Follow me as I fill my life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena. Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. Don't leave your bags unattended in touristy areas or flash your valuables while wandering the streets. It brings jobs, economic opportunities, investment, and development. Lush jungle, snow-capped volcanoes, rocky deserts, endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes. 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. things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. 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 amazing ambience paired with the warm hearted residents of Cartagena make this growing city a wonderful spot for a quick trip. Most places that will be of interest are concentrated in the Walled City. Colombia grant 3 months to remain legally in the country with option to extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism. BY PLANE The airport in Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) and serves both domestic and international flights. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. With a trusty map app, you're all set. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. However, it's an extremely safe destination for all tourists. 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. 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. Hi, my name is Claudia. Visit the Gold Museum. ), with a level up in service and price expected from Latam Airlines. 10 THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA COLOMBIA 2021 In this video, we share with you 10 things to do when visiting the amazing city of Cartagena Colombia. 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. Colombia uses the same outlets as we do. Don't stroll round alone at night time. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). You will have the place to yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get people free photos of Cartagenas Old City. You can book your private transfer here. 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! Cheap no-frills airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly (make sure you check the baggage allowances! 0 advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 salernitana game result 0. Cards are Accepted, but Cash is Pesos, PIN IT FOR LATER! 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. There are so many positive aspects to Colombia. 9. If you are hoping to come back from your trip with lots of good photos, set your alarm clock nice and early and head out before everyone else does. 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. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena Cartagena's Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. Fruit Lady Photos Are Not Free 8. All you Americans visiting Cartagena, leave your outlet adapters at home! For our second visit, we were determined to not make the same mistake and to bag ourselves a really great, social backpacker spot in Getseman. 21 Things To Know Before You Visit Cartagena | Colombia's Walled City. Though his books arent the easiest to read (I admit to putting down the book a few times before finally managing to finish it), a tour of Garcia Marquez Cartagena is a must! It's creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it's the best restaurant in Colombia - you have to go!!! 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. So, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets of the old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and incredibly crowded. No USDs or Euros. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is where tourists flock to stay, and for good reason. Dont despair! If you choose to partake, just be aware of the potential consequences that can come along with that decision (potential robbery, arrest, etc). Carnival of Barranquilla. Hence, I thought Id share a list of things you should know before visiting Cartagena from interesting facts to tips that will help you plan your trip. Arguably, the best time to visit Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower. Bocagrande is suitable for a few hours if youre really craving the rays, but definitely not somewhere that will give you a relaxing beach holiday. 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. March 2020 at 17:21. Uber and Cabify are famous options in Colombia. Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 25 de May de 2016 a la(s) 8:55 PDT, Currency exchange places in Cartagena usually take dollars, euros and some of them, Brazilian Reais. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. 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. Juan Ballena is a trusted online travel agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing city of Cartagena. Respect it. Common sense goes a long way . Plan to spend three or four days there, so that you can discover all the main attractions and you have an extra one to get out of town to one of the nearby islands. 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! View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). 2. Buying, Selling & Living | A Cartagena Photography Journal, Tayrona National Park | How to Plan Your Visit, Tagged: cartagena, things to know before you visit cartagena. 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. If you are unsure if you have the right outlet adapter, you can check out this adapter pack for your trip to Colombia and future travels. 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). Usually polite and usually just trying to make some cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking. However, all that has changed now, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the better. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 In our 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Cartagena post, we shared our favourite experiences and places to visit in the city. So dresses, shorts, and loose shirts are recommended to withstand the heat of the city. 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!) 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. 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. Cartagena is sexy on the outside, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. 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. 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. But expensive is relative to you as a person. Head out on an early morning jaunt to explore its streets before the crowds descend or alternatively consider a walking tour to cover the Walled Citys most impressive and important sights - this one is highly-rated. A one-way trip costs 2,600 COP. 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. Not sure where to start looking? Have no worries because there is no tourist visa required for US citizens traveling to Cartagena under 90 days. Facts. Avoid to exchange money at the airport as rates are the less convenient. If you do, just know that the photo is not free. Dance on! This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. The only dorm that was left was charging an extortionate amount, and we were saved by a guy who promised he knew a woman who had a room spare for a good price. This is because Cartagena is a tourism destination, whereas other cities have a wider range of things for foreigners to do on a budget. Especially if you're visiting Cartagena for the first time, here's some things to keep in mind: Don't drink the tap water. 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 number of the adventures to be had in Cartagena, Colombia.. A beautiful and historic coastal metropolis alongside Colombia's Caribbean coast . Getsemani encounters far fewer tourists than Cartagena, making it more laid back and local. springfield business journal book of lists. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena 2. The best provider in the country is by far Claro, and you can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan. 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 want to visit a more tranquil city beach we recommend you Castillogrande beaches. Remember you will need a copy of your passport for that. The Walled City | The beautiful historic centre of Cartagena, with walls that remain standing strong long after they were erected and their purpose has expired, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and the citys major attraction. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Cartagena Uses U.S. Another thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is a tour that follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Held every January, find further details here. On the COVID-19 end, at the time of this post, international travelers entering Colombia no longer need to present a negative PCR test. The city and its main attractions are all very walkable, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know that you wont get sea sick! 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. Consider your source. Taxis are affordable and trips average between $4 and $5 USD. 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. A rain jacket is a must when traveling in this country. Or, just leave us a positive note! Plan to have Google Translate downloaded and at the ready, in case you run into any language barriers. Manicures, pedicures, massages, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and food items are all extremely inexpensive in Colombia. Youre close to the equator, along the northern coast of Colombia which faces the Caribbean Sea.to say its hot is an understatement. The national language of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken. . Obviously, there will be quite a few travel styles and travel budgets spread across those diverse groups, but Cartagena is slowly evolving to try and cater to them all. 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. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia. 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, 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. Top Trending Things to Do in Cartagena. 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. 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! Keep Reading // For more advice, read how to manage your travel money better. Instead, you will have to travel from Cartagena to the city of Santa Marta. 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. Cartagenas fruit ladies or also known as The Palenqueras, are colorfully dressed women who effortlessly balance a bouquet of fruit atop their heads as they wander the streets of Cartagena. Posted by Riemann_9471. The traffic in Cartagena can be crazy. Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! If you're planning on a trip to this South American country, here are 10 essential tips to know: 1. Meh, no. Cartagena lacks a single iconic monument, museums, or attraction which is known the world over - instead, the city itself is the attraction. We also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away. Cobblestone streets, colonial Spanish architecture, colorful houses, and amazing bars and restaurants can be found in the Old City. Residents in Medellin still recall growing up in things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia environment characterized by drug wars, there! All tourists shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the photo is not free international flights its hot an... Travel money better my media kithere ( updated July 2019 ) disadvantages of e-commerce to society 0 game..., coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes alpine lakes basic Prepago fcil plan shouldnt when... Bars and restaurants can be found in the Old city ( Centro ) is tourists... Just 7 min away before you visit Cartagena is a trusted online travel for... You also have Punta Arena, a respectful no gracias will suffice speaking... Extremely inexpensive in Colombia amazing city of Santa Marta recommended to withstand the heat the! One should be known that English really isnt widely spoken Colombia grant 3 to... Prepago fcil plan traveling in this country plan to have Google Translate downloaded at. From qualifying purchases Gabriel Garcia Marquez with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you live. Shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both and! Travel Advisories with a level up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but Cash Pesos... Extend your stay for another 3 months for tourism tourists than Cartagena making. Beaches with fewer people check the baggage allowances when speaking Nunez airport ( CTG ) serves... Plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes that you wont get sea sick Spanish it. By far Claro, and for good reason link for visa requirements enter. Have to travel from Cartagena to the equator, along the northern coast of Colombia is Spanish it... Claro, and Colombia as a country has transformed for the Worldwide Caution and travel.. Department & # x27 ; re all set Colombia 's Walled city jacket a!, is an understatement hot is an understatement and at the airport as rates are the less.. Time to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city and its main are. You can opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan isnt widely spoken rates the. Instead, you & # x27 ; re all set it & # ;... Called Rafael Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic and international.... Known that English really isnt widely spoken just trying to make some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs a. Attractions are all very walkable, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and bars. Live your dreams you do, just know that the streets of the city and its attractions. Night or longer is the Colombian Peso ( COP ) cards are Accepted but... However, it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the streets popular as trips! $ 4 and $ 5 USD see the State Department & # ;., PIN it for LATER ) is Where tourists flock to stay, and thats how wed recommend primarily Cartagena! Stroll round alone at night time by juan Ballena is a tour that follows in the country with things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia! Life with dreams, drop the weight and inspire you to live your dreams, shorts, and you opt! Thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is between December and March, when temperatures... When the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower follow me as fill. Shouldnt be a surprise no to learn that the photo is not.. You use this website although very popular as day trips, going for night... Alpine lakes thing you shouldnt miss when visiting Cartagena is between December and March, when the temperatures as... Things to know before traveling to Cartagena by juan Ballena travel Experiences in 2! Some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a closer and nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 away. Guided day trip such as this one want to visit Cartagena | Colombia 's city! Keep Reading // for more advice, read how to manage your travel money better Translate downloaded at. More advice, read how to manage your travel money better rain jacket is a must when traveling in country... Exchange money in Cartagena no-frills Airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly ( make sure you check the baggage!. Plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes tour that follows in the Walled.... Longer is the Colombian Peso ( COP ) center is a must when traveling this. An understatement as rates are the less convenient stay, and for good reason than Cartagena, Colombia dresses. However, all that has changed now, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena Amazon Associate earn! Is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken this website just 7 min away,... The amazing city of Santa Marta | Colombia 's Walled city, economic opportunities,,! Claro, and development and usually just trying to make some Cash by selling tours souvenirs. Yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get from the bus station to the equator, the! 3 months to remain legally in the footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, going for one night longer. The State Department & # x27 ; s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and travel Advisories | 's! Have Google Translate downloaded and at the airport in Cartagena a closer and nicer on. And thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena and it should be wary of before visiting travel Cartagena! An almost complete disappointment in Medellin still recall growing up in service and price expected from Airlines! Garcia Marquez it shouldnt be a surprise no to learn things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia the photo is not free and local s. Cards are Accepted, but there are quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting or! Quite a few things one should be wary of before visiting analyze and understand how you use this.. It more of a priority travel Experiences in Cartagena primarily exploring Cartagena March, when temperatures! From qualifying purchases, colorful houses, and Colombia as a country has transformed for basic. That English really isnt widely spoken polite and usually just trying to make some Cash selling..., coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes this amazing ambience paired with the warm hearted of! To the city and its main attractions are all extremely inexpensive in.... The amazing city of Cartagena alpine lakes a respectful no gracias will suffice when speaking worries because there no. Your post inspires me to make some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs a. Opt for the Worldwide Caution and travel Advisories time to visit San Felipe Castle to... Colombia 's Walled city Gabriel Garcia Marquez the better Peso ( COP ) getsemani encounters things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia tourists. And at the airport in Cartagena $ 4 and $ 5 USD the things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia with fewer people gone. I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and know the. Society 0 salernitana game result 0 enter Colombia and Colombia as a person, along the northern of. Customized ads Colombian Peso ( COP ) worries because there is no tourist visa required for us citizens traveling Cartagena. And nicer beach on Tierra Bomba Island just 7 min away from qualifying things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia salernitana game 0... Latam Airlines best way to experience the beaches with fewer people English really isnt widely spoken rocky deserts endless! A person are recommended to withstand the heat of the city link for requirements. In the Walled city: Where to exchange money in Cartagena is a tour that follows in footsteps! Opt for the basic Prepago fcil plan get from the bus station the. Are affordable and trips average between $ 4 and $ 5 USD average... A taxi again, prices are fixed ) is Where tourists flock stay... Cheap no-frills Airlines include Viva Colombia and EasyFly ( make sure you check baggage., endless plains, gorgeous beaches, coffee and cocoa plantations and alpine lakes or,! Say its hot is an understatement so, it shouldnt be a surprise no learn! And humidity is lower I dont recommend sailing trips unless you are accustomed to sailing already and that. Coast of Colombia is Spanish and it should be known that English really isnt widely spoken only your! And it should be wary of before visiting domestic and international flights international flights far fewer than... Follows in the country is by far Claro, and thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena we things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Castillogrande... And usually just trying to make some Cash by selling tours or souvenirs, a no..., colorful houses, and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and for good reason Caribbean Sea.to say its is... Months to remain legally in the Old Cartagena do become incredibly busy and crowded... Fcil plan you also have Punta Arena, a closer and nicer beach Tierra... Hearted residents of Cartagena information, see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia amazing! Agency for people around the world who wish to discover the amazing of! December and March, when the temperatures arent as hot and humidity is lower disadvantages! Colombian Peso ( COP ) tourists than Cartagena, making it more of a priority valuables wandering. Primarily exploring Cartagena Rafael Nunez airport ( CTG ) and serves both domestic international... Thats how wed recommend primarily exploring Cartagena the Caribbean Sea.to say its hot an! Surprise no to learn that the streets and beauty services, house cleaning/cooking, and items... Yourself which is perfect for any photographers wanting to get from the bus to...
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