If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. Dont despair! This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat! In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. If Cartagena is your first stop in Colombia, whether youve flown in to start your trip or travelled across from Panama, then some of the costs may take you by surprise. 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. Carnival of Barranquilla. Dance on! 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. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Or, just leave us a positive note! The countrys most famous author dreamed up many of his magical realist tales from a childhood and early journalistic career spent in Cartagena, and appreciating this adds a whole new layer to your strolls around it. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. 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. 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. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. You can book your private transfer here. 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. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. An annual festival held each November in celebration of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. Water in Cartagena is safe to drink, which will come as a massive relief as this way you wont have to worry about brushing your teeth with it, or eating a salad that has been washed in it. Most vendors are located at the beaches of Bocagrande, Laguito and Playa Blanca; we are very sure you gonna find different prices from each vendor and please never accept nothing for free, we can asure you it will cost you more, for that you should alway agree on price before taking or accepting any product or service from any vendor. Coca leaves are still chewed on the streets and available for tourists . (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION If you're traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! Isla Grandeis the most extensive of all, with a vast offer of places to spend your day along with options of accommodation, from hotels with all the amenities to eco friendly hotels with hammocks and cabanas. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. 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). Taxis in the city dont work on a meter system, but rely on set of zone rates so in theory you should know how much you will be charged before getting on. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. Dress appropriately for the temperatures, wear a hat, and lather yourself in suncream too. 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. Dont believe them! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. . Posted by Riemann_9471. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Keep in mind the rule of asking the price before taking it also applies for cabs. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. On the COVID-19 end, at the time of this post, international travelers entering Colombia no longer need to present a negative PCR test. To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! - 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$3 approx). Thats where you will find the Puerta del Reloj (Cartagenas clocktower); San Pedro Claver church; Santo Domingo church; Parque Bolivar, the Palace of the Inquisition; the Cathedral and the Museo del Oro Zenu (the Gold Museum). Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. ATM's are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". El Laguito is only a bit better. 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. Always keep your eyes open and your valuables safe, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target. 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. Travel is necessary and we have every intention to roam beautifully. 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. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. You can find further, full details on how to reach Santa Marta from Cartagena in this guide. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. 14. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. There are several good ones you can consider, such as this one. 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. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. Cartagena Uses U.S. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Cartagenas fruit ladies or also known as The Palenqueras, are colorfully dressed women who effortlessly balance a bouquet of fruit atop their heads as they wander the streets of Cartagena. Also saying no gracias goes a long way. 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. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! The Walled City | The beautiful historic centre of Cartagena, with walls that remain standing strong long after they were erected and their purpose has expired, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and the citys major attraction. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. If you are looking for fine, white sand and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling, you can still find some just a bit out of the city. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. Shop; Pruducts. The bad news about safety in Colombia. From the moment you leave your hotel to the moment you get back you will be encountered by many a salesman asking you to buy a sombrero, a bracelet, a soccer jersey, or book a tour. Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). 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. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. 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. 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. Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. lbj school of public affairs info@svsxpress.com; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Skip The Taxis. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. This area of Colombia is green and lush which means rain. I made a post earlier this week. With the city being so crowded and so hot (more about that in a bit), having a good room where you can rest is essential for a good trip. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. Book Ahead, This Place is Busy 10. Cartagena, Colombia (CTG) Rafael Nez International Airport Things to know before you go Terminal Location Main Terminal Recommended Arrival Time 3 hours prior to departure Ticket Counter Hours Open: 3 hours prior to departure Closed: 1 hour prior to departure Baggage Service Office +57 5 6505959 +57 5 6505959 (fax) Unaccompanied Minors You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. Obviously not held in Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity means that the city can get busier when its on. For the vast majority of you, that will be the case too - just dont leave your bag or valuables unattended, be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings at night. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. Lets get to it! 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. 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. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Everything. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. 3. Fair or not, Colombia earned bad reputation for safety and crime. In terms of travel, it means you should save drinks in the shade, hanging out in your accommodation, museum or market visits, and escapes to coffee shops with air-con to the peak afternoon sun as its just not enjoyable to be wandering around then. and the currency exchange fee. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. 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. Colombia holds one of the world's most diverse ecosystems. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Hello everyone, I'm a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way!

Chloe Johnson Peter Buck Wedding, Who Was The Wife Of Prophet Samuel In The Bible, Homes For Sale In Grenada County, Ms, Work From Home Part Time Jobs No Experience, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Ward 17, Articles T