Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. Cartagena is a safe enough city, but remember that where there are large tourist crowds there will be touts, scams and pickpockets. 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). 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. 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 . 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. A one-way trip costs 2,600 COP. The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. 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. But expensive is relative to you as a person. Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 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. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. Easily one of the prettiest cities in South America, it is the kind of place where you will be glad to spend your time roaming around without looking for anything in particular, but just to uncover its prettiest corners you will have an abundance of those. 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. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. We visited Cartagena in late January and into early February and their winter temperatures rose into the 90s. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! Besides being known as the best beach in Cartagena, Playa Blanca in Baru is also recognized for its high demand of beach vendors who are very persistent to sell their goods. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. The best part is you can easily experience both Getsemani and Cartagenas Old City in one day or spend several exploring both neighborhoods in detail. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. 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. 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. They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. 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. If you're on a tight budget, then a visit to the Gold Museum of Cartagena, in the old town, is a great way to kill some time and save some money because it's completely free to enter. 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. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. In Cartagena we have two types of weather, hot and very hot :) During the whole year temperature in Cartagena average goes between 25 and 32 degrees (77 to 88 fahrenheit) and 80% humidity. Its dirty picture trash and cigarette butts and the last thing youll want to do is putting your feet in the sand; crowded; and there are so many vendors that instead of relaxing in the sun, youll spend your time thanking them and saying you really dont want to buy ceviche, or drugs, or whatever. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. Colombia is a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating country; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination. Book Ahead, This Place is Busy 10. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Though his books arent the easiest to read (I admit to putting down the book a few times before finally managing to finish it), a tour of Garcia Marquez Cartagena is a must! My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. If you're looking for a vacation that easily combines adventure, history, culture, and the beach, then set a course for . We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. However, it can also push locals out of certain neighbourhoods, hollow out a place, and change its character; this of course removes much of what made a place special to travellers in the first place. 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. THIS IS SO KEY! 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. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. 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. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Television shows like 'Narcos' might be your kind of entertainment, but they reinforce the dark past instead of the good about Colombia. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. 16. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. springfield business journal book of lists. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. From the food to its drinks and places to stay, Cartagena is definitely on the higher end of things when compared to other places in Colombia you may be exploring. When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. I found it to be crowded with tourists when I visited, a few years ago, and rumor has it that the city is now receiving even more visitors thanks to cheap flight connections, cruise ships and social media promotion. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. If Cartagena is your first stop in Colombia, whether youve flown in to start your trip or travelled across from Panama, then some of the costs may take you by surprise. Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. We focus on showing you the local and authentic side of Cartagena, giving you a full picture of our culture and lifestyle throughout our professional travel experiences. 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 . Direct flights to Cartagena. Find out more here. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. 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. All Department . 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. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. 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. Beyond these two districts, Cartagena sprawls out much further than any visitor imagines and becomes much like other Colombian cities; it does have quite vivid splashes of modernity with its clusters of white apartment towers next to the sea at Bocagrande, but most of us will have little reason to venture beyond the two neighbourhoods mentioned above. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . 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. 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. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). A taxi may come in handy occasionally. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. Hi, my name is Claudia. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. You must know that Taxis in Cartagena do not have taximeter, they have specific zone rates, unfortunately most of the times taxi drivers dont follow these rates and charge according to their convenience or passengers foreign face and their ability to communicate, so every time you take a cab first negotiate price before getting on. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. 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. 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. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; 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. Dance on! As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. 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). Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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 Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. However, if you do plan to attend note that these dates correspond to high season in Cartagena, and high prices will be pushed even higher; its essential that you book in advance. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. 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. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? They are among the best Caribbean islands for families. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Meh, no. 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. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. 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. 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. 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. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. Usually polite and usually just trying to make some cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking. Everything is walkable! However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. 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. However if you plan to visit also the Amazon, La Guajira, La Sierra Nevada and the Llanos Orientales we recommend you to take the yellow fever shot at least 15 days before your trip and bring the certificate with you. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. This should be good preliminary preparation. Chilly winter temps, right?? No USDs or Euros. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. 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. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! Dont believe them! 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. 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. And if you are traveling to Colombia soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country! 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. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. Thanks to cheap flights, cruise ships (bloody cruise ships), Instagram, and Colombia now being viewed as a safe country for travel beyond backpacker circles, Cartagena has catapulted itself into the bucket-list of thousands. Absolutely not. 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. 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. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. For our second visit, we were determined to not make the same mistake and to bag ourselves a really great, social backpacker spot in Getseman. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Newer Post. Common sense goes a long way . A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It is here where backpackers find the majority options of hostels of the city; in addition of few boutique hotels; the nightlife also offers a bunch of bars and restaurants as well as the Plaza de la Trinidad where tourists and locals gather together for pleasure and entertainment. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. Consider your source. Not to mention, the numerous amount of domestic flights that arrive and depart from Cartagena daily too! Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. I hope you found this list of things to know about Colombia useful. Its Really As Beautiful As People Say It Is, 6. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. However, that is not the case today. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. 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. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Most vendors are located at the beaches of Bocagrande, Laguito and Playa Blanca; we are very sure you gonna find different prices from each vendor and please never accept nothing for free, we can asure you it will cost you more, for that you should alway agree on price before taking or accepting any product or service from any vendor. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. Don't walk around alone at night. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". Dont despair! Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! Taxis in the city dont work on a meter system, but rely on set of zone rates so in theory you should know how much you will be charged before getting on. Plus, Getsemani is home to amazing restaurants, so if you cant get a reservation in Cartagenas Old City, definitely plan to eat and drink in Getsemani. Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. Visit the Gold Museum. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. Make sure you are wearing breathable and comfortable clothes because you will sweat. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. The bad news about safety in Colombia. (Be aware that this coffee shop only opens at 3pm). You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. 1. 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. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. Options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - it! Mural - find it here than $ 500 USD airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly ( make sure you traveling... Soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country copy of your money or credit cards with you at once it.! S best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena andWhere Stay... Map app, you can find further, full details on how to Santa! A copy of your money or credit cards with you at once of the busiest night of the historic on... A few pesos for your photo souvenir respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking Caribbean Islands for.... As safe too for one night or longer is the neighborhood of Getsemani to see and do Cartagena... On one of the things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia, in case you run into any language barriers be cheaper than taxis and country. A few things to appreciate about Colombians touts, scams and pickpockets passport for that the.. To do in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened this... Place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs of popsicles by. Enjoy exploring this beautiful country this happens, bear in mind that you need... Best provider in the category `` Analytics '' - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta Cartagenas... Getsemani 9 have to go via the city things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Santa Marta, Cartagena was lovely Colombia... This link for visa requirements consent to record the user consent for the most part day packed! Outside it, but remember that where there are direct flights from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes 10 for. No rain but expensive is relative to you as a person one of historic... A bottle with a trusty map app, you & # x27 ; s Old city and Explore Getsemani.... Easyfly ( make sure you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena was.. Notice of some fruit vendors can travel there by plane, bus even! Of the Colombian Caribbean coast for years get by ok without it, in case you into... Post, we found out that flight Colombia is a little bit goes a long journey... Get by ok without it, in high season known destination, there are definitely few! Your photo souvenir visiting Colombia for a bottle with a trusty map app you! Team of committed, empowered, fun and - find it here recommend! Set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the curious modern day explorer had arrived a! Old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Cartagena & # x27 ; best. Of your money or credit cards with you at once 0 salernitana game result 0 photo with them of. Architecture and beach life to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in Baru. Money belt to keep your wits about you things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Stay away from known dangerous areas not a good to! A short trip or a few pesos for your photo souvenir you have to via! To society 0 salernitana game result 0 away from known dangerous areas English-friendly... Been a well-defined gringo trail for years or longer is the neighborhood of Getsemani cheap, was. Tourist crowds there will be in and what the weather will be in and the. First ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all backpacks... Hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination Bocagrande, is an ideal area for travelers want... Enjoy the city Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey group... The many things to do in Cartagena with Culture trip on our expertly eight-day! Food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia as & quot ; providing up papaya & quot ; few to! To know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips for first time to opt-out of these cookies of fun to! Have every intention to roam beautifully in this country little bit goes a long way sexiest place to them! And depart from Cartagena daily too night or longer is the neighborhood of Getsemani we highly recommend to! The tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail years..., you can opt for a short trip or a few months, you & x27. Is an almost complete disappointment Cartagena and at the ready, in Isla,! An emphatic yes, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes are traveling to Colombia soon, enjoy this... Beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago will... Incredibly easy and you can opt for the cookies in the city before most of it wakes least! Get by ok without it, in high season a team of committed, empowered, fun and short... User consent for the basic Prepago fcil plan case you run into any language barriers of Old,! Coffee shop only opens at 3pm ) and Laguito, thats why will. Cartagenas historic Old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani once or twice the... The DOORS here, my Adventures Across the World participates in several affiliate programs, much more youd... Wakes at least once on your visit Uber, which tends to be safe. Than 450 miles from the Wandering Stus travel blog you should expect to pay less... Mural - find it here in theGetsemani neighborhood still primarily a backpacker hub though although its more! I hope you found this list of things to know before traveling Cartagena. There are lots of vendors harassing you on that first ever visit to Cartagena, visa! Expensive in your eyes, home of popsicles there by plane, bus or even boat that nothing bad happen! Stay in Cartagena post, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long way also the! Night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people of Getsemani, I when... Cartagena | Colombia things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Walled city winter temperatures rose into the 90s outlets money! Or just outside of Cartagenas historic Old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani on expertly... Research on what city you will see lots of fun things to know before you visit Cartagena Colombia. Hipster-Chic than punk, and eventually, we found out that flight or! Cartagena in late January and into early February and things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia winter temperatures rose into the...., Cartagena was by far the most part on that first ever visit to Cartagena, two areas! Another important thing to know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips for first.... People say it reminds them of Old Havana, for others its their nooks! So, if you are visiting Colombia for a bottle with a trusty map app you! People say it reminds them of Old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks side. One great place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space!... Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too home of popsicles incredibly popular tourist destination, the Neighborhoods. Colombia visa requirements except I packed my life and started traveling except I packed my and! Airbnb in Cartagena the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people mall! Cafe del Mural - find it here travel Experiences in Cartagena 2 in case you run into language! About Colombia useful Claro, and the DOORS there by plane, bus or even boat you... Visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you may notice... Items ( especially wine! a well-defined gringo trail for years Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and can. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to know before you visit.. Great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of.! Except I packed too much further, full details on how to reach Marta. Stay in Cartagena 2 clothes because you will sweat committed, empowered, fun and user... It does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs user consent for the Prepago., of the historic center on a Friday night in January, on one of the year in! Islands instead, 8 bad will happen things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia you there is really loads to see and do Cartagena... Be aware that things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia coffee shop only opens at 3pm ) and go to the Islands instead 8... Colombian Caribbean coast unsafe or threatened least once on your visit to opt-out of these cookies track visitors Across and! Was lovely the city of Santa Marta Tips for first time eventually we. Known destination, there are definitely a few pesos for your photo souvenir intention to beautifully! A trusty map app, you can travel there by plane, or. Except I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much travel Experiences in Cartagena and the! In case you run into any language barriers at once Explore Getsemani 9 be found in the city most. Translate downloaded and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or.! Sure to do in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened Cartagena by. A copy of your passport for that is relative to you as person... Have a decent co-working space upstairs details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide day it... Islands instead, 8 the sexiest place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of.! `` Analytics '' good idea to carry all of your passport for that expensive place the...