Cartagena, a colonial town on the Caribbean coast, is renowned for its vibrant energy and architectural beauty. However, visiting Cartagena isn’t solely about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in its unique vibe and ambiance. You can explore most of the main attractions within a day or two. I found that spending four nights in this city was more than enough time to experience its charm and attractions.

Things to Do

This city offers a multitude of both adventurous and relaxing activities. I personally leaned towards simply enjoying the atmosphere and exploring the town. Here are my top 3 things to do:

1. Walking Tours

BeyondColombia offers an excellent free walking tour, providing a solid introduction to the city. The tour covers the main highlights in the city including the Clock Tower, Inquisition Palace, Aduana Square, and Heredia Theater. The tour operates on a donation basis, and the funds are reinvested in upcoming community art projects. The tour is available every day.

• Where: Cartagena
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: free but remember to tip!

2. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Cartagena constructed numerous fortifications to shield itself from pirate attacks. One of the most impressive is Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which is the largest fort in South America.

• Where: Cartagena
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Price: free

3. Island Hop around Islas del Roasrio

The Rosario Islands encompass a cluster of thirty coral islands, situated just an hour away from Cartagena by boat. Travelers have the option to embark on a day trip or extend their stay for a couple of nights, I opted out of this adventure as I had planned to visit San Andres Island, which was reputed to offer similar scenic vistas.

• Where: Rosario Islands (1 hour from Cartagena by boat)
• Duration: 1-2 days
• Price: $$$

Travel Costs

Suggested Budgets

• Low Budgeting (Approx. 150,000 COP (40 USD) per day):
  • Hostel dorm accommodation
  • Cooking some meals and opting for inexpensive street food
  • Limited alcoholic beverages
  • Engaging in free or low-cost activities
• Mid-Range Budgeting (Approx. 250,000 COP (66 USD) per day):
  • Private AirBNB or hostel room
  • Dining out for all meals
  • Enjoying more paid activities such as paragliding, rafting, or tubing.

Accommodation

In Cartagena, hostel dorm rooms typically range from 60,000 to 100,000 COP (15 to 25 USD) per night. While a private room or AirBNBs is around 200,000 COP (50 USD).

Food

Colombian cuisine, a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences, primarily features staples like rice, beans, plantains, and a variety of meats. Almost every meal will also be accompanied by a delicious juice. Notably, it’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making it a delightful culinary experience for any traveler.

• Local eateries serve meals starting from 12,500 COP (3 USD).
• Western restaurants charge approximately 30,000 COP (7.5 USD) for a main dish.
• Vegetarian and even vegan options are available at similar prices of around 25,000 COP (6 USD).

Groceries

Shopping for groceries is incredibly affordable, averaging about 80,000 COP per week for essential staples. Most hostels provide kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals and further lower your food expenses.

Beverages

At bars, a beer can range from 10,000 to 15,000 COP (2.5 to 4 USD), while cocktails or glasses of wine are typically around 30,000 COP (7.5 USD).

When to Go

Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is HOT. You should expect to change clothes around twice a day because of the amount of sweating you will be doing. The city’s Carnival, celebrated in February, represents a pinnacle of vibrant energy and cultural immersion, showcasing colorful parades, lively music, exuberant dancing, and elaborate costumes. If seeking a more tranquil visit, consider the months outside the Carnival period, such as October to November or April to May, for a more relaxed experience with fewer tourists.

Travel Tips

1. Local Cuisine: Save money by indulging in local dishes rather than opting for western food.
2. Flights: Consider airlines like Viva Air, LATAM, and Avianca. Booking a few weeks in advance usually yields the best deals. However, if you, like me, tend to be indecisive, I found that even purchasing the flight just three days in advance still resulted in surprisingly affordable options. Additionally, airlines tend to be flexible with weight restrictions for bags.
3. Ground Transportation: Utilize the redBus app for intercity travel, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from locals or hostels. Overnight buses are safe.
4. Uber Strategy: Uber stands out as the optimal means of traveling within cities in Colombia. Despite being an affordable option for city navigation, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Uber operates in a legal gray area. When utilizing the service, consider sitting in the front seat and offering a tip to your driver, who takes on a certain level of risk by providing this service.
5. Water Bottle: Unless you’re explicitly informed that the water is safe, assume it’s not potable. Carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. While tap water is generally safe in cities, but in smaller towns and beach areas, it’s advisable to avoid it. Personally, I prefer using the LifeStraw Filter bottle for its reliable filtration capabilities.
6. Basic Spanish: Even basic Spanish goes a long way. Apps like Duolingo can help bridge the language gap, as only a small percentage (3%) of the native population speaks English.
7. ATM Tips: Look for a Davivienda (red ATM), which often provides a more comfortable experience. When prompted about foreign transaction fees, select ‘no’ to potentially avoid additional charges. If a Davivienda isn’t available, try clicking ‘no’ anyway, as it may work in your favor.

How to Get to Cartagena

Opt for redBus to facilitate your intercity travels. For more distant cities, consider using airlines like Viva Air, LATAM, and Avianca. Here’s the estimated travel time for each destination:

• Bucaramanga: 10 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane
• Santa Marta: 4 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane
• San Gil: 13 hours by bus or 1 hour by plane
• Bogotá: 18 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane
• Cali: 18 hours by bus or 1.5 hour by plane
• Medellín: 11 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane
• Pereira: 16 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane
• Popayan: 21 hours by bus or 1.5 hours by plane

Hostel Recommendations

Viajero (Cartagena): This hostel was a vibrant social hub, hosting bar crawls, themed parties, and lively pregame events. Additionally, it featured a pool, bar, and restaurant for added enjoyment.

Staying Safe

1. Exercise Caution: While Colombia is generally safe, exercising caution is essential. Petty crimes, especially at night, can occur.
2. Valuables: Conceal your valuables and avoid wandering in unfamiliar areas after dark. Don’t wear flashy jewelry or have your phone out on the streets.
3. ATM Safety: When using ATMs, opt for ones with closed doors and locks. Consider using Davivenda for added security. They offer air conditioning, doors with locks, and no ATM fees (make sure to
4. Backpack Security: Keep your backpack on your lap or securely fastened to your foot or chair to deter theft. Many people to choose to where the backpacks in front when traveling for added protection.
5. Trust Your Instincts: In emergencies, dial 123 for assistance.
6. Drinking Safety: Refrain from accepting drinks from strangers, regardless of gender. Purchase your own to maintain control. This practice is particularly important for women, as cultural norms may lead to unsolicited offers.
7. Transportation Caution: Stick to Uber for transportation, especially at night. It’s been advised to avoid hailing taxis off the street, as some may not be licensed and could pose a risk. Using taxis from the airport is generally considered safe.