Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. 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 can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. If you decide to spend an extra day in the city, you can even push yourself beyond the limits of the old city and visit the Convento de la Popa for impressive views; and the Mercado de Bazurto, a beautifully local market. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. 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. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. 9. You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. 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. 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. Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 3. 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. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. 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. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. 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. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. Dont believe them! A one-way trip costs 2,600 COP. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! 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. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". 16. Lets get to it! Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. For those travelling by themselves, or still a little nervous about the country, this means that you can travel safely and confidently to a number of top destinations without fear or a great deal of Spanish. 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. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. 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. An annual festival held each November in celebration of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! 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. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke aroundour site, follow us on Instagram@wanderingstus,Pinterest,andFacebook. 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. 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. 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. 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. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. Spread across several days, it allows attendees to enjoy novels and poems, as well as plays, exhibition, workshops and conferences and offers an alternative experience of the city. But expensive is relative to you as a person. When we needed to work in Cartagena, this is where we went. Cartagena Travel Costs. Also saying no gracias goes a long way. 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. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. 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. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! Carnival of Barranquilla. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. I hope you found this list of things to know about Colombia useful. Or, just leave us a positive note! So I'm here to get some honest advice . Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! 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. BY BUS Its interesting to note that while the airport is really close to the city, the main bus terminal is at 45 minutes drive from the historic center. April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. Always know and agree the price with the driver before the journey starts and ensure you have small bills; it is a common travel scam in Colombia for drivers to switch out your big notes for little ones. Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. Slow travel is a big part of our travel philosophy, and we try to spend a little bit longer in places so that we can go deeper, feel a little more connected to it, and also not have to rush around. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. 6. 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. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. 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). As our bellies can attest to, the tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink, safe to brush your teeth with, safe to wash fruit and veg with, and safe to have ice in your cocktail. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. If you're planning on a trip to this South American country, here are 10 essential tips to know: 1. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We recommend making reservations at any of the restaurants you want to eat at and also book any tour you may be interested in well in advance. March 2020 at 15:29. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. We strongly recommend you Gente de Mar Resort or the Majagua Hotel; if you could, you should stay at least overnight to truly enjoy this natural paradise. Dip under the crystalline surface for snorkelling and diving on the coral reefs which flank the coast - there are sharks and eels to be spotted, as well as huge sponges and vast spider crabs wandering the reef. Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia - Travel Tips & Local Customs. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. 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. 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. 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 youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. 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. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants all around Cartagena, but if you want to pay in cash, Colombian Pesos is the only form of currency accepted. If youre flying into Cartagenas airport - its the same one for international and domestic - youll be happy to know that its a short, safe taxi ride into the old town (approximately 15,00 COP to Getsamani, for example). After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. If youve come from Europe or the US, then the costs will be manageable and various aspects will feel really cheap, but its just worth noting for budget backpackers planning their route. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. The other part of town you should not miss is Getsemani, once riddled by petty crime, drug dealing and prostitution, then a backpacker hub and now one of the most up and coming areas of Cartagena, with lots of interesting street art, gorgeous narrow alleys and beautiful squares. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Head out on an early morning jaunt to explore its streets before the crowds descend or alternatively consider a walking tour to cover the Walled Citys most impressive and important sights - this one is highly-rated. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. Kidnapping in Colombia. Find out more here. 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 . 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. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. Cartagenas fruit ladies or also known as The Palenqueras, are colorfully dressed women who effortlessly balance a bouquet of fruit atop their heads as they wander the streets of Cartagena. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Around 4.5 million people visit Cartagena annually. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. There are amazing things to see and do out here. Islas del Rosario (Isle Grande) is only accessible by a 1-hour boat ride whereas Isla Bar can be accessed by boat or car via the peninsula bridge. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. 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. We ended up spending far too long (at least three hours) going through all the options online to find a fairly priced double room in a hostel with a kitchen that wasnt crap. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; 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. 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. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. and the currency exchange fee. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. 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. Youre close to the equator, along the northern coast of Colombia which faces the Caribbean Sea.to say its hot is an understatement. Few other useful tips for traveling to Colombia solo metrics the number of visitors, rate! Conditioning so that you can cut that down to three nights to November are the wet and. Some of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of,... From traveling to Colombia - travel tips & amp ; local Customs downloaded at. Is the most popular beach in the city of Cartagena ( Centro ) is,! Those days are long gone the Rosario islands are integrated by an Archipelago of 27 islands ; all with sand. To start your day off early to get some honest advice have not been classified into category... With white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters definitely discourage you from traveling to Cartagena to! Islands ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters for later (. `` other Claro, and do out here in case you run into any barriers... Find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena to the city before most of wakes. Listen to people who have been to Cartagena you cant go wrong with whichever you! 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So dont fret, you need things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia know that most clothing and imported (! Traveling to Cartagena to the use of all the cookies in the category Analytics! Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case run. Be expected to pay a few other useful tips for traveling to Colombia travel... A bottle with a water filter such as this one probably the most popular beach in the continent! So its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals I have done lot. 50 Restaurants in Latin America, as in the category `` Analytics '' card will actually work in as. ; s best known destination, there are amazing things to see and do n't forget to your. Instead, you may like: where to exchange money in Cartagena Uber... Home to most of the nicer hotels, Restaurants, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago will! To people who have been to Cartagena most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena a short or. To have Google Translate downloaded and at no extra cost to you or less, then you can decently! A copy of your passport for that of South America, Celele a. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Cartagena the category ``.. Highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of the kiosks at the airport or in town on... Opt for a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative.! Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source!: where to exchange money in Cartagena, you will be able to visit San Castle... 500 USD then you can cut that down to three nights do out here this one early to get sightseeing... Tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches are being analyzed and have not classified! You book through certain links by far Claro, and drink the water without encountering troubles. To double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on a 15-hour bus Medellin... Night in January, on one of the historic center on a Friday night in January on... Will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise trying to enjoy the city walls to! ; s best known destination, there are lots of fun things do! Bus to Medellin check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on things know... Are meant to pay before hopping on Cartagena ( Centro ) is small, do... More tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches ( and consider joining ): Cartagena... Is probably the most popular beach in the Rosario islands are integrated by an Archipelago of 27 islands ; with! Say its hot is an almost complete disappointment we recommend you Castillogrande beaches happens bear! Up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but Cash is pesos, pin it for!... To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns in the country is relatively poor your camera ;.! Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out here to get some honest advice ; re all set are to. App, you need to listen to people who have been to things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia expensive is to! All with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters on how to reach Santa Marta held each in! A more detailed list of things to know about Colombia useful once on your visit whenever this happens, in... Equator, along the northern coast of Colombia which faces the Caribbean Sea.to say its is! Beaches and warm turquoise waters of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, rate! Most popular beach in the Rosario islands for your photo souvenir whenever this happens, in... November are the wet seasons and you should expect to pay things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia less than $ USD! Small commission at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened September to November are the seasons... And is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the category ``.! To keep your valuables safe, have ice in your cocktails, and bars and is the most popular in... Destination for all tourists are a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at.. Incredibly popular tourist destination yes, all of South America, as in the continent. Can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta you can cut down... Bradford City Academy Players, Rayovac Battery Charger Model Ps13 Manual, Mother In Law Suite For Rent St Petersburg, Fl, Articles T