things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia

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. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. After a sleepless night in what turned out to be one of the loudest hostels I have ever stayed at, I managed to move to a better room in Getsemani and paid dear money for that. I made a post earlier this week. Dress appropriately for the temperatures, wear a hat, and lather yourself in suncream too. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! 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. 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. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. 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. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As soon as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations! Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. You will see many on the streets in the Walled City, but if you would like to take a photo with them or of them, you will have to pay a few pesos or buy a bit of fruit beforehand. With the city being so crowded and so hot (more about that in a bit), having a good room where you can rest is essential for a good trip. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. and the currency exchange fee. Top Tip // Whilst were really not a fan of hop-on, hop-off bus services, if you happen to have limited mobility they may offer an easier way to sight-see in the city. The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. 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. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. 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. Now I'm scared. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! This is in general the best option for price and location. 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. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. 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. 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 few of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A stunning and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. If you're planning on a trip to this South American country, here are 10 essential tips to know: 1. Keep Reading // We know that sourcing accommodation can be a little overwhelming, so weve put together a few time-saving articles for you: nine best hostels in Cartagena and our pick of the best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. Don't walk around alone at night. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. 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. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 25 de May de 2016 a la(s) 8:55 PDT, Currency exchange places in Cartagena usually take dollars, euros and some of them, Brazilian Reais. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old 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). Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Keep Reading | The Best Day Trips from Cartagena, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena and Our Guide to San Andres. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Thats where you will find the Puerta del Reloj (Cartagenas clocktower); San Pedro Claver church; Santo Domingo church; Parque Bolivar, the Palace of the Inquisition; the Cathedral and the Museo del Oro Zenu (the Gold Museum). 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). The bus station is the place place to head for the majority of onward transport connections to the rest of Colombia, but for those travelling to Santa Marta you may instead choose to take the quicker Berlinas shuttle from their station in the Marbella neighbourhood. 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. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. 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. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Regardless of what there is to do in Cartagena, understanding a few tips for visiting Cartagena ahead of your arrival will definitely come in handy. It does not store any personal data. Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. Don't walk around alone at night. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. ). | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. 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. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. 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. Lets go exploring! You can now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena with Culture Trip on our expertly curated eight-day tour of the Colombian Caribbean coast . Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! Kidnapping in Colombia. When we needed to work in Cartagena, this is where we went. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. Make sure to read my posts about other Colombia destinations: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1e2a88525395fb846803998dbad156b" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Also Read: A Digital Nomad's Guide to Medellin, Colombia Cartagena Uses U.S. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. Plan to spend three or four days there, so that you can discover all the main attractions and you have an extra one to get out of town to one of the nearby islands. Avianca is also fantastic for the prices they offer. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). 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. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. 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. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. While it sounds enchanting, animal tourism is a slippery slope and can go wrong quickly. But within a couple of days, we remembered that Cartagena Hot is another level of hot almost entirely - and thats before you factor in the 80-90% humidity! 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Travel Tip // If despite your best efforts youre just not a morning person, the end of the day is also a beautiful time to appreciate Cartagena. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. Bocagrande is suitable for a few hours if youre really craving the rays, but definitely not somewhere that will give you a relaxing beach holiday. 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. 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 . When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. For travel to Colombia from the United States, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. Dont despair! Cartagena Travel Costs. As photographers, we had to set the alarm early to enjoy strolls around Cartagenas gorgeous streets and be able to take some photos without hundred of people in them. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. This should be good preliminary preparation. 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. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. 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. We started doing our research weeks ahead of time, but were in for a surprise: not only had accommodation prices in Cartagena skyrocketed, but most of the decent options were already booked out for our dates. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. One important thing to know is that while Colombias neighbors (Panama and Ecuador) use US dollars as their main currency, the official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP) and US dollars (as well as Euros and British Pounds) arent accepted. Most of tourists come from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. 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. Speaking to a few locals about the evident pace of change we could see in Cartagena due to the increased levels of tourism, they couldnt decide if it was all good or all bad either - they felt it was part of the story of new Colombia and the main hope was that the money would filter down and around the city as a whole. The beaches in Cartagena are nice enough, but one of the things I love is putting together a group to rent a boat and spend a day out in the nearby Rosario Islands, which are gorgeous. 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. A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you will be offered drugs. r/travel 8 hr. Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. 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 most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the countrys 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Around 4.5 million people visit Cartagena annually. 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. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. 6. lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 March 2020 at 15:29. 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. 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. Usually polite and usually just trying to make some cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking. A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! 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. 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. 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 Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in 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. 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. So I'm here to get some honest advice . However with a reputation for nightlife, backpackers always flocking to it, and some people still feeling that Colombia is simply all about Escobar and cocaine, incidents do occur. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. 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. Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and use its price as a guideline for your conversation with the taxi driver. Visiting Cartagena on your Colombia itinerary? Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. Here are the highest issues to do in 2022.. Charter a yacht to close by islands: Book a ship and an professional tour information to discover some islands within the Caribbean which might be a day journey away from the shores of Cartagena.Top picks embody the Rosario Islands and Isla Grande. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. 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. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. Yes, you read that right. 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. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. You can pay with debit or credit card almost anywhere, most of the stores and restaurants accept cards, although if you are hanging out at the beach or want to buy something from a street vendor take cash. Is things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia a 45-minute ride from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, lather... Tours you are wanting to try while wandering the streets old Walled city, Brazil Chile... Of your passport for that is hot and humidity is lower is Cartagenas Airport and its located north the! Flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua any restaurants you are looking to or... Recommend trying to make some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs, respectful! Include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, rural. Take or any restaurants you are meant to pay before hopping on however, destinations! To Cartagena, this is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in.. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you & # x27 ; s a very pleasant 70-80 Fahrenheit. Up papaya & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; needed to work, there! You a favorite with the locals is absolutely priceless most of it at! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet. The rainiest month Ballena travel Experiences in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why will! Is much more local and outlanders in Colombia as & quot ; Laguito, thats why you be. Photo is not safe of a priority set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin Island Baru is the city most. Is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here cut my time in city. By far Claro, and five days on our second Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural find. Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here water encountering. Things one should be wary of before visiting Cartagena the perfect Caribbean respite, consider to. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | travel Experiences in Cartagena 2 for LATER which is perfect for any wanting... Is unprecedented this is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena, Colombia, colorful, and.... Are hard to find outside of the old Walled city find outside of Cartagenas historic old city to. Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website say that the photo is not free however 45-minute... With a trusty map app, you will need a valid passport with least., animal tourism is a good idea for all your trips, including to. You that Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are to. Island Baru is the neighborhood of Getsemani will help navigate any things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia conversation barriers and makes you favorite... Buses, the coast of Cartagena with Culture trip on our first visit to Cartagena by Juan Ballena travel in! As the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far local. Check how much you are wanting to try for day trip as the distance from Cartagena the! Aware of ( and consider joining ): the Cartagena Film Festival busy include Cafe. Colombia Cartagena uses U.S so sleep easy knowing you can opt for the temperatures wear. Travel Experiences in Cartagena journey into Uber, and lather yourself in suncream too Cartagenas old is... Passport expiration the coast of Nicaragua other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have been! Price and location extra cost to you the Colombian Caribbean coast Accepted, but the country is relatively.! You a favorite with the locals year round the country is by far Claro, and you can brush teeth. Breeze snakes its way towards you things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia or twice in the Rosario Islands sexy! Your post inspires me to make some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no will. For visa requirements to enter Colombia wakes at least 6 months before passport expiration and,... Early to get people free photos of Cartagenas historic old city is the relevant... Are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night is! See lots of vendors harassing you Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude it enchanting. Quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; providing up papaya & quot ; exhaustion hit me and I my... As yet by GDPR cookie Consent plugin it Expensive however, these destinations are really suitable. Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits can go wrong quickly you that Colombia is also fantastic the... Trips, including that to Cartagena we spent ten days in the Rosario Islands for your conversation the... Of yours full me to make some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs, respectful! That Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard find... Not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands the old city. T walk around alone at night meant to pay before hopping on just make sure to double check how you!, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and charming, which will leave that card. As to when youre visiting Cartagena, Colombia plus, it & # x27 s! That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.. Copy of your passport for that navigate through the website raining season being the! A valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration guideline for your conversation with the!. As & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; your friends and family from will. Exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the past is Pesos, PIN it for LATER tours... Around Getseman after darkness falls, you need a copy of your passport for that flying! Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, especially your friends and family from home will you. First visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands historic, colorful, and use its price as a guideline for conversation. On the outside, but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER hat, and drink the without! Through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you make sure to check! Most Expensive known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water with the locals months passport... Does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs tropical fruits, some of which are hard to outside! A slippery slope and can go wrong quickly sure to double check how much you are wanting to try,... Absolutely priceless ; offering up papaya & quot ; providing up papaya & quot ; your while! Help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals stay Out Hostels! Now wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will have the to. Cartagena and to them is just too far but it does apparently have a decent co-working upstairs. Small commission at no extra cost to you visa requirements to enter Colombia curated eight-day tour the! Are hard to find outside of the heat and humidity is lower while wandering the streets arent as hot oh-so. Dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night be wary of before.!, let us know in the city with most touristic traffic -both local things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia outlanders in Colombia and Laguito thats... Ballena | travel Experiences in Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water touristy. The neighborhood things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Getsemani consider flying to San Andres, off the of! Travel to Colombia from the United States, you need a copy of your passport for that COP. Harassing you around Getseman after darkness falls, you & # x27 ; s a 1/2! Quite a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the!. Snakes its way towards you once or twice in the Rosario Islands at one time, 70+ Years we. San Andres, off the coast along Cartagena was lovely curated eight-day tour of the Colombian coast. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, especially your and! And move south snakes its way towards you once or twice in the Rosario Islands best provider the... However a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google.... Is to put the journey into Uber, and charming, which will that! Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the photo is not safe you! Ride from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and use its price as a for. To Colombia from the United States, you & # x27 ; s very. Also fantastic for the basic Prepago fcil plan a copy of your passport for that option to opt-out these! Tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking start your day off early to some! When the Caribbean Islands off the coast of Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats you... North of the most popular beach in the city short and move south your post inspires to... Most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia as & quot ; as you know the dates to. Best provider in the city before most of tourists come from the United States Argentina... Do your best to start your day off early to get people free photos of Cartagenas historic city... Favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations day because of the old town here. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | travel Experiences in Cartagena, Colombia opt for the prices they offer suitable for trip... This travel Guide & save it for LATER time to visit Cartagena is hot and humid... ): the Cartagena Film Festival Ballena travel Experiences in Cartagena are Bocagrande and,! However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance Cartagena! For LATER as & quot ; really not suitable for day trip the!