This is your comprehensive travel planner to Cartagena, Colombia for 2024. One of the most colorful destinations with an unusual history and beautiful sandy Caribbean coast – Cartagena is a place that offers a large amount of emotions and pleasure. Some areas of this guide are aimed at the audience who are fond of traveling and admiring adventures, individuals interested in the non-tourist opportunities for exploring the city, and miscellaneous tourist sustainable practices.
Why should one come to Cartagena in 2024?
Cartagena is one city that confidently combines the colonial past with contemporary tourism offers. Cartagena is the best place for tourism since it has something for everyone to do, history for the historic lovers, food for the food lovers, and beaches for the beach lovers. The city’s new cultural experiences including green attractions as well as peculiar tourist experiences that the city has in stock for its visitors are planned to be launched in 2024.
Weather in Cartagena
Before planning your trip, you should familiarise yourselves with Colombia’s, and especially Cartagena’s climate. This is a tropical city, and the weather is always warm throughout the year although sometimes very hot. Here’s what to expect:
- Dry Season (December to April): Ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
- Rainy Season (May to November): Expect occasional showers, but also fewer tourists and lush landscapes.
How to Get There
Getting to Cartagena is relatively straightforward, with multiple travel options available:
- By Air: Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) has direct flights from major cities worldwide.
- By Sea: It is worth noting that Cartagena is among the favorite destinations for cruise ships that sail through the Caribbean.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Cartagena with other Colombian cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
Top Things to Do in Cartagena
Explore the Walled City
Walk through the historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its well-preserved colonial architecture.
- Some of the not-to-be-missed places are Plaza Santo Domingo, the Palace of the Inquisition, and Las Bóvedas.
Visit Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
For adventure seekers, consider the following hidden gems:
- Isla Barú for pristine beaches and water sports.
- La Boquilla for authentic Afro-Colombian culture and mangrove tours.
- San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, for a deep cultural experience.
Engage in Sustainable Travel
Cartagena offers several eco-friendly attractions and activities:
- Eco-Habs at Tayrona National Park for sustainable lodging.
- Bocagrande Beach Cleanup Initiatives to contribute to local conservation efforts.
- Kayaking Tours in Mangroves to enjoy nature without leaving a footprint.
Tayrona National Park
Enjoy the Nightlife
Cartagena’s nightlife is vibrant and diverse:
- Café Havana for live salsa music.
- Alquímico for innovative cocktails in a historic setting.
- Bazurto Social Club for an authentic dance experience.
Backpack Essentials for Cartagena
Packing the right essentials can make your trip more enjoyable:
- To specifically target the tropical climate, the new line of clothing should be lightweight.
- Walking shoes for a city tour or comfortable shoes to wear during the tour.
- Sunscreen and a Hat to prevent skin from overheating due to very hot sun.
- Reusable Water Bottles for drinking water to minimize the use of polythene water bottles.
- Guide Book, interpreter for international clients as well as Travel Adapter.
Insider Tips for a Memorable Trip
Here are some tips to enhance your Cartagena experience:
- Learn Basic Spanish to communicate more effectively with locals.
- Use Ride-Sharing Apps like Uber for safe and convenient transportation.
- Try Street Food but make sure it’s from a reputable vendor to avoid any stomach issues.
- Respect Local Customs and be aware of cultural norms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which are the best hotels to make a reservation in Cartagena, Colombia?
Some of the highly recommended ones include; Hotel Casa San Agustin, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, and Movich Cartagena de Indias.
What is the best time to visit Cartagena?
It is recommended to visit from December to April while having relatively warm weather.
Is Cartagena safe for tourists?
Visiting Cartagena, one shouldn’t expect any dangers or threats as it is safe for tourists; however, one should be a bit more careful apply some basic safety rules, and be updated on safety measures.
Is the US Dollar accepted in Cartagena?
While some places accept US dollars, it’s best to use the local currency, Colombian Pesos (COP), for most transactions.
How can I experience Cartagena’s local culture?
Take local tours, and historical tours and experience the cultural events that take place in Cartagena to get the feel of the society.
Conclusion
Cartagena, Colombia, is a place that can be defined as a historical, cultural, and adventurous city. For history lovers, there is so much to see from the old town that was left intact to the incredible food that the region has to offer, or reward yourself with the beauty of Cartagena’s sandy coast. Are you ready to hit the road? Plan your travel now and explore Cartagena in 2024!