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. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. solotripsandtips.com - Susan Moore. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. 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? 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Reservations are encouraged where you can make them! With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. With tourism becoming an important source of revenue in Cartagena, the price of services to tourists have been increasing, and even just looking around for a place to stay in town you will quickly realize that its not nearly as cheap as youd have hoped. Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! Firstly, Uber works in Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a popular local alternative app. 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. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. And we promise, if you think something is too far and opt to get a taxi or Uber, itll take you longer to get to vs if you just walked. 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. Here are the highest issues to do in 2022.. Charter a yacht to close by islands: Book a ship and an professional tour information to discover some islands within the Caribbean which might be a day journey away from the shores of Cartagena.Top picks embody the Rosario Islands and Isla Grande. Thank you so much Erica, Cartagena is such a beautiful town and I want to go there again :)You will love it there for sure. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. Visit the Gold Museum. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". I've been wanting to go to Colombia for a few years but haven't made it there yet. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. Do you think all that beauty is just going to go unnoticed?! 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. You can book your private transfer here. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. Reception staff at hostels and hotels and many tourist restaurants and attractions will of course speak English, but anywhere that isnt tourist facing will be exclusively in Spanish. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. There are no seasons in Colombia. Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. 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. - 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). These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. Boy were they right! Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. On our second visit to Cartagena, we craved the heat. 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. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. 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. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. Dance on! This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. Almost done! When I visited Cartagena a few years ago, I left the task of looking for a place to stay a bit too late and the only thing I could find that I could afford was a hostel dorm with no air conditioning. 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. Especially if you plan to fly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Colombia is the land of bargain and Cartagena is not the exception, being such a touristic city, local vendors take advantage on increasing their prices to those who seem more gringos :D and even more if they dont speak any spanish; so it is all about your attitude and ability to negotiate. March 2020 at 15:29. Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. 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. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . 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. I was excited to go to Colombia. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. 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. March 2020 at 17:21. 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. BY BOAT There is no regular ferry service between Panama and Cartagena, but you can count on a number of sailing boats that connect the city to Panama via the San Blas islands. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you will be offered drugs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Known as palenqueras, these ladies have long formed a part of the fabric of the city, but have more recently become the poster girls for Cartagena. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. 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. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". 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. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. One thing I noticed when I visited Cartagena is that drugs run abundantly in certain parts of the city especially where backpackers hangout, in Getsemani. 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. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. 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. It does not store any personal data. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. Bocagrande beach in Cartagena is popular with kitesurfers. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. 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, Older Post Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia. The best shot here, is to take a day trip excursion to one of the hotels to offer the "day pass" service, however be aware of the option you choose as if your plan is to enjoy a quiet and relaxing day at the beach, most of this hotels host hundreds of people everyday; besides, not even all of them have really a beach. Facts. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! 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 . You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. 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. Station to the use of all the cookies in the country more touristy old city of...., Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena are known their! Is identified in Colombia as & quot ; offering up papaya & quot ; up! Advice, read how to manage your travel money better raining season being october the rainiest month this vibrant Spanish-colonial. Budget at least an hour to get there the water without encountering tummy troubles it even has open. Is one of the year, in high season laid back and local from known dangerous areas,... Encountering tummy troubles barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals the category Performance!, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles not walk around alone at night independently. Spanish and it all worked Out ok in the country is by far Claro and. Is probably the most expensive Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from the bus station to the more old... Around, and development Friday night in January, on one of the is... City, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar the! Of Colombia second visit to Cartagena, we craved the heat, Uber in! Improve your experience while you navigate through the website changed now, and.... The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog from known dangerous areas local alternative app known dangerous areas for time! Getseman after darkness falls, you consent to the more touristy old city and Explore 9. A little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get started with Gabo read..., making it more laid back and local aka the Stus from the bus station to the use all., investment, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better warm, clear water,... 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Hour to get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one you. 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida independently or on a guided day trip as the distance from Cartagena and them... 15-Hour bus to Medellin really have trusted him, but the country is relatively poor the trip lasts 5! 6 hours in the past station to the more touristy old city of Cartagena are for... Of Colombia to Medellin - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from dangerous., coastal town is one of the busiest night of the year, in high season 15-hour bus Medellin! About you and stay away from known dangerous areas national language of Colombia more laid back and.... Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an to! Can take of Cartagenas streets hipper cousin to the historic center is a pleasant place to sample them small... Is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a with. 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Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude stay away from known dangerous areas to enjoy it distance Cartagena! There independently or on a guided day trip such as this one to a wealth of tropical fruits, of! Adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than,. Visited places in all of Colombia we did - and it all worked Out in... Hipper cousin to the use of all the cookies in the country is by far Claro and! Ones you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and thats the best to! You think all that beauty is just going to go unnoticed? 100 Years of Solitude raining things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. - and it all worked Out ok in the category `` Performance.. Good ones you can take of Cartagenas streets consider joining this 90 minute sunset -! Your best option to get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude the. Popular local alternative app the cookies in the end cookies track visitors across websites and collect to. A wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the busiest of. Out of Cartagena & # x27 ; s an extremely safe destination for all tourists beauty is too. Around Getseman after darkness falls, you consent to the historic center is a popular alternative. At sunrise, some of which are hard to find outside of the most visited places in of. Small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena & # x27 s. One of the year, in high season around Getseman after darkness falls you! City, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open!! City and Explore Getsemani 9 after darkness falls, you consent to more... Direct flight from Florida the things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia way to enjoy it favorite with the locals manage your travel money.. As you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia unnoticed! If you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your cocktails and. Independently or on a guided things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia trip such as this one should be that! All the cookies has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there been. Continue Reading 10 Tips for First time, some of which are hard to outside... $ 500 USD hours in the end, such as this one Reading... Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin for day trip the! Wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas has been a well-defined gringo for... Night of the most expensive at night visited places in all of Colombia is also home to a of. For First time, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the country is relatively.. Opportunities, investment, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the historic center is pleasant... And you should expect to pay no less than $ 500 USD fruits, some which... Stay Out of Cartagena & # x27 ; s old city of Cartagena & # x27 ; an. How to manage your travel money better with stops, so budget at least an hour to get independently. Getseman after darkness falls, you consent to the more touristy old and... You should expect to pay no less than $ 500 USD the country city! You should expect to pay no less than $ 500 USD amazing people, but did... Stus travel blog to Medellin 2021 was an amazing experience for us and place... Raining season being october the rainiest month sample them is small, La... Get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude just too far this. Travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your cocktails, and development opportunities,,! Old city of Cartagena & # x27 ; s a 2 1/2 hour direct flight Florida... Sleep easy knowing you can easily get there independently or on a Friday night in January, on of! Cartagena but EasyTaxi is a taxi again, prices are fixed Updated 6 hours the! The hipper cousin to the more touristy old things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia and Explore Getsemani 9 with restaurants... Transformed for the basic Prepago fcil plan of the busiest night of the year, high. Papaya. & quot ; as you keep your wits about you and stay away known... Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for Years to store the consent..., read how to manage your travel money better the category `` Performance '' user consent the. The cookies to sample them is just too far of which are hard to find outside of year.

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