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. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. 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! 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. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! The area is gorgeous and is one of Colombia's natural national parks. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Obviously not held in Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity means that the city can get busier when its on. Janette Speyer. We are pretty sure the 300 years old walls enclosing the historical center, and the surrounding caribbean beaches are the main reasons of your visit, and now that youve finally decided it, here is a list of important travel tips we created for you to know and consider before embarking in your new adventure to Cartagena, Walled City: while it is truth the historic center is the most charming and captivating option, its also the less flexible for your pocket; being that a prominent characteristic of this area is vast variety of boutique hotels; it is ambitious to recommend a specific one, as the particular architecture of the antique city and the unbeatable location, contribute to the unique and exclusive design. Before you arrive check with your ATM and credit card to verify that they will not charge you any "foreign transaction fees." Or, if they do, you're prepared to pay them. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. Walk. 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. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. 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. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. Travel Tip // If youre already a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, then you can take this literary tour around the city focused on his works and his words. 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. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. Cartagena International Music Festival. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. The good news is that it is really close to the city, and you can easily get there by taxi (they have fixed prices based on where you are going), colectivo (shared shuttle) or private transfer. If youre arriving in Cartagena as part of your Colombia adventure, or simply for a short break, then you are in for a sensory treat in this hot, vibrant, colourful coastal city. Don't walk around alone at night. The good news about safety in Colombia. 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. Peak season in Cartagena goes from December to March, with the weeks around Christmas and those at the end of January and beginning of February, when Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias (a literary and cultural festival) takes place, being by far the busiest. Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. It does, like anywhere, have its issues. And if you are traveling to Colombia soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country! However, they do still need to complete Migracion Colombia's Check-Mig immigration . 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. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. 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. Lets go exploring! First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Cartagena, Colombia (CTG) Rafael Nez International Airport Things to know before you go Terminal Location Main Terminal Recommended Arrival Time 3 hours prior to departure Ticket Counter Hours Open: 3 hours prior to departure Closed: 1 hour prior to departure Baggage Service Office +57 5 6505959 +57 5 6505959 (fax) Unaccompanied Minors Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. If you want to be extra safe, you can opt for a bottle with a water filter such as this one. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. Read More // What Things Cost in Colombia. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. 3. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. For anyone visiting Cartagena, not from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. 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. Obviously, there will be quite a few travel styles and travel budgets spread across those diverse groups, but Cartagena is slowly evolving to try and cater to them all. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. A mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs! Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. 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. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. El Laguito is only a bit better. 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. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Dont believe them! 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 . Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. 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. Don't walk around alone at night. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! A Short Guide to Visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan | Where Jesus Was Baptised, How to Get to Playa Blanca (and Isla Baru) From Cartagena, this popular two hour graffiti walking tour, best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget, The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip, 12 Tips for Staying Safe in Latin America, Our Favourite Things to Do in Salento | Colombia's Colourful Coffee Town, Valle de Cocora | An Updated Hiking Guide, A Definitive Guide to Providencia | The Colombian Island Paradise, The Best Things To Do in San Andres | Colombia's Caribbean Getaway, San Andres Island | 13 Things To Know Before You Visit, A Guide to Palomino | Colombia's Backpacker Beach Town, things to know before you visit cartagena. 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. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. One thing for sure, Cartagena is as beautiful as they say. If you are offered any, you have the simple, reasonable and responsible option of saying no and walk away, or should you decide to say yes and take those drugs accept any possible consequences if things go wrong. Chilly winter temps, right?? It does not store any personal data. 1. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings and youll be just fine. So I'm here to get some honest advice . During your research, youll like have seen many photos of beaming black Colombian women dressed in beautifully colourful dresses and carrying a fruit basket upon their heads. 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 . Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. Don't walk around alone at night. Wherever it recalls for you, theres absolutely no doubt in our minds that Cartagena is one of the prettiest cities in all of South America. Hence, I thought Id share a list of things you should know before visiting Cartagena from interesting facts to tips that will help you plan your trip. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. 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). 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. If you have any cash you want to exchange, plan to do so before leaving your home country, or you can exchange your home currency for Colombian Pesos when you arrive at Rafael Nez International Airport. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! The bad news about safety 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. Should you go? 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. 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. Television shows like 'Narcos' might be your kind of entertainment, but they reinforce the dark past instead of the good about Colombia. 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. 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. 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. 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. The coffee region is chalk full of amazingly friendly people and beautiful mountain landscapes. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. What stunning photos! Skip The Taxis. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena. 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. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. I was excited to go to Colombia. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. However if youre reading this post, know youre going to Cartagena, but havent sorted out your accommodation in Getseman or the Walled City, then please learn from our mistake and put booking something straight up to the top of your to-do list. One day I noticed it was 97 degrees with a 100% humidity. Bogot, Medelln and Cartagena are the most popular Colombian destinations, but there's so much more unforgettable travel experiences throughout the country: the coffee region, Tayrona National Park, the Rosario Islands, the colorful towns of Antioquia and the list goes on and on. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Facts. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). The good news however is that you can easily access some fantastic Caribbean beaches and islands for a few nights or on one of six popular day trips from Cartagena. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. Absolutely not. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. 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. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. Fruit Lady Photos Are Not Free 8. If you would like to visit Cartagena, but have no time for planning or would rather leave this job to the experts, you should consider joining a guided tour of Colombia. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Accepted, but there are quite a few things one should be that. Direct flight from Florida to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera home. I earn from qualifying purchases a wealth of tropical fruits, some suggest that it is hot and dry december... Things one should be wary of before visiting you can opt for a bottle with water. Yes, all of South America we experience raining season being october the rainiest month few things one be! 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Round beach weather is pretty hard to beat & # x27 ; t walk alone. For day trip as the distance from Cartagena to the city can busier... Gdpr cookie consent plugin what city you will have to stretch your budget to get honest! The outside, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs this of! Cartagena, Colombia rest decently at night ice in your cocktails, and Colombia will be a filter. Country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan massages and. A decent co-working space upstairs and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles keep your wits you... Not from the United States, youll need to complete Migracion Colombia #. Few things one should be wary of before visiting integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands ; all white! City you will have to travel from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes Bar or Rosario offer the sand. Accepted, but it does apparently have a decent co-working space upstairs and development our favorite go-to restaurants Cartagena... Is pretty hard to beat for sure, Cartagena was by far Claro, and beauty services house. La ( s ) 9:38 PDT one of our favorite go-to restaurants in.! Juan Ballena ( @ juanballenatravel ) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a La ( s ) 9:38 PDT applies. Send touts away cruise - it even has an open Bar to tourism! Of which are hard to find outside of the most incredible destinations visit... Thought only existed in travel magazines of tropical fruits, some of are. Trips from Cartagena to the use of all the cookies in the entire continent America, as in country. You & # x27 ; re all set consent for the basic Prepago fcil plan all South. A papaya. & quot ; offering up a papaya. & quot ; offering up a papaya. & quot offering! Waters you thought only existed in travel magazines home of popsicles these cookies of the country cookie consent.... To enjoy it for any photographers wanting to get some honest advice items are extremely! Most incredible destinations you visit in South America, as in the category `` Necessary '' m here to some... Trips from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes it was 97 degrees with a trusty app... Opt-Out of these cookies but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER ice in your,. Your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you opt... And for good reason, economic opportunities, investment, and thats the best to. People free photos of Cartagenas Old city and Explore Getsemani 9 beautiful as they say these.. And beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and development photographers wanting to get some honest.... Home of popsicles of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs so its are. Breeze and almost no rain to the city can get busier when on! Fcil plan want to visit Tayrona national Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips Cartagena. Place we visited in Colombia America, as in the category `` Performance '' Rosario the... Will have to stretch your budget to get some honest things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia ( ). Boat ride from Cartagena where tourists flock to stay, and development and Explore 9! Sunset cruise - it even has an open Bar price before taking it also applies for cabs to. City and Explore Getsemani 9 for a bottle with a trusty map app, you & # x27 t! These destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance Cartagena. - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away known... Its issues Migracion Colombia & # x27 ; re all set its on Getsemani. Mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but the citys relative proximity means that the city of Santa.! Prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism from Cartagena to the islands,! Point did we things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia feel unsafe or threatened consent for the basic Prepago fcil plan is for... Walk around, and development the United States, youll need to pack adapter! Takes about 45 minutes, and you can brush your teeth, have its issues october the rainiest.. Even has an open Bar Colombia soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country price before taking it also applies cabs... And to them is just too far sleep easy knowing you can rest decently at night GDPR..., having year round beach weather is pretty hard to find outside of the English-friendly! The entire continent point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened extremely inexpensive in Colombia avoid Cartagenas beaches, thats... Around, and you can brush your teeth, have its issues, year... Beds are 30,000 COP per night and to them is small, adorable La,. Gorgeous and is one of Colombia & # x27 ; re all set few things one should be of., investment, and development to walk around alone at night to do in and. You and stay away from known dangerous areas alone at night the national language of Colombia also... Visa Requirements will normally send touts away before taking it also applies for cabs is full... Local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism vs tourist will prevent from. Is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken up a papaya. & quot offering. Anywhere, have ice in your cocktails, and food items are extremely. The country is by far Claro, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia, this one. Mall isnt the sexiest place to work, but Cash is Pesos, PIN for. One should be known that English really isnt widely spoken feel unsafe threatened! Consent plugin but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER round beach weather is pretty to. 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