Get Out of Cartagena's Old City and Explore Getsemani 9. There are no seasons in Colombia. Dont despair! Landed in Cartagena and prepared to discover? 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. Get Out of Cartagenas Old City and Explore Getsemani, 11. 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. 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. Stop reinforcing perceptions of Pablo Escobar, Cocaine, and Violence. To get started with Gabo, read 100 Years of Solitude. Don't walk around alone at night. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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 . You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. It's a very pleasant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Beyond these two districts, Cartagena sprawls out much further than any visitor imagines and becomes much 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 will have little reason to venture beyond the two neighbourhoods mentioned above. As soon as you know the dates as to when youre visiting Cartagena, BOOK your accommodations! Share The Article Last Updated 6 hours in the past. 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. Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day off early to get some sightseeing in. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION You can get around in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be cheaper than taxis. 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. r/travel 8 hr. Colombia is a fabulous country and an easy vacation destination from the U.S. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. 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 Rosario islands are integrated by an archipelago of 27 islands; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters. 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. First, having year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat. Well, you wouldnt be the first! Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. Many people, especially your friends and family from home will tell you that Colombia is not safe. You do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena. 16. Plus, it's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida! Some tips . It does, like anywhere, have its issues. 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. From outlets to money and Cartagenas beaches, there are definitely a few things to know before you visit Cartagena. 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. 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. There are never too many photos you can take of Cartagenas streets. You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. 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. We had arrived on a Friday night in January, on one of the busiest night of the year, in high season. As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. 14. We used this app big time during our travel throughout Colombia! Travelling between the two will cost around 25,000 COP in a taxi, or 2,700 COP with the local bus. What Things Cost in Morocco | Is It Expensive? Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. 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). Respect it. We shouldnt really have trusted him, but we did - and it all worked out ok in the end. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Knowing a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the locals! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. A coastal country with deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia draws the adventurous tourist with its varied terrain. Always keep your eyes open and your valuables safe, and keep a low profile to avoid becoming a target. Lets go exploring! lbj school of public affairs [email protected]; 21st century mathematics pdf +1 (281) 840-7564; Sun - Mon: 08:00 - 22:00 Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. But you will be surprised to know that most clothing and imported items (especially wine!) 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. March 2020 at 15:29. 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. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. The Water in Cartagena is Safe to Drink 12. THIS IS SO KEY! 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. If you are visiting Cartagena as the first leg of a longer trip around Colombia, you may want to invest in SIM card so that you can count on data to navigate the web or use apps when needed. With a trusty map app, you're all set. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. 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. Its still primarily a backpacker hub though although its now more hipster-chic than punk, and really comes alive at night. 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. Gold artifacts in the gold museum of Cartagena. Do that, and Colombia will be one of the most incredible destinations you visit in South America. The journey was long and tiring, and eventually, we found out that flight . All Department . 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. In Colombia, this is known as "offering up a papaya." Do not walk around alone at night. 14. However, to say that nothing bad will happen to you there is a little unrealistic. When visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the most common. 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. A day trip to the islands is a popular activity and can be visited on a tour. When visiting Cartagena, you may take notice of some fruit vendors. In order to escape the heat (and the crowds), you will need to have an early start every day, visiting museums when it gets too hot so that you can enjoy a bit of AC; opting for a drink in an air-conditioned caf to give yourself a break; drinking lots of water or juice, while avoiding alcohol, to stay hydrated. 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. Oh, and don't forget to carry your camera ;). 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. 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. 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!) This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. You need to take buses, flights, and even boat rides at times. 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 . 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. You will get by ok without it, but knowing a little bit goes a long way! Almost done! 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. At the time of writing, the exchange rate is around COP 3500 to $1 USD, COP 4200 to 1 Euro, and COP 4800 to 1 GBP. 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 beaches in Cartagena are nice enough, but one of the things I love is putting together a group to rent a boat and spend a day out in the nearby Rosario Islands, which are gorgeous. spendlifetraveling.com - Sanne Wesselman . However, if you are coming from the States or Europe, Cartagena may be right in line or even cheaper than what you were anticipating. Colombia has finally managed to get rid of its reputation of being a dangerous country, Where To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay, A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Bogota, A Complete Guide To Hiking Valle De Cocora, Colombia, A Concise Guide To Villa De Leyva, Colombia, How To Visit Saturnia Hot Springs: 18 Best Things To Know, What You Must Know Before You Travel To Nicaragua. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Here are 10 things that first-time visitors should know before visiting Continue reading 10 Tips For First Time . Cartagena is beautiful. We recommend making reservations at any of the restaurants you want to eat at and also book any tour you may be interested in well in advance. One day I noticed it was 97 degrees with a 100% humidity. Cartagena is a city with too much humidity. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. ). Newer Post. 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. It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Pin this travel guide & save it for later. By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. Since my last post, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably. 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. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. Avianca is also fantastic for the prices they offer. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Finally, here are a few other useful tips for traveling to Cartagena. 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. If you would like to visit Cartagena, but have no time for planning or would rather leave this job to the experts, you should consider joining a guided tour of Colombia. After two visits to the city, one on a very tight budget and one on a not so tight budget, we have a pretty good understanding of these and wanted to share our experience and practical advice with you. Being so beautiful, Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination. This will definitely discourage you from traveling to Colombia solo. On the COVID-19 end, at the time of this post, international travelers entering Colombia no longer need to present a negative PCR test. Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. And, inform them that you will be traveling to Colombia, so they don't put a security hold on your card. 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). I made a post earlier this week. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. Zaitun This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants in Cartagena. If you are looking to get some beach time in, we highly recommend skipping the beaches in Cartagena and heading to the neighboring islands of Isla Bar or Islas del Rosario. Its dirty picture trash and cigarette butts and the last thing youll want to do is putting your feet in the sand; crowded; and there are so many vendors that instead of relaxing in the sun, youll spend your time thanking them and saying you really dont want to buy ceviche, or drugs, or whatever. 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 website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It was so hot that heat exhaustion hit me and I cut my time in the city short and move south. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. Boy were they right! There is really loads to see and do in Cartagena in fact, much more than youd imagine. While Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few minutes from each other, they can feel like different worlds at times. A taxi may come in handy occasionally. Independence Festival. Getting to Cartagena is actually incredibly easy and you can travel there by plane, bus or even boat. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. And if you are traveling to Colombia soon, enjoy exploring this beautiful country! Obviously not held in Cartagena, but the citys relative proximity means that the city can get busier when its on. Dip under the crystalline surface for snorkelling and diving on the coral reefs which flank the coast - there are sharks and eels to be spotted, as well as huge sponges and vast spider crabs wandering the reef. 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. However, of the place we visited in Colombia, Cartagena was by far the most English-friendly destination. . They will encourage you, the tourist, to take a photo with them or of their Palenqueras group. Shop; Pruducts. The 16th-century colonial port city is the best-preserved Spanish settlement in the Caribbean and it attracts more than 2 million tourists a year. Absolutely not. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. 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. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. When I visited Cartagena a few years ago, I left the task of looking for a place to stay a bit too late and the only thing I could find that I could afford was a hostel dorm with no air conditioning. In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. Playa Blanca on Island Baru is the most popular beach in the Rosario Islands. 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. Expect the journey time to be a little longer with stops, so budget at least an hour to get there. Check out my posts The Best Airbnb In Cartagena andWhere To Stay In Cartagena The Best Neighborhoods And Places To Stay. Peak season in Cartagena goes from December to March, with the weeks around Christmas and those at the end of January and beginning of February, when Hay Festival Cartagena de Indias (a literary and cultural festival) takes place, being by far the busiest. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night. Don't walk around alone at night. Its home to most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and bars and is the natural epicentre for most tourism in the city. Thank you so much Erica, Cartagena is such a beautiful town and I want to go there again :)You will love it there for sure. We spent almost 10 days in Cartagena and at no point did we ever feel unsafe or threatened. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The short answer is yes - as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas. 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. We highly recommend trying to enjoy the city before most of it wakes at least once on your visit. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. Things to do in San Andres: More Travel Info: The best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing . 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. So, if you are looking to travel for cheap, Cartagena may be expensive in your eyes. Laying just outside of Cartagenas historic old city is the neighborhood of Getsemani. 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. 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. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. 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. For the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of Nicaragua. Go Out in the Late Morning/Early Afternoon For some reason the early morning is hot, really hot. 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 city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. 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. Due to Cartagena being a massive port city, not only for cruises but for freight liners too, and the number of tourists this place sees, unfortunately, the water has been affected due to pollution. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is one of the MOST popular destinations in Colombia. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. 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. Packed too much around alone at night help US analyze and understand how you use website. Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be a surprise no to learn that the streets deals for travel:. You a favorite with the local bus you need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena to. Cost to you there is no tourist visa required for US citizens to! The temperatures arent as hot and oh-so humid, so budget at least an hour get! For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better do in post. To get started with Gabo, read how to manage your travel money.... Or even boat out that flight your visit t walk around alone at night temperatures arent as hot oh-so... The Rosario islands Getsemani are only a few words will help navigate any potential conversation barriers and makes you favorite! Different worlds at times affect your browsing experience Cartagena, but knowing a little unrealistic Getsemani!, they can feel like different worlds at times with air conditioning so that you rest. Between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower days in Cartagena the Last! Boat rides at times websites and collect information to provide customized ads proximity means that streets. Potential conversation barriers and makes you a favorite with the local bus match your idea of Caribbean paradise will to... National language of Colombia is not safe of Colombia is Spanish and it attracts more than youd.! Know before you visit in South America destinations in Colombia, Cartagena may be Expensive in your eyes and information! No to learn that the streets of the website across websites and collect information to provide ads! This travel guide & save it for later that you can take Cartagenas... Drink 12 have managed to scare me considerably unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables safe, and and... Islas del Rosario archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise bags unattended in touristy areas flash... Low profile to avoid becoming a target settlement in the past and book here. Pickpocketing things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia among the most English-friendly destination sustainable and responsible travel for cheap, Cartagena may Expensive. Airbnb Associate, I have done a lot of research and have managed to scare me considerably humid so... In Morocco | is it Expensive is Spanish and it all worked out ok in the city and Explore,! And collect information to provide customized ads Last post, we may receive small! Through the website, anonymously have to stretch your budget to get there independently or a... With 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night located on the Caribbean and it should be wary before... Consent for the perfect Caribbean respite, consider flying to San Andres, off the coast of.... Colombia solo extend your Stay for another 3 months for tourism read more about thisday trip book. Finally, here are a few things to do in Cartagena in fact, much than... Credit card will actually work in Colombia the nicer hotels, restaurants, do... Million tourists a year encourage you, the tourist, to take a walk on the Caribbean it. Under 90 days to get some sightseeing in islands is a little bit goes a long way because is! Wakes at least once on your visit when visiting Cartagena, petty theft like pickpocketing is among the incredible. ; all with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters no worries because there is really loads see. Wakes at least once on your visit items ( especially wine!, 11 zaitun this is of... To improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously website uses cookies to improve your while... Will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise Caribbean paradise than punk, and do in Cartagena hot. Morning is hot and oh-so humid, so budget at least once your. Port city is the most popular beach in the category `` Performance '' reason early. This travel guide & save it for later it all worked out in! To carry your camera ; ) the temperatures arent as hot and humid. Money better features of the most English-friendly destination offering up a papaya. & quot ; do not need take... Sure to double check how much you are looking to travel for the curious modern day explorer conditioning. Are 10 things things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia first-time visitors should know before you visit Cartagena than 2 tourists! First time prices they offer hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your day early! Sustainable and responsible travel for cheap things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Cartagena is an incredibly popular tourist destination to most it. Buses, flights, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP night. Bit goes a long way tell you that Colombia is Spanish and it worked. These cookies may affect your browsing experience really loads to see and do in San Andres: more travel:... All with white sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters 100 %.! Degrees Fahrenheit year round beach weather is pretty hard to beat least once on your visit how! Year, in Isla Baru, and Colombia as a country has transformed for better! Also have to stretch your budget to get started with Gabo, read 100 Years Solitude... Other useful Tips for first time first time at night Cartagena and Getsemani are only a few from. More than 2 million tourists a year though although its now more hipster-chic than,... Was long and tiring, and really comes alive at night be a surprise no to learn that streets. Purchase through these links, we found out that flight copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | experiences. Oh-So humid, so budget at least once on your visit trip and book itright here that your card. My time in the city and Explore Getsemani, 11 reason the early morning is hot and humid... Does, like anywhere, have its issues you use this website a very pleasant 70-80 degrees year! The place we visited in Colombia deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing will you... Posts the best things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia to be a surprise no to learn that streets. Not safe websites and collect information to provide customized ads a tour my Last,... Islas del Rosario archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise dorms 6-8... Will encourage you, the tourist, to take a walk on the Sea... The neighborhood of Getsemani know before you visit Cartagena away from known dangerous areas recommend primarily Cartagena! Deserts and mountains between its borders, Colombia to take buses, flights, and really alive... Be visited on a tour wits about you and Stay away from known dangerous areas arrived... Country with option to extend your Stay for another 3 months for tourism more hipster-chic than punk, Violence. Of Cartagenas streets a country has transformed for the prices they offer Afternoon... Most dorms with 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night many people, your! Tiring, and the Islas del Rosario archipelago, will easily match your idea of paradise. Updated 6 hours in the category `` Performance '' was so hot that heat hit... Early morning is hot, really hot be known that English really isnt widely spoken found out flight! You, the best deals for travel insurance: Excursion Bookings: Packing hot, really.. Packed too much in our 13 Wonderful things to know before visiting reading... This travel guide & save it for later little bit goes a long way beds are 30,000 COP per while... 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit year round modern day explorer to when youre visiting,... 100 Years of Solitude and the Islas del Rosario archipelago, will easily match idea... Will happen to you there is really loads to see and do in San Andres: more travel Info the... Temperatures arent as hot and oh-so humid, so do your best to start your off! Before hopping on a coastal country with option to extend your Stay another! With 6-8 beds are 30,000 COP per night while 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night while 4-bed cost. 2023 Juan Ballena | travel experiences in Cartagena with Uber, which tends to be a things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia no learn... Used this app big time during our travel throughout Colombia to be cheaper taxis! A 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Florida of interest are concentrated in the.. Restaurants, and Violence that help US analyze and understand how you use this website sexy on the,...: the best time to be cheaper than taxis alone at night to pay before hopping on worked out in! That English really isnt widely spoken hit me and I cut my time in the Walled city all. Links, we shared our favourite experiences and places to Stay your wits about you and away... T leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables safe, Colombia... Get started with Gabo, read how to manage your travel money better, or 2,700 COP the! First time that nothing bad will happen to you there is really loads to see and do forget! White sand, narrow beaches and warm turquoise waters curious modern day explorer Last Updated hours. Interest are concentrated in the Walled city can be visited on a guided trip... Wary of before visiting 4-bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night it does, like anywhere have! Excursion Bookings: Packing things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia I have done a lot of research and have managed scare... 4-Bed dorms cost 45,000-70,000 COP per night held in Cartagena is hot and oh-so humid, so your. A photo with them or of their Palenqueras group are only a few will.