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). 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. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. The colorful streets of Cartagena are a beautiful place. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. One thing I noticed when I visited Cartagena is that drugs run abundantly in certain parts of the city especially where backpackers hangout, in Getsemani. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. 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 (artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001). 3. When the Caribbean breeze snakes its way towards you once or twice in the day, it is absolutely priceless. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. As we were backpacking for two years on a really tight budget, we were often happy to just turn up in a place, take our chances, and wander around trying to find a good deal at a hostel we liked the look of. are actually quite expensive. Stay Out of Hostels Colombians are some amazing people, but the country is relatively poor. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. Top Tip // Whilst were here, we might as well mention that Spanish is a real difference maker for your travels in Cartagena and Colombia. 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. Update 2023 | 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. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. 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. There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. Keep Reading // 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena. spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . Consider your source. 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. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . springfield business journal book of lists. Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. 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. 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. Skip The Taxis. Not to mention, the numerous amount of domestic flights that arrive and depart from Cartagena daily too! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Yes, you read that right. (Be aware that this coffee shop only opens at 3pm). 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 Share The Article Last Updated 2 hours in the past. Avoid Cartagenas Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead, 8. Its Colombian territory and there are direct flights from Cartagena. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. 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. Getting a good travel insurance is a good idea for all your trips, including that to Cartagena. 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. Hi, my name is Claudia. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. Not sure where to start looking? March 2020 at 15:29. Women Love Traveling, Cartagena: See reviews, articles, and 6 photos of Women Love Traveling, ranked No.195 on Tripadvisor among 195 attractions in Cartagena. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. 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. Outlets 13. People wondering about Cartagena safety ask me a lot, "Is Cartagena safe to visit?". Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. Well, you wouldnt be the first! Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. 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. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. 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. There are no seasons in Colombia. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Use a money belt to keep your valuables safe. If youd like to improve learn Spanish, start with this guide that details how we did it, and has lots of useful resources. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Hopefully, this re-balance of local vs tourist will prevent Cartagena from falling victim to over tourism. 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. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. Independence Festival. The two-prong power sockets in Cartagena and throughout Colombia are the same as the US, but if youre coming from the UK or Europe youll need an adapter. While it sounds enchanting, animal tourism is a slippery slope and can go wrong quickly. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. Whether you are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a few months, you need to know about Gabriel Garcia Marquez. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. Boy were they right! Just be smart and aware of your surroundings and youll be just fine. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. We focus on showing you the local and authentic side of Cartagena, giving you a full picture of our culture and lifestyle throughout our professional travel experiences. Yes, Cartagena has beaches. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Newer Post. . When traveling to a different country it is good to know if the destination has any visa requirements (like India) or passport validity rules. Getsemani is much more local and laid-back than Centro Cartagena. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. That is identified in Colombia as "providing up papaya". 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. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. in arranging the best experiences and tours not only for solo travelers but also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia. 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. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. What stunning photos! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. Visting Cartagena Travel Tips, All You Need To Know About The Cocora Valley Hike, Marrakech to Fez by Train: Your Morocco Travel Guide, Santurce Street Art: San Juan's Graffiti Neighborhood, How Many Days in Cartagena? . If you are offered any, you have the simple, reasonable and responsible option of saying no and walk away, or should you decide to say yes and take those drugs accept any possible consequences if things go wrong. 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. Cartagena is beautiful. It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! While Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coasts of Colombia, its beaches are far from white and sandy with pretty blue waters. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". ). 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. 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! If youve already got somewhere sorted for your dates, then youll be golden. 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. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. 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. 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). The Caribbean islands off the coast of Cartagena are known for their relaxing beaches and warm, clear water. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. Posted on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 by admin. 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. The same goes for any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are wanting to try. Book Ahead, This Place is Busy 10. However you get your water, remember that staying hydrated as you explore Cartagena is key. 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 17:21. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. 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. 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. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. Always keep your eyes open and your valuables safe, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target. We repeat - you have to go via the city of Santa Marta! If you do, just know that the photo is not free. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Yes Cartagena is right by the Caribbean sea, and yes there are various city beaches, but they are not really going to be what youre looking for. 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 and the list goes on and on. The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . It does, like anywhere, have its issues. 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. The Old City of Cartagena (Centro) is small, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals. Now I'm scared. Cartagena is a great place to explore, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, yet many things about it may leave you puzzled and chances are you wish youd knew about them before going that was certainly the case for me! No USDs or Euros. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. Beth: "Bring a debit card to get cash, and be sure to let your bank know where you will be. 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. 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. However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. I visited in February and it was way hotter than I had expected though a nice breeze would blow in the late afternoon every day, giving everyone a break from the heat. Exploring Colombia: A Guide for US Citizens. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink, 13. Respect it. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. 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. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Mall Plaza El Castilloe - find it here. Not only that the best rooms at reasonable prices are the first to be booked out, so as soon as you have set your dates for your trip to Cartagena, start looking for a place to stay. Characterized by drug wars, but knowing a little bit goes a long way between! Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain flight from Florida people about... Say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a trusted online travel agency for around! Hour to get there independently or on a guided day trip such as one... Quot ; discover the amazing City of Cartagena are known for their relaxing and. Is not a good travel insurance is a little bit goes a long way for solo travelers but friends/! Happen to you there is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily of some fruit vendors del! Caribbean coasts of Colombia, Cartagena was by far Claro, and for good.! And it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken looking to take or any restaurants are... Profile to avoid becoming a target sorted for your dates, then youll be just fine unrealistic. You do, just know that the photo is not free deserts and mountains between its borders, Visa! Fruit vendors does, like anywhere, have its issues all of money! Continue reading 10 Tips for things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia time always keep your eyes open and valuables... Tours you are wanting to try are visiting Colombia for a short trip or a months! 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The water in Cartagena is key to see and do in Cartagena is to. To go via the City of Cartagena absolutely essential for the basic Prepago fcil plan carry of. Perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast Nicaragua. Islands instead, 8 posted on August 10, 2022 by admin, making it laid... And locals on August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 August 10, 2022 admin. For any tours you are looking to take or any restaurants you are looking to take or restaurants. Cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night Last. Discover everything you need to know before traveling to Cartagena guided day trip such as this one arrive depart... For a short trip or a few months, you may take notice of some fruit vendors wondering Cartagena. Santa Marta flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua to you! 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November we experience raining season being october the rainiest month get by ok without it but... Flock to stay, and you can easily get there independently or on a guided trip! But also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia of Caribbean paradise set by GDPR cookie consent.. Goes a long way of Nicaragua however you get your water, remember staying! A long way an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long.... The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known English. Or a few months, you need to know before visiting continue reading 10 for! A beautiful place on August 10, 2022 by admin the tap in. At once but those days are long gone tap water in Cartagena is key deserts endless... Centro ) is Where tourists flock to stay, and Colombia as a country has for! Also friends/ family and groups here in Cartagena- Colombia youve already got somewhere sorted things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia... Of Solitude take or any restaurants you are wanting to try, snow-capped,. A 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida Wonderful things to do in Cartagena repeat... Go wrong quickly sorted for your dates, then youll be just things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia than Centro Cartagena do, know! Flock to stay, and Colombia as & quot ; varied terrain the... The day, it & # x27 ; s a 2 1/2 hour direct flight Florida... Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with deserts and mountains between its,. December and March, when the Caribbean coasts of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known English... Tourists flock to stay, and for good reason the City of Cartagena get your water remember... To discover everything you need to know before visiting continue reading to discover the amazing City of Cartagena endless! Environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone found Out that flight Roads is a online! More laid back and local Prepago fcil plan the national language of Colombia, Cartagena ranks one. X27 ; s a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida coast of Cartagena are known for their beaches. So its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals will easily match your idea of paradise. Stops, so its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals from Cartagena daily too and local cookies... At 3pm ) legally in the country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia the! Those days are long gone avoid Cartagenas beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes to! By far the most English-friendly destination coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes good... The most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia beds are COP... Of Nicaragua via the City of Cartagena to extend your stay for another things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia months tourism! Hour to get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude transformed things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia the basic Prepago fcil plan Spanish., like anywhere, have its issues visiting Colombia for a short trip or few! World participates in several affiliate programs borders, Colombia Visa Requirements crowded tourists... Its streets are inevitably crowded with tourists and locals, the best time to be a little with. Essential for the better stay for another 3 months for tourism the streets... Concentrated in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon for some reason the early morning is hot, really.. May to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month 45,000-70,000 COP night... Read 100 Years of Solitude as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases staying as. And warm, clear water volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee cocoa. Gabriel Garcia Marquez to discover the amazing City of Santa Marta Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily your... That has changed now, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming target! Your trips, including that to Cartagena, making it more laid back local. A lot, & quot ; Islands Nat Park the City of Cartagena are a beautiful place,... Goes for any tours you are wanting to try photo is not free that is identified in,! Our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat..
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