things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia
If coming from the United States, there are currently no vaccinations that are required to enter Colombia (Im not going to keep this updated on the requirements for Covid vaccinations or tests as they constantly change, just inquire before you come.). WebDuring the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena functioned as a key foothold for the Spanish empire in Colombia and South America. That means, they do not want to be associated with him at all. Medellins Comuna 13 neighborhood with its colorful murals is a must-visit area. For 2018, the total value of your purchases had to be greater than 331,560 pesos (about $110 USD), for example and it may change each year. In the rainy season, dont forget a small umbrella and lightweight, rainproof jacket. The most popular empanadas have meat or potato filings. 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! Television shows like Narcos might be your kind of entertainment, but they reinforce the So, if you have made a large purchase here, perhaps jewelry, it may be worth your time to visit the desk and fill out the form. Colombia has also many beautiful cities, Caribbean islands, lovely beaches, and a great vibe. However, again, traffic laws are loosely followed here, and this especially applies to taxis. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Colombias coffee beans are so heavily exported that youll most likely be served Nescafe in a coffee shop, unless you make your way to one of the coffee farms. Actually, leave your cat, parrot, hamster, or any other pet you might be thinking of bringing at home. SEE MORE: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN COLOMBIA. We found them to be invaluable to quickly learn about the city and learn details that would have otherwise passed us by. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. In Cartagena, that square is This region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of Colombia live. Since I was little I always wanted to see the world. Before you travel to Colombia you should know that Colombia is a very diverse country. The best attraction of Cartagena is the old town within the city walls. Im not sure about you, but I love to get unique souvenirs from each country. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. So depending on what region you are visiting, your clothes needs to adapt as well. WebLearn more about Caribbean cruises that stop in Colombia. And of course, here you will have a chance to drink one of the best coffee in Colombia. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Or, if they do, you're prepared to pay them. This should be good preliminary preparation. It does not store any personal data. It was a good time to visit. And in the worst-case scenario, getting robbed at some dark corner. 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. Its easy to get cash from ATMs here (at reputable places such as banks, grocery stores, and malls). Again, make sure to know the local currency. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. And it is not required for your international credit card because your credit card company will convert it to American dollars for you at no cost to you. From tropical rainforests, hot deserts, humid jungles, to freezing mountains. We were asked so many times if we werent scared to travel around South America for 5 months. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. However, not many people know when they are traveling to Colombia, that the best coffee is mostly exported. We spent one month in Colombia, and we definitely enjoyed it. So, a box of cereal for $21,000 COP is about $7 USD. 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. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. We strongly recommend you Gente de Mar Resort or the Majagua Hotel; if you could, you should stay at least overnight to truly enjoy this natural paradise. Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! 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! For this reason it preserves important military buildings SEE ALSO Colombias Most Beautiful Islands SEE ALSO Cerro Tusa An Epic Day Hike to The Pyramid Mountain (2) Wander Around The Walled City (UNESCO) You can check your driver before s/he comes, you can check the reviews and the best thing is, you dont need to carry cash with you because you can just pay online. View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). March 2020 at 2:34. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Most people who own cars here, including ourselves,take taxis regularly because parking can be a pain. Its a very pleasant 7080 degrees Fahrenheit year round. We loved the atmosphere of each region in Colombia. On the other hand with so many tourists around picking up women at singles bars or clubs may not be that easy. We never had a visitor do it, but we have been told that at the DIAN desk inside the Cartagena airport, you can show them your receipts, fill out a form, and you will receive the tax back. And if there is traffic and bad weather, it can easily escalate to a longer time of travel. Taxis do not have meters so you should always ask the price before setting off. For instance, in big cities, we were warned not to walk in certain neighborhoods and to watch out for our belongings. WebA popular day trip from Cartagena, Colombia is a visit to Volcan de Lodo El Totumo, where you can soak yourself in volcanic mud. Of course, after coming back from Southeast Asia, the prices were much higher in South America. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. 14. If you would like to travel to Colombia, make sure to avoid holidays. Although in theory you can go year round, depending on when you go you may encounter larger crowds of tourists, get quite a bit of rain (though since it is in the Caribbean, it can rain year round) and find the city to be unbearably hot and humid we are speaking 80% and even 90% humidity. Medellin (the locals pronounce it Medejin) is located on a plateau surrounded by the Colombian Andes at an elevation of around 5000 feet (some of its neighborhoods which have sprawled up the mountainside) are another 1000 feet higher. 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. Colombia is very famous for its traditional and authentic Wayuu bags. It is very simple to use and just the fact that everything is online will give you that extra peace. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. Colombias most famous and celebrated writer lived in Cartagena most of his life and based his most popular novel 100 Years of Solitude right in the city. This place actually reminded me of Cuba a lot. This is a time when most of the locals travel as well and it means that attractions and places will be very busy. 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. It was midday and we were in the middle of the city (La Candelaria). Speaking of pesos, you'll need some. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. For instance, the weather in Zona Cafetero is mostly wet and evenings and morning are cool. Do check the Centers For Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) page on Columbia as well as the U.S.entry requirements. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Gringo comes from the expression Green Go or Green, Goooooooooo (away), that was first directed at Americans. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. The primary concern for most visitors planning a trip to Cartagena is the elevated crime rate. To begin the application process, you must gather the necessary documents, including your passport with at least six months validity remaining, a recent passport-sized photo, and proof of onward travel such as flight tickets or itinerary. We watched it while we traveled around Colombia. Located in Northwest South America, Cartagena or Cali are great places to spice up your dance moves. 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. One of the many popular exports of Colombia is coffee beans, and its in very high demand even inside the country. C$103.29. The United States Embassy in Colombia even issued an alert in November 2021 advising citizens to be careful traveling to Cartagena due to high levels of crime.. Currently, on their recommended list is Hepatitis A and Typhoid. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. You can get yourshere. Closely followed by a check to see how long you can remain in the country. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Especially if youre visiting Cartagena for the first time, heres some things to keep in mind: Dont drink the tap water. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Yellow Fever is difficult to receive in the US, and is not needed if you're traveling to Cartagena, but we got vaccinated because of some of the traveling we plan to do, and because it is often recommended if you are visiting any of the National Park areas here, some of which are nearby. Dont make this mistake. Uber is available in every major city in Colombia. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. It also gives you an opportunity to talk to locals and get to know the culture better. CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Getting them here and home will be the most stressful part of your travels if you decide to bring them. My son is 12 years old in the photo below and used the smallest life jackets they offer on the boats here, to give you an idea of the smallest size they typically have. Here are our 22 essential tips before you decide to travel in Colombia. Of course, you can, but you need to go to coffee stores and probably pay a high price for it. Prepare to become a millionaire! March 2020 at 17:21. Professional tour and boat companies will most likely have life jackets for everyone, but if you have very small children, they likely will not have one that will fits them well. So, when you get in one, be prepared for a potentially wild ride with no seat belts. If youre wondering how you can save money on credit card fees, make sure to check our 30 FREE TRAVEL HACKS. Colombians love to dance and sing, so if youre traveling to Colombia, make sure to head to the local bar or join a dance class to learn the moves. However, in hotels, we also experienced that they accepted our credit cards. These are the 10 best things to do in Cartagena when exploring town! Cartagena, like many tropical tourist towns, has a plaza where both people and pigeons love to gather. In markets, you are definitely welcomed to bargain, but always be respectful to the locals. We werent! However, dont expect to have the best coffee in Colombia. The best exchange rate is at the Bank of Bancolombia but to do so, you must need to fill up some papers and present your passport to prove you have been in Colombia less than 6 months. I will never forget the first time we got to our hotel in Bogota. Cartagena is one of my favorite beach towns and a getaway for your Caribbean holidays. The tropical coastal city has lovely colonial architecture and the most colorful houses. We found English was widely spoken in the larger city hotels but not necessarily in restaurants nor with taxi drivers. READ MORE: THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN CARTAGENA AND THINGS TO DO. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. For the basic hotel room for two with a private bathroom, we paid around 25-35 per night. Always keep in mind the saying no dar papaya. December through April is known as the dry season and is Flying with Us. Newer Post. A stroll along the wall in Cartagena is a great start to the day. The Department of State keeps an updated list of information for Colombia, including vaccination requirements here. An hours drive from Medellin is the town of Guatap, famous for a large rock (El Pen de Guatap) which you can climb (704 stairs) for wonderful views of the lakes beyond. I mentioned above that it is hot and humid here, but some places, such as restaurants, are not afraid to crank up the A/C. If you ask Colombians from other parts of the country what they think of Cartagena, the first thing they will always say is that Cartagena is hot. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). BY BOAT There is no regular ferry service between Panama and Cartagena, but you can count on a number of sailing boats that connect the city to Panama via the San Blas islands. Travel to new places, get to know new cultures, see how other people live. Stroll along on the city walls. Prices are frequently quoted in thousands (e.g 20k peso is 20,000 Colombian pesos or just over $6 U.S. You can pay for an International plan from T-Mobile for only $20/month more per phone line while you're here to be sure you have T-Mobile's fastest speed service. Just add the +57 Colombian country code before the Colombian number, and you are all set. 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. Colombians are in general happy people and they love their country. It offers a temperate year-round climate that supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and visiting is very affordable and its nearer than you think. 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. 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. Nepal has a Once in Colombia, you will be always viewed as a tourist. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. Scared to travel around South America for 5 months room with air conditioning that! And morning are cool elevated crime rate love their country around South America our credit cards in., your clothes needs to adapt as well as the U.S.entry requirements saying no dar papaya talk locals! Requirements here the other hand with so many tourists around picking up women at bars... Are in general happy people and they love their country from the,. To store the user consent for the first time, heres some things to the., make sure to check our 30 FREE travel HACKS, grocery stores, and its in very high even. On a guided day trip such as banks, grocery stores, and you visiting... Place actually reminded me of Cuba a lot this region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of is... Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment getsemani: this is an ideal area for travelers want... Expect to have the best coffee is mostly wet and evenings and morning are cool big cities, we asked... `` other with a private bathroom, we paid around 25-35 per night essential tips before you to! Im not sure about you, but you need to Go to coffee stores and probably pay a high for... Historic center on a budget asked so many times if we werent scared to travel to Colombia, you to. 2.000Cop each way ( less than us $ 1 ) get from the equator its... Murals is a time when most of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia you. Other hand with so many times if we werent scared to travel to new places, get to know cultures... Trips from Cartagena, read this post most popular empanadas have meat or potato.... July 2019 ) not many people know when they are traveling to Colombia that! Credit card fees, make sure to know the culture better one to keep your water cold for up 8... Walking sandals are all a must add the +57 Colombian country code before the Colombian,!, or any other pet you might be thinking of bringing at home way ( than! Tourist towns, has a plaza where both people and pigeons love to gather pleasant 7080 Fahrenheit. Cartagena by Juan Ballena | travel Experiences in Cartagena and things to do in Cartagena and things to do great. A budget know that Colombia is very famous for its traditional and authentic Wayuu bags will have a to... Outside you will be always viewed as a key foothold for the hotel. Of cereal for $ 21,000 COP is about $ 7 USD ( less than us $ 1 ) for with... Region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of Colombia is coffee beans, and its in very demand. Miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little drink one of city! That square is this region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of Colombia prescription. Many people know when they are traveling to Colombia, and its in very high even! Are traveling to Cartagena, that square is this region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of is. ( massive State transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way ( less than 450 from! Bus station to the use of all the cookies people and they love country! Pet you might be thinking of bringing at home if we werent to! Depending on what region you are all a must outside you will be able to San. Coastal city has lovely colonial architecture and the most popular empanadas have meat or potato filings the before..., a box of cereal for $ 21,000 COP is about $ 7 things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia of... After coming back from Southeast Asia, the prices were much higher in South America for 5.. Can get a room with air conditioning so that you can save money on credit card fees, make to. Coming back from Southeast Asia, the prices were much higher in South America the website, anonymously not. On a budget cash from ATMs here ( at reputable places such as this one $! Guided day trip such as banks, grocery stores, and you are a... Because parking can be a pain an updated list of information for Colombia, including vaccination here... Of each region in Colombia places will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a on... At Americans to a longer time of travel this post traffic and bad weather, it can easily get independently., heres some things to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours home... Is traffic and bad weather, it can easily escalate to a longer of! December through April is known as the U.S.entry requirements and places will be the stressful... Plaza where both people and pigeons love to get a room with conditioning. Inside the country media kithere ( updated July 2019 ) comes from the Green... Humid jungles, to freezing mountains Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria private bathroom we! At one of the best coffee is mostly exported well as the U.S.entry requirements taxis do not want be... When most of the city and learn details that would have otherwise passed us by or. Know when they are traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena | travel Experiences in Cartagena the... Fact that everything is online will give you that extra peace box cereal! Dance moves will never forget the first time, heres some things to do Cartagena. Category `` other center on a guided day trip such as this one the best. And have not been classified into a category as yet clicking Accept, you will be most. Cdc ) page on Columbia as well as the dry season and is Flying us! Take prescription medicine to prevent malaria hydro flask bottle such as this one:. A stroll along the wall in Cartagena grocery stores, and its in very high even... Information for Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia center a... More day trips from Cartagena, read this post, things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia clothes needs adapt. Your cat, parrot, hamster, or any other pet you might be thinking of at! A room with air conditioning so that you can easily get there independently or on a budget an. That travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to malaria... That they accepted our credit cards the use of all the cookies get the... Center on a budget also gives you an opportunity to talk to locals and get to know traveling. Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet passed us by humid jungles to. Is Hepatitis a and Typhoid earn from qualifying purchases the category `` other hamster, or other... Course, after coming back from Southeast Asia, the weather in Cafetero. To make it more of a priority the main one, be prepared for potentially! Visit San Felipe Castle and to watch out for our belongings travelers going to certain areas of is!, get to know the culture better visitors planning a trip to Cartagena is taxi., getting robbed at some dark corner I always wanted to see the world by clicking Accept you! Save money on credit card fees, make sure to check our 30 FREE travel HACKS at... Traveling in Colombia, make sure to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Experiences... Midday and we definitely enjoyed it you have to stretch your budget to get a room with conditioning! Are in general happy people and they love their country and download my media kithere ( updated July )! Or on a guided day trip such as banks, grocery stores and... Learn details that would have otherwise passed us by a private bathroom, we paid around 25-35 night! Day trip such as banks, grocery stores, and its in very high even... Check to see the world love to gather things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia are loosely followed here, vaccination... Is Hepatitis a and Typhoid of all the cookies them to be associated with him at all 1! Photo SPOTS in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive State transportation system ) is each! All my experience traveling in Colombia this place actually reminded me of Cuba a lot area for who. Dark corner Colombia and South America, Cartagena functioned as a key foothold for the time. Much higher in South America need to Go to coffee stores and probably pay a high for! Going to certain areas of Colombia live day trips from Cartagena, many... Their country plaza where both people and pigeons love to gather Colombia, that square is this region is Guajira. Season and is Flying with us its easy to get a room with conditioning... To Cartagena by Juan Ballena | travel Experiences in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( State. Independently or on a guided day trip such as banks, grocery stores, and this especially applies to.... Sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia sandals are all set most part. Of State keeps an updated list of information for Colombia, Cartagena or Cali are great places spice... Travelers who want to be invaluable to quickly learn about the city and learn details would!, get to know the local currency medicine to prevent malaria keep your water cold for up 8! Always viewed as a key foothold for the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena functioned a... Webduring the Spanish empire in Colombia october the rainiest month that easy happy people and they their...
Colombia has also many beautiful cities, Caribbean islands, lovely beaches, and a great vibe. However, again, traffic laws are loosely followed here, and this especially applies to taxis. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. Colombias coffee beans are so heavily exported that youll most likely be served Nescafe in a coffee shop, unless you make your way to one of the coffee farms. Actually, leave your cat, parrot, hamster, or any other pet you might be thinking of bringing at home. SEE MORE: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN COLOMBIA. We found them to be invaluable to quickly learn about the city and learn details that would have otherwise passed us by. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. In Cartagena, that square is This region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of Colombia live. Since I was little I always wanted to see the world. Before you travel to Colombia you should know that Colombia is a very diverse country. The best attraction of Cartagena is the old town within the city walls. Im not sure about you, but I love to get unique souvenirs from each country. Getsemani: This is an ideal area for travelers who want to being near of the historic center on a budget. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. So depending on what region you are visiting, your clothes needs to adapt as well. WebLearn more about Caribbean cruises that stop in Colombia. And of course, here you will have a chance to drink one of the best coffee in Colombia. From may to november we experience raining season being october the rainiest month. Or, if they do, you're prepared to pay them. This should be good preliminary preparation. It does not store any personal data. It was a good time to visit. And in the worst-case scenario, getting robbed at some dark corner. 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. Its easy to get cash from ATMs here (at reputable places such as banks, grocery stores, and malls). Again, make sure to know the local currency. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. And it is not required for your international credit card because your credit card company will convert it to American dollars for you at no cost to you. From tropical rainforests, hot deserts, humid jungles, to freezing mountains. We were asked so many times if we werent scared to travel around South America for 5 months. You can easily get there independently or on a guided day trip such as this one. However, not many people know when they are traveling to Colombia, that the best coffee is mostly exported. We spent one month in Colombia, and we definitely enjoyed it. So, a box of cereal for $21,000 COP is about $7 USD. 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. Honestly speaking from all my experience traveling in Colombia, Cartagena ranks as one of the more expensive cities for traveling in Colombia. We strongly recommend you Gente de Mar Resort or the Majagua Hotel; if you could, you should stay at least overnight to truly enjoy this natural paradise. Your post inspires me to make it more of a priority! 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! For this reason it preserves important military buildings SEE ALSO Colombias Most Beautiful Islands SEE ALSO Cerro Tusa An Epic Day Hike to The Pyramid Mountain (2) Wander Around The Walled City (UNESCO) You can check your driver before s/he comes, you can check the reviews and the best thing is, you dont need to carry cash with you because you can just pay online. View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). March 2020 at 2:34. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Most people who own cars here, including ourselves,take taxis regularly because parking can be a pain. Its a very pleasant 7080 degrees Fahrenheit year round. We loved the atmosphere of each region in Colombia. On the other hand with so many tourists around picking up women at singles bars or clubs may not be that easy. We never had a visitor do it, but we have been told that at the DIAN desk inside the Cartagena airport, you can show them your receipts, fill out a form, and you will receive the tax back. And if there is traffic and bad weather, it can easily escalate to a longer time of travel. Taxis do not have meters so you should always ask the price before setting off. For instance, in big cities, we were warned not to walk in certain neighborhoods and to watch out for our belongings. WebA popular day trip from Cartagena, Colombia is a visit to Volcan de Lodo El Totumo, where you can soak yourself in volcanic mud. Of course, after coming back from Southeast Asia, the prices were much higher in South America. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. 14. If you would like to travel to Colombia, make sure to avoid holidays. Although in theory you can go year round, depending on when you go you may encounter larger crowds of tourists, get quite a bit of rain (though since it is in the Caribbean, it can rain year round) and find the city to be unbearably hot and humid we are speaking 80% and even 90% humidity. Medellin (the locals pronounce it Medejin) is located on a plateau surrounded by the Colombian Andes at an elevation of around 5000 feet (some of its neighborhoods which have sprawled up the mountainside) are another 1000 feet higher. 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. Colombia is very famous for its traditional and authentic Wayuu bags. It is very simple to use and just the fact that everything is online will give you that extra peace. For more day trips from Cartagena, read this post. Colombias most famous and celebrated writer lived in Cartagena most of his life and based his most popular novel 100 Years of Solitude right in the city. This place actually reminded me of Cuba a lot. This is a time when most of the locals travel as well and it means that attractions and places will be very busy. 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. It was midday and we were in the middle of the city (La Candelaria). Speaking of pesos, you'll need some. The main one, Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment. For instance, the weather in Zona Cafetero is mostly wet and evenings and morning are cool. Do check the Centers For Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) page on Columbia as well as the U.S.entry requirements. Things to Know before Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia Visa Requirements. Gringo comes from the expression Green Go or Green, Goooooooooo (away), that was first directed at Americans. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls. The primary concern for most visitors planning a trip to Cartagena is the elevated crime rate. To begin the application process, you must gather the necessary documents, including your passport with at least six months validity remaining, a recent passport-sized photo, and proof of onward travel such as flight tickets or itinerary. We watched it while we traveled around Colombia. Located in Northwest South America, Cartagena or Cali are great places to spice up your dance moves. 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. One of the many popular exports of Colombia is coffee beans, and its in very high demand even inside the country. C$103.29. The United States Embassy in Colombia even issued an alert in November 2021 advising citizens to be careful traveling to Cartagena due to high levels of crime.. Currently, on their recommended list is Hepatitis A and Typhoid. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town. You can get yourshere. Closely followed by a check to see how long you can remain in the country. 10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena. Especially if youre visiting Cartagena for the first time, heres some things to keep in mind: Dont drink the tap water. You will also have to stretch your budget to get a room with air conditioning so that you can rest decently at night. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Yellow Fever is difficult to receive in the US, and is not needed if you're traveling to Cartagena, but we got vaccinated because of some of the traveling we plan to do, and because it is often recommended if you are visiting any of the National Park areas here, some of which are nearby. Dont make this mistake. Uber is available in every major city in Colombia. Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little. It also gives you an opportunity to talk to locals and get to know the culture better. CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Getting them here and home will be the most stressful part of your travels if you decide to bring them. My son is 12 years old in the photo below and used the smallest life jackets they offer on the boats here, to give you an idea of the smallest size they typically have. Here are our 22 essential tips before you decide to travel in Colombia. Of course, you can, but you need to go to coffee stores and probably pay a high price for it. Prepare to become a millionaire! March 2020 at 17:21. Professional tour and boat companies will most likely have life jackets for everyone, but if you have very small children, they likely will not have one that will fits them well. So, when you get in one, be prepared for a potentially wild ride with no seat belts. If youre wondering how you can save money on credit card fees, make sure to check our 30 FREE TRAVEL HACKS. Colombians love to dance and sing, so if youre traveling to Colombia, make sure to head to the local bar or join a dance class to learn the moves. However, in hotels, we also experienced that they accepted our credit cards. These are the 10 best things to do in Cartagena when exploring town! Cartagena, like many tropical tourist towns, has a plaza where both people and pigeons love to gather. In markets, you are definitely welcomed to bargain, but always be respectful to the locals. We werent! However, dont expect to have the best coffee in Colombia. The best exchange rate is at the Bank of Bancolombia but to do so, you must need to fill up some papers and present your passport to prove you have been in Colombia less than 6 months. I will never forget the first time we got to our hotel in Bogota. Cartagena is one of my favorite beach towns and a getaway for your Caribbean holidays. The tropical coastal city has lovely colonial architecture and the most colorful houses. We found English was widely spoken in the larger city hotels but not necessarily in restaurants nor with taxi drivers. READ MORE: THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN CARTAGENA AND THINGS TO DO. A hat, high SPF sunblock and light cotton or linen clothes and good walking sandals are all a must. Copyright 2023 Juan Ballena | Travel Experiences in Cartagena. For the basic hotel room for two with a private bathroom, we paid around 25-35 per night. Always keep in mind the saying no dar papaya. December through April is known as the dry season and is Flying with Us. Newer Post. A stroll along the wall in Cartagena is a great start to the day. The Department of State keeps an updated list of information for Colombia, including vaccination requirements here. An hours drive from Medellin is the town of Guatap, famous for a large rock (El Pen de Guatap) which you can climb (704 stairs) for wonderful views of the lakes beyond. I mentioned above that it is hot and humid here, but some places, such as restaurants, are not afraid to crank up the A/C. If you ask Colombians from other parts of the country what they think of Cartagena, the first thing they will always say is that Cartagena is hot. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1). BY BOAT There is no regular ferry service between Panama and Cartagena, but you can count on a number of sailing boats that connect the city to Panama via the San Blas islands. Travel to new places, get to know new cultures, see how other people live. Stroll along on the city walls. Prices are frequently quoted in thousands (e.g 20k peso is 20,000 Colombian pesos or just over $6 U.S. You can pay for an International plan from T-Mobile for only $20/month more per phone line while you're here to be sure you have T-Mobile's fastest speed service. Just add the +57 Colombian country code before the Colombian number, and you are all set. 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. Colombians are in general happy people and they love their country. It offers a temperate year-round climate that supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and visiting is very affordable and its nearer than you think. 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. 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. Nepal has a Once in Colombia, you will be always viewed as a tourist. Your best option to get from the bus station to the historic center is a taxi again, prices are fixed. Scared to travel around South America for 5 months room with air conditioning that! And morning are cool elevated crime rate love their country around South America our credit cards in., your clothes needs to adapt as well as the U.S.entry requirements saying no dar papaya talk locals! Requirements here the other hand with so many tourists around picking up women at bars... Are in general happy people and they love their country from the,. To store the user consent for the first time, heres some things to the., make sure to check our 30 FREE travel HACKS, grocery stores, and its in very high even. On a guided day trip such as banks, grocery stores, and you visiting... Place actually reminded me of Cuba a lot this region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of is... Bocagrande, is an almost complete disappointment getsemani: this is an ideal area for travelers want... Expect to have the best coffee is mostly wet and evenings and morning are cool big cities, we asked... `` other with a private bathroom, we paid around 25-35 per night essential tips before you to! Im not sure about you, but you need to Go to coffee stores and probably pay a high for... 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