Your Most Asked Questions About Visiting Cartagena, Colombia
- Sarah Brooks
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Cartagena wasn't on high on my radar until recently - and I have no idea how I slept on this incredible city for so long!
When people ask why we chose Cartagena, Colombia for our anniversary trip, I wish I had a more inspiring answer. The truth is, we were looking for a good deal we could use points and miles for.
It came down to Cartagena and a few Caribbean islands. We’ve done a couple
Caribbean trips recently (notably, an incredible trip to Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts earlier this year), so we were looking for a change of pace.
Plus, I’d never visited South America. So, decision made!
I’m SO glad this is where we landed. It’s one of the most vibrant, unique, amazing cities I’ve ever visited (not to mention the incredible food scene!)
Whenever people hear I just returned from Colombia, I get asked many of the same questions - so here are the answers to those FAQs.
Is Cartagena safe?
This is by far the most common question and I totally get why. When most people think of Colombia, the first thing that comes to mind is Pablo Escobar, drug cartels and violence. Popular shows like Narcos very much contribute to the perception people hold that Colombia is a bloody, corrupt, violent place.
The reality is, this couldn’t be further from the truth anymore. The Colombian people are incredibly proud that they have moved far beyond that chapter of their history - and they should be.
I didn’t feel unsafe at any point during my four days in Cartagena. The historic center and
the Getsemaní neighborhoods are filled with people at all hours of the day. The vibe is relaxed and fun loving. There are vendors who will approach you (more on that later) but never in a threatening or aggressive way.
Honestly, I felt safer in Cartagena than in many European cities. The general rules still apply, of course: Be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables hidden or at home and be respectful of cultural norms.
How long should I stay?
Four days is the sweet spot. It’s more than enough time to wander the walled city, explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, enjoy midday pool breaks, revel in the nightlife and take a day trip to the Rosario Islands.
Could we have done Cartagena in less time? For sure. But I loved this trip so much because we actually gave ourselves the grace to just immerse ourselves in our destination.
So often, we try to pack so much into a trip that I leave with that niggling feeling that we missed out by not taking a beat to just be where we are. By the end of this trip, I swear we walked down every single street in the city!
What is the weather like?
In a word? Hot. In two words? Hot and humid. It was brutal (and this is coming from someone who lives in Texas.)
Wear the lightest, coolest clothing you own. I recommend flowy lightweight dresses for the gals. (Bonus, you’ll fit right in because bright, flowy dresses and skirts are the vibe for fashion in Cartagena!)
You can try to plan your sightseeing for the early morning hours. But honestly it’s insanely hot even in the early hours.
Definitely book a hotel with a pool. We found ourselves heading back during the heat of the day to take a dip and cool off.
Midday, the temps can reach over 100 degrees and the humidity makes it feel so much hotter.
Once the sun goes down, the temperatures are much more tolerable. Besides, Cartagena really comes alive after dark, so it's a prime time to explore, anyway!
Should I worry about pushy vendors?
No! When you research Cartagena online, chances are you’ll read a lot about the ‘aggressive’ and ‘pushy’ vendors who try to ‘scam’ you. This is – IMHO – wildly overblown.
You’ll be approached by people trying to sell tours and merch. The local palenqueras in traditional dresses carrying fruit on their heads will offer photos. And there are rappers who will come up to you and free-style songs (about you!). They’ll want a tip.
If you’re a travel novice, this might be overwhelming or perhaps intimidating, and I get it.
That said, a simple ‘no gracias’ is all it takes and they’ll move on. My trip prep had me so prepared to be harassed around every corner, but the sellers in Cartagena are far less aggressive than other places I’ve visited. (I’m looking at you, Cairo!)
As for scams, just use basic common sense. Don’t accept anything that is handed to you. Don’t get your picture taken with a palenquera if you don’t want to pay. Ignore the rappers if you don’t plan to tip. This is how the locals make a living. Nothing is free!
Is Cartagena family friendly?
No, not in my opinion.
I personally wouldn’t recommend Cartagena to clients traveling with children - especially young children.
Cartagena is full of life, color and culture, but it leans heavily toward nightlife.
It is very much a party city with loud music, late nights and an adult centered scene.
There is alcohol flowing on every street corner and the city really comes alive when most kids would be going to bed.
Even the boat trips to the Rosario Islands have an intense party vibe. Most guides will take you to the island of Cholón as part of your tour, which is a music-pumping-alcohol-fueled scene that borders on debauchery.
Ready to Book your Next Trip?
We can start planning your next adventure right now! Click below to make your dream trip come true!