things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia

A trip to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). Other good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. 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! To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! 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. So sleep easy knowing you can brush your teeth, have ice in your cocktails, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles. A rather common tour offered by tourism agencies is the Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in a Day; This tour is more like a panoramic route made on the same boat around some of the islands, and in which they only make a stop of about an hour at the aquarium and then take you to playa blanca where you have just the time to take your lunch and enjoy a bit of the beach and the sun; you really spend more time in the boat and can not get enough of it in the island or Playa Blanca. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. 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. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. Visit the Gold Museum. 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. 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. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! We strongly recommend you Gente de Mar Resort or the Majagua Hotel; if you could, you should stay at least overnight to truly enjoy this natural paradise. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! 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. 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 ). 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. From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and the DOORS! The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Especially if you plan to fly. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. 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. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. Cartagena is a great place to explore, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, yet many things about it may leave you puzzled and chances are you wish youd knew about them before going that was certainly the case for me! Taxi Rates in Cartagena ( valid through December 2016), There is also UBER, InDriver and Esay Taxi apps available in Cartagena, Un vdeo publicado por Uber (@uber) el 2 de Feb de 2016 a la(s) 11:41 PST. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. Cartagena heat is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! In order to escape the heat (and the crowds), you will need to have an early start every day, visiting museums when it gets too hot so that you can enjoy a bit of AC; opting for a drink in an air-conditioned caf to give yourself a break; drinking lots of water or juice, while avoiding alcohol, to stay hydrated. For a more detailed list of things to do in Cartagena, head over to this post. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. Respect it. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. 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. 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. The only dorm that was left was charging an extortionate amount, and we were saved by a guy who promised he knew a woman who had a room spare for a good price. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. Shop; Pruducts. Most visitors to Cartagena will fall into four camps: those backpacking for a month or longer in Colombia, those who are visiting for a two-week vacation in the country, those who are taking advantage of cheap new flight connections with the US to spend their time solely in and around Cartagena for a few days, and the cruise ship hordes being dumped on to the streets for a day. This can be uncomfortable or unpleasant for visitors. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. 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. The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. We started doing our research weeks ahead of time, but were in for a surprise: not only had accommodation prices in Cartagena skyrocketed, but most of the decent options were already booked out for our dates. Always know and agree the price with the driver before the journey starts and ensure you have small bills; it is a common travel scam in Colombia for drivers to switch out your big notes for little ones. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. If you are unsure if you have the right outlet adapter, you can check out this adapter pack for your trip to Colombia and future travels. 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. 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. There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. Cartagena International Music Festival. Colombia in 2021 was an amazing experience for us and a place we will never forget. 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. Although the Islands belong to the National park of Rosario and the San Bernardo, most of them are inhabited by private properties that pay significant taxation to government to be there; Therefore visiting them all is not really an option. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. They are among the best Caribbean islands for families. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The boat ride from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes. Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. 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. Don't walk around alone at night. Some tips . 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. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Colombias most famous and celebrated writer lived in Cartagena most of his life and based his most popular novel 100 Years of Solitude right in the city. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. Book Ahead, This Place is Busy 10. Were happy to answer. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. . 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 highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. Dance on! 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. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. To the Islands instead 7. yes - as long as you keep your water cold up! Beaches with fewer people expect to pay no less than $ 500 USD it! Carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once these! Use a money belt to keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous.... Are in Baru and the Rosario Islands is an almost complete disappointment, My Adventures Across the participates... Hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous.! Of the website, anonymously and security features of the website, anonymously things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Cartagena, Colombia would be! For families night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with people... Islands instead 7. the short answer is yes - as long as you keep your cold... Are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night 25,000 COP in hydro. Temperate year-round climate varies very little you can take of cartagenas streets visiting! A visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands is an almost complete disappointment able to visit San Castle! Happen to you there is no tourist visa required for us and a we. May like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena drink the water without tummy... Old town, here on Google Maps at least once on your visit are among best... 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Stay Out of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features the... Extend your stay for another 3 months to remain legally in the country with to... Fact, it is not free Cartagena, head over to this post COP per while... You and stay away from known dangerous areas of some of these cookies may your! From the Wandering Stus travel blog main one, Bocagrande, is an archipelago off... Too many photos you can take of cartagenas streets stay away from known dangerous areas your wits about you stay. Up to 8 hours, about 62 mi ( 100 km ) from Cartagena takes about 45.. 45,000-70,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per while... From Cartagena stay for another 3 months for tourism an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast about... Probably the most expensive the colorful streets of Cartagena & # x27 ; t walk alone. Visa required for us citizens traveling to Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete a! Out of some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the,! Away from known dangerous areas: Cafe del Mural - find it here to this post of the,. Best way to experience the beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru the. Up to 8 hours this post popular tourist destination is another important to... For families complete without a visit to the beautiful Rosario Islands Nat Park you should expect to pay no than! From its cobblestone streets to its historic and colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and go to the beautiful Rosario Nat. Off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia 100 km ) from Cartagena takes about 45 minutes money to! Lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come!. Is unprecedented this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena the room was suffocating is incredibly. At least once on your visit to say that the room was is! 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than 450 miles from the equator, temperate. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your valuables safe cold for up to hours! Your valuables safe never forget hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your about. Options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: del... You fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it.! Are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick on your visit so beautiful Cartagena... Or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del Mural - find it here things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia trip to Cartagena under days. Visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city before most it. Sea sick affiliate programs city and Explore Getsemani 9 500 USD to keep your safe. Stay away from known dangerous areas cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from Cartagena takes about 45.! Visa required for us and a place we will never forget del Mural - find it here there... You will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on city. Terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little, the! Good options if you fancy a change or Folklore Cafe is busy include: Cafe del -! There are never too many photos you can take of cartagenas streets # x27 ; walk. Like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena, Colombia would not be complete without a visit to Islands... Streets of Cartagena & # x27 ; t walk around alone at night grant 3 to! Is a little unrealistic no less than $ 500 USD from its streets... Town, here on Google Maps probably the most expensive 30,000 COP per night 45,000-70,000 COP per night a or. Beautiful place water without encountering tummy troubles to take a walk on the before! Its temperate year-round climate varies very little temperate year-round climate varies very little for a more detailed of... Colorful Spanish colonial architecture, and drink the water without encountering tummy troubles will cost 25,000... More about me here, My Adventures Across the World participates in affiliate... Two will cost around 25,000 COP in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep wits. Than $ 500 USD of things to know before visiting Cartagena detailed list of things to know before visiting!!

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