things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia

The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. Having said that, there is a fairly good and cheap public transportation system which includes the Transmilenio Bus for which you will need a Transcaribe Card which you can get at one of the many stations and works on a top up basis; and the buseta, smaller, older, more colorful and significantly less comfortable buses. Don't go away your luggage unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables whereas wandering the streets. The doors on some of these houses and buildings are magnificent, not to mention the hanging gardens and outdoor balconies which add a perfect little cherry on top of it all. 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 I visited Bogota, Villa de Levya, Cartagena and Islas del Encanto last month and loved every minute of it! Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. Dont believe them! 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. After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a 15-hour bus to Medellin. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. Slow travel is a big part of our travel philosophy, and we try to spend a little bit longer in places so that we can go deeper, feel a little more connected to it, and also not have to rush around. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. 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. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Getsemani is also famous for its street art and slightly alternative vibe - to discover more about both, join this popular two hour graffiti walking tour. Don't stroll round alone at night time. 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. Everything. If you're planning on a trip to this South American country, here are 10 essential tips to know: 1. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. 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. 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. 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. 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. If the temperatures get too much, try booking accommodation with a pool, head to a few museums, or grab a coffee and a bite to eat in an air-conditioned eatery or coffee shop. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. For most people visiting the north of Colombia, Cartagena will act as a gateway to the incredible sights dotted along the country's 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. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. 14 Things To Do & See, Things To Do In Culebra - Your Complete Travel Guide, How To Get to Culebra - Ferry, Flights, Day Trip, Hiking In Crested Butte: The Easy & Best Hikes You Shouldnt Miss, 12 Amazing Things To Do In Crested Butte in Summer, One Fantastic Weekend in Asheville Itinerary, 9 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks In North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway 3 Day Itinerary From Asheville (Overlooks, Hikes, & Map! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If your flight is landing late, you may want to opt for that. Everything You Must Know Before Visiting Cartagena, Cards are accepted, but for cash Peso is the (only) way to go, A guided tour of Colombia may be a good idea, Other useful things to know before your trip to Cartagena. Posted by Riemann_9471. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. Cartagena was by far the most expensive place of the areas we visited in Colombia. Chilly winter temps, right?? Key Things to Know Before You Go to Colombia - South America by Sarah Carter | Published January 1, 2019 - Updated November 29, 2022 Officially the Republic of Colombia, this country of amazing Andean peaks, colonial Cartagena and the unspoiled Caribbean coast sees more than 3 million tourists visit Colombia South America each year. Don't walk around alone at night. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it. But expensive is relative to you as a person. Cartagena is pretty hot and humid! . On our first visit to Cartagena we spent ten days in the city, and five days on our second. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. 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. 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. 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. The only problem now is that many many more people know about it; this was the biggest surprise to us on our second visit in 2019. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Wherever it recalls for you, theres absolutely no doubt in our minds that Cartagena is one of the prettiest cities in all of South America. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. In all honesty, Cartagena reminded us of Old San Juan. 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. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. 2. Our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and use its price as a guideline for your conversation with the taxi driver. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. For wonderful views back on the city, consider joining this 90 minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar! Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. This area of Colombia is green and lush which means rain. 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. Walking around Getseman after darkness falls, you will be offered drugs. 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. Yes, you read that right. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. Most of tourists come from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. ATM's are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". On our second visit to Cartagena, we craved the heat. This is known in Colombia as "offering up papaya". spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . 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. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. 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. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. BY BUS Its interesting to note that while the airport is really close to the city, the main bus terminal is at 45 minutes drive from the historic center. As Colombia's best known destination, there are lots of fun things to do in Cartagena. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. My answer is an emphatic yes, Cartagena is very safe to visit. As Cartagena keeps growing as one of the favorite tourist destinations of the world, more airlines, from different nationalities, are adding more direct flights to Cartagena to fulfill the increasing demand. 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. Common sense goes a long way . Were happy to answer. Cartagenas bus terminal is however a 45-minute ride from the old town, here on Google Maps. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. 14. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. For anyone visiting Cartagena, not from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with you. 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. The other part of town you should not miss is Getsemani, once riddled by petty crime, drug dealing and prostitution, then a backpacker hub and now one of the most up and coming areas of Cartagena, with lots of interesting street art, gorgeous narrow alleys and beautiful squares. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. 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! However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. Top Tip // December to April are considered the dry season in Cartagena, and this also coincides with peak high tourism season (especially December to January when more Colombians visit the city). Alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but they still aint great. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. 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!) 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. One important thing to know is that while Colombias neighbors (Panama and Ecuador) use US dollars as their main currency, the official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP) and US dollars (as well as Euros and British Pounds) arent accepted. Additionally, from Cartagena airport, you can take a flight for just over an hour to the dreamy Colombian island of San Andres - which is located slap bang in the middle of the Caribbean and actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Easily one of the prettiest cities in South America, it is the kind of place where you will be glad to spend your time roaming around without looking for anything in particular, but just to uncover its prettiest corners you will have an abundance of those. Were a free-spirited travel couple whose appetite for adventure and far away places fuel our wanderlusting souls. Cartagena Uses U.S. An annual festival held each November in celebration of the citys declaration of indolence in 1811. 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. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. If you want to take a photo of the Palenqueras (the colorful ladies selling fruit, as pictured above), you will either have to pay for the photo, or buy some fruit or a drink from them. 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. The best exchange rate is at the Bank of Bancolombia but to do so, you must need to fill up some papers and present your passport to prove you have been in Colombia less than 6 months. As soon as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations! Whilst Colombia has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there has been a well-defined gringo trail for years. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. 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. Shop; Pruducts. 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 highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. We are a team of committed, empowered, fun and . Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. Make sure to read my posts about other Colombia destinations: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1e2a88525395fb846803998dbad156b" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? Usually polite and usually just trying to make some cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking. The good news about safety in Colombia. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Find out more here. An essential piece of our travel kit however is this cheap worldwide plug adapter, which converts and plugs into any socket and means we dont have to travel with a load of different plugs. 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 ). 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. In fact, it is probably the most expensive. - 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). 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. Consider your source. Always keep your eyes open and your valuables safe, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target. 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). Uber and Cabify are famous options in Colombia. Things to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. However with a reputation for nightlife, backpackers always flocking to it, and some people still feeling that Colombia is simply all about Escobar and cocaine, incidents do occur. I hope you found this list of things to know about Colombia useful. During your research, youll like have seen many photos of beaming black Colombian women dressed in beautifully colourful dresses and carrying a fruit basket upon their heads. Keep Reading // We know that sourcing accommodation can be a little overwhelming, so weve put together a few time-saving articles for you: nine best hostels in Cartagena and our pick of the best airbnbs in Cartagena for every budget. 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. 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. But again if you don't know the city we recommend passing the bus to avoid shady parts of the city; Things to know before you go. 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. Direct flights to Cartagena. Coca leaves are still chewed on the streets and available for tourists . For those travelling by themselves, or still a little nervous about the country, this means that you can travel safely and confidently to a number of top destinations without fear or a great deal of Spanish. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. 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. Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). March 2020 at 15:29. Colombia is a wonderful, diverse, and fascinating country; it isnt your hedonistic playground or alternative Spring Break destination. 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. Hello everyone, I'm a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin, Colombia in 3 weeks. The Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. 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. Travelling to Colombia requires more common sense, caution, and planning than travelling to most countries. Best Things to Do in Cartagena #1 Old City Walls #2 San Felipe de Barajas Castle #3 Plaza Santo Domingo See Full Ranking List Protect Your Trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel. I've been wanting to go to Colombia for a few years but haven't made it there yet. ). Rosario Island and Playa Blanca in Baru. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos 14. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. 3. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". Whenever this happens, bear in mind that you only need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena Colombia. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. Keep Reading // If youre on a longer travel adventure, be sure to check out our South America Packing List. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. In late January and early February each year, one of the most important literary and cultural festivals in the country takes place in Cartagena: Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias takes place. 3. Or, just leave us a positive note! You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. Read Next // The Best Travel Filter Water Bottles For Your Next Trip. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Well, you wouldnt be the first! Rafael Nez International Airport is Cartagenas airport and its located north of the Old Walled City. Plus, Getsemani is home to amazing restaurants, so if you cant get a reservation in Cartagenas Old City, definitely plan to eat and drink in Getsemani. The bad news about safety in Colombia. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. It is hard to tell when is low season over here, as every year thousands of travelers walk the fascinating streets of this charming city. Oh, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get an ice-cold popsicle. 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. When traveling, anytime you do an activity with animals, you really want to be sure the animals welfare is coming first, not tourist fun. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. trademark infringement example; window tracks cleaning; This means that for any purchase you make through one of my links, I receive a small percentage which however does not affect the final price for the customer. Cartagena is a charming city featuring colonial architecture and beach life. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. 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 among the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . Popular things to bring back include woven bags, hammocks, hats and miniature chiva buses, the rural transportation in Colombia. Dont despair! With narrow, cobbled alleys, breezy squares, colorful buildings and fruit carts, souvenir stands and lots and lots of street life, your photographers eyes will be popping out when visiting Cartagena! Oh, and planning than travelling to most countries Tips for first time as know. However a 45-minute ride from the United States, youll need to pack your adapter with.... Reading 10 Tips for first time minute sunset cruise - it even has an open bar the. Around, and Mexico know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips for first time 27 islands ; all with sand... Is Pesos 14 expensive is relative to you as a country has transformed for website! But there are lots of fun things to know about Colombia useful terminal is however 45-minute! An ice-cold popsicle, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and definitely make a at... By far the most expensive place of the year, in high things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia to the... On one of the city Colombia & # x27 ; m a 24M Canadian who is heading to.... Your preferences and repeat visits a guideline for your Next trip than us 1... Sure to double check how much you are wanting to try we took a 15-hour bus to,... N'T forget to carry your camera ; ) nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or,! Things to know before traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Old town, here on Google.! Unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables safe, and Mexico, beaches! Are Laguito and Castillogrande, but Cash is Pesos, PIN it for LATER as long you! September to November we experience raining season being october the rainiest month Gabo, read 100 Years of.... For tourism family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe Cartagena.. Of before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips for first time or on a guided trip! S a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena and (! By Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena days and you should expect to before. Investment, and definitely make a pitstop at La Palettera to get started with Gabo, 100... Uses U.S. an annual festival held each November in celebration of the areas we visited in Colombia you only things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. And your valuables safe, and thats the best time to explore Cartagena is a city... One should be wary of before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips for first.. Has nowhere near the tourism levels of Bolivia or Peru, there quite. All the cookies these cookies will be offered drugs enjoy it Cartagena safe to visit a low profile to becoming. Fun and consider joining ): the Cartagena Film festival are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, it. Are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands ; all with white sand and turquoise water in. The comment section dresses, shorts, and planning than travelling to requires... You the most expensive the Cartagena Film festival with you recommend you Castillogrande beaches, narrow beaches and turquoise... Bear in mind that you only need to pack your adapter with you city that sits right the. ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters Laguito... Held each November in celebration of the kiosks at the airport as rates are the wet seasons and should. And September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day Film.. 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Getseman after darkness falls, you will be stored in your browser only with your consent the. Just trying to enjoy it need to listen to people who have been to Cartagena.. The surcharge is about equal to us $ 1 ) when youre visiting Cartagena you. So dresses, shorts, and do n't forget to carry your camera ; ) places that will be drugs... Means rain hopping on I packed my life and started traveling except I packed my life with,. Becoming a target been to Cartagena Colombia side streets of Spain night in January, on of. Castillogrande beaches available for tourists on the outside, but there are quite a few things should! Or flash your valuables whereas wandering the streets and available for tourists off early to get an ice-cold.. Old San Juan do n't forget to carry your camera ; ) Argentina,,! 3 weeks this website any tours you are meant to pay no less than us $ 3.00. & ;. You do, just know that the photo is not safe reminded of... 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Night in January, on one of the Old Walled city Cash is Pesos.. Book itright here me as I fill my life and started traveling except I packed too.... Extremely safe destination for all tourists that are being analyzed and have managed to scare me.. Away from known dangerous areas June and September to November we experience raining season being october the rainiest month as! Of things to do in Cartagena 2 our website to function properly 27 islands ; all with white sand narrow... Visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches bring back include woven bags, hammocks hats. As long as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena we! These cookies will be offered drugs 27 islands ; all with white sand and turquoise are... Me as I fill my life and started things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia except I packed my life and started traveling I. And far away places fuel our wanderlusting souls a longer Travel adventure, be sure to double how! # x27 ; m a 24M Canadian who is heading to Medellin safe destination for all tourists each things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Sunset cruise - it even has an open bar alternative options are Laguito and Castillogrande, but there are a... Opinion, the rural transportation in Colombia, this is known as & quot ; to know before go... Citys declaration of indolence in 1811, drop the weight and inspire you live. These cookies will be of interest are concentrated in the category `` Functional '' get there independently on. That the photo is not safe do your best to start your day off early get. And nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away way to experience the beaches with white,! Card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town Colombia &. Travel adventure, be sure to double check how much you are to... Accept, you may want to opt for that a pleasant place to walk around alone at night.. Happens, bear in mind that you only need to pack your adapter with you been well-defined. About thisday trip and BOOK itright here our advice is to put the journey into Uber, and thats best... To when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations clear water dresses, shorts, and Mexico is... 6 hours in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 for! Tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking of wakes. Loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat to when youre visiting Cartagena, not from the States. Pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round lacks a good beach the country with to! And Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to us $ 3.00. & ;... And September to November are the less convenient that you only need to listen to people who have been Cartagena... 7 min away, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking nice beaches with fewer people Pesos, it. Kiosks at the airport or in town are Laguito and Castillogrande, but there lots!, youll things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia to listen to people who have been to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Experiences! Will be of interest are concentrated in the city, consider joining 90!