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Get in the trance of an Old Town, sample streetside empanadas in Getsemani, and dance cumbia till dawn before embarking on a ship excursion to see the harbor and its islands…these are merely a few of the activities available in Cartagena, Colombia.
Cartagena is a magnificent and ancient coastal metropolis on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, located at the crossroads of the Caribbean and South America. Many visitors utilize it as a gateway to South America before traveling east along the coast or down to the busy resorts of Medellin or Bogota (or perhaps a quick detour to Ecuador or Peru?).
we’ve covered all of the foundations for visiting Cartagena, including:
- Travel budgets
- Best cultural experiences in Cartagena
- How fast is the WiFi?
- The best native foods and beverages
Are you ready to start preparing for your trip to Latin America? Here are the top ten things you should know before visiting Cartagena, Colombia.
What is the financial impact?
When it comes to budget-friendly towns for tourists, Cartagena, Colombia rates right in the middle. Setting your travel budget will depend on the type of excursions you want to do and where you want to stay.
For starters, lodging in the ancient Old Town is more expensive than staying in the nearby area of Getsemani. Sit-down restaurants in the Old Town will even be more in line with prices in the United States and Western Europe than in other parts of town.
Cartagena will also receive a 2.5 instead of a 2 because it is one of Colombia’s more expensive tourist destinations. If you live in a city like Bogota, Medellin, or even Santa Marta, you’ll find that prices are lower. Also, keep in mind that the national currency is the COP (Colombian pesos). Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect in terms of costs in Cartagena, Colombia:
Accommodation: Hostels in Cartagena can still be found on a budget of less than 50,000 COP (11 USD) per night. The city is teeming with luxurious accommodations, with rates currently hovering around 650,000 COP (150 USD) per night.
Food: Some of Cartagena’s most popular street foods, such as meat skewers and empanadas, are only a couple of dollars or two (less if you’re in Old Town). Lunch or dinner at a non-touristy restaurant will cost you around 13,000 COP per person (3-4 USD). Breakfast in Cartagena will be discovered to be less expensive, with plans to spend less than $4 on a plate of eggs, arepa, and the occasional tortilla. If you want to get fancy, expect to pay around 100,000 COP for a two- or three-course dinner for two.
[WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B000WO84Z2″][/WooZoneProducts]Transportation and excursions: Because Cartagena is relatively walkable, you won’t have to worry about transportation costs if you stay in town. The airport is extremely close to the city, and a taxi ride there will cost approximately 13,000 COP (about $3 USD – make certain to have an actual change in pesos, however!).
If you want to get the best deal on a tour, go to a lodge or hostel in Getsemani and ask all about it at their information desk. You can do everything from book a private boat tour of the bay to charter a yacht to some nearby islands (a few hours off the coast) and a lot more. To charter, a ship, expect to pay around $100 per person (if you’re in a group of four).
Are the Locals Welcoming?
Colombians are lovely and welcoming, and if you know a little Spanish, you’ll almost certainly end up chatting with nearly everyone you meet on your trip.
For example, the website Nomadlist rates Cartagena as “excellent” in terms of friendliness toward foreigners. As with any vacation destination, some knowledge of the culture and language (complete with a big smile) can go a long way.
Basic Dos and Don’ts
Because each city in Colombia is unique, your list of dos and don’ts will most likely differ depending on whether or not you’re in Bogota or a Caribbean area like Cartagena. 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. In Colombia, this is known as “offering up a papaya.”
- Do not walk around alone at night. Old Town will most likely be a little safer for visitors because most areas are well-lit and there are numerous bars and nightclubs open at all hours. If you do venture out, make certain you’re in a group and use a ride-sharing app (much better than a taxi at night) to get from where you’re to your lodge.
- Do not casually inquire about Pablo Escobar with locals. This one goes from a huge pet peeve to an outright no-no: Colombians don’t need to hear about or speak about Pablo Escobar in any way.
- Don’t say you can’t dance. The country is working hard to change its reputation, so assist them out a little by not mentioning the previous and be content that you’ve been welcomed of their lovely nation. It is true that not dancing is not an option in Colombia. A city like Cartagena is brimming with tradition, and dance is at the heart of it, so it’s best to simply feel the rhythm and drift.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of cultural etiquette for visitors to Cartagena, but it is a start. Make sure to read up on additional dos and don’ts before your journey.
Top Trending Activities in Cartagena
Have you arrived in Cartagena and are eager to explore? Here are the most important things to do in 2022.
- Rent a yacht to visit nearby islands: Book a ship and a professional tour guide to discover some Caribbean islands just a day trip from Cartagena’s shores. The Rosario Islands and Isla Grande are top choices.
- Sunset tour: You can have your very own personal tour guide arrange a strolling tour of Cartagena’s most picturesque spots. Enjoy some snacks and drinks before finishing the day by the town wall to watch some of the best sunsets in the Caribbean.
- Walking tours: Traveling on a budget? You can participate in some free or low-cost walking tours in Cartagena. Take advantage of the free walking tour of Cartagena’s beautiful Old Town, which has been popular with tourists for over eight years. Another popular tour is a walking tour of the Getsemani and San Diego neighborhoods, where you can see funky murals and some of Cartagena’s best street artwork.
How Safe Is It?
Cartagena has a much higher security index than other cities in Colombia. Currently, the town charges an 82, while Bogota charges a 46, Barranquilla charges a 47, and Medellin charges a 46. However, there are some issues to consider when visiting Cartagena.
Pickpockets are common, especially in tourist areas, and if you’re carrying valuable items (follow the “don’t offer papaya” rule).
When leaving a club, be cautious because there have been reports of people being drugged and then mugged. Western males between the ages of 30-45 are typically the target, and situations have been known to occur in broad daylight, so keep your wits about you.
(*10*)Travel Insurance Suggestions for Your Trip:
Travel insurance is always a good idea when embarking on any type of journey. Get yourself covered (and at a great low cost!) with the proper health insurance in case you get sick or your travel belongings are stolen or misplaced during your trip to Cartagena.
Cartagena, Colombia: Local Food and Drink
You’ll eat well in Cartagena, with mouthwatering arepas and occasional for breakfast, fresh tropical fruits throughout the day, and a variety of native dishes to try for dinner. Here are some of the highlights:
Cazuela de Mariscos: Cartagena is, after all, by the sea, so seafood is prevalent in the city’s cuisine. This traditional dish is a seafood stew made with coconut milk.
Ceviche: Try this Cartagena native favorite, which is served with coconut milk and bitter cream.
Posta Negra: This uber-local dish, which consists of beef eye rounds roasted in everything from Worcestershire sauce to brown sugar to coca-cola, is likely one of the city’s most beloved meals.
Cartagena also has a large variety of international foods, so if you want to ease into things at the start of your journey (or splurge on a meal), there are many cute cafes and eating places in the city that serve kinds of pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, and different comfort foods.
Useful Apps in Cartagena
It may be beneficial to download the following apps to your cellphone before your trip to Cartagena:
- Tappsi: Colombia’s answer to Uber. This native taxi app will allow you to safely hail a ride using your cellphone.
- WhatsApp: If you haven’t already, download the most popular messenger app in Latin America, WhatsApp.
- Google Translate: If you require translation assistance when taking an experience share or checking into your lodge.
- Babbel: A fantastic language app for learning Spanish!
How’s the WiFi?
The WiFi signal in Cartagena’s walled city isn’t particularly fast, but it’s adequate. Most hotels have WiFi for visitors, and you can get an inexpensive local SIM card to use data and even hotspot yourself. The average speed in Cartagena is 5 Mbps. If you need a quick internet fix in the afternoon, check out the cafes with good WiFi in Cartagena listed below.
What Are the Best Cultural Activities in Cartagena?
Cartagena is a city steeped in tradition, so there are numerous opportunities for unforgettable experiences. Here are some excellent choices:
- Salsa classes (with a view): This incredible experience in Cartagena will have you transferring and shaking like a local. A genuine cultural encounter!
- Food tour: Cartagena is also an attractive option for foodies due to its variety of ethnic dishes. This tour will most likely be beneficial to you! Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of Colombia’s most beloved authors, and this food tour incorporates some traditional Colombian dishes that his characters enjoy.
- Coffee tour: Cartagena is home to some fantastic espresso houses, which are a great way to get to know Colombia’s iconic brew. There are several local cafes in Getsemani that provide espresso experiences that are unquestionably worth trying.
Read More:
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