Cartagena is a hot, vibrant, colourful coastal city and has turned into a popular destination for backpackers. However, making the most of your time in Cartagena also entails understanding some of its peculiar characteristics and challenges. In this blog we take you through these things that we think you definitely need to know before you take to the Cartagena streets!
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contents
- It’s well hot
- Where to stay?
- Beautiful but the secret is out
- Book ahead!
- Do not come for the beaches
- Beware of street sellers
- Is safety an issue?
- It is slightly more expensive
- How to get there?
- Access to Caribbean islands
It is well hot
As soon as we got off the bus, we realised that ‘Cartagena Hot’ is another level of hot practically entirely – and that’s before you throw in the 80-90% humidity!
When the Caribbean breeze comes your way once or twice a day, it is priceless.
In terms of travel, it means you drink plenty of Coke Zero in the shade and spend a decent time hanging out at your accommodation. We recommend any sort of getaways to air-conditioning like coffee shops for the peak afternoon sun, as it is simply not fun to be strolling around during that time. Dress appropriately for the heat, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen liberally.
We are avid wearers of bucket hats and these sort of conditions are where they turn into a necessity, not just a fashion statement.
Check out some of our favourites here.
Where to stay?
One rule folks, AIR-CON.
We have a cpuple of great options here for you that can be found on Hostelworld. We always look for a fun hostels, full of life and activity. If you want to check out all the options yourself click here.
This is where we stayed! A really popular hostel located in a unique colonial house on a colourful street full of flowers, balconies and near nature-filled plazas a couple blocks away.
Stay in shared dorms or, if you prefer, in private bedrooms. (definitely pricier) Viajero offers a decent breakfast with a hot cup of coffee with fresh fruit and more. Keep in mind, their bar opens at 4pm. This is a fun activity fuelled hostel! Not for the faint hearted with live music start most nights.
Café, coworking areas all over, rooftop bar & restaurant, rooftop jacuzzi &pool, sundecks and did we mention the rooftop bar? This hostel has it all! Will cost a few extra bucks a night but we think its worth it.
A Caribbean style hostel that is perfect to meet people and do some fun activities. Not to mention the staff have a great reputation here. Check it out!
Beautiful But the secret is out
Cartagena has risen to the top of many of people’s bucket lists because to cheap flights, cruise ships (bloody cruise ships), Instagram, and Colombia’s newfound reputation as a safe place for tourism outside of backpacker circles.
This newfound fame has both advantages and disadvantages. It generates jobs, economic possibilities, investment, and growth. However, it can also drive locals out of certain neighbourhoods, hollow out a place, and destroy its character, removing much of what made a location unique to visitors in the first place.
As a city that has come to rely heavily upon tourism, Cartagena was particularly badly affected during the pandemic, with many restaurants and accommodations being forced to close permanently. The recovery process for Cartagena has been a slow one however now in 2024 visitor numbers improving rapidly and will no doubt be back in full tourist mode. If it isn’t already!
Book Ahead!
If you’ve previously booked somewhere for your dates, you’ll be fine. If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena but haven’t booked your accommodations in Getsemaní or the Walled City, make sure you prioritise this job.
Side note: Cartagena’s dry season lasts from December to April, which also coincides with peak tourism season (particularly from December to January, when more Colombians visit the city). If you travel outside of these months, the city is still enjoyable – and less expensive.
Here is the Hostelworld link to BOOK NOW
Do not come for the beaches
Yes, Cartagena is located near the Caribbean Sea, and there are several city beaches, but they are unlikely to meet your expectations.
Bocagrande is fine for a few hours if you’re in the mood for some sun, but it’s not the place for a relaxed beach vacation. Alternatives include Laguito and Castillogrande, but they aren’t outstanding.
We recommend having a stroll past the old town to experience the city in a different way, overlooking the water to the cities skyline. Makes for a cracking photo…
Beware of street sellers
Roaming the streets of Cartagena in the heat can be tough enough, but the relentless street sellers can make the experience almost unbearable. With tourist numbers climbing the intensity of these sellers should be shared among more people! However we unfortunatley believe this is a bit of a drawback for Cartengena.
Top Tip: Doing your site seeing early as possible is a great way to avoid the bulk of the street sellers. Also will help avoid other tourists too! Making those pictures grade A.
Is safety an issue
As with most major cities and especially in Colombia, there are always safety measure to take place. We never found ourselves in any danger, however the constant approaching of people can feel a little invading.
We always say travel with a mate throughout the day and if you fall into a night out as one does, we definitely recommend goings a group. That’s why hostels are great for this area, where you can meet people and/or go out with the hostel bar crawls!
Side Note: One thing that is safe is the tap water! Always double check with the established you are in but we found everywhere (basically) had clean water.
It is slightly more expensive
Cartagena, knows it’s got style and isn’t afraid to charge a bit extra! With its stunning colonial architecture and a nightlife scene that’s always buzzing, Cartagena draws crowds of international and Colombian tourists alike. And where the crowds go, well, the prices tend to follow! You’ll find that a meal in the charming Old Town will probably cost a bit more than in other Colombian cities.
You have probably already noticed the prices of the accommodation to be a little steeper than most places in Colombia!
Even shopping and services in Cartagena get a bit of a “Caribbean mark-up.” But don’t worry! There are still budget-friendly options if you wander a bit off the main tourist path. And let’s be honest—sometimes, the lively vibe and unforgettable buildings are worth the splash of cash.
How to get there?
With Cartagena being a major Colombia city, it has many transport links. Buses come and go daily for ventures along the Caribbean coast, towards places like Barranquilla, Santa Marta and all the way past Palomino.
Buses also have routes southbound, long buses back to other Colombian cities and its capital, Bogota run frequently.
Check out our Colombian blog posts covering all these places!
Cartagena also has an airport so dependant on your travel plans and budget this is an easy way to get to the city from afar. Making this a good city to start your Colombian journey if travelling from the north.
Side note: San Blas (a 4/5 day party island hopping yacht service) runs to and from Panama and Cartagena. This is a hell of an experience that we have heard so much about. If you’re heading up to Central America or coming from there, you must check this out!!
Access to Caribbean Islands
With the aiport, Cartagena is the perfect place to access Caribbean islands. Our journey took us to the Colombian Island of San Andres. A small island off the coast of Nicaragua.
With it being a domestic flight you should be able to find them quite cheap.
Check out our San Andres blog to find out more!
If planning to travel Colombia for a decent amount of time, take a peak at Our Colombia 6 Week Itinerary.
Also make sure to keep up to date with all our Colombia blog posts here.
Hope you found this helpful and don’t be afraid to leave a comment or email us with any questions!