To help you out, weve listed the most sketchy areas and places to avoid in Cartagena below. Your email address will not be published. Best Things to Do in Cartagena #1 Old City Walls #2 San Felipe de Barajas Castle #3 Plaza Santo Domingo See Full Ranking List Protect Your Trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance. Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. You can use a taxi-hailing app called EasyTaxi. Being a Caribbean city, people are also a little more laid-back compared to somewhere like Medellin. Cartagena, Colombia all you gonna see and hear from this video is facts so make sure you share the video with your friends, make sure you hit the subscribe, . 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. Again, thank you! This group and the National Liberation Army (ELN) have been responsible for car bombings in Bogota. This is the quieter part of the walled city of Cartagena. Taxis can be flagged down from the street at most hours except midnight to 5 am. Its known to be the home of many expats and families, while also offering a completely different vibe than Cartagenas cirt centre. This is especially true at night. In conclusion, driving in Cartagena is generally safe, but it is definitely for people who are confident drivers and who know what theyre doing when it comes to driving abroad. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE REPORT: Beautiful, Diverse and Safe - Take Another Look at Colombia. At the end of the day, taxi drivers in Cartagena are used to tourists and will not be afraid to rip you off. Most tourists who visit Cartagena have a trouble-free time. Nonetheless, I still took all the precautionary methods I always take: money belt, phone out of sight, not using ATMs on dodgy streets etc. Ensuring visitors and residents safety and improving infrastructure like public transportation and roads have become a priority. There are no shortage of taxis in Cartagena. Its definitely safe to rent an Airbnb in Cartagena, but youll have to choose the right area, obviously. Being cautious is important whenever going to a new destination. Hotels, condos, apartments, and AirBnB and Flipkey rentals are available year-round but fill up quickly during Christmas, the New Year, and Easter holidays. Assistance for U.S. Citizens U.S. Embassy Bogota Calle 24 Bis No. Cauca 8. Overall, Is Cartagena a Safe Solo Travel Destination? While these are walking distance to the more touristy areas, they see less petty crime because fewer tourists are living or visiting there. But keep in mind that hosts can also review their guests. 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. . Choose yourhotel,hostelorAirbnbahead of time so youre not last-minute booking a less-secure place. However, this does not affect our reviews and comparisons. As long as universal safety laws are practiced and drugs and prostitutes in Cartagena are avoided. Solo travel is great in Cartagena; there are plenty of places where you can meet other travellers, from cafes and bars, to the very social (and very good) hostels and guesthouses that are dotted around this city. The setting is still beautiful. A friend of mine from NYC had found $400 round trip flights between Cartagena and JFK Airport. Totally try out street food. Dont walk around with your phone in your hand. It was also one of the first parts of the country that started attracting tourists. Many locals choose to stay there because it is closer to the beach and the accommodation prices are more economical. Routes are labelled on the fronts or on the windshield. Cartagena Colombia is one of the safest cities in South America . Cartagena Colombia solo travel guide: things to do, where to stay, and safety tips Best things to do in Cartegena Colombia for solo travelers. Worldpackers trips are insured! I often went out in the historic old town, and it was fine. Driving in Cartagena is a mixed bag. Safer than other cities in the country though it is, common sense still pays off here. We do our best to keep the information unbiased and balanced so that you can make the best choice. We were very impressed by the overall vibe of the place, everything felt very alive and safe at the same time. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a FREE REPORT: Beautiful, Diverse and Safe Take Another Look at Colombia. -. Youll find nightclubs, luxury hotels, and rooftops. 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). Youll be tired. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Cartagena features miles of well-preserved architectural gems from the country's past and some of South America's best beaches. Must be vaccinated at least 14 days before coming, or you will have to present a PCR test less than 72 hours old. Many areas of Cartagena are safe, but it is within the walled city La Candelaria that is both the most touristy and the riskiest to tourists. Especially Cartagena's Old town which is located within the famous barrier walls where you can appreciate the colonial architecture. Its important to know that all of the places weve just listed CAN be visited. Book your transport on Bookaway NOW. I try to wear a light jacket with zipper pockets rather than carry a purse or backpack. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has tons of traditional Cartagena style and architecture. Still, don't forget your travel insurance! It may be housed in a former jail, but Las Bovedas has been transformed into the perfect place to stock up on colorful Colombian souvenirs for friends and family back home before you board your plane and wave one final goodbye to this Caribbean paradise. Cafe del Mural, Calle de San Juan #29100, Cartagena, +57 5 6472912. You will find many police officers in touristy areas like the walled city, Getseman, and Bocagrande. One thing that you might want to avoid completely issopa de mondongo. Alternatively, you can fly, which costs $50 - $160 and takes 2h 47m. There are certainly some things to think about if you are considering a move to Cartagena. 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. Choose a place to live with 24-hour security and a doorman. Nomatic products are sleek, durable, and goddamn efficient. The locals are mostly of African descent and their main line of work is fishing and growing coconuts. Protests and strikes often affect Colombia and ongoing issues mean that these are likely to continue. Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Cartagena. Youll probably doubt me on this one. Homicide rates have steadily declined since 2014 when the city saw 29 deaths per 100,000 to 22 in 2018. When choosing where youll be staying in Cartagena, a bit of research and caution is essential. For unexpecting tourists traveling to Colombia, you may be surprised to hear that Cartagena is safer than Medelln. The deep-seeded criminal past . Never accept a drink from a stranger or leave your glass unattended while out at the bar. To go, ask your hostel or hotel to set up a half-day trip with one of the many tour companies in the city who are more than happy to whisk you away to bathe in the slippery mud. 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! For the rest, there is nothing to worry about. Remote areas of Cauca, Antioquia, Arauca, Nario, Norte de Santander and Putumayo are very high rist for kidnappings. If you dont want to bother, you should book aprivate airport transfer. Similarly, know when to take a break. They are women dressed in colorful clothes and with a fruit basket on their heads they traditionally come from the village of Palenque. Find Property for sale in Cartagena, Bolivar. Is it safe to travel to Cartagena? Dont worry if the sparring takes your money and you dont have change yet; youll get it eventually (they are surprisingly efficient and helpful too). If you want to spend a few hours on the beach of Bocagrande / Laguito, you will like to take shelter in the shade. Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. The best time or season to visit Cartagena varies little during the year. Some of the most notable churches in Cartagena are the Sanctuary of St. Peter Claver, built in 1580 and home to the remains of its holy namesake, the Convento de la Popa, located on the highest point in the city, the Cathedral of Cartagena, and the restored Convento de Santo Domingo. Rent is about $600 USD. Yes! However, I would not recommend it since you never know the source of said water. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. There are some gay venues, but definitely not as much as in other Colombian travel destinations. The U.S Embassy in Bogot issued a Security Alert for specific areas of Cartagena, as Colombia's historic port city prepares to receive more than 20 cruise ships in December and an estimated 25,000 tourists. Unfortunately, this has led to reports to the US Embassy of robbery, assault, and death while intoxicated in these ceremonies. (Our take) Cartagena today is actually pretty safe - in fact, it's one of the safer places in Colombia. More affluent areas are at a greater risk for mugging, especially high-profile travelers or people with jewelry or expensive electronics. 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. First of all flying in from Miami is cheap, and the Second it is safe. 1. Colombia Travel Restrictions. Still, working your way around in the city in your own vehicle can be hair-raising at times. It is not uncommon for scams and petty theft to affect tourists and, most of the time and these are the main issues that visitors to the city will face. Culture in Colombia often means that things happen late, including restaurant opening times; lunch times begin at around 1 p.m., with dinner at around 9 p.m. Still, don't forget yourtravel insurance! Note, US citizens have been killed during robberies while using taxis, and the US Embassy recommends using ride-sharing apps. Local and national governments have made significant investments in Cartagenas most popular neighborhoods. Most of the areas of Cartagena are set up to support travelers and tourists and generally speaking, it is safe to travel here. In Cartagena, youll see many prostitutes at night in front of the Clock Tower. According to their wealth, inhabitants live in different Estratos (from 1 to 6), 6 being the best. Itll save you aload of time when organising transport and youll probably nab an EPIC DISCOUNT too! You should book through a reliable local agency that uses as few intermediaries as possible. After or during a downpour, roads are quick to flood and everyone starts driving slowly. Salsa clubs dot the city and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid any tourist-oriented restaurant. Next t0 that, there is also the legitimate worry that taxi drivers could be taking advantage of tourists. Colombia as their backpacking destination. How do you get from Bogota to Manizales? If you feel like hiking some flat terrain, there's no better place to go than on the coastline. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Cartagena is an awesome destination for solo female travellers. 7416. It's still in Colombia, a country with high murder rates and crime stats more generally, and there have been worrying increases in the number of robberies and thefts, even in the main tourist parts of the city in recent years. To help you out, weve listed the safest areas to visit in Cartagena below. In exchange, you give them a tip. Keeping hydrated is key, as is sunscreen and sunhats for you and your children. Get your cash stashed with this awesome Pacsafe money belt. Shopping is exceptional in Cartagena. Cartagena is less expensive than comparable U.S. oceanfront cities. Itslegal in Colombia, but there is no legal framework. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Thats why weve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Cartagena. How Safe is Cartagena? Besides all the tourist attractions, Cartagena has all the comforts for daily life. Solo travel is great. And then let the shenanigans begin. More information. Old Town, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, colorful buildings, and ocean views greet travelers to Cartagena. Travel WITH a security belt. They carry around a speaker and do improvised raps on passers-by. However, its definitely worth the experience! Most Colombians will tell you they are not accurate. It has a large private pool as well as a modern rooftop jacuzzi. Even though many hotels provide safes, it is still a good idea to lock your valuables inside them. If you do travel to areas of Cartagena, not within the walls, do not walk on foot. Therefore, make sure to leave plenty of time for your journey and keep your belongings close to you. This soup is filled with all manner of things that you will not be used to eating, including cows udder, tripe and intenstines offal, in a word. Also known as Cartagena de Indias, this city served as a trade route to the West Indies historically. It is true that Cartagena is a beautiful city, but you should be really careful with pickpockets, muggers, and even more, with scammers. Daytime temperatures average in the upper 80s F with 90% humidity. 16. The tourism industry's revenue has increased by 1.5 billion dollars since 2015 and continues to expand. Do you wonder whether Cartagena is safe to travel to? This area is full of seaside skyscrapers and is known as an expat neighborhood. Cartagena may be one of the safer cities to visit in Colombia, but that still does mean this place is a Disneyland. San Diego is a great place if you want to enjoy the Cartagenas Centro vibes, but without the busy streets and masses of tourists. La Popa is a busy neighborhood where visitors can fall victim to thieves, pickpockets, and bag snatchers if theyre not vigilant and attentive. So, is Cartagena safe for you? 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. That said, the neighborhood is stunning and very popular with expats and visitors. Chat with your host before you arrive to have a soft landing and then experience your destination differently! As with any travel to foreign destinations, common sense and street smarts should be your default mode. This includes neighborhoods where expats often live. Many retirees want to continue to lead an active, vital life. Drivers use their horns a lot, which is something you will have to get used to. Due to the tropical and coastal location, flooding is a common threat to Cartagena. Wanna rent a boat in Cartagena? If someone mugs you, its best not to resist or fight back. This is a country where crime rates remain relatively high and criminal groups and gangs are still active, but it depends on which of Cartagenas neighborhoods youre staying in. Must-see locations: Ghetsemani and Bocagrande. 0. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. If you were wondering: is Cartagena safe for American tourists? 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. But if I have to choose between the two, I would say that I feel safer in the city of Cartagena. Safety in Cartagena, Colombia. Cartagena has been officially voted as the safest city in the entirety of Colombia. That being said, you should still use your common sense when travelling. These can rock the city and, in a place where there are many old buildings, the damage could potentially occur. If you want to use one of these collective taxis, hail it down along its route. The number of places you can see in Cartagena without leaving the walled city and dedicated tourist areas are much greater than that of Medelln. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Keep your eyes open and stay aware of your surroundings if you find yourself in these cities and you should be perfectly fine. While on the whole, it can be quite good, be sure that what youre eating is fresh. You will find many police officers in touristy areas like the walled city, Getseman, and Bocagrande. Now you can discover all of this and more with our guide to the top 10 things to do in Cartagena. Is Cartagena Colombia safe for tourists? Its one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Caribbean Coast. Hang out with young students, walk through the charming streets and enjoy a delicious meal in one of the amazing restaurants in San Diego. Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing continue to happen in parts of the city and at night. Like most areas of the world, the cost of living in Cartagena depends on the type of lifestyle you want. Dont flaunt money or show your goods off. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Soon, youll find yourself eating, drinking, swimming, and relaxing on the white-sand beaches of paradise. However, one city in Colombia has managed to shine on the international scene: Cartagena de Indias. Tourism to this coastal city continues to rise, regardless of any government warnings or issues that may be facing Colombia at the moment. Cartagena Barranquilla Santa Marta Pereira Armenia Popayan Still alive and kicking Sure, Colombia is dangerous. Drink water from ANYWHERE. As I told you before, some locals will charge you more because you are a foreigner. The reefs are stunning, and wonderful for both snorkeling and scuba diving. While it is much safer than other places in Colombia, without a crazy list of things to worry about in terms of living there, it will still be a big leap compared to what you are probably used to. Yes, Cartagena is safe for tourists and continues to improve every year. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Last update: September 2022. Do your own research. If in doubt, simply ask around for the best places to eat at; there will be no shortage of recommendations from the locals who are working in the hostel or hotel youll be staying at. Poverty is, unfortunately, part of life in Cartagena, and like it or not you will be part of this. That said there is a ton of pick-pocketing and other low-level crime. The wealthiest part of the city seems to have the highest robbery rate. This area can, at times, feel like an entirely different city to the one to be found in Getsemani or La Candelaria. More than 3,000 ships pass through this port each year, and Cartagena sees nearly 112,000 tourists a year from cruise ships alone. Today, Cartagena is the capital of the Bolivar Department in northern South America. Calle 29 No. I have been traveling around Colombia and Mexico since 2015 to discover new experiences and help travelers make the right choices. There are no issues with cultural insensitivity from seeing women traveling alone in this city. However, tsunamis as a general rule are not that common and do not threaten the city. They are however, some of the most expensive taxis in the whole of Colombia and the prices can begin to stack up. That being said, the gay nightlife in Cartagena hasnt fully developed yet. However, I made sure we werent mindlessly scrolling on the street to prevent having our phones stolen. It is best to avoid this area and stick to day visits if you absolutely need to go. Once drugged, victims are mugged and/or sexually assaulted. Instead, buy an eSIM! By the time I got back to the apartment, our live-in cook had prepared a delicious, healthy breakfast of patacon con queso (fried plantain and cheese). In terms of accessibility, the Rafael Nuez International airport is only 15 minutes outside of the center of the city. If you come from somewhere with a good transport system, this could be an irritating fact of life. It is not a good idea to carry all of your money or credit cards with you at once. 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. Share . Consider that you will often be asked to purchase things by pushy street vendors. The clue or proof is 'in the pudding'. The city, like much of Colombia, can be affected by earthquakes. Therefore, the experience of driving somewhere like Colombia will help. Founded by Pedro de Heredia in 1533, the city was named after the port where the Spanish conquistador was from. Fewer tourists mean less pickpocketing and pretty crimes. Here, you can jump on a high-speed boat for under $30 and within 30 minutes, arrive at one of the most beautiful beaches on earth.
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