Some streets can get lonely or even a bit unsafe once cafes and restaurants close. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. Truth be told, Cartagena, Colombia is no more dangerous than any other major city. Colombia Travel Restrictions. HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers. All rights reserved. Oh La La, Calle 25 #8b300 . There's plenty of police officers on the street and the city is seeing improvements to the crime rate and general security. It's a great family and expat heaven. To help you out, weve listed the most sketchy areas and places to avoid in Cartagena below. Cartagena Colombia is one of the safer cities that you can visit in Colombia. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Routes are labelled on the fronts or on the windshield. Whether you're looking into Medellin or Cartagena as the frontrunner for your Colombia bachelor party, safety is key. Its the best way to explore the Rosario Islands in the Caribbean Sea if you only have 1 day available. However, it is definitely still the kind of place where you need to be smart. If you do further research on on Cartagena you find that tourist-specific crimes in Cartagena are among the lowest in the country. Casona del Colegio - best luxury value. Unfortunately, some travelers travel to Cartagena for this reason only. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more for work exchange opportunities. Dont flaunt money or show your goods off. This includes neighborhoods where expats often live. Once in Cartagena, you can also use Uber. But if I have to choose between the two, I would say that I feel safer in the city of Cartagena. Book your transport on Bookaway NOW. Beware thegringomenu. Cartagena can be very safe, unless youre looking for trouble. Gestemani is Cartagenas hippest neighborhood, and has plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to visit. Nobody uses taximeters, and there are no official rates. 1 September 2021. This new found popularity is a double-edged sword. This means that shorts, sandals, sundresses, and wide-brimmed hats are the usual uniform. In terms of accessibility, the Rafael Nuez International airport is only 15 minutes outside of the center of the city. While it gained its independence from Spain on November 11, 1811, Cartagena still retains much of the original, colonial architecture. Is Cartagena Colombia safe for tourists? Cartagena is home to some of the best restaurants in Colombia. Most Colombians will tell you they are not accurate. Now you can discover all of this and more with our guide to the top 10 things to do in Cartagena. Planning a safe trip to Cartagena can get quite overwhelming. Cartagena, Colombia is a tropical paradise located in a busy port that is full of affluent neighborhoods and culturally charming communities. Yay For Transparency! Dont walk around with your phone in your hand. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The locals are mostly of African descent and their main line of work is fishing and growing coconuts. Then, the captain will lead you to the most crowded parts of the Rosario Islands. But its pretty damn special too. Check it out: Overall Best Airbnb in Cartagena, Colombia - Beautiful Historical Villa in Old Town's Heart. In Cartagena, the common yellow taxi cab is the most reliable and safest form of transportation to and from the beaches and resorts. No matter where you are in the world, you will be rewarded by the freedom of solo travel as you get to do what you want, when you want. Tumaco 9. In fact, many stereotypes about this beautiful country continue on popular shows like Narcos. "Meanwhile, my Colombian dentist charged $400 per tooth $3,200 total saving me about $18,000, all while traveling to paradise for the procedure.". You must act respectfully and firmly. However, I would not recommend it since you never know the source of said water. But you should be careful with petty theft. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. then the answer is yes. Thirty years ago, Cartagena and many other cities in Colombia had a reputation for violence and crime due to drug cartels and resistance movements across the country. Choose a place to live with 24-hour security and a doorman. Isla Grande near Cartagena, is part of the Rosario Islands ( Islas del Rosario), an archipelago off the coast of Colombia. Gold and silver left the port bound for Europe, pirates looted the city, and a walled fort grew to protect both . The vast majority of tourists remain in those areas, which benefit from crowds and an increased security presence. All in all, Cartagena is a fine destination for you and your family. Colombia has been a dream destination for me ever since I backpacked through South America and didn't make it there. Its a great place to explore for a couple of days but can also get very hectic and overwhelming if you visit during the high season. Afterward, some of the alleys become a bit dodgy and deserted. If someone mugs you, its best not to resist or fight back. La Magdalena is known by residents as being rougher than the rest of the city. Hang out with young students, walk through the charming streets and enjoy a delicious meal in one of the amazing restaurants in San Diego. This article will list some of the most dangerous places in Columbia you may want to stay away from if you're looking for a no-hitches trip within its borders and don't want to become just another crime statistic. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A full body massage on the beach shouldnt be over 100,000 COP. General rule here was to stay as close to Old Town as possible and this is what we did. Avoid traveling from Cartagena to Soacha, Cali, Cauca, Tumaco, or Norte de Santander. Old Town or Casco Historico is another safe place to visit in Cartagena. However, I made sure we werent mindlessly scrolling on the street to prevent having our phones stolen. The best option to visit the islands of Rosario is to stay 2 nights on Isla Grande or south of Isla Baru or rent a sailboat! However, this does not affect our reviews and comparisons. That means youll have to take extra caution, especially in certain areas with a higher crime rate. The various museums and art galleries regularly offer film screenings, rotating art exhibits, and permanent collections by local artists. Plan for ample adventure thanks to the plethora of islands and beaches in this well-to-do coastal resort town. One of the most important aspects of planning any bachelor party is safety. Even though many hotels provide safes, it is still a good idea to lock your valuables inside them. The average cost of a live-in maid is just $250/month. There will be some level of catcalling and harassment but if you ignore it, it should keep you out of trouble. Plastic surgeon Cartagena (Plastic surgeon) Manga, 4A Av. Are you heading there soon? In my own time I booted up the computer in my home office, to begin the work of the day (but I wasnt too busy to take a break when the manicurist arrived for my weekly mani-pedi). Especially when visiting a foreign country. Bus terminal old town: about 25,000 COP. The growing popularity of tourist destinations like Cartagena has grown exponentially. Avoid drug dealers and prostitutes, watch out for pickpockets, and you should not encounter any safety issues. Unless you want to explore further afield, it is not really worth driving yourself around the city. Fortunately, due to the proximity to the equator, Cartagena is not effected by hurricanes. Being cautious is important whenever going to a new destination. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! If you dont mind, go ahead. Cartagena today is actually pretty safe - in fact, it's one of the safer places in Colombia. . Is your phone eSIM ready? In the last 12 months, the strength of the dollar has doubled, meaning, if you earn in dollars, the cost of living is about 50% what it used to be in Colombia. Centro is the undisputed center point of Cartagenas tourism industry, and for a good reason. A visit here isn't your typical beach vacation, as you can just as easily immerse yourself in history, art and theater as you can take a dip in the sea. In fact, many of the vacation spots near Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia are more expensive than elsewhere in the country. Luxury 4 Bedroom Villa in Cartagenas Walled City with Pool and Rooftop Jacuzzi Located next to plaza Fernandez Madrid and across from Santo Toribio church. Get advice from your doctor. Once drugged, victims are mugged and/or sexually assaulted. Police officers are all over the city which Ive found a bit intimidating at first so the chances of being pickpocketed in broad daylight when theyre around are almost zero. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). There have been recent reports of violent crimes involving pickpocketing. Foreigners often imagine Colombia as unsafe. In fact, Cartagena is extremely safe to visit. While you have to keep an eye on your belongings, Centro is still considered fairly safe since there are lots of street police present. Check that you have not been given an extra drink or dish at the bar or restaurant. Manage Settings Avoiding being out in the sun, on the beach or the streets, at midday or early afternoon, is essential to not getting overheated. Dont hesitate to negotiate for free the carp+ plastic chairs if you order food and beverages. Theyve done this to encourage tourism and support the local economy, which strongly relies on national and international visitors. Sections of the wall have steps that let you walk along the top. Though not a huge challenge, you will have to be comfortable with driving defensively. Rainy season usually lasts from May through November, while December through April is dry season with intense sun, so sunscreen is a must in this city. I try to wear a light jacket with zipper pockets rather than carry a purse or backpack. Cartagena is a major urban city with a ton of historical charm. Is it Safe to drink the water in Cartagena? Emeralds are an especially popular item. In the latter part of this article, the cost of living in Cartagena will also be discussed so read on! One of the main things you are going to have to consider though is the climate. More affluent areas are at a greater risk for mugging, especially high-profile travelers or people with jewelry or expensive electronics. It is the most touristic area of Cartagena. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE REPORT: Beautiful, Diverse and Safe - Take Another Look at Colombia. Its filled with all the tips and information youll need in order to keep yourself secure in this awesome city. So, is Cartagena safe for you? If you dont want to wait too long, you can use other apps like Easy Taxi or Easy Tappsi Ive never tried them, though. Crime is not uncommon in the city, but for the touristic parts of the city such as the Walled City, safety is a lot better. There is a large social gap between poor and rich people in major cities like Medellin and Bogota. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a FREE REPORT: Beautiful, Diverse and Safe Take Another Look at Colombia. The public transport in Cartagena is limited, and not that well developed when compared to other Colombian cities. Today, it remains one of the safest places to visit in Colombia. Driving at night is not a good idea at all. Drivers use their horns a lot, which is something you will have to get used to. Colombia has had its fair share of issues in the recent past, but the country seems to have come out of the other side and is again a destination. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid any tourist-oriented restaurant. However, things have changed a lot since then. All this is wrapped around centuries-old history, the likes of which are hard to find without crossing an ocean. Check out ourHostel Guidefor the best budget options. However, tsunamis as a general rule are not that common and do not threaten the city. 17. Culturally Cartagena is known for its International Music Festival held in January, the International Film Festival held in March and the Jazz Festival in December. There are usually many people in the streets until 1-2 am, especially from Wednesday onwards. Most of the areas of Cartagena are set up to support travelers and tourists and generally speaking, it is safe to travel here. While these are walking distance to the more touristy areas, they see less petty crime because fewer tourists are living or visiting there. If something more serious does start to happen, and you get worried, then you should. This Uber-like service means you can hail a taxi via the app, pay through the app, track your journey and see reviews of drivers before you book. Colombia as a whole gets a bad rep and for a good reason but if you know how to pick your destinations you will actually enjoy your stay. We were very impressed by the overall vibe of the place, everything felt very alive and safe at the same time. Besides, from my experience, these island tours arent great. The colorful marketplace is lined with stands selling delicious Colombian treats like obleas (wafer sandwiches), cocadas (coconut candy), and much, much more. The best time or season to visit Cartagena varies little during the year. Also known as Cartagena de Indias, this city served as a trade route to the West Indies historically. Even during the heydays of the earlier violence in Colombia, Cartagena was largely spared and considered quite safe. If you have ordered the comida corriente(set lunch) ask what soup comes with it; if its sopa de mondongo, you may want to give it a miss. Even several decades ago when much of Colombia was considered incredibly dangerous, Cartagena was one of the few places that were deemed safe to travel to. Share . Cartagena is known around the world for its colorful walled city, extensive fortifications, authentic food, and stunning white-sand beaches. We may receive commissions if you click on our links to make a reservation or when you use one of our forms. Do not be afraid to go local. In Colombia, motorcyclists conduct drive-by raids where they grab personal belongings from victims. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has tons of traditional Cartagena style and architecture. Simply put, if anything happens to you, the police wont do anything. We had the best time and when this awful pandemic slows down a bit we want to go back. This is in South Cartagena in the city center and is one of the more affluent areas to stay in. This area is connected with the lavish side of Cartagena and is safe to walk around to and from the walled city. In the the old town youll be fine. There are some gay venues, but definitely not as much as in other Colombian travel destinations. Choose yourhotel,hostelorAirbnbahead of time so youre not last-minute booking a less-secure place. 0. The question of Is Cartagena Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Still, don't forget your travel insurance! Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. For me, the most challenging moment was at the airport. Everyone is trying to get a piece of the tourism pie. Best Cheap Cartagena, Colombia Airbnb - Casa Bijou, a little house in the Old City. Tourism to this coastal city continues to rise, regardless of any government warnings or issues that may be facing Colombia at the moment. The Walled City, also called El Centro, is generally safe, however as is the case with most Colombian cities, you should avoid wearing flashy jewelry and walking around with your cell phone out, or leaving your bags unattended. Hail one down and youll be asked for money by the guy running the show these are sparrings. Besides all the tourist attractions, Cartagena has all the comforts for daily life. Sip on mojitos by the pool and feast on the sunset views, with San Pedro Claver Church in the backdrop and the modern skyscrapers of Bocagrande in the distance. Blend in with your clothing. There are so many places where you can sit at a small restaurant and enjoy some classic homemade recipes. They are however, some of the most expensive taxis in the whole of Colombia and the prices can begin to stack up. Food is extremely cheap and ranges from $2 USD - $12 USD. It is a simple thing to do, but after exploring the city all day and having the grime of traffic and dirt all over your hands and who knows what germs and bacteria sitting down to eat a meal without having washed your hands is just not smart. Both cities are safe if you stay in the tourist areas and use cabs late at night instead of walking. The coastal town was founded in 1533 and is one of the oldest European cities in South and North America. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! Personally, I prefer the first technique. TomPlanMyTrip 2022 tous droits rservs, The 8 best experiences you shouldnt miss. You should book through a reliable local agency that uses as few intermediaries as possible. That said, I personally have never experienced this, and I frequently use apps like Uber and Didi to move around within the city rather than walk from place to place. Again, thank you! Cartagena (/ k r t d i n / KAR-t-JEE-n, also US: /- h e n /- HAY-n), known since the colonial era as Cartagena de Indias (Spanish: [kataxena e indjas] ()), is a city and one of the major ports on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region, bordering the Caribbean sea.Cartagena's past role as a link in the route to West Indies . From photo etiquette to dodging tourist traps, here . Occasionally you will not have to be worried about having to spend an extra few thousand pesos to just get going. Is Cartagena Colombia safe for tourists? Dont leave your stuff unattended (restaurants, beaches). The use of intoxicating drugs slipped into beverages is also an issue in the nightlife scene. Most of the trouble happens to travelers looking for drugs and prostitutes. These cookies do not store any personal information. Also Ill say that the scam risk is HUGE, not only for foreigners but also for locals, since some of the people here abuse on their prices to certain products or services, doubling the price for locals from other regions and for foreigners they quadruple the price for some simple things. With the influx of tourists, obviously the Centro Historico can get very busy. As always when traveling to foreign countries, ask the taxi driver for an estimate, you will find that youll get very different prices from different drivers. Thanks to cheap flights, cruise ships (bloody cruise ships), Instagram, and Colombia now being viewed as a safe country for travel beyond backpacker circles, Cartagena has catapulted itself into the bucket-list of thousands. See my site Policies However, its still a Colombian city, so caution and using your common sense should be a no-brainer. While Cartagena is certainly not one of the most dangerous cities in Colombia, there are things you should consider in terms of ensuring safety if you plan to live here. I answered the question: is cartagena safe at night above, but if you do decide to go out late at night, remember not to walk around alone. Chances of picking up at daytime are pretty good. Bocagrande is Cartagenas most popular beachside strip and although it gets busy and sees many tourist traps, it is undeniably beautiful and one of the citys safest neighborhoods. Is Cartagena safe? Thanks to the internet, I was able to structure my business to work remotely. For just a few dollars, you can have a meal, grab a seat and enjoy the show that is Cartagena. 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. Due to the influence of the tourism industry there are lots of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, bicycle riding around the city, and playing golf. We'd say the answer is yes, but it's not the safest place around. In Cartagena, the Walled Town (Getsemani) and Bocagrande are going to be primarily level 4-6 strata and thus they will be reasonably safe and well-patrolled. With tourists comes hassle from hawkers and beach vendors. On average, living expenses are 60% lower than in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or San Diego. Youll find nightclubs, luxury hotels, and rooftops. Beware of pickpockets, though. Its known to be the home of many expats and families, while also offering a completely different vibe than Cartagenas cirt centre. Watch a few YouTube videos to learn the basic salsa dancing steps before you travel to Cartagena because youll definitely put the knowledge to good use. To help you navigate the potential pitfalls of a visit to this Caribbean city, we have put together this list of tips, information, and dos and donts for when you decide to make the leap and visit Cartagena. Were both in our mid 30s so we manage very well with google maps, booking apps and everything digital-related that you need when traveling. For unexpecting tourists traveling to Colombia, you may be surprised to hear that Cartagena is safer than Medelln. Cartagena, Colombia is a tropical paradise located in a busy port that is full of affluent neighborhoods and culturally charming communities. Its one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Caribbean Coast. Must-see locations: Ghetsemani and Bocagrande. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Get an idea of the rates before arriving in Cartagena. There are no shortage of taxis in Cartagena. Our tour had a minibus that took us to the monastery at the top of the hill overlooking the city . If backpacking, or on a budget use trusted. Cartagena Colombia is one of the safest cities in South America . Homicide rates have steadily declined since 2014 when the city saw 29 deaths per 100,000 to 22 in 2018. . Without speaking the local language, you will be left on the fringes of the city having to rely on English menus and ex-pats for company. When you visit Cartagena, you will also meet thepalenqueras. A very wealthy but also very secure area is Bocagrande. Today, Cartagena is the capital of the Bolivar Department in northern South America. Its always a little scary to travel to South America for the first time, especially in Colombia, which has a poor reputation because of television and Netflix. Similarly, know when to take a break. If youre not comfortable saying no, you can try to ignore them. After you eat, make sure to save some room for dessert from the Portal de las Dulces. When parking, do not leave anything on show. Remember that you should always set the price before you take a journey. That said, you will need to get comfortable with saying no gracias!. Stay out of the sketchy areas, respect the local culture and keep an eye on your belongings. Most of the stats showed here are wrong. Remove expensive jewelry or watches and avoid wearing overtly flashy clothing which could make you a target. This is why we have created this very handy and very in-depth guide to staying safe in Cartagena. Classic Colombia (16 days, Bogot to Santa Marta) Colombia Express (9 days, Bogot to Cartagena) Colombia Lost City Trek (7 days, from Santa Marta) Wellness Colombia (8 days, from Cartagena) If youre looking to plan your first solo trip ever in Latin America, I recommend choosing Mexico or Central America rather than Colombia. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Note that driving standards will probably not be as high as they are in your home country. Many residents like to stroll along the wall, warmed by ocean breezes, to take in the breath-taking views and listen to the waves crashing close by. Even a map or a book may mean, to opportunist thieves, that there are valuable things hidden elsewhere in the car. Its bustling city streets are usually filled with people, food stands, and buskers. Colombian borders 4. While Colombia has long been seen as a hot spot for cocaine and other illegal drug activities, such as ayahuasca, this is not the full spectrum for this country. Check to make sure the seal of the water bottle is not already broken before you drink it. Read ourNeighborhood Guidefor our favorite accommodations in Cartagena by area. Cartagena is an oceanside city and major port of the country of Colombia. Whether you prefer to cook your own meals with food bought at the local markets, or dine out several times a week; live on the beach in a penthouse apartment, or a small garden-style inland home, you can tailor your lifestyle to your budget. Get the best price for the best ride then use those savings to buy the best feed in town! If it smells or tastes weird, dont eat it. Once again, as long as people are on the streets, you can walk. From the walled city, you may feel safer walking here in the daytime first to get acquainted before visiting at night. Its also one of the favorite areas to go out for travelers. My advice is the following: dont buy tours in the street. Norte de Santander Cartagena is a city that too many is the ideal Colombian . Located on the Caribbean coast only 256 miles from the Panama Canal, Cartagena is a major seaport for both commercial shipping and vacationers on cruise ships. I advise you to go to a restaurant where the prices are displayed. It is convenient to beaches and islands, and boat tours often embark outside of Bocagrande. Go with an appetite to explore the culinary delights, of course, but you should also be wary as not all eateries are going to be equal in their hygiene or quality. The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Away from the human side of things, when it comes to nature there are various seasonal and occasional risks to your safety in Cartagena. Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. If you like cooking at home, a $2.50 USD budget per meal is more than enough! It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. Though limited, public transportation in Cartagena is generally safe. As should be the case for pretty much any destination in the world, if its something that you dont do at home, then you shouldnt be doing it in Cartagena. Locations we were told its best to avoid altogether: La Maria and El Paraiso. Gabriel Monterrosa Robinson Wash your hands. What to Expect. Report inappropriate content adventuresomecali N. Calif Level Contributor If they consider Cartagena safe, it must be a place you can visit without worrying. However, thats just the case for now and will hopefully change in the future! Even if they annoy you, remember that they are not doing this for fun. It lacks a metro system, so you will be relying wholly on buses. Afterward, jump in the nearby lake to wash off (after snapping a few mud-covered photos, of course) and return home with smooth skin and a unique experience checked off your bucket list. But I had zero reasons to indicate something might happen, its just my feeling. November 18, 2021. Browse the stalls overflowing with fish, meat, fresh veggies, and more at Mercado de Bazurto and then round out your Cartagena trip with one final stop at Las Bovedas market. If youve never gone scuba diving before but still want to explore this unique underwater park, you can also book snorkeling trips with the diving companies or even spend a few days finally getting that open water scuba certification youve been dreaming of. Buenaventura 3. That's pretty much where you want to be as an Una Turista Americana. Away from all the backpacker hostels of the old town, family-friendly hotels in Cartagena are located in the modern area of Bocagrande.
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