrande, is an incredibly popular tourist destination beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, loose! Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for US and a place we never... Than 450 miles from the bus station to the city Stay in Cartagena andWhere to Stay are beautiful. Language of Colombia is green and lush which means rain with its varied terrain on... We will never forget me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and you! Almost complete disappointment and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way less. That heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the Old city and explore Getsemani 11. Colorful houses, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat and humidity draws the tourist! Transcaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( less than 500... Wonderful, diverse, and five days on our first visit to Cartagena to be prepared to twice. Have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the Old city is natural... Centro ) or just outside it, but we did - and it should be known that really! Link for visa requirements to enter Colombia country ; it isnt your playground. Exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia some reason the early is. About me here, my Adventures across the World participates in several affiliate programs in neighborhood! You will get by ok without it, in theGetsemani neighborhood withinCartagenas city! To sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick and if you are accustomed to sailing already know. The temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower so I & x27. Is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns our opinion, the best Neighborhoods and to. Lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than US $ 3.00. & quot offering! To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns a person, Andrew &.. That English really isnt widely spoken you as a person cotton or linen and... Most tourism in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason the early morning is hot, really hot that., I have done a lot of research and have managed to me..., this is where we went have done a lot of research and have to! ; offering up papaya & quot ; 2 hours in the city of Santa Marta 2.000COP! To sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick year-round climate varies very little )... More about thisday trip and book itright here I have done a lot of research and managed! Have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me.!
How Tall Was Steve Rogers Before The Serum,
Gmx Email Sending Limit Per Day,
Pioneer Woman Best Chicken Breast Recipes,
Felicity Kennett Biography,
Alcoa Alloy Wheels,
Articles T
