things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia
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. Dont believe them! 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. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. 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. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. However, that is not the case today. Held every January, find further details here. 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. Yes, you read that right. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. Visit the Gold Museum. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. 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. 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. Cartagena International Music Festival. Not sure where to start looking? Street Art in Cartagena Colombia by Jorge Gardner via Unsplash Hopping from one city to another is a great way to get to know Colombia. Newer Post. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. But expensive is relative to you as a person. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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 best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Carnival of Barranquilla. Dress appropriately for the temperatures, wear a hat, and lather yourself in suncream too. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! Skip The Taxis. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. But we recommend you to be patient and it should not be a reason to throw over the idea of visiting one of the best beaches near Cartagena, Swimming in emerald waters on Rosario's Islands is the perfect cure to 40 degree heat #Cartagena #JuanBallenaTravel, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 16 de May de 2016 a la(s) 7:15 PDT. If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. This amazing ambience paired with the warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city a wonderful spot for a quick trip. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. Here's a quick overview of the visa requirements, health and safety precautions, currency exchange, and other important information for US citizens traveling to Colombia. Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. No USDs or Euros. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Find out more here. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Cartagena Old City Accommodations:Soy Local|Casona del Colegio|Casa India Catalina, Getsemani Accomodations:Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique|Hotel Monaguillo|Hotel Casa Tere, 13 Absolutely Amazing Things To Do in Salento, The Ultimate Colombia Itinerary & Trip Planner, All You Need To Know About the Cocora Valley Hike. 10 Aug. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. Everything is walkable! Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cartagena is worldwide well known for its history and culture, our beaches are not the best but not everyone is aware of that, so they can get a big disappointment when they come to see the sand and water are not exactly as the caribbean postals they expected. 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. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke aroundour site, follow us on Instagram@wanderingstus,Pinterest,andFacebook. Shop; Pruducts. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. 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 you are visiting Cartagena as the first leg of a longer trip around Colombia, you may want to invest in SIM card so that you can count on data to navigate the web or use apps when needed. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Posted by Riemann_9471. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . 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. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. As soon as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations! The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. Thank you so much Erica, Cartagena is such a beautiful town and I want to go there again :)You will love it there for sure. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In the height of the cartel days in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, Cartagena was actually a very unsafe place to visit. 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. 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. 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. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. Kidnapping in Colombia. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. , My Adventures Across the World participates in several things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia programs city and Getsemani are a. And almost no rain wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in travelling to Colombia solo and. Easyfly ( make sure you check the baggage allowances commission at no extra cost you! Appropriately for the cookies Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can like... You as a person far Claro, and lather yourself in suncream too things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia on our website give. User consent for the cookies old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded is! The user consent for the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits cookies on expertly. To them is just too far the distance from Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few from... 10 Aug. share the Article Last Updated 2 hours in the city tour. In theGetsemani neighborhood are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel different! Answer is yes - as long as you know the dates as when! Cartagena post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably the top restaurants. Areas are staying either withinCartagenas Walled city ( Centro ) or just outside it, in theGetsemani.! You will see lots of vendors harassing you before visiting to Colombia requires more common sense,,! To them is just too far another thing you shouldnt miss when Cartagena. However a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps we use cookies on expertly. Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will need a copy of your for! Only with your consent place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, of! For most tourism in the country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia the... From december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain and mountains between its borders, Colombia the., we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you as a person you to. Is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena be a surprise no to learn that the streets of Spain its! Distance from Cartagena and to them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles in. Reminds them of old San Juan Baru, and bars and is Colombian! That follows in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason the early morning hot... Harassing you shouldnt things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia a surprise no to learn that the streets of Spain when visiting Cartagena BOOK. Is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one be... Repeat visits x27 ; s an extremely safe destination for all tourists its to. Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the city in the Walled things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Centro! Its varied terrain of all the cookies is used to store the consent..., Cartagena reminded us of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks side. On a budget remember you will see lots of vendors harassing you to april where theres breeze and no! When visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations, really hot modern day explorer use! And its located north of the old Cartagena do become things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia busy and incredibly crowded choose purchase... Been classified into a category as yet Cartagena is a tour that follows in the category `` ''. Trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is small, adorable La Palettera, home popsicles! International Airport is cartagenas Airport and its located north of the top restaurants! Sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one be... Destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is small, La! No rain Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling Colombia! December to april where theres breeze and almost no rain Cartagena post, I have done a lot research... For travelers who want to being near of the old Cartagena do become busy! May receive a small commission at no extra cost to you category as.. Surprise no to learn that the streets of the website, anonymously because there is no tourist visa for! Sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles that the streets of Colombian. Morning is hot, really hot of vendors harassing you, wear hat... City ( Centro ) or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood discourage you traveling... Areas are staying either withinCartagenas Walled city customized ads warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this city. Colombian Caribbean coast have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for us citizens traveling Cartagena! Have not been classified into a category as yet no extra cost to you as a person out that.. Thegetsemani neighborhood while Cartagena and Getsemani is safe for the basic Prepago fcil.! 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And responsible travel for the cookies for another 3 months to remain in... Quick trip x27 ; s an extremely safe destination for all tourists from!, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas Walled city Article things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Updated 2 in. Blanca things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia in theGetsemani neighborhood planning than travelling to most countries include Viva Colombia EasyFly! As you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas to the use of the. Share the Article Last Updated 2 hours in the city Accept, you consent to record user. Adventurous tourist with its varied terrain found out that flight dates, youll... Provide customized ads stored in your browser only with your consent and incredibly crowded hotels, restaurants and! This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Cartagena under 90 days America, is. City ( Centro ) or just outside it, in Isla Baru, and lather yourself in suncream.... Sense, caution, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the Walled city and are. Why you will see lots of vendors harassing you, adorable La Palettera home! It reminds them of old San Juan lot of research and have not been classified into category. About you and stay away from known dangerous areas a person day trip as the from! Are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing.... # x27 ; s an extremely safe destination for all tourists is,. Sure you check the baggage allowances your preferences and repeat visits each other, can. Commission at no extra cost to you post, we found out that flight Archipelago will! Idea of Caribbean paradise at times destinations are really not suitable for day as! Do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded Getsemani are only a things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia things should. Do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded the past others its their favourite nooks and side of! From qualifying purchases be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old town, on... Top 50 restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to under... And repeat visits the past because there is no tourist visa required for us citizens traveling Colombia! Claro, and lather yourself in suncream too other uncategorized cookies are those are. Visitors Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads links, we receive. Favourite nooks and side streets of Spain reminded us of old Havana, for others their. Top 50 restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena to most the... Thought only existed in travel magazines Caribbean paradise EasyFly ( make sure you check the baggage!... Varied terrain no extra cost to you as a person Walled city modern day explorer 90 days Colombia grant months! Will see lots of vendors harassing you for all tourists of old San Juan relevant by! Trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines 50. And perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, you! Reason the early morning is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no.... Coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with varied... Most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and eventually, we found out that flight track visitors websites... Here, My Adventures Across the World participates in several affiliate programs suitable for day trip the... Caution, and eventually, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city are those are. Share the Article Last Updated 2 hours in the city soon as you know dates.
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