Here's a few things to do in Cartagena: Explore the Walled City: This is the highlight exploring the endless streets and discovering gems. Cartagena is the city with most touristic traffic -both local and outlanders in Colombia. Sofitel Bar Calablanca Beach Resort in Cartagena, Colombia Sep 15, 2022 4 min read. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. The higher altitude regions have . Been harassed and followed numerous times by club promoters and drug dealers as well as hookers. Weve covered all the basics for traveling to Cartagena in this post, including: Ready to prep and plan for your adventure to Latin America? 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. Traveling to Cartagena (full name Cartagena de Indias), in Colombia, is not traveling to the other side of the world. Don't walk around alone at night. Money. Here are nine things you should know before heading to South America's most northern country. 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. Here are the highlights: Cartagena also has an impressive amount of international foods, so if you want to ease into things at the start of your trip (or splurge on a meal), there are plenty of cute cafes and restaurants in the city that serve pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, and other comfort foods. Landed in Cartagena and ready to explore? Luckily, we have written this post How To Get from Cartagena to Santa Marta which shares the three main options with public and private transport, as well this guide on the best things to do there. Plan for Wide Swings in the Weather 4. You will, however, need adequate unused pages in your passport. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! There are some truly beautiful works by skilled artists here, and Cartagena Connections or Streetart Cartagena can lead you to the best ones. You can't reach Colombia by road. I had 2 uber rides both of them try to cheat one even took off with my bag in her car luckily there was lots of traffic so she couldn't get far and I got my bag back. Colombia is very very reasonably priced and I highly recommend a coffee tour which was the highlight of my visit. You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. A gorgeous and historic coastal city along Colombias Caribbean coast, in Cartagena youll be at a crossroads between the Caribbean and South America. Flying between Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena is dirt cheap. Also, note that the local currency is COP (Colombian pesos). If you are a foreigner coming from another country, don't feel weird and shocked if the guard asks you to open your bag. 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. Keep Reading | The nine best hostels in Cartagena and our pick of the best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget. 2. International travelers entering Colombia must present a negative PCR test carried out within 96 hours before the . With that said, this lovely neighborhood is one of the most expensive. The best day trip from Cartagena is to Palenque de San Basilio, the first freed town in the Americas. What to Know Before Visiting Cartagena. 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. Cartagena. 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. There are amazing things to see and do out here. Lunch Like a Local. Clearly changing your money into pesos is better, but in a worst case scenario they will happily take your U.S Dollar. Watch out if you go out clubbing, because there are stories of people being drugged and then mugged. Pinterest. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. The average speed in Cartagena 5 Mbps. 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 . 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 . Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Coca leaves are still chewed on the streets and available for tourists . Most hotels do have WiFi for guests and you can buy a cheap local SIM card to use data or even hotspot yourself. If youre looking for a laptop friendly workspace, then go straight to Folklore Colombian Cafe (#4-17 Calle 32, Walled City) which has really good specialty Colombian coffee, nice lunch options, friendly staff and enough space / plugs for you to work for a few hours without feeling awkward. . TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As happening daily! 9. 13. It's terribly hot. 3. Here's what you need to know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia. Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With A Car Seat; Cartagena Entry Requirements As Of May 2021. And if youre an LGBTQ+ traveler, youll be happy to know that Colombia recognizes same-sex relationships. This village of . However, Omicron still spread quickly. The current policy allows for up to 180 days in one calendar year. Incredibly cheap and very filling, this is the best way to eat in Colombia. See Full Ranking List. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. For curious travellers and long-term backpackers, we think four nights in Cartagena is a good amount of time - although this may extend if you take various day trips to the islands. 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. 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. Related Post: Cartagena, Colombia Restaurants: Best Local Cuisine. Just don't give papaya. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. This amazing ambience paired with the warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city a wonderful spot for a quick trip. Expect to pay about $100 per person (if youre in a group of 4 people) to charter a boat. Like many touristy destinations, local vendors try to take advantage of tourists by hiking up the prices. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. 14. Here's everything you need to know before stopping by the Heroic City. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a protective hat are also valuable items to bring with you to Cartagena. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. Get lost in Old Town, sample streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til dawn before heading off on a boat tour to explore the bay and nearby islandsthese are just some of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Explore. Getseman, located on the outside of the walled town, is where you want to stay if youre on a budget. If you're used to spicy foods or foods with lots of seasoning, you may want to bring your own spices or ask for hot sauce. Here are some things you should know before you visit this gateway to South America. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. Besides the dangers or possible vulnerable situations associated with alcohol, it is also one of the most expensive items in Colombia. ), here are 16 essential things you need to know before you visit this beautiful country. He stated these new Colombia vaccine requirements were based . Recent Posts. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. Cartagena is easy to reach from almost all over the Americas and Europe. 2022 Travel Noire. Paper bills range from COP$1,000 to COP$100,000, but at the high end, that's only roughly $20USD so don't be surprised to see the large numbers on bills. @Colombian from tx, You must be a miserable individual who was looking for trouble and when you look for trouble trouble follows you. The stone fortresses and massive walls were built by Spaniards in the early 1500s. This is in general the best option for price and location. 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. Cartagena Travel Costs. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. 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. Planning Your Colombia Vacation 25 Helpful Colombia Travel Tips 1. Yes, it is important to do a bit of research before embarking on vaca in a new country. Anything imported into Colombia will be more expensive than it is back home. Apr 15, 2016 - HollyDayz Travel & Lifestyle. 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 local currency is Colombian pesos, COP. Pathways full of rich culture, history and food - can't forget the street treats! 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. Known as palenqueras, these ladies have long formed a part of the fabric of the city, but have more recently become poster girls for Cartagena. Here are the top 10 things you need to know before visiting Cartagena, Colombia. Related Post: Experiencing Cartagena Like A Local. Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. Bring Cash 3. Punta Arena is another family favorite, with a wide shoreline and clear, calm . 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. Many travelers use it as an introduction to South America before heading east along the coast or down to the bustling destinations of Medellin or Bogota (or perhaps a quick jaunt to Ecuador or Peru?). Reputation And Safety. The Best Things to do in Cartagena: Day Trips. Western males between the ages of 30-45 are typically the target, and instances have even been known to occur in broad daylight, so make sure to keep your wits about you. Known as fruit basket ladies who wear the beautiful bright-colored dresses, a basket of fruit on top of their heads, and a beautiful smile to match, those famous pictures that you see floating around on social media come with a price. Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit you'll likely see in Colombia. 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. You can do everything from book a private boat tour of the bay, charter a yacht to some nearby islands (a few hours off the coast), and so much more. 12. Below are some helpful things to know before you travel to Cartagena, especially during COVID. 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. By using these you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to provide you with free content to help you travel more, and travel better. 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. Check if y Rincn del Mar is in the Sucre province about 3 hours south of Cartagena. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. See what all the buzz is about and why Cartagena is an amazing destination in Colombia for your travel radar. From Boca Grande, however, families can board a ten-minute boat ride to Isla Tierra Bomba, a nearby island with amazing beaches. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena, - 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$3 approx). Don't stroll round alone at night time. On our second visit, it was clear that a lot of people arrived in Cartagena thinking that there were fantastically tropical beaches in and around the city. One highlight when visiting is the historic and famed Walled City in Old Cartagena. ATMs are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". Readers who have recently visited have let us know that although slow to begin with, the city is in a process of recovery, with visitor numbers improving rapidly (although they still remain relatively low as compared with early 2020). Ride the Chiva Party Bus. Omicron in Cartagena. San Felipe de Barajas Castle. All rights reserved. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Its culture is very different from the US which is part of what makes it such a unique and desirable travel destination. 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. This is understood in Colombia as "offering up papaya". Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. Colombians are lovely and welcoming, and with some knowledge of Spanish youll probably find yourself chatting away with just about everyone you meet during your trip. Sit-down restaurants in the Old Town will also be much more on par with U.S. and Western Europe prices than other areas of the city. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. En las afueras de la ciudad amurallada se encuentra Getseman, uno de los barrios ms populares de Cartagena de India Last Updated AUG/2021 Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. if you choose to purchase through them. However, when you arrive or leave or if youre on the wrong side of town after dark, its good to know how taxis operate. It would be easy to wander the streets of this stunning city, take some selfies against some brightly coloured walls and believe you've made the most of your trip to . MARTINVASQUEZPHOTOGRAPHY / Shutterstock.com. Cartagena is a WONDERFUL experience for everyone to discover. Old City Walls. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Its always best and safer to travel with a card which either doesnt charge for foreign ATM withdrawals or only charges a small fee, rather than arriving in a new country with all your cash for the trip! #3. Be sure to bring your certificate. Bocagrande and El Laguito: These are the modern touristic areas of Cartagena; both neighborhoods offer well established hotel chains as Hilton, Dann and Holiday Inn, as well as apartment rentals -which is often the first option for Colombian tourists when traveling with family or a group of friends.