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?). It might be handy to download these apps to your phone before your trip to Cartagena: The WiFi signal doesnt run super quick inside the walled city of Cartagena, but its decent. Here's our, Flight Costs Are Soaring But This Trick Will Find International Tickets For Under $200, Ukraine Launches War Tourism For Those That Are Brave Enough To Visit, free walking tour of Cartagenas beautiful Old Town, Colombia recognizes same-sex relationships. Hostel prices - Cartagena has some great accommodation options, although you will notice a big increase in price in comparison to the rest of Colombia. 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. Just don't give papaya. 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! Like, Really Hot. 2022 Travel Noire. It's Hot. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com. Wonderful people , great food , nice street life. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. But be prepared for a whole new world of fruit when you visit Colombia. 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 Cartagena is worldwide well known for its history and culture, our beaches are not the best but not everyone is aware of that, so they can get a big disappointment when they come to see the sand and water are not exactly as the caribbean postals they expected. Usually polite and usually just trying to make some cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking. Here's a few things to do in Cartagena: Explore the Walled City: This is the highlight exploring the endless streets and discovering gems. Choln Island is the most famous holiday destination in Colombia. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. But within a couple of days, we remembered that Cartagena Hot is another level of hot almost entirely - and thats before you factor in the 80-90% humidity! 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. TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As happening daily! You sound like someone who shouldn't travel. 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. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. If you want to stay in Colombia longer, you can request to extend your stay at the local immigration authority. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. Traveling to Cartagena (full name Cartagena de Indias), Colombia, is not traveling halfway around the world. You need a valid passport with at least 6 months till passport expiration to travel to Cartagena, Colombia from the US. 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. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Get yourself covered(and, at a super low cost!) Best Things to Do in Cartagena. From Boca Grande, however, families can board a ten-minute boat ride to Isla Tierra Bomba, a nearby island with amazing beaches. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. 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. 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. On the contrary, it is a destination that is relatively close to the United States when direct it is approximately an hour and a half flight approximately from Miami but where you can find the perfect atmosphere and the liveliest people to enjoy a Caribbean paradise and . 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. When traveling in rural parts of Colombia, it's not uncommon to come across road checkpoints staffed by army personnel, who'll often ask to see your documents before waving you on your way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories. 3. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. including submitting an Electronic Health Affidavit to your airline before you fly. We are pretty sure the 300 years old walls enclosing the historical center, and the surrounding caribbean beaches are the main reasons of your visit, and now that youve finally decided it, here is a list of important travel tips we created for you to know and consider before embarking in your new adventure to Cartagena, Walled City: while it is truth the historic center is the most charming and captivating option, its also the less flexible for your pocket; being that a prominent characteristic of this area is vast variety of boutique hotels; it is ambitious to recommend a specific one, as the particular architecture of the antique city and the unbeatable location, contribute to the unique and exclusive design. 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. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. We ended up spending far too long (at least three hours) going through all the options online to find a fairly priced double room in a hostel with a kitchen that wasnt crap. 1. Flying between Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena is dirt cheap. 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. The Choln Island party is every weekend and is bustling with people, from locals to tourists. Cartagena, Colombia is a colorful, one-of-a-kind South American city that has so much to offer. Want something more secluded? The city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and use its price as a guideline for your conversation with the taxi driver. 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). Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute, 20,000 COP taxi ride from the old town, but its you best place to go for the majority of onward transport connections to the rest of Colombia. However, If youre wanting to access more destinations along Colombias Carribbean coast (like the beaches of Tayrona National Park, the laid-back hippy village of Palomino, or take on the Lost City Trek) then you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. If you dont have much time in Colombia, but really want to visit Tayrona, then there is this private tour option from Cartagena. It is a small town of a few thousand reside Copyright 2022 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. The higher altitude regions have . 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 (13,500 COP to Getsamani, for example). Bring Cash 3. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. Money. Cartagena offers something for every type of traveler. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. 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 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 . Getting there. Especially should you're visiting Cartagena for the primary time, right here's some issues to have in mind: Don't drink the faucet water. Landed in Cartagena and ready to explore? Keep Mum About the Man from Medelln 7. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. Don't walk around alone at night. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. There's plenty of police officers on the street and the city is seeing improvements to the crime rate and general security. #3. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. 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. Setting your travel budget will depend on what kind of excursions you want to do and where you want to stay. The Amazon and Caribbean regions have a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging between 23 and 27C, while the Pacific region sees more rainfall and the Andean region can get quite cold during the winter months. 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. 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. It also means that, unless youre on an incredibly tight budget, you should make a point of staying in a dorm or private room which has air-con. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Apr 15, 2016 - HollyDayz Travel & Lifestyle. Photo courtesy of Canva. 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. 11 Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia 1. 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. One of South America's most beautiful cities, Cartagena is a colorful, coastal gem. It is hot and dry from december to april where there's breeze and almost no rain. Almost done! Like uncomfortably hot. 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. 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. It is hot and dry from december to april where theres breeze and almost no rain. May 10, 2022 7 min read. Here's why. 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. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. 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. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 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. 14. Make sure to read up on more dos and donts before your trip. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! if you choose to purchase through them. Laureles: From safety to sunsets, transport connections and travel scams, to why youll sweat and the one book to read before you fly, these the essential things to know before you visit Cartagena. Update 2022 | As a city that has come to rely heavily upon tourism, Cartagena was particularly badly affected during the pandemic, with many restaurants and accommodations being forced to close permanently. 7 Things To Know Before You Go To Cartagena, Colombia. Plus you can find all sorts of other fun activities ranging from multi-day trekking to adventure sports or activities (like whitewater rafting, paragliding, rappelling, and much more) that offer a great value. Consider your source. 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. before 8 am is the best - so that you can avoid the tour groups that swarm the beach at 9 am. Here's everything you need to know before stopping by the Heroic City. 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. 1. Take a graffiti tour to learn all about the meaning behind the murals, the artists, and the political and social movements they represent. Police, militarist and security guards are everywhere in Colombia. Planning Your Colombia Vacation 25 Helpful Colombia Travel Tips 1. If you need an internet break for the afternoon, here are some cafes in Cartagena with good WiFi. . Traveling to Cartagena (full name Cartagena de Indias), in Colombia, is not traveling to the other side of the world. Tip | Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. Oh and the beaches in Colombia look sad. Related Post: Cartagena, Colombia Restaurants: Best Local Cuisine. Anything imported into Colombia will be more expensive than it is back home. 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. Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox, Travel Off Path is an Off Path Enterprises production, This post may have affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) Please note that some links on our site are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Cartagena is a city as rich is history and culture as it is in color and food. I also found that the exchange rate in the States was better than the rate in Cartagena, by about $1,000 pesos. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. Using ATMs is a much better option than trying to exchange money.". San Felipe de Barajas Castle. Here are the top things to do in 2022. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. If youre traveling to Colombia as a tourist from the United States, you do not need a visa. Ride the Chiva Party Bus. 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. Beyond this, Cartagena sprawls out much further than any visitor imagines and becomes more like other Colombian cities; it does have quite vivid splashes of modernity with its clusters of white apartment towers next to the sea at Bocagrande, but most of us wont visit beyond the two neighbourhoods mentioned above. 6. Her Foundation Is Coming To A City Near You, 8 World Destinations Outside The US And Europe To Include On Your Bucket List This Fall, Cabin Pressure Causes The Back Of A Woman's Head To "Explode" On Flight. From the high altitude cooler climate in the mountains of Bogot, extreme heat in Cartagena and Santa Marta, to spring-like temperatures in Medelln and Bucaramanga. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. If youre in Colombia for two weeks or less, then you can cut that down to three nights. You can typically stay for up to 90 days for your first visit. Yes, you'll see bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and other fruits commonly found in the United States included in your hotel's breakfast spread and consumed as snacks throughout the day. 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. The current policy allows for up to 180 days in one calendar year. ), here are 16 essential things you need to know before you visit this beautiful country. Colombia comes with a reputation. It's terribly hot. One highlight when visiting is the historic and famed Walled City in Old Cartagena. Travel insurance is always a good idea when going on any type of trip. December through April is known as the dry season and is typically considered the best time of year to visit Cartagena, Colombia. This amazing ambience paired with the warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city a wonderful spot for a quick trip. Across 15 days spent in Cartagena over the last few years, we have never had a single issue or major safety concern. 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. The Walled City | The historic centre of Cartagena, its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Plaza Santo Domingo. Here's what you need to know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia. 2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner Travel Food Politics Guides Roam 5 o'clock somewhere Baggage Breakfast The most crowded beaches in Cartagena are Bocagrande and Laguito, thats why you will see lots of vendors harassing you. Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2022 Categories Uncategorized. This is understood in Colombia as "offering up papaya". For entry to Colombia It is not necessary show a negative PCR test for Covid-19. There are only 7 rooms, but 4 pools, creating an intimate atmosphere like none other in the city. Some tips can help save your. All rights reserved. Keep Reading | The nine best hostels in Cartagena and our pick of the best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena offers a wide variety of things to do like exploring the city's architecture, history, culture, and nightlife. 14. 23 June 2020. you can also fly from most of Latin America, such as Buenos Aires, Mexico City, or Lima. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. 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. Reputation And Safety. If not make sure you take out enough money before going. There are many flights from cities such as NYC, Washington D.C., LA, and more. 13. 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. If you are already in . You should always ask the price before you make a purchase and if you think it sounds expensive try to put the price down, the vendor will surely accept it or work the price with you. and Kenya. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. With so much beauty to discover, youll be wondering why you didnt plan a visit to Cartagena sooner! Lunch Like a Local. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022, Colombia Continues to Grow in Popularity With US American Travelers, El Salvador: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting. 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 . If thats you, then we strongly recommend investing in a travel filter water bottle which will purify water from any source and greatly reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use on your travels. Cartagena heat is unprecedented - this is another important thing to know before visiting Cartagena! If youve come from Europe or the US, then the costs will be manageable and various aspects will feel really cheap, but its just worth noting for budget backpackers planning their route. If you're thinking of road-tripping south to Colombia, . 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. En las afueras de la ciudad amurallada se encuentra Getseman, uno de los barrios ms populares de Cartagena de India Last Updated AUG/2021 Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. What to do before you arrive in Colombia. 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. So make sure they cover this. See what all the buzz is about and why Cartagena is an amazing destination in Colombia for your travel radar. Expect to pay about $100 per person (if youre in a group of 4 people) to charter a boat. 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. Once youve received your luggage, follow the signs and just queue up at the kiosk, tell the person which neighbourhood youre going to and theyll give you a receipt and point you to the waiting official taxi. In areas recently opened to tourism following the conflict, you might even spot tanks and other military . 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. Explore Old Town . Old City Walls. 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. 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. Cartagena. 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.
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