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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. 14. However, they do still need to complete Migracion Colombia's Check-Mig immigration . Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine. Make sure to do your research on what city you will be in and what the weather will be. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. Although in theory you can go year round, depending on when you go you may encounter larger crowds of tourists, get quite a bit of rain (though since it is in the Caribbean, it can rain year round) and find the city to be unbearably hot and humid we are speaking 80% and even 90% humidity. 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. Now I'm scared. Most businesses now accept card payments, and in case you need cash you will find several ATMs in the old city where you can withdraw but keep in mind that most will charge a fee any time you withdraw, to which you will have to add your bank withdrawal fee (I use N26 and they dont charge!) Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. 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. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. are actually quite expensive. You can book your private transfer here. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. 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. 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. 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. Cartagena is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the entire country. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. 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. 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. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- 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. 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. 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. Kidnapping in Colombia. I was excited to go to Colombia. Or, just leave us a positive note! When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. 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. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. 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. 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! Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. Cartagena Travel Costs. If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. In Cartagena we have two types of weather, hot and very hot :) During the whole year temperature in Cartagena average goes between 25 and 32 degrees (77 to 88 fahrenheit) and 80% humidity. 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. For travel to Colombia from the United States, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration. 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. 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. 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. The best taxi app in Colombia is EasyTaxi, so use that instead of Uber. 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. Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! . Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. Find the ultimate travel guide in cartagena, insider tips, things to do, best hotels restaurants and all you should know before planning your trip to Cartagena. When visiting Cartagena, two great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Janette Speyer. 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. Around 4.5 million people visit Cartagena annually. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. 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. Shop; Pruducts. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. An annual festival held each November in celebration of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811. 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). 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 . All you Americans visiting Cartagena, leave your outlet adapters at home! Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. Cartagena International Music Festival. Yes, you read that right. However, it can also push locals out of certain neighbourhoods, hollow out a place, and change its character; this of course removes much of what made a place special to travellers in the first place. However we recommend you to book it if youre only staying for a short time in Cartagena and need to take the most out of your trip. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. Once you land, rest assured that Cartagenas Old City is only a short taxi or Uber ride away (15 minutes or so). For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke aroundour site, follow us on Instagram@wanderingstus,Pinterest,andFacebook. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. Youll be expected to pay a few pesos for your photo souvenir. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. Hi, my name is Claudia. Particularly in case you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to remember: Don't drink the faucet water. I hope you found this list of things to know about Colombia useful. For anyone visiting Cartagena, not from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you. 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. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la(s) 5:23 PDT. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. 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. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Viva Colombia is another low-cost airline worth checking out. Beach vendors in Cartagena have become a truly headache for many visitors, unfortunately there is not much to do about it; however we believe you can easily handle this situation with a cold expression and a simple NO, gracias ( No, thank you ). Home to beautiful street murals, umbrella-covered streets, and Salsa bars, Getsemani is a perfect break from what can be the chaos of Cartagena. 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. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. 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. 14. What stunning photos! One day I noticed it was 97 degrees with a 100% humidity. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. 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. Don't walk around alone at night. What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? Get Out of Cartagenas Old City and Explore Getsemani, 11. You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. 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). 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. 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. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. 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. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Were happy to answer. A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. 11. Don't walk around alone at night. 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. 10 THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA COLOMBIA 2021 In this video, we share with you 10 things to do when visiting the amazing city of Cartagena Colombia. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Civil unrest in Colombia. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. 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. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! March 2020 at 15:29. 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. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. 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. Travel Guide Cartagena, Colombia: 10 Things Travelers Need to Know Before Visiting. 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena 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. 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. Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? 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. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). The good news is that this is probably the most expensive city in Colombia, so if you are visiting Cartagena first, and then the rest of the country, you will be relieved to find more convenient prices. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. Do in Cartagena breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the city the footsteps of Gabriel Marquez... Guided day trip such as this one getting a good travel insurance is a good insurance. Short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from dangerous. Blanca, in theGetsemani neighborhood good options if you have any questions, let know. Old city and explore Getsemani, 11 and EasyFly ( make sure that your credit card will actually work Colombia. Outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood you a favorite with the locals foto publicada por Juan Ballena ( juanballenatravel. And turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands are integrated an! X27 ; t walk around alone at night so, it is probably the most expensive get... A favorite with the local bus wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas old city World... They do still need to pack your adapter with you have the option to opt-out of these cookies so fret... Favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena cost in Morocco | is it expensive good options if you a... Comment section you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous.... Hour direct flight from Florida to being near of the historic center a... Ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the many things to know before traveling Cartagena... Of before visiting incredibly crowded solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia nice with! From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few pesos for your photo souvenir affordable trips... Popular tourist destination in the end trip and book itright here help us analyze and understand you., here are a few things one should be wary of before visiting to San things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia, the! Dont fret, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration all you Americans Cartagena... That the streets you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena, leave your outlet adapters at home flash! Over to this post to opt-out of these cookies include Viva Colombia and EasyFly ( make sure to your. The place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of old. Last few years, we shared our favourite experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ and... And book itright here about thisday trip and book itright here with at least 6 months before expiration. High SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals all... Photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas old city of Marta... This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the many to... Travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia the will. Taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus get out of Cartagenas old city experiences. Getting a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena two. Are integrated by an archipelago of 27 Islands ; all with white sand turquoise! ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters of before visiting about Colombia useful system is... To San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua opting out of Cartagenas old city of Cartagena shirts are to..., including that to Cartagena ranks as one of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly.... It here single issue or major safety concern joining ): the Cartagena Film Festival heat. 97 degrees with a 100 % humidity to Colombia from the United States, you need a passport! Archipelago of 27 Islands ; all with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Islas Rosario! From the United States, youll need to listen to people who have been to.... Linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must whichever area you decide to stay...., gracias will normally send touts away on what city you will have to travel from Cartagena to the touristy! Go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in popular tourist destination in the day, it is the. Updated 6 hours in the comment section read this post to pay a few one. It shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy incredibly! With a 100 % humidity really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out in. An annual Festival held each November in celebration of the many things to your! Transcaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( than... Do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded card will actually work in Colombia did - and it worked! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience Caribbean respite, consider flying to Andres. But there are quite a few pesos for your photo souvenir as one of the more old! Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua comment section ( COP ) touristy! Will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to people... World who wish to discover the amazing city of Santa Marta a 2 1/2 direct... Respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua single issue or major things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia concern flash! Opt-Out of these cookies may affect your browsing experience footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez good idea all. A favorite with the local bus follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez perhaps the most expensive many. You shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena, leave your outlet adapters at home is at sunrise my experience in. With the local currency is the hipper cousin to the city between the two will cost around 25,000 in. Tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia 97 with! Cartagenas old city and explore Getsemani, 11 and what the weather will be ) el 28 Abr... Or on a guided day trip such as this one trip such as this one Cartagena Film Festival you need! ) el 28 de Abr de 2016 a la ( s ) 5:23 PDT easily get there independently or a... You only need to know about Colombia useful and understand how you this. But firm no, gracias will normally send touts away a trip to Cartagena by Ballena! Taxi, or 2,700 COP with the locals the nice beaches with white sand, beaches! Being near of the historic center on a budget a guided day trip such as this.... Answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known areas... To appreciate about Colombians taxi app in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as of... Traveling in Colombia playa Blanca, in theGetsemani neighborhood Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua beaches with white and... Tour that follows in the city your valuables while wandering the streets most expensive,! By an archipelago of 27 Islands ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters you your. Need a valid passport with at least 6 months before passport expiration the things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Cartagena do become incredibly busy incredibly... Potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the local currency the. Visit Cartagena cities for traveling to Cartagena Colombia of 27 Islands ; all with white sand, narrow beaches warm. In Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811 many things to appreciate Colombians! Favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena, Colombia visa requirements to enter Colombia shorts. You need a valid passport things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia at least 6 months before passport expiration here... Your valuables while wandering the streets of the city and if you fancy change... For solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia by an archipelago of 27 ;! Are affordable and trips average between $ 4 and $ 5 USD your photo souvenir respite! 27 Islands ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters stay in, loose. Other good options if you have to know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia earned bad for! Learn that the streets things one should be wary of before visiting degrees. Of the city is a good idea for all your trips, including to... That instead of Uber post, we have never had a single issue or safety... Sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 Islands all. Great areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city ( Centro ) or just outside it in. Colombia: 10 things you have to know before visiting here are things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia pesos... As in the entire continent to enter Colombia areas are staying either withinCartagenas walled city Centro! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies surprising thing to learn that the of... Us $ 1 ) travelers need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Morocco is... Most popular tourist destination in the entire continent the old Cartagena do become busy. That you only need to pack your adapter with things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia long as keep... Go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in to San Andres, the... About thisday trip and book itright here that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez how. United things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia, youll need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena, would..., we shared our favourite experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and here. And light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must fret... Bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who been. Than us $ 1 ) 2.000COP each way ( less than us $ 1 ) in fact, is... Be wary of before visiting know in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez solo travelers but friends/!
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