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Again in 2016, I did a solo journey to Cartagena and though the town was stunning and filled with tradition, I had combined emotions coming again dwelling; partly as a result of it was my second solo journey and I didn’t make the perfect of my keep.
Nicely, a bit of greater than two years later, my cousin did her personal solo journey to Cartagena and had a good time! For those who’re on the lookout for an in depth Cartagena journey information, learn extra about how Krista spent 3 nights and 4 days in Cartagena together with just a few issues to know earlier than touring to this great spot.
Issues to Know Earlier than Touring to Cartagena, Colombia
Visa Necessities
When touring to a special nation it’s good to know if the vacation spot has any visa necessities (like India) or passport validity guidelines. No vacationer visa is required for US residents touring to Cartagena underneath 90 days. You simply want a legitimate passport and a web page to your entry stamp.
Forex
The official foreign money is the Colombian Peso. Cartagena is VERY inexpensive, whether or not you’re shopping for contemporary seafood from avenue distributors or having fun with cocktails by the Caribbean Sea, your Colombian pesos will go far. Money is beneficial for tipping and small purchases, however most locations settle for playing cards, particularly within the metropolis middle and boutique accommodations.
Under are the present alternate charges:
$1 USD = 4086.89 Colombian Pesos
€1 EUR = 4706.30 Colombian Pesos
£1 GBP = 5514.18 Colombian Pesos
$1 CAD = 2982.16 Colombian Pesos
Language & Primary Spanish Phrases
The official language in Cartagena is Spanish. Brush up on some fundamental phrases or use Google Translate to assist navigate conversations.
Under are some fundamental Spanish phrases and phrases which may be useful in your journey to Cartagena.
- Good morning – Buenos días – booEHN-os DEE-as
- Sure – Sí – see
- No – No – no
- Good afternoon – Buenas tardes – booEHN-as TAR-dehs
- Good night – Buenas noches – booEHN-as NO-chehs
- Good day, my identify is _____ – Hola, me llamo (your identify) – OH-la meh YA-mo
- What’s your identify – ¿Cómo se llama? – KOH-moh seh YA-mah
- How are you – ¿Cómo está? – KOH-moh ehs-TA
- I’m high quality -Estoy bien – ehs-TOY bee-EHN
- Good to satisfy you – Mucho gusto – MOO-choh GOOS-toh
- Goodbye – Adiós – ah-dee-OHS
- I’m misplaced – Estoy perdido – ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh
- The place is the restroom? – ¿Dónde está el baño? – DOHN-deh ehs-TA el BAH-neeo
- Please – Por favor – pohr fah-VOR
- Thanks – Gracías – gra-SEE-ahs
- I’m sorry – Lo siento – low see-EHN-to
- Bless you -Salud – sah-LOOD
- You might be welcome (it was nothing) – De nada – deh NA-da
- How a lot does it price? – ¿Cuánto cuesta? kooAN-to KWEHS-ta
- What time is it? – ¿Qué hora es? – keh OR-ah ehs
- I don’t perceive – Yo no comprendo – yoh no kom-PREN-doh
- Are you able to communicate slower, please? – ¿Por favor, habla mas despacio? – pohr fah-VOR, AH-blah mahs dehs-PAHS-ee-oh
Touring to Cartagena from NYC
Direct flights from New York to Rafael Núñez Worldwide Airport (CTG) make Cartagena an ideal place for a fast getaway. Spirit Airways provides price range choices, whereas JetBlue and American Airways present direct flights with extra versatile baggage choices.
I prefer to journey on a price range, so I booked a flight for 4 days in Cartagena for $259 by way of Spirit Airways. As a minimalist, downgrading from carry-on solely to a private merchandise wasn’t a problem, however when you want extra baggage, it’s a must to pay additional for Spirit
The place to Keep in Cartagena
Cartagena’s lodging ranges from price range hostels to luxurious boutique accommodations. I stayed at Attract Chocolat, a 4-star resort with an infinity pool, rooftop bar, and exquisite views of the outdated metropolis of Cartagena and Caribbean coast. It’s an 11-minute stroll from Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, one of many major websites and a must-visit fortress with underground tunnels and panoramic views.
For those who’re on the lookout for an incredible possibility with historical past and appeal, think about the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, an opulent resort housed in a former convent proper within the coronary heart of the walled metropolis of Cartagena.
Dinner at Crimson Knife included drinks, a shot of rum, an appetizer, and an entree for 58,000 Pesos or $18-20 USD. The whole price for my keep at Attract Chocolat together with a full breakfast was $294.
Entree at Crimson Knife Restaurant in Cartagena
Resort Attract Chocolat was near all sights and transportation
Issues to do in Cartagena on a Funds
I actually imagine in experiencing issues to do on a price range throughout my travels. For those who’re a price range traveler, right here’s a information of what to do in Cartagena in 4 days or issues to incorporate in your Cartagena itinerary.
Go to the Choco Museum
That is the Willy Wonka of Sweets and Espresso in Cartagena. Each entry and tastings are free for all guests
Watch the Sundown at Cafe Del Mar
Don’t miss the sundown expertise at Café del Mar, an ideal spot on the outdated metropolis partitions overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Cartagena, providing reside music three nights every week and an unbeatable ambiance with nice views.
Hearken to Dwell Music and Dance Salsa within the Avenue
Who doesn’t like reside music? After touring the town, end up within the metropolis sq. at evening for reside music and dancing.
Do a Free strolling tour within the Outdated Metropolis
Do a free strolling tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Web site and see the outdated metropolis partitions, cobblestone streets, and colourful homes make this the primary place to get your bearings.
Go to Plaza Santo Domingo, identified for its iconic sculpture and close by avenue meals distributors promoting contemporary fruit and snacks. Cease by La Vitrola or Café Havana within the night for genuine reside music, a reside band, and salsa dancing that are two of the perfect issues to do for nightlife lovers.
Respect the Art work
Go to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Dedicate a morning to touring Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a formidable Spanish fortress with a community of underground tunnels and a few of the greatest views of the Caribbean coast and the port metropolis itself. Entry is round 25,000 Colombian pesos (~$7-8 USD).
After, get pleasure from a guided metropolis tour by means of colonial structure, stopping at Plaza de San Pedro Claver and the outdated metropolis middle to study Cartagena’s historical past as the primary Spanish colony in South America.
Widespread Cartagena Day Journeys
For those who’re feeling adventurous or simply wish to go to standard websites outdoors of the town, listed here are some standard day journeys you are able to do in your 4 days in Cartagena.
El Totumo Mud Volcano
Do you know you need to use your Expedia factors for Excursions? Corona Excursions picked me up from the resort, drove me and different vacationers to El Totumo Mud Volcano (or Volcán de Lodo El Totumo in Spanish), fed us a conventional Colombian lunch and we even went for a swim at Manzanillo Del Mar. For those who don’t have Expedia factors, then the full of the tour is just $30 USD
San Basilio de Palenque
When visiting Cartagena, hundreds of vacationers love taking photographs of the Afro-Colombian ladies promoting fruits, however not many know their historical past.
San Basilio de Palenque is situated south of Cartagena and the primary metropolis inside the Americas based by escaped slaves. Most of the residents nonetheless apply customs of their ancestors and communicate their very own language: Palenquero which is a Spanish-based creole.
Cartagena Seashores
No go to to Cartagena is full and not using a journey to the Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) and Playa Blanca on Isla Barú. These are a few of the most stunning seashores on the Caribbean Sea, with sandy seashores, crystal-clear water, and vibrant coral reefs good for snorkeling.
One of the best ways to discover these islands is by way of a non-public boat or a day tour leaving early morning from the town. The Rosario Islands provide extra sandy seashores and snorkeling spots, whereas Playa Blanca is a good possibility for lounging and sampling native contemporary seafood and fruit juices from beachside distributors.
Insider Ideas
- The most effective time of yr to go to Cartagena is throughout the excessive season from December to April when the climate is ideal for seashore and metropolis exploring.
- Be conscious of upper costs in vacationer hotspots and walled metropolis of Cartagena eating places. Native eateries in Getsemani neighborhood provide a extra genuine expertise at higher costs in Colombian pesos.
- Maintain some money for tipping avenue distributors and low outlets.
Cartagena is a tremendous metropolis and an incredible place to find Colombia’s vibrant tradition, historical past, and pure magnificence. I spent lower than $80 USD on meals, drinks, souvenirs, cabs, excursions, and ideas. Whether or not you’re lounging on a seashore within the Rosario Islands, dancing to reside music at Café del Mar, or wandering the colourful streets of the outdated metropolis of Cartagena, this metropolis provides one thing for each traveler.
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