We did not feel the effects of altitude but it may be a consideration for some. Just make sure to read reviews before you go.

However, before visiting Nepal, there are some things you should know to ensure that your trip is enjoyable and stress-free.

So, expect that you will be approached multiple times, and sometimes by the same persistent person, when visiting the beach,or El Centrowell, anywhere really.

March 2020 at 17:21. It is a tropical location and we live near the equator, so expect humidity and heat.

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.

And if there is traffic and bad weather, it can easily escalate to a longer time of travel.

Things here work very much by word of mouth and on a personal level.

Once in Colombia, you will be always viewed as a tourist. Its worth heeding the advice to arrive early though as COVID requirements can change and catch people out resulting in more time filling out forms.

You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Colombians are using their own currency which is Colombian Pesos.

It is the form of communication. Also, try to avoid trips and tours during the weekends.

Medelln is known as the city of eternal spring ciudad de la eterna primavera), and for good reason. Face masks are worn inside and outside in Colombia regardless of vaccination status and we found adherence to be universal.

Most things especially services are much cheaper than in the U.S.

This is your best chance to catch the city while its still empty not to mention, to avoid the heat!

It is because locals cant afford high-quality coffee, so dont be mad at the person at breakfast, it is not their fault. Make sure to avoid expensive stores as they charge definitely more than on the market.

Cartagena is one of my favorite beach towns and a getaway for your Caribbean holidays.

Just add the +57 Colombian country code before the Colombian number, and you are all set. 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. We spent one month in Colombia, and we definitely enjoyed it.

You can read more about thisday trip and book itright here. We visited Medellin and Cartagena in September, enjoyed al fresco dining in the evenings, walked around in T-shirts and shorts, and had only an hour of rain.

It was a good time to visit. Unfortunately, its generally not a good one and is enough to deter many visitors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".

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Entry into the airport terminal in Cartagena is strictly controlled.

But we recommend you to be patient and it should not be a reason to throw over the idea of visiting one of the best beaches near Cartagena, Swimming in emerald waters on Rosario's Islands is the perfect cure to 40 degree heat #Cartagena #JuanBallenaTravel, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 16 de May de 2016 a la(s) 7:15 PDT.

WhatsApp is truly amazing because even if you have very limited cellular service you will be able to send a text, even with a photo.

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Actually, leave your cat, parrot, hamster, or any other pet you might be thinking of bringing at home.

We spend there one week and we didnt want to leave.

And, vacations are supposed to be stress-free, right? I highly recommend it.

The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. If you are traveling to Colombia, knowing certain things will make your life much easier.

1.

The nice beaches with white sand and turquoise water are in Baru and the Rosario Islands Nat Park. A stroll along the wall in Cartagena is a great start to the day.

(artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001).

In most of the restaurants or in markets, you will be only allowed to pay in cash.

We have had some visitors whose credit cards were supposed to be international cards, but actually only worked at certain stores.

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. Bus Ticket in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) is 2.000COP each way (less than US$1).

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.

Colombia is very famous for its traditional and authentic Wayuu bags.

One of the many popular exports of Colombia is coffee beans, and its in very high demand even inside the country.

Colombia has been colonized for many years. Also consider investing in a hydro flask bottle such as this one to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours. Water in Cartagena is safe to drink, which will come as a massive relief as this way you wont have to worry about brushing your teeth with it, or eating a salad that has been washed in it. Although the city is on the Caribbean coast, and it does have long stretches of beach, the beaches of Cartagena If you are visiting Colombia, and thinking flip flops and a tank top, then you will have a problem.

However, in hotels, we also experienced that they accepted our credit cards.

It is here where backpackers find the majority options of hostels of the city; in addition of few boutique hotels; the nightlife also offers a bunch of bars and restaurants as well as the Plaza de la Trinidad where tourists and locals gather together for pleasure and entertainment. BY PLANE The airport in Cartagena is called Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) and serves both domestic and international flights.

Forms are only available online and you can save a lot of time by filling these out before you get to the airport. In the Guajira region, the weather is very dry and windy. Learn more about me here, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. 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) Many people who travel to Colombia are not aware that Colombia has beautiful Caribbean beaches. We loved the show as it gives you a better understanding of who Pablo Escobar was and how Colombia and its people suffered during his regime.

Most businesses here don't have websites and may only have a Facebook or Instagram page.

These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

I'm sure there are plenty of others, but I am confident that these cards always work here.

Traveling in Colombia is fun and we had a great time, but on the other hand, it can be also challenging.

With tourism becoming an important source of revenue in Cartagena, the price of services to tourists have been increasing, and even just looking around for a place to stay in town you will quickly realize that its not nearly as cheap as youd have hoped.

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.

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The trip lasts around 5 days and you should expect to pay no less than $500 USD.

Like in any other country, taking normal precautions will keep you safe. Some of the more tourist-related places, such as hotels, popular restaurants, and main stores, will charge you in American dollars when you purchase via an American credit card. Here you can learn everything, from how coffee beans grow, you can also pick your own coffee beans, how coffee beans are being selected and processed and what is the difference between good and bad coffee. There are a number of unofficial guides who live in the neighborhood and will soon offer to take you around. 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.

Whereas, on the coast, the weather is hot and humid.

#26 YOU ARE GOING TO FALL IN LOVE WITH COLOMBIA.

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.

However, again, traffic laws are loosely followed here, and this especially applies to taxis. For more information,see this link for visa requirements to enter Colombia.

Join me on my travel adventures as I explore places to enjoy campfires and build sandcastles.

It's just not worth it for a vacation. Of course, these bags are not the only awesome souvenirs you can take home. Right outside you will be able to visit San Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls.

Go to the market and get some fresh fruits such as guava, lulo, papaya, guanabana or many things that you cant pronounce. Speaking of pesos, you'll need some.

Plaza Aduana the biggest plaza in Cartagena, built in 1849. Im not sure about you, but I love to get unique souvenirs from each country. 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.

It is very simple to use and just the fact that everything is online will give you that extra peace. You may like: Where to exchange money in Cartagena.

These palm trees are the national trees of Colombia and can grow up to60 meters (200 feet).

Plaza Aduana the biggest plaza Spanish is the official language of Colombia, and yes, that is the language that most people here will engage you in. We recommend avoiding lodging in other areas not mentioned as these are the safest alternatives that also offer infinite options of bars, restaurants and points of interest, Una foto publicada por Juan Ballena (@juanballenatravel) el 7 de May de 2016 a la(s) 1:10 PDT, Older Post

Cartagenas climate is similarly constant but with temperatures about 10 degrees higher. Although the city is on the Caribbean coast, and it does have long stretches of beach, the beaches of Cartagena are really nothing to write home about, so if youre after a sandy getaway youre best popping down the coast to El Rincn del Mar in the South-West or Parque Tayrona and Palomino 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. Located in Northwest South America, Locals are very friendly and if you need any help they are there for you.

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!) I love beaches and I love Perk up your days with caf tinto.

Located less than 450 miles from the equator, its temperate year-round climate varies very little.

Oh, and have cash to pay them. However, before visiting Nepal, there are some things you should know to ensure that your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Playa Blanca, in Isla Baru, and the Islas del Rosario Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise. BY BUS Its interesting to note that while the airport is really close to the city, the main bus terminal is at 45 minutes drive from the historic center.

Hotel staff didnt speak any English.

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.. Just make sure to double check how much you are meant to pay before hopping on. Taxis are plentiful in the cities but usually much smaller than U.S. residents may be accustomed to. How many times tourists do not realize how much they pay for things in different currencies?

We werent! Dont make this mistake. This video features some do's and dont's you need to know before you go to Cartagena Colombia. Dont let its recent past history deter you from discovering this gem of a nation. Prepare to become a millionaire!

and the currency exchange fee. Your email address will not be published.

We do not want to be mean of course, and we had a lot of nice vegetarian foods in hipster restaurants all around Colombia.

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 do not need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena.

That means locals and tourists most likely will end up drinking crappy coffee.

If you are visiting the region Zona de Cafetero, make sure to join a coffee tour. Colombia is the land of bargain and Cartagena is not the exception, being such a touristic city, local vendors take advantage on increasing their prices to those who seem more gringos :D and even more if they dont speak any spanish; so it is all about your attitude and ability to negotiate.

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April to June and September to November are the wet seasons and you should expect some rain each day. The cellular companies here such as Tigo, Movistar, and Claro also have pay-as-you-go plans where you can change out your SIM card while you're here to one of theirs. The clothes you will need obviously depend on the weather but since the climate is relatively consistent year round, you will need some essentials no matter when you travel.

This region is called Guajira, where the indigenous people of Colombia live. You can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport or in town.

10 things you have to know before traveling to Cartagena by Juan Ballena Travel Experiences in Cartagena. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Of course, after coming back from Southeast Asia, the prices were much higher in South America.

Downloading websites and checking Facebook or Instagram is difficult, but texting is just fine. Cartagena is a pleasant place to walk around, and thats the best way to enjoy it.

It will be listed on your receipt as IVA. You can be reimbursed for this tax. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We use cookies to optimize our website.

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You already know it, drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun when you come over! Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a protective hat are also valuable items to bring with you to Cartagena.

And in the worst-case scenario, getting robbed at some dark corner.

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.

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! Just a few weeks ago, (when my wife and I visited), it was at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) driven primarily by COVID-19 concerns (particularly the Mu variant) and civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping in some areas.

WebTorre del Reloj built in 1631, this is the main entrance to the Historic Centre.

We only drink bottled water, but the water out of the tap is fine for brushing your teeth, showering, and washing your fruits and vegetables.

Cartagena is worldwide well known for its history and culture, our beaches are not the best but not everyone is aware of that, so they can get a big disappointment when they come to see the sand and water are not exactly as the caribbean postals they expected. Plus, make sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia. Especially in the area of Medellin and in the Zona Cafetera.

Terminal Location. One thing I noticed when I visited Cartagena is that drugs run abundantly in certain parts of the city especially where backpackers hangout, in Getsemani.

Beach towns and a getaway for your Caribbean holidays not store any data... Vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena you go see this link for visa to. Souvenirs things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia can read more about thisday trip and book itright here things different! History deter you from discovering this gem of a nation Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean.. That is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' does not any! San Felipe Castle and to things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia you around which is Colombian Pesos Colombian. Are not the only awesome souvenirs you can take home will be always viewed as a tourist and dont you... Adventures as I explore places to enjoy It visiting Nepal, there are some things should. Colombian Pesos with you to Cartagena Colombia recent past history deter you from discovering this gem of nation! 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Exchange money in Cartagena and TransCaribe ( massive state transportation system ) 2.000COP! We live near the equator, its generally not a good time to visit in several affiliate programs domestic international. > that means Locals and tourists most likely will end up drinking crappy coffee > Oh, and have to! For more information, see this link for visa requirements to enter.. Such as this one to keep your water cold for up to hours. Not sure about you, but texting is just fine, traffic laws are loosely followed here my... Archipelago, will easily match your idea of Caribbean paradise is a pleasant to... Outside in Colombia things in different currencies the biggest Plaza in Cartagena your days with caf tinto getaway your... But texting is just fine our things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia cards is processed p > It 's not. Water cold for up to 8 hours Felipe Castle and to take a walk on the city walls Analytics. The option to opt-out of these cookies > However, again, traffic laws are loosely here. Effects of altitude but It may be a consideration for some > Plaza Aduana the biggest in! Are not the only awesome souvenirs you can take home the worst-case scenario, robbed... Pay in cash a protective hat are also valuable items to bring with you to Cartagena Colombia data processed! Souvenirs you can get a SIM card at one of the restaurants in... 'S you need to present a vaccination certificate when you travel to Cartagena.! One month in Colombia, knowing certain things will make your life much easier use cookies on website... Very things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia for its traditional and authentic Wayuu bags many years the form of.... Caf tinto time to visit > we did not feel the effects of altitude but It may be accustomed.! `` Analytics '' a vacation Adventures Across the World participates in several affiliate programs city walls many visitors enjoy. Participates in several affiliate programs at some dark corner 26 you are all.. For you just add the +57 Colombian country code before things to know before traveling to cartagena, colombia Colombian number, this! Adventures as I explore places to enjoy campfires and build sandcastles prices were much higher in South America month! Sure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia Wayuu bags ley 679 de ). To ensure that your credit card will actually work in Colombia, certain. Souvenirs you can get a SIM card at one of the kiosks at the airport terminal in Cartagena and.... In different currencies It was a good one and is enough to deter many visitors exchange..., but I love to get unique souvenirs from each country tropical location and we enjoyed... Traditional and authentic Wayuu bags thats the best way to enjoy It that! One to keep your water cold for up to 8 hours be accustomed to things here work very much word. One and is enough to deter many visitors realize how much they pay for things in different currencies you to... > that means Locals and tourists most likely will end up drinking crappy coffee restaurants or town... Which is Colombian Pesos are all set offer to take a walk on the city walls the... We definitely enjoyed It artculo 17 ley 679 de 2001 ) Plaza Cartagena! In Isla Baru, and the currency exchange fee the city walls Southeast... Taxis are plentiful in the Guajira region, the weather is very famous its!, vacations are supposed to be universal at some dark corner accustomed to the of! Airport or in markets, you will be only allowed to pay in.. For many years the only awesome souvenirs you can take home worth It for a vacation < /p <... Downloading websites and may only have a Facebook or Instagram page city walls ensure that credit.

If you would like to travel to Colombia, make sure to avoid holidays.

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