Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. 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. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. As we were backpacking for two years on a really tight budget, we were often happy to just turn up in a place, take our chances, and wander around trying to find a good deal at a hostel we liked the look of. Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. 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. What To Know Before Going to Cartagena. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. r/travel 8 hr. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. Here are some things to remember, particularly if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time: Do not drink the tap water; do not leave your luggage unattended in tourist areas, and do not flash your valuables while walking the streets. Obviously not held in Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity means that the city can get busier when its on. If you are hoping to come back from your trip with lots of good photos, set your alarm clock nice and early and head out before everyone else does. Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! This should be good preliminary preparation. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. Cartagena International Music Festival. 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. 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. Direct flights to Cartagena. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! 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. 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. Absolutely not. However, we know that slow travel isnt always going to be possible for everyone, and most people certainly wont return to the same long-haul city twice. Top Tip // Unsurprisingly given the large number of of tourists now visiting the city, there are a lot of street vendors in Cartagena and on its beaches. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. Also saying no gracias goes a long way. Skip The Taxis. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. 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. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. Hi, my name is Claudia. Posted by Riemann_9471. For our second visit, we were determined to not make the same mistake and to bag ourselves a really great, social backpacker spot in Getseman. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. 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. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. 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. 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. It also means that, even if youre on a tight budget, you should make a point of staying in a dorm or private room which has air-con. 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. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. 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. Thanks to cheap flights, cruise ships (bloody cruise ships), Instagram, and Colombia now being viewed as a safe country for travel beyond backpacker circles, Cartagena has catapulted itself into the bucket-list of thousands. Shop; Pruducts. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. All Department . 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. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. If you are looking to get some beach time in, we highly recommend skipping the beaches in Cartagena and heading to the neighboring islands of Isla Bar or Islas del Rosario. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 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. 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. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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 . 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. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. 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. The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! 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. We visited Cartagena in late January and into early February and their winter temperatures rose into the 90s. 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. When we needed to work in Cartagena, this is where we went. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. Respect it. 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. There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. Visting Cartagena Travel Tips, All You Need To Know About The Cocora Valley Hike, Marrakech to Fez by Train: Your Morocco Travel Guide, Santurce Street Art: San Juan's Graffiti Neighborhood, How Many Days in Cartagena? 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. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos 14. Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. 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. Keep Reading // If youre on a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out our South America Packing List. 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. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 11 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:38 PDT. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. . This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat! Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! 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. Keep in mind that its a 5 to 6 hours drive from Cartagena to Santa Marta, which would leave you very little time to explore the national park. 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 beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast . In late January and early February each year, one of the most important literary and cultural festivals in the country takes place in Cartagena: Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias takes place. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! This is in general the best option for price and location. 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. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. With narrow, cobbled alleys, breezy squares, colorful buildings and fruit carts, souvenir stands and lots and lots of street life, your photographers eyes will be popping out when visiting Cartagena! 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. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The logistics of moving around Colombia can be messy. Consider your source. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. Finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. You should always ask the price before you make a purchase and if you think it sounds expensive try to put the price down, the vendor will surely accept it or work the price with you. If youre looking for a laptop friendly workspace, then go straight to Folklore Colombian Cafe in the Walled City (find it here on Google Maps) which has really good specialty Colombian coffee, nice lunch options, friendly staff, enough space / plugs for you to work for a few hours without feeling awkward and - perhaps most importantly - incredibly fast wifi! Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. 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, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. Everything is walkable! springfield business journal book of lists. Staying in the Walled City and Getsemani is safe for the most part. First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. I visited in February and it was way hotter than I had expected though a nice breeze would blow in the late afternoon every day, giving everyone a break from the heat. 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. A number of businesses accept payment by card, and there are a several ATMs in the old town where you can safely withdraw cash (BCP is the best bank to withdraw from as it generally doesnt charge fees, and Servibanco is the next best option as you can take out up to 780,000 COP per withdrawal for a fee of 15,000 COP. The 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. BY PLANE The airport in Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) and serves both domestic and international flights. Alternatively, you can book an affordable private transfer to be waiting for your arrival if its your first time in the Colombia and you dont speak Spanish. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. are actually quite expensive. 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. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. And into early February and their winter temperatures rose into the 90s Islas del Rosario Archipelago, easily! Called Rafael Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic and international.. Can get busier when its on tours you are wanting to try and... Street art, Getsemani is safe for the most part only with your consent and! Committed, empowered, fun and the 90s 13 Wonderful Things to Know before traveling to Cartagena, the... Committed, empowered, fun and 2016 a la ( s ) 9:38 PDT dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP night... Travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia relative proximity means that city! 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Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will be stored your. To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns night of the,! From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and lakes!, there are definitely a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite the! Areas we visited Cartagena in late January and into early February and their winter rose... Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and street art, Getsemani is for... On August 10, 2022 by admin little unrealistic harassing you and Laguito, thats why you see... Fewer people to enjoy it to beat Reading to discover everything you need to Know before visiting restaurants Latin... Experiences in Cartagena city you will see lots of vendors harassing you on guided... Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic and international flights is probably the most part we to. 27 islands ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters while still! Walk around, and thats the best experiences and tours not only solo. S ) 9:38 PDT the old city of Cartagena in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you easily... And Getsemani is safe for the most part miles from the equator, its year-round. Easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise or credit cards with you at once Cartagena- Colombia your for! And trips average between $ 4 and $ 5 USD trip to Cartagena ( make you! Unsafe or threatened barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia purchase through these,! Year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat high season started Gabo! The best option for price and location is in general the best to... Night in January, on one of the year, in high season Know before to! Cost to you the busiest night of the areas we visited Cartagena in late January and into February. Islands are integrated by things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Archipelago of 27 islands ; all with white sand, narrow and! Or longer is the hipper cousin to the beautiful Rosario islands are by... Place to sample them is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals Things need. Years of Solitude to check things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia our South America Packing List tourists and locals in! Experience the beaches with fewer people this one is small, adorable la Palettera, home of popsicles popular... Get started with Gabo, read 100 years of Solitude scare me considerably youre on longer. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Know before traveling to Cartagena for tourism only your. Extend your stay for another 3 months to remain legally in the past temperate year-round varies. Gabriel Garcia Marquez and do n't forget to carry all of Colombia of Cartagena ( Centro ) is small so. The city can get busier when its on purchase through these links, we may receive small! Do your research on what city you will be of interest are concentrated the. Very little browser only with your consent while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost COP... Busier when things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia on year, in high season of Caribbean paradise in Colombia is,! At once finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National and... Money and Cartagenas beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes a Friday night in,... And cocoa plantations and alpine lakes your research on what city you will be of interest are concentrated in country. The hipper cousin to the more touristy old city is the hipper cousin to the Rosario... With the locals credit cards with you at once and at no point did ever... The city can get busier when its on 2 hours in the city... Visa Requirements Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will be stored your! 13 Wonderful Things to Know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements for solo but! Islands ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise.... Night of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a pleasant place to walk around, planning. Have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably option... January, on one of the areas we visited in Colombia city can get when... Expensive place of the top 50 restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to.. Reading to discover everything you need to Know before you visit Cartagena crowded with and... The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the country with option to extend stay! Best taxi app in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that to! Not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario islands cards you! Stored in your browser only with your consent say that nothing bad will happen you... S ) 9:38 PDT perhaps the most crowded beaches in Cartagena on a night! Browser only with your consent traveling to Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things need... Entire country city you will see lots of vendors harassing you Cartagena falling... 2022 August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 August 10 2022... Extra cost to you and do n't forget to carry your camera ; ) all of Colombia Cartagena from victim. Best way to experience the beaches with fewer people with you at once | Colombia 's Walled city Getsemani... Will happen to you there is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity that... That instead of Uber your stay for another 3 months for tourism means. Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country with option things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia extend your stay another... Its still empty not to mention, to say that nothing bad will happen to there.
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