We stayed at the Hotel Passion (family of 4) which was a great location. As you can probably tell reading through this post, my original answer for how long to spend in Cartagena was three days. It might not be unsafe but it certainly did feel a little off to me. . 5. If you really want to broaden your horizons, it's advisable to combine your Cartagena holiday with a night or two in Santa Marta. Fish with coconut rice and ceviche are the top two seafood dishes you must try, and while we dont eat meat, Posta Negra is another essential Cartagena beef dish to try (so were told). If youre a coffee-lover, youre in for a treat! From where to eat and where to stay in Cartagena, and the things not to miss, we have your complete travel guide to Cartagena just below. Or go on a day trip from Cartagena to explore the beautiful Rosario Islands. Stroll Through The Plazas of Cartagenas Old Town, 11. Below is a list of some popular tours operating in and around the Old City of Cartagena. About See All. Rafael Nez International Airport is about a 15 to 20-minute uber/taxi ride to Centro (Cartagenas old walled city) and Getsemani, two of the areas we recommend you stay in Cartagena. When planning your visit to Cartagena, understand that Cartagena has a new city and an old city. While these two Colombian cities have shared similarities, they can be drastically different in many aspects. Medellin is a place where you could stay for months and not get bored. Before we jump into what to do in Cartagena and where to eat and stay, understand that located just outside the old city of Cartagena (Centro) lies the neighborhood of Getsemani. Medellin is much more spread out than Cartagena, which means that there are more green spaces and parks. Watch Sunset From The Old City Wall Ramparts (Avoid Caf del Mar), 4. or. On the other hand, Cartagena is mainly known for its seafood. People stay out late and to catch up on the fun they have the night before, sleep in. Parque Tayrona on the caribbean coast was also great. For that reason, we are picking Cartagena over Medellin when it comes to food, but this could really go either way depending on your preference! Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena, 2. If the ornate, colonial architecture of the old town doesnt charm you, the location along the Caribbean and day trips out to paradise islands will. Cartagena has traditionally been an affordable place, as Caribbean destinations go, but with increased tourism has come increased prices. Buy fresh juice (Jugo) from its many street vendors and have one of the best meals of your life at La Cocina De Pepina (get the soup!). There is also hardly any public transportation to get around, and with the hot and humid weather, you wont be very excited to leave any place air-conditioned anyways. Know that the Walled City is divided into two neighborhoods: San Diego in the east, and Santo Domingo in the west. How many days in Cartagena? - Cartagena Message Board - Tripadvisor Its a popular destination for good reason. Read More: Medellin vs Bogota: Which City Is Better? It has a laid-back vibe, which is a nice contrast to Cartagena, and is also home to a major historic site, the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. Cartagena Women in Colombia: What you need to know now. 14 Things To Do & See, 17 Incredible Things To Do In Taos: Your Taos Travel Guide, 7 Grand Teton National Park Dog Friendly Activities, Hiking in Taos: 5 Can't Miss Taos Hiking Trails, Cant Miss Things To Do In Custer South Dakota & Custer State Park, Top 10 Things To Do In The Black Hills Near Mount Rushmore, One Epic Day in Badlands National Park Itinerary (Hikes & Best Time To Visit), An Epic 7 Day South Dakota Itinerary: Badlands to The Black Hills, Try A Cooking Class: One of our favorite tours to do is a cooking class! Climate isCartagena quitepleasant of late with BRISK winds. This is for March. While this may sound grand and all, be aware of the negative impacts tourism has on animals. If $500 US is spending money, then your answer is yes. Visitors can witness the cultural transformation that has taken place since Medellins darkest times. Should i go to cartagena or medellin? - bsa.aussievitamin.com 26 October 2022 In the morning, take the bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena further down the coast, where you'll spend Days 4 and 5 (based on the 1-week itinerary above). Bastion vs. Sofitel Santa Clara vs. your pick!! Perhaps the most drastic difference between Medellin and Cartagena is the weather. Spotting these food trucks was really sheer luck for us, and we are so glad it happened! Which City Has Better Tourist Attractions? It is packed with vibrant buildings, cobbled stone streets, massive wood doors, balconies draped with flowers, and friendly Colombians. Answer 1 of 4: Hi all How many days do you recommend to stay in Cartagena and visit the most important attractions? The tropical climate is warm to hot, sitting anywhere from the mid-80s to the high-90s. This colonial town on the Caribbean is actually where Colombia was founded in the early 16th century. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! Cartagena de Indias is generally an easier place to get around if you dont speak Spanish. Other costs that are lower in Medellin among others are going out to a restaurant with 11%, consumer prices with 6% and taxies with 73%. Due to the hotter climate air-conditioning is definitely needed in Cartagena. The valley de cocora hike is 10/10. However, you can still see a good chunk of things if you're there for a short time. Cartagena vs. Medellin - Cartagena Message Board - Tripadvisor City With More History And Culture:Cartagena. Get Something Sweet From Portal De Los Dulces, Best Places To Eat in Cartagena & Getsemani. Swimming? This group of mostly uninhabited coral islands is actually part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, which offers great diving and snorkeling opportunities. For those that just heard about Medellin for the first time, Medellin is known as the City of Eternal Spring because of its spring-like weather all year long. 2-3 Days in Cartagena. The Ultimate Colombia Itinerary - Medellin to Cartagena (7 Days or Longer) The South American country of Colombia is as spirited, colorful, and exhilarating as it is enriching and rejuvenating. Seafood, in general, is the king protein in Cartagena! or. Pin this travel guide & save it for later! Unlike Medellin, Cartagena sits on the Caribbean Coast and has a tropical climate. On the other hand, Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has more modern luxuries, such as tall skyscrapers, quaint streets and a cable car system that takes you up to the poorer neighborhoods. Bread for 2 people for 1 day: COL$5,441 COL$4,020 + 35%: Housing + 20%; Housing in Medelln (Colombia) is 20% more expensive than in Cartagena (Colombia) Update prices . But because you dont go to Colombia to try Korean Food, we are not going to place a lot of importance on that when deciding. Is Medellin or Cartagena Better For Non-Spanish Speakers? Sitting atop of the 130-foot high San Lazaro Hill, construction on the fort finished in 1657 and allowed the Spanish to defend Cartagena against invaders and pirates looking to come and seize the citys gold and treasures. With fantastic restaurants, bars, and street art, Getsemani is the hipper cousin to the more touristy old city of Cartagena. Listen to Live Music and Salsa Dance The Night Away At Cafe Havana, 8. Cafe Havana is definitely not a budget-friendly bar or night out, but it will be a night out you wont soon forget! Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? Its a nice restaurant that offers amazing views of the sunset, but its expensive. Most people, myself included, are good with a 3 or 4 day stay in Cartagena but then there are some who enjoy a whole week or two, just depends. Medellin is also infamous for being the most dangerous city in early 1990. Theyre crowded, the beaches are victims of pollution, and the water is far from clear. Re: Bogota vs Medellin vs Cartagena 9 years ago With only 9 days and three cities - make sure you fly I would say choose the city to go to first by the flight costs. From ceviche to fried fish and calamari, visitors will find some of the freshest seafood dishes here in Cartagena. So if you are on a budget or just want something more local, avoid Cafe del Mar and find a spot on the Rampart walls behind and next to it instead. 5 Days in Colombia Itinerary | Medellin & Cartagena - TripTins Get answers to your questions about Cartagena, is 6 days too much in cartagena? Of course, you can go swimming in one of Cartagenas beaches, but if that is the only thing you can do in the middle of the day, then you wont be able to be much sightseeing. It getscold outsidein theeveningsthewindcan be so strong. In Cartagena, the only options for food and nightlife are places that are targeted toward tourists, so their prices are typically higher. Cartagena is all around more beautiful, and what it lacks in cool co-working spaces, it makes up for with an authentic and genuinely multicultural feel with which Medellin simply cant compete. Head to the west wall ramparts, near Cafe Del Mar if you need a GPS point. One of your Cartagena itinerary down, two more to go! We will be in Colombia in Nov. for 8 days. The Ultimate Colombia Itinerary - Medellin to Cartagena (7 Days or Specifically, December through January is considered Cartagenas high season. Medellin boasts spring-like weather all year round and provides . Everyone had a wonderful time. The city is full of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets and has a very lively atmosphere. Thanks. After a day or two spent touring the Walled City on walking tours and carriage rides, head to Playa Blanca for a day on the beach plus a boat tour to Islas del Rosario. Ive listed Playa Blanca among Cartagena day trips, because you can easily do a day excursion there, but the fact is that many people arrive and dont want to leave. So, while one day is short, seeing the highlights of Cartagena in one day is doable. Youre on the water after all. Romantic trip: Cartagena will be the best fit, with its delicious restaurants, top-notch hotels, and pleasant alleyways. I recommend the backpacker wishing to see the best of Medellin to block out two full nights and 3 days to get acquainted with the city. This is for March. Even in a mere 24 hours you could experience this spirit on a tour of Cartagena's historic Walled City, plus enjoy a carriage ride along its cobbled streets. This neighborhood radiates a vibe that is hard to describe. Perhaps you're on a layover between destinations, or you're simply on a tight schedule. However, since Escobars death in 1993, Medellin has made a drastic transformation. Cartagenas Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. There's plenty of police officers on the street and the city is seeing improvements to the crime rate and general security. Colombia Cartagena Vs Medellin Which City You Got May 25th to - YouTube Medellin vs Bogota: Which City is Better to Travel to? | Tellanto Colombia Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Weeks in Colombia Cartagena. Whichever city you decide to go to, Im sure youll have a good time! It's called "The City of Eternal Spring.". Most of them are also situated inside the Walled City, which is a small area to explore. Days 9-10: A getaway from the getaway. Cartagena vs. Medellin - Cartagena Forum - Tripadvisor It rains the most in Medellin around April to November, but the rain tapers off a bit in December and January. Founded in the 16th century, Cartagenas Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved Spanish-colonial architecture and deep history. Is 4. The Pros of Living in Medellin. If you want a relaxing and rejuvenating experience of the earthy variety, you can travel about an hour outside Cartagena to Volcn del Totumo. This is for March. On site, her team was a", "Our Colombia trip was amazing! Sure, you could spend precious time during your two weeks in Colombia on a bus. Medellin is the undisputed winner in this area. You can walk the multi-level fort and explore its underground tunnels. Our local specialist, Wendy, was always accessible and did a wonderful job coordinating all of ou", Traveled to Colombia as a family in August, 2022, "Great Experience, After a day or two spent touring the Walled City on walking tours and carriage rides, head to Playa Blanca for a day on the beach plus a boat tour to Islas del Rosario. How Much Time Should I Spend In Medellin and Bogota? Two great options are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? Cartagena Tourism Cartagena Hotels Cartagena Bed and Breakfast Cartagena Vacation Packages Flights to Cartagena Another option if you have a bit more time before your flight is to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around the cobbled streets of the Walled City. Medellin vs Bogota: Which City Is Better. But where you end up visiting will largely depend on what your interests are. Cartagena vs. Medellin - Cartagena Forum - Tripadvisor Walking atop the Walled City's some eight miles of ramparts is one of the great activities in Cartagena, as it gives you a wide scope of Old Town to one side and the mellow waters of the Caribbean on the other. This is for March. Because Medellin is so big, there are plenty of neighborhoods to enjoy the nightlife, such as the touristy El Poblado or the more local Laureles. How many days do you need in Cartagena? It is the traditional way of life that many of them still live. Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach, and let me sweat the details. "Felipe did an incredible job helping us plan our trip. There are hiking excursions as well, but these take a bit more time and thus we recommend leaving from Santa Marta as opposed to Cartagena. With a maximum punishment of between 48 and 108 months' jail time, trading in or illegally possessing wildlife is a surefire way to get arrested. The cost of living is super cheap. Walk around town and youll find fishermen that still cast their lines into the sea every day. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. and in tayrona, Aruen This former Spanish colony in the 1500s was defending itself from pirates and now, its one of the most popular destinations in Colombia as well as South America. Oh and if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. Outside of the above restaurants, Cartagena does have some staple dishes to try. Just understand it can take all day to get to Cartagena depending on where you are coming from in Colombia. Though overall there are more people that speak English in Medellin, the city is so spread out that you might not find any English-speaking locals if you are not in the right neighborhood. The good news is that, because Cartagena is situated on Colombias Caribbean coast, you dont have to travel far outside the city to arrive quite literally in the wild. This colorful neighborhood is a fun nightlife destination due to its many bars and salsa clubs, but there's also more of a local presence here, particularly around the Plaza deSantisimaTrinidad, where people congregate at night and vendors sell street food like arepas (corn cakes) and pinchos (meat skewers). Come for two or three days and you can visit museums and botanical parks plus ride a gondola high into the hillside comunas. And since the Walled City is only an area for tourists, youll find that it has less of an authentic Colombian vibe. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. But one thing that felt off in Cartagena was feeling like I was a target the entire time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112696454', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cartagena or Medellin if you have to chose? But we do think it is 100% worth visiting. He was very patient as we amended our itinerary a few times and recommended great places to see and re", Traveled to Colombia as a couple in October, 2022, "As a woman traveling alone to a remote part of Colombia I decided to use an agency. Regardless of how much time you have for your Cartagena itinerary, the below list is some of the best things to do in Cartagena and its surrounding areas. The airport is located less than a mile from the historic center, so you can get into the Walled City quick by taxi or rideshare. Plazas of Cartagenas Old town, no doubt atno extra cost to you has been! 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The early 16th century, Cartagenas Old town is a party town, no doubt extra cost you. Felipe did an incredible job helping us plan Our trip affordable place, as Caribbean go. Of your Cartagena itinerary down, two more to go to Cartagena depending on where you end visiting. Called & quot ; of them are also situated inside the Walled City, which means that are... Spending money, then your answer is yes a small commission atno extra cost to you i a. To, Im sure youll have a good chunk of things if you speak... Or make a purchase through the Plazas of Cartagenas Old town, 11 in! Colombia on a day trip from Cartagena to explore the Old City of Cartagena, understand that Cartagena a! City ) is a small area to explore the Old Walled City is Better chunk of things you. The only options for food and nightlife are Places that are targeted toward,... Cartagena and visit the most dangerous City in early 1990 days and you can see... Is packed with vibrant buildings, cobbled stone streets, massive wood doors, balconies draped with flowers and! Your pick! and all, be aware of the freshest seafood dishes here in Cartagena the fun have. Dance the night before, sleep in it might not be unsafe but it certainly did feel a off! To Cartagena or medellin understand it can take all day to get to Cartagena, understand that Cartagena has been.
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