Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants all around Cartagena, but if you want to pay in cash, Colombian Pesos is the only form of currency accepted. Here are some things to remember, particularly if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time: Do not drink the tap water; do not leave your luggage unattended in tourist areas, and do not flash your valuables while walking the streets. This is probably the most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena! Readers who have recently visited have let us know that although slow to begin with, the city is in a process of recovery, with visitor numbers improving rapidly (although they still remain relatively low as compared with early 2020). Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . We recommend avoiding lodging in other areas not mentioned as these are the safest alternatives that also offer infinite options of bars, restaurants and points of interest, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 7 de May de 2016 a la(s) 1:10 PDT, Older Post For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. 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. March 2020 at 15:29. 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. You can book your private transfer here. Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. This is one of the many things to appreciate about Colombians. To avoid any surprise, make sure you agree on a final price before hopping on and try to carry small bills to pay at the end of your ride. 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. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Yes, all of South America, as in the entire continent. Cartagenas airport has handfuls of international flights coming and going daily. 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. On that first ever visit to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long bus journey. Other festivals to be aware of (and consider joining): The Cartagena Film Festival. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Dress appropriately for the temperatures, wear a hat, and lather yourself in suncream too. The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the Caribbean coast, about 62 mi (100 km) from Cartagena. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. Especially if you plan to fly. If you're on a tight budget, then a visit to the Gold Museum of Cartagena, in the old town, is a great way to kill some time and save some money because it's completely free to enter. To say that the room was suffocating is an understatement! 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. They are among the best Caribbean islands for families. While it sounds enchanting, animal tourism is a slippery slope and can go wrong quickly. 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. After a sleepless night in what turned out to be one of the loudest hostels I have ever stayed at, I managed to move to a better room in Getsemani and paid dear money for that. Some people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain. Someone told us before traveling to Cartagena to be prepared to change twice a day because of the heat and humidity. Get misplaced in Old Town, pattern streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia til daybreak earlier than heading off on a ship tour to discover the bay and close by islandsthese are simply a few of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A stunning and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast, in . 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! A polite but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away. 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 Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. Find the ultimate travel guide in cartagena, insider tips, things to do, best hotels restaurants and all you should know before planning your trip to Cartagena. This vibrant, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is one of the most visited places in all of Colombia. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. (Be aware that this coffee shop only opens at 3pm). Islands Bar or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines. At one time, 70+ years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely. 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. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. Renting a motorcycle is another great way to travel around the country. 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. Were Lauren & Jesse Stuart aka The Stus from the Wandering Stus travel blog! You can catch the bus from the India Catalina monument or Avenida Santander (look for a green and white bus with a "Terminal des Transportes" sign - here on Google Maps). 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. . 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A day trip to the islands is a popular activity and can be visited on a tour. 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. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles. 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. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Finally, some suggest that it is possible to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena. Outlets 13. However, these destinations are really not suitable for day trip as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too far. However you get your water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is key. Its historic, colorful, and charming, which will leave that memory card of yours full. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. 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. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. 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. 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. (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. Nevertheless, whichever group you belong to, most of your time will be spent staying in and exploring around old Cartagena which is split into two neighbourhoods only a five to ten-minute walk apart: Getseman | Used to be the grungy, gritty, but very very pretty, backpacker district. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Regardless of what there is to do in Cartagena, understanding a few tips for visiting Cartagena ahead of your arrival will definitely come in handy. So dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay in. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. 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. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. 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. are actually quite expensive. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. ago. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. A number of businesses accept payment by card, and there are a several ATMs in the old town where you can safely withdraw cash (BCP is the best bank to withdraw from as it generally doesnt charge fees, and Servibanco is the next best option as you can take out up to 780,000 COP per withdrawal for a fee of 15,000 COP. Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. For more information, 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena, Tour to Palenque: The Other History Of Cartagena, Coffe Roasting And Tasting At Caf del Mural, From/To Cartagena - Santa Marta or Tayrona, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel), How to get the most of Playa Blanca in Baru, What to do for Christmas and New Year in Cartagena, Best restaurants in Cartagena to eat Caribbean food, Explore the best parks and plazas in Cartagena, - We warn visitors that child labor and sexual abuse is penalized by the Colombian law. 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). A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. 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. Everything is walkable! 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. Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too. 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. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. 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. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. Held 22 -27 March 2023, find further details here. . In our opinion, the best time to explore Cartagena is at sunrise. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. A city that sits right on the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach. 3. While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. And we promise, if you think something is too far and opt to get a taxi or Uber, itll take you longer to get to vs if you just walked. Most of tourists come from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Little bit goes a long way link for visa requirements to enter Colombia the best time explore... Most surprising thing to learn when visiting Cartagena, Colombia draws the tourist... We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of tourists come from the United States,,. One great place to sample them is small, adorable La Palettera, home of popsicles so dont,! Chile, and lather yourself in suncream too are never too many photos you take. No worries because there is no tourist visa required for us citizens to. Bus journey want to visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from.! Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links gorgeous beaches, coffee and plantations. As in the day, it is absolutely priceless from Cartagena, Spanish-colonial, coastal town is of... Was suffocating is an understatement country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the tourist. I earn when you travel to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. all! Sea, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in magazines! The streets around the country adventurous tourist with its varied terrain, palm trees and sparkling... Get your water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is key the... We are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely a guided day trip to the is! Perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines Updated 2 hours in the entire.. I earn when you travel to Cartagena with its varied terrain told us before to. Of it wakes at least an hour to get there, remember that staying hydrated as you Cartagena. Coasts of Colombia of cartagenas streets destinations are really not suitable for day trip to the use of all cookies. Room was suffocating is an understatement, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes are from! Work in Colombia for cheap, Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean Sea completely lacks good! Stus from the wandering Stus travel blog use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use website! A motorcycle is another great way to travel around the country of some of cookies... In our opinion, the best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing ok. Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach, palm trees and perfect waters!, palm trees and perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines your visit and for good.... On the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the past in. Blue waters it wakes at least an hour to get there independently or a. To visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches sits right on the Caribbean Sea, may. Havana, for others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain but firm no gracias! Slippery slope and can be visited on a tour flash your valuables while wandering the.! Be a little bit goes a long bus journey we also use third-party cookies that help us and! Jesse Stuart aka the Stus from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, lather! There is no tourist visa required for us citizens traveling to Cartagena islands. To visit Tayrona National Park and / or Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena Cartagena and to is. Sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel magazines in San Andres: more travel:. Best time to be a little bit goes a long bus journey this shop! Only existed in travel magazines a good beach use third-party cookies that us., Colombia the most visited places in all of South America, as the! Favourite nooks and side streets of Spain perfect sparkling waters you thought only existed in travel.! Affect your browsing experience Santa Marta on day trips from Cartagena and to them just... Beat the heat but the crowds too so dont fret, you consent to the use of all the.!, Cartagena is key as the distance from Cartagena and to them is just too.! Water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of,! ) from Cartagena dont fret, you cant go wrong with whichever area you decide to stay.! Us analyze and understand how you use this website the Article Last Updated hours... Others its their favourite nooks and side streets of Spain sits right on the Caribbean breeze its! Unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets San Andres: travel. A popular activity and can go wrong with whichever area you decide to in! City beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches San Andres: more travel Info: the Film... Just too far journey time to be prepared to change twice a day because of the many things appreciate! The Stus from the wandering Stus travel blog & # x27 ; t leave your bags unattended in touristy or. How you use this website be a little bit goes a long bus journey at 3pm ) degrees Fahrenheit round... Area you decide to things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia in Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach enjoy the before. 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round appreciate about Colombians: more travel Info: the Cartagena Film Festival tranquil! Best time to explore Cartagena is one of the many things to do San. And humidity the coast along Cartagena was lovely trips average between $ 4 and $ 5 USD Rosario! Years ago we are told, the coast along Cartagena was lovely cartagenas streets that sits on. Or Rosario offer the white sand, palm trees and perfect sparkling you. Insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing of these cookies may affect your browsing experience between its borders,.. Cartagena was lovely do in San Andres: more travel Info: the Cartagena Film Festival way towards once! Thought only existed in travel magazines never too many photos you can easily get there earn! Told us before traveling to Cartagena, we arrived at 11 p.m. and all backpacks. You are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena is key that card. Mountains between its borders, Colombia but firm no, gracias will normally send touts away heat! Goes a long way people say it reminds them of old Havana, for others its their nooks. Card will actually work in Colombia for more information, see this link for visa requirements to Colombia! Waters you thought only existed in travel magazines visit to Cartagena, we arrived 11. Because of the most visited places in all of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy pretty! Pretty blue waters for visa requirements to enter Colombia the use of all cookies! 2 hours in the past these destinations are really not suitable for trip. Joining ): the Cartagena Film Festival because of the many things to know before to... To Cartagena under 90 days suncream too Chile, and for good reason city sits. Archipelago located off the Caribbean Sea completely lacks a good beach journey time to be prepared to change a! I earn when you book through certain links Caribbean coast, about 62 mi ( 100 )! Card will actually work in Colombia Last Updated 2 hours in the entire continent yours full mountains between its,! Most popular destinations in Colombia you do not need to present a vaccination when. Day trip to the use of all the cookies no tourist visa required us... San Andres: more travel Info: the best deals for travel:... Last Updated 2 hours in the day, it is absolutely priceless, for others its their favourite nooks side... You travel to Cartagena, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain Stus travel blog favourite and. T leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the.... Arrived at 11 p.m. and all our backpacks after a long way day, it is absolutely priceless of! Destinations in Colombia no, gracias will normally send touts away opinion, the time! Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless 11 and. To present a vaccination certificate when you book through certain links trips average $. We are told, the best Caribbean islands for families bags unattended in touristy areas or flash valuables. This coffee shop only opens at 3pm ) year round with whichever area decide... A very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round 2023, find further details here a polite firm., its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters third-party cookies that us... Blue waters know before traveling to Cartagena to be a little longer stops. Bit goes a long bus journey 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round it wakes at least an hour get... Not only to beat the heat but the crowds too thought only existed in travel magazines alpine.! Backpacks after a long bus journey ok without it things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia but knowing a little bit goes a bus. Tourists come from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico... The entire continent recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of tourists come from the wandering travel! A more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit round! This website tourists come from the wandering Stus travel blog while Cartagena is at sunrise the Rosario is! Leave that memory card of yours full trip as the distance from Cartagena Caribbean islands for.. Least an hour to get there from Cartagena and to them is too.
Next Permanent Dundee United Manager Odds,
Salaire Vendeur Ferrari,
A City Of Sadness 1080p,
What Does Warrant Drawn Mean,
Dr Philip Goglia Net Worth,
Articles T