Is Cartagena Colombia worth visiting?

Reasons Why You Should Visit Cartagena at Least Once in Your Lifetime. Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the Americas: tourists flock here to enjoy the Caribbean climate, historic Walled City and gorgeous nearby beaches.

Is Cartagena Colombia safe for tourists?

Cartagena today is actually pretty safe – in fact, it’s one of the safer places in Colombia. There’s plenty of police officers on the street and the city is seeing improvements to the crime rate and general security. Most tourists who visit Cartagena have a trouble-free time. … And yes, tourists are targeted.

How many days do you need in Cartagena Colombia?

3 days is just about the perfect amount of time spent in Cartagena. It’s enough time to see all the main sites and enjoy a day at the beach, and it will leave you time to see some of those other destinations.

Which is better Medellin or Cartagena?

Medellín wins here.

Medellín is a much bigger city with a metro population of over 3.7 million so it obviously has many more restaurant and nightlife options. In comparison, Cartagena has a metro population of over 1.2 million. Medellín has many more restaurant options, many of which have been covered on this website.

Is Bogota or Cartagena better?

No question here – Cartagena hands down. Beautiful colonial city with all the services a tourist need. Bogota is a capital and thus huge, chaotic and polluted. There’s obviously some great things to do there, but Bogota often disappoints travellers.

Is Cartagena expensive?

Cartagena is undoubtedly the current crown jewel of Colombian tourism, and as such is one of the most expensive locations in this amazing country. Don’t worry, though, you CAN visit Cartagena on a budget!

Do they speak English in Cartagena Colombia?

The two areas where English is most widely spoken are inside the walled city of Cartagena and in the Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia. … These tourist destinations, which are located far away from Colombia in the Caribbean sea, are populated almost exclusively by bi-lingual English and Spanish speakers.

Are taxis in Cartagena safe?

Re: Are taxis safe to the airport in Cartagena, Colombia? It will be absolutely fine. Your hostel will call a reputable company. Also Cartagena is one of the safest cities in Colombia and actually I haven’t heard much about taxi robberies there unlike in other cities.

What is there to do in Cartagena during the day?

Is there Uber in Cartagena Colombia?

Uber is available in Cartagena, but its legal status is in jeopardy. The concentration and reliability of taxis generally make the local companies a better option. Busses are best left for traveling between Cartagena and nearby cities.

Which city has the best nightlife in Colombia?

Medellin Nightlife

Medellin is Colombia’s most exciting party city and home to the world’s most amazing women.

Should I visit Medellin or Bogota?

Medellin is the undisputed winner in this area. The city is renowned for its ‘perfect weather’. Medellin boasts spring-like weather all year round and provides a pleasant experience to the visitors. Bogota, on the other hand, is colder than its Colombian counterpart, as it is located in a high altitude region.

Where is the safest place in Colombia?

Why is Cartagena famous?

Cartagena has a fascinating and often unbelievable history: once the largest slave port in the Americas, the city was regularly invaded and besieged by pirates and is home to some of the finest historical architecture in the country.

Is Cali worth visiting Colombia?

Apart from the odd mugging, Cali is safe for backpackers, including lone, female travellers. Don’t let an outdated reputation keep you from visiting the most vibrant city in Colombia. Cali is worth a visit! As long as you don’t join a drug cartel, then you’ll be fine.

What is the best beach in Cartagena?

Is 50 dollars a lot in Colombia?

In fact, Colombia as a whole isn’t as cheap a place as many travellers believe. However, with a budget of $50 there’s plenty that you can do in Bogotá and still feel that you’ve made the most of the city.

What food is Cartagena famous for?

How much does a beer cost in Cartagena?

How do you say hello in Colombia?

Do you need to speak Spanish in Cartagena?

The two areas where English is most widely spoken are inside the walled city of Cartagena and in the Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia. Staff in restaurants, hotels and some shops in Cartagena speak English to at least a reasonable level because of the large number of international visitors the city sees.

Is Colombia safe with kids?

Colombia is a safe destination for families, as long as you practice the usual safe and smart travel habits. Hiring a guide is a good idea, as this lets you keep an eye on the kids while someone else does all the heavy navigating and logistics.

Are US dollars accepted in Cartagena?

Cartagena has plenty of banks and casas de cambios. Many large hotels and emerald shops will change dollars, and most of the larger businesses accept US dollar bills.

Is there a beach in Cartagena Colombia?

Cartagena also has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean Peninsula. With an average temperature of 81.6 degrees, nearly every day is perfect for heading to the beach. The tropical islands and beaches that surround the city attract visitors from around the world.

How far is Cartagena from airport?

The airport is 3.5 miles from the old town and taxis are available. You should obtain a voucher from the official taxi stand in the terminal and the fare to the city is COL$20,000. “Colectivo” buses can be taken from the road outside the airport and a single ticket is COL$2,000.

Is it safe to walk around Cartagena?

Is Cartagena safe for travel? Generally — yes! Locals tell us that Cartegana’s beauty and Caribbean flare make it an excellent destination. As long as travelers are aware of a few safety precautions, they should be fine.

What does Cartagena mean in English?

(ˌkɑːtəˈdʒiːnə , Spanish kartaˈxena) noun. a port in NW Colombia, on the Caribbean: centre for the Inquisition and the slave trade in the 16th century, chief oil port of Colombia.

How far is Cartagena from Medellin by plane?

The distance between Medellín and Cartagena is 389 miles (636 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about an hour.

Can you drink tap water in Cartagena?

You Can Drink the Tap Water in Cartagena

As our bellies can attest to, the tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink, safe to brush your teeth with, safe to wash fruit and veg with, and safe to have ice in your cocktail. If it helps, it is officially recognised as safe too.

Do you tip taxi drivers in Cartagena?

Tipping your taxi driver isn’t customary in Colombia. However, I usually round up to the closest peso or throw in an extra 1,000 COP if the driver was especially friendly.

Are taxis expensive in Cartagena?

While Cartagena’s taxis are the most expensive in the country and prices to go longer distances can be expensive, they’re still considerably cheaper than in the United States or other more developed countries.

Are drugs legal in Colombia?

Colombia. In 2009, Colombia’s Supreme Court ruled that possession of illegal drugs for personal use is not a criminal offense, citing a 1994 decision by the country’s Constitutional Court.

Do Colombians like to party?

There is Always Something to Celebrate in Colombia

As you might know, Colombians love to party! There seems to be a celebration for almost everything. … Even if you’re not dancing, drinking or singing, you will have fun watching the Colombians doing it. There’s no age limit for partying here.

What do you wear to a club in Colombia?

Dress codes apply to a tiny minority of high-end clubs in the big cities. 99% of the time, you won’t need to worry about dressing up for a night of partying. For both men and women, jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are fine. … Colombian women take great care in their appearance and tend to dress up more than men.

Do they speak English in Bogota Colombia?

The other major cities, particularly Bogotá and Medellín, aren´t too slack when it comes to speaking English. Luckily enough, the glitzier, partayier areas of Colombia´s two largest cities also happen to speak the most English.

Is Medellin safe for tourists?

Medellin is largely considered to be one of the safest places in Colombia for independent, solo travelers—especially if you keep to the city’s well-populated areas.

Are there beaches in Medellin Colombia?

Although there are no beaches close to Medellin, there are many stunning beaches to which you can travel while using Medellin as your base, and each beach in Colombia has something different to offer.

Is Colombia safe for 2021?

Today, Colombia is statistically safe to visit. Colombia has one of the fastest growing tourist markets globally and is outpacing tourism in other Latin American countries. It’s hard to argue with the millions of tourists who visit here and leave totally unaffected by any issues in Colombia.

Is Colombia safer than Mexico?

Is Colombia or Mexico safer? Both countries have been plagued by drug violence over the years. However, Colombia has managed to reduce it significantly (at least anywhere that you will likely see), and there’s no question that it’s an incredibly safe country for you to visit as long as you’re smart.

Where do the rich live in Colombia?

Economy and culture. Rosales is a wealthy neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia. The neighborhood is known for brick high rises which are from found Carrera Séptima (7th Avenue) to Avenida Circunvalar.

Do people wear shorts in Cartagena?

Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, has a tropical climate, a laid back vibe, and lots of sun. … Despite its warm climate, however, it is unlikely that you’ll find many local women wearing shorts around town. Rather, light, flowy dresses and skirts are much more common and acceptable among locals.

Why is Cartagena called the Walled City?

After he robbed the city of a hefty amount of gold, the Spanish crown ordered the construction of stone walls to protect the city—these are the same walls you can see today in the historic area of the city adequately called la ciudad amurallada—“the walled city.” Even so, some of the most famous pirate attacks happened …

Are there kidnappings in Colombia?

Colombia happily no longer has the highest rate of kidnappings in the world. By the year 2016, the number of kidnappings in Colombia had declined to 205 and it continues to decline. Common criminals are now the perpetrators of the overwhelming majority of kidnappings.

Can I wear shorts in Colombia?

Colombia has a surprisingly formal culture when it comes to attire, and it’s considered quite rude to turn up to a restaurant or club in shorts and flip-flops.

What is better Medellin or Cali?

Cali wins here.

Properties in lower estratos tend to have lower prices differences between the cities but in general are more expensive in Medellín. Other costs like groceries, restaurants and other things tend to be at least 5-10 percent cheaper in Cali in comparison to Medellín.

Which is safer Cali or Medellin?

Excluding the bad barrios of both cities, Medellin is just much safer for a tourist than Cali. Maybe you should consider some of playa’s suggestions instead of either of the two. If you’re looking for that novelty feeling, it won’t really happen in Medellín or Cali.

Is Cartagena safe at night?

Many women make their way to Cartagena by themselves and have a trouble-free time. For the most part, it is generally quite safe, though – like a lot of destinations around the world – walking around by yourself, particularly at night, can be a little risky.

Can you swim in Cartagena beaches?

On the peninsula of Bocagrande in the heart of Cartagena, Castillogrande is a touch more exclusive and upmarket than some of the other beaches on this list, but it’s a lot more peaceful and laid-back because of this. The sea here is very clean and perfect for swimming, and there’s more space to enjoy the beach, too.

Are there sharks in Cartagena Colombia?

No sharks that bite people if you are asking about that. The sharks in Cartagena ARE eaten by people.

What is considered rich in Colombia?

While the wealth of 71% of adults in Colombia is, on average, less than $10,000, just over 2% of adults have wealth of more than $100,000. Colombia’s richest have fortunes representing 4.6 times the state’s annual investment in education and equivalent to 22% of GDP according to Oxfam.

How much is a house in Colombia in pesos?

Adrian Beales, the director of sales for the Colombian brokerage Lifeafar, said home prices in Bogotá’s upper-middle-class neighborhoods tend to average about 4 million to 6 million Colombian pesos a square meter (or $118 to $178 a square foot).

How much cash should I bring to Colombia?

If you have an ATM card, you only need to bring with you about $300,000 to $500,000 in Colombian pesos, which in U.S. dollars is about $100 to $175. (I apologize for not knowing the pound sterling conversion rate in my head. I should know these things.)

Is Cartagena expensive?

Cartagena is undoubtedly the current crown jewel of Colombian tourism, and as such is one of the most expensive locations in this amazing country. Don’t worry, though, you CAN visit Cartagena on a budget!

Do they speak English in Cartagena Colombia?

The two areas where English is most widely spoken are inside the walled city of Cartagena and in the Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia. … These tourist destinations, which are located far away from Colombia in the Caribbean sea, are populated almost exclusively by bi-lingual English and Spanish speakers.

How many days do I need in Cartagena?

3 days is just about the perfect amount of time spent in Cartagena. It’s enough time to see all the main sites and enjoy a day at the beach, and it will leave you time to see some of those other destinations.

Is Cartagena cheaper than Medellin?

In general Cartagena is a more expensive place to live than Medellín.

What should I wear in Colombia?

Clothing and comfort

Colombia’s tropical climate means lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must. Think cotton, linen, silk and wool. Avoid synthetics such as polyester and nylon (except for swimwear and wet weather gear) as they will make you sweat. If you’re travelling to cooler areas, Merino wool is perfect.

How much money should you take to Cartagena Colombia?

How much money will you need for your trip to Cartagena? You should plan to spend around CO$148,072 ($38) per day on your vacation in Cartagena, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

How do Colombians flirt?

But how do I flirt with locals? Well, hearing sweet words in Colombia is a daily reality, so you might find it easy to engage in a conversation with someone you find attractive. And talking of attractiveness, Colombians love blue or green eyes, a foreign accent, or someone who knows how to dance.

Do they kiss cheeks in Colombia?

A peck (or two) on the cheek

People in Mexico and Colombia, for example, believe that one kiss is sufficient. In Italy, Hungary, and Brazil, on the other hand, a kiss on each cheek is preferable.

What does thumbs up mean in Colombia?

The thumbs-up symbol and gesture for “Okay” (making a circle with your thumb and index finger) generally have the same meaning as they do in the English-speaking West. … However, Colombians may also hold their hand up on its side so that the height of the top of your thumb indicates the height of the person.

Is English widely spoken in Colombia?

According to the 2005 Census of Colombia, the country has 37 major languages. More than 99.5% of Colombians speak Spanish. English has official status in the San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands.

Can you get by with English in Colombia?

From my experience, Colombia has a very low proficiency in English. Even young people rarely speak it. Staff in most hotels and restaurants don’t speak it either, but Colombian people are very friendly and helpful. Use translation apps on your phone to help.

What languages are spoken in Cartagena Colombia?

More than 99.5% of Colombians speak the Spanish language, also 65 Amerindian languages, 2 Creole languages, the Portuguese language and the Romani language are spoken in the country.

Is Cartagena Family Friendly?

With its colorful street life, intriguing colonial history, and tons of museums, Cartagena is fun for the whole family. The cobbled streets of the Walled City echo with the memories of conquistadores, as well as the calls of palenqueras (Afro-Caribbean women selling fruits).

Is Cartagena safe for children?

Cartagena, in the tourist areas, is quite safe, just look out for standard petty theft of unattended belongings. Medellin in the main areas is also great. There are lots of places you can take kids including Park Explorer.

Are car seats required in Colombia?

Under Colombian law, seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers in a private vehicle. Car seats are mandatory for children, and a child under ten is not permitted to ride in a front seat.

Is 50 dollars a lot in Colombia?

In fact, Colombia as a whole isn’t as cheap a place as many travellers believe. However, with a budget of $50 there’s plenty that you can do in Bogotá and still feel that you’ve made the most of the city.

Can I use my debit card in Cartagena?

Using credit and debit cards in Colombia

Credit cards are accepted in all major shops, hotels, and restaurants in Cartagena and Bogota. Foreign visitors should be prepared to provide ID to verify a credit card transaction.

Are Cartagena beaches nice?

Cartagena also has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean Peninsula. With an average temperature of 81.6 degrees, nearly every day is perfect for heading to the beach. The tropical islands and beaches that surround the city attract visitors from around the world.

What time do beaches close in Cartagena?

Morning Window: 8 am to 12 pm. Afternoon Window: 1 pm to 5 pm. *For Playa Blanca, the reservation is from 8 am to 4 pm.

How much is a taxi from airport to Cartagena?

Taxis make it easy to get between distinct points in the city, including Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), while short jaunts ought to be made on foot. According to area hotels, taxi rides from the airport to the central tourist areas cost about $10.

Are taxis safe in Cartagena?

By Taxi — Because Cartagena is so touristy, it’s generally safe to hail taxis off the street. However, there is often a difference between what you should pay and what you will pay. … Before getting in your taxi, it’s a good idea to ask how much the ride will cost to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end.

Why is Cartagena famous?

Cartagena has a fascinating and often unbelievable history: once the largest slave port in the Americas, the city was regularly invaded and besieged by pirates and is home to some of the finest historical architecture in the country.

Are US dollars accepted in Cartagena?

Cartagena has plenty of banks and casas de cambios. Many large hotels and emerald shops will change dollars, and most of the larger businesses accept US dollar bills.