There's plenty of police officers on the street and the city is seeing improvements to the crime rate and general security. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Michael created literally the perfect itinerary. Whether you spend two, three or 4 days in Cartagena, the mixture of history, scenery and culture on offer in and around the hub of Colombia's Caribbean coast is intoxicating, particularly if your Cartagena itinerary part of a larger Colombia trip. Cartagena Tourism Cartagena Hotels Bed and Breakfast Cartagena The nature is absolutely gorgeous. or. Dare we say it, but we think we actually liked Getsemani more than we did the old city of Cartagena. So, while one day is short, seeing the highlights of Cartagena in one day is doable. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is the largest colonial Spanish fort in South America. The tour passes by all the old colorful colonial mansions, making for a romantic evening indeed. Cartagenas Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. Just make sure to drink your fill of classic Colombian coffees and espressos! This allows those early birds or photographers empty streets to enjoy during the early morning hours. That is why we have written this blog post to compare and contrast Cartagena and Medellin, so that you can make an informed decision about which city is right for you! more. Food is great - exotic fruits, meat, and all-around great food. Answer 1 of 9: Hi, Would you spend one more night in Cartagena or Medellin if you have to chose? Get Something Sweet From Portal De Los Dulces, Best Places To Eat in Cartagena & Getsemani. This is for March. It is located in the Aburra Valley and is surrounded by mountains. Nowadays, Cartagenas old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. It felt like the", Traveled to Colombia as a group in December, 2018, "Our trip experience in Colombia was amazing. Medellin offers a lot more modern amenities than Medellin. I was thinking of spending 4 days in Bogota and 4 in Cartagena. You can find anything from European to Japanese and even Korean food there. I was thinking of spending 4 days in Bogota and 4 in Cartagena. Both are only minutes from each other so whichever you choose, the other option is a short walk away to explore and enjoy. It's now a museum. I have to tell you KimKim was excellent! Today, the city is filled with art and culture, as well as a ton of museums to learn about the citys history. Youll be able to party well into the early hours of the morning, just be sure to be home by 3 am. From fresh mojitos to pizza, and sushi, a chill atmosphere awaits you here. What to expect in Colombia. But for other areas such as El Poblado and Laureles, travelers typically dont encounter any trouble. I do not like to rush when I visit a location. Stay safe, howevermost crime in Colombia befalls drunk tourists! One thing that surprises many visitors to Cartagena is that much of the urban area around the old city is, well, kind of disgusting. The average daily cost (per person) in Medellin is $14, while the average daily cost in Cartagena is $32. Which is better Bogota vs Medellin? Although we have found beautiful girls in Cartagena and . 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. Thats the bad news. Medellin boasts spring-like weather all year round and provides a pleasant experience to the visitors. If you are wanting a relaxing beach day, we highly recommend you visit Isle de Baru or the Rosario Islands instead. 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. Best guides in Bogot at the market (Alejandro?) See more of Municipality of Medellin Cebu on Facebook. Answer 1 of 6: My husband and I are in our 50 and are well traveled. Climb up the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas Fortress and learn about the history of the most extensive fortifications in South America. It was built by the crown in 1526 to defend the port from pirate attacks and protect the gold-laden galleons leaving for Spain. 3 Days In Cartagena - A Step-By-Step Itinerary Day 1 - Get to Know Cartagena In this first day, youll get to learn about Cartagenas history and explore its historic colonial streets. Stroll Through The Plazas of Cartagenas Old Town, 11. Just south of it lies another beautiful and historic colonial enclave, Getseman. I initially considered not visiting Totumo Volcano, because many fellow travelers I met in Cartagena said they had been disappointed by it. Either way, even with 24 hours or less you can see the major highlights of Cartagena if you're efficient in your sightseeing. On the other hand, Cartagena is a lot more colorful and has a more holiday atmosphere. If you see vendors selling fresh juices (Jugo), Arepas (maize dough flatbread), Patacones (garlic fried plantains), and Empanadas give them a try! If you have 3 to 5 days in Cartagena, definitely consider taking one of the day trips listed below. It rains the most in Medellin around April to November, but the rain tapers off a bit in December and January. It might not be unsafe but it certainly did feel a little off to me. Cartagena has a lot more history and culture. When planning your visit to Cartagena, understand that Cartagena has a new city and an old city. Medellin and Cartagena are both two of the biggest destinations in Colombia, and yet they each offer something very different. Cartagena. The old city is chock full of historytip: Hire one of the official tourist guides near Cartagenas Clock Tower gate for a half-day Cartagena walking tour that feels like a documentary, spotlighting not only popular attractions like Cartagena Cathedral. The ones we met in Medellin were very laid-back and were all about having fun! Likewise, spending one week in Cartagena could entail little more than approaching my Cartagena list from a more relaxed perspective. Wake Up Early & Explore The Old Walled City of Cartagena, 2. Youre on the water after all. Enjoy an all-natural mud bath in a volcano. We also felt that the locals in Medellin were a lot more genuine than the ones in Cartagena. 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. Whether you want to shake your hips to the latest Reggaeton or dance to some popping salsa music, there is a place for you. Very helpful, https://youtu.be/CONkRIdj2XY check out my video on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What is the best time to go to Cartagena, Colombia. Because of the distance and cost associated in getting there, however, you should set aside at least a few days if you plan to visit the island. Oh, and it should be noted that there is a daily curfew from 3 am 5 am (during COVID times at least). We much preferred Medellin and Id definitely choose another night there over Medellin. If you don't like the heat, you won't be much of a fan. 2-3 Days in Cartagena. Medellin is a city that is trying to become more modern, but Cartagenas charm is the colonial architecture from many years ago. 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. Days 9-10: A getaway from the getaway. One of the great things about Cartagenas Old City (Centro) is its all walkable, allowing you to experience a lot of the must-see sights of Cartagena with your own two feet. For city people, no doubt Medellin is the choice for extended stays. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The parties can be wild, but itll be like you are partying in Miami instead of Colombia. In this aspect, Medellin has more modern nightlife than Cartagena. To see anywhere other than Bogota you will have to fly. If you're on a 10-15 day trip to Colombia, I recommend spending five days total between the two cities, with three in Medellin and two in Bogota. The city is very liveable and has a huge expat scene, as well as tons of incredible cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Heat? Colombia is a great country so I am sure you will have fun anyway. We also prefer a slower pace of travel but I know time will be a limiting factor for this trip. Unlike Medellin, Cartagena sits on the Caribbean Coast and has a tropical climate. Wendy made me feel more than con", Traveled to Colombia solo in October, 2022, "A Great Trip, Wonderful Hotels and tours. Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, 7. Because tourists are likely to stay in the historic center, they are probably going to encounter locals that speak a little bit of English. Local people will happily tell you where to avoid so there's no guesswork involved, however, my advice to you would be simple: If somewhere looks dangerous, it probably is! Not only do you get to learn about the culture through cuisine, but you also get to eat tasty meals while you do it! Neighborhoods such as the Walled City, Getsemani, and Bocagrande have a high level of police presence, so most tourists feel rather safe in Cartagena. Its a popular destination for good reason. A city known for been the first city where the Spanish landed in 1500, Cartagena is a beautiful city with an eclectic mix of new and old. Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? 49,781 people follow this. It's called "The City of Eternal Spring.". Its magic. or. Single men that are looking for a wife in Colombia. This means that the weather is hot and humid all year long, with very little variation. Thank you for your comments! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). The tropical climate is warm to hot, sitting anywhere from the mid-80s to the high-90s. All places remarkable except for ", Traveled to Colombia as a group in August, 2022, Cartagena Chocolate Workshop and Afternoon Rum Tasting. 487 - 1267. is 6 days too much in cartagena? : The bus journey takes around 13 - 15 hours. As we were coming back from the Rosario Islands by boat one afternoon, we spotted a food truck park along the seawall. Cruise stop, mud volcano, paratriking, driver and what else? The city is renowned for its 'perfect weather'. How many days do you need in Cartagena? The Ultimate Colombia Itinerary & Trip Planner, 18 Things To Know Before Traveling to Cartagena, All You Need To Know About the Cocora Valley Hike. Thank you! Unfortunately, the beaches rimming Cartagena are neither attractive nor great for swimming. The same goes for the shop vendors. But the areas where tourists will be staying are typically quite safe. In addition to that it has very famous gentlemen's clubs, casinos, and public party areas. ' Should I go to Medellin vs Bogota? These include Plaza de Bolvar, around which you'll find interesting historic buildings such as the macabre Palace of the Inquisition. Yes, Cartagena has beaches, buuut, theyre not that great. 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, During our time in Cartagena, eating was one thing we did VERY well. This massive stone fortress sits atop the San Lzaro Hill, south of Getseman, and watches over Cartagena and the sea. You can easily walk the entire area in two or three hours, and that includes stops to admire the sights. Santa Marta and Cartagena are both hot and humid. In Cartagena, the only options for food and nightlife are places that are targeted toward tourists, so their prices are typically higher. Answer 1 of 9: Hi, Would you spend one more night in Cartagena or Medellin if you have to chose? Thanks. However, if you're wanting to really see the city you should spend at least one week in Medellin. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Tips for Visiting El Choc on Colombia's Remote Pacific C 10 Best Places to Visit in Colombia's Coffee Region, Colombia's Cities & Archaeological Wonders - 11 Days. It makes for a fun day trip, and a tour of the area plus a soak takes about three hours. Spotting these food trucks was really sheer luck for us, and we are so glad it happened! 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. Medellin is much more spread out than Cartagena, which means that there are more green spaces and parks. Head to the west wall ramparts, near Cafe Del Mar if you need a GPS point. Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? Easy. 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! The weather is best in Cartagena from December to April, which is the window outside the active tropical season in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Seas. You can also do a. Playa Blanca & Isa Baru: Catch a ride overland to Playa Blanca one of the nicest beaches close to Cartagena, located on Isa Baru. Below is a list of some popular tours operating in and around the Old City of Cartagena. Cartagena de Indias is generally an easier place to get around if you dont speak Spanish. This is what we're thinking: Bogota (night of arrival) --> Medellin 3-4 nights (including day trip to Guatape) --> Salento 2-3 nights --> Bogota. However, with all this great weather and low rainfall comes higher prices and more tourists. One of the things Colombia is known for is its amazing nightlife, and no trip to Colombia would be complete without exploring its vibrant party scene. 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. few more questions. We are not really "beach" people but love to be in the Latin ambience. Which is More Expensive? The locals we met in Cartagena all felt like they were trying to sell us something or make money off of us. Hope that helps! A slightly higher risk of hurricanes or tropical storms should pay off well compared to lighter crowds and lower costs. First, the city is divided into two parts, the historic Walled City (or Old Town), and everything surrounding it. In the end, Medellin slightly edges out Cartagena and becomes the better city to visit. This was included in our Private City Tour from Hi Cartagena. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This is for March. Like I recommended above, I think you should fly the long routes to save time. Log In. I do not like to rush when I visit a location. Need experience Ely in bogota Colombian food is some of the tastiest in South America, and both Medellin and Cartagena have great options. For example, if you want to spend 2 days in Cartagena, you can simply condense what Ive recommended, and maybe remove something. Perhaps you're on a layover between destinations, or you're simply on a tight schedule. Where to Dine in Cartagena: The Best Places to Eat & Drink, Ultimate Guide to Cartagena: A Colonial and Modern City. With Cartagena being nestled along the Caribbean coast, the old town makes for a great jumping-off point to explore the nearby islands of Isle de Baru and the Rosarios, even allowing you the opportunity to stay on a floating island. This neighborhood radiates a vibe that is hard to describe. Medellin, once the most dangerous city in the world, has lots of stories to tell. If you are looking to experience the old city, which is where the history and Instagram photos are from, you are going to want to stay in Centro (within the old walled city of Cartagena) or nearby the Getsemani neighborhood. Salento was a highlight. Then, cap off the day you devote to exploring it with a visit to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, which was commissioned by the Spanish crown and took over 100 years to build. Of course the Alisio wind season will die down soon and the unpleasant climate will return. Check out our Colombia itinerary and trip planning guide! Below are our favorite restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots in Cartagenas old city and Getsemani. 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. Two great options are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. It's no small thing to say that Cartagena is the most well-preserved Spanish colonial city in the Americas. Cartagena only needs 1-2 days, to enjoy the beach and explore the Old City. Being packed into a bar with a full 10-12 piece live band as the bar patrons filled every open space and salsa danced the night away! How Many Days Should You Spend in Cartagena? If you have 2 days from Rio . One Way Flights vs Round Trip Flights from Medellin to Cartagena We have found that there is often no price difference between buying a round trip flight versus a one way flight. There is an entry fee to get into Cafe Havana, about $10 USD, and the drinks are not much cheaper. If youre a coffee-lover, youre in for a treat! Cartagena Accommodations:Soy Local|Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio|Casa India Catalina, Getsemani Accomodations:Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique|Hotel Monaguillo|Hotel Casa Tere. Before we jump into the comparison, lets start with an introduction to the two cities. The Walled City is exactly that: the historic center encircled by colonial stone walls and ramparts. Medellin though, compare to Bogota and Cartagena get more rainy days through the year. Weather: Medellin's weather is . If youre interested in seeing Cartagenas heritage architecture, you should stay inside the Walled City (more on that in a moment), where budget travelers should book a room at Casa Alejandria. In Cartagena, the average daily high temperature ranges from 87.8 to 89.6 F (31.0 to 32.0 C) and the average daily low ranges from 72.9 to 77.0 F (22.7 to 25.0 C). You can then enjoy a nightcap at one of the many bars along the Plaza de Los Coches. 4 days is too little time. In our opinion, the must-sees are listed just below. Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? 26 October 2022 Medellin is the undisputed winner in this area. So living in Medellin is more affordable as your monthly expenses would go down significantly. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112696990', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cartagena had lovely architecture but its charm is somewhat tainted by overtourism. Romantic trip: Cartagena will be the best fit, with its delicious restaurants, top-notch hotels, and pleasant alleyways. Street vendors were aggressive and locals kept trying to sell me drugs. Besides, the traffic in Cartagena is a nightmare, so youre going to be stuck behind cars during your whole ride. Days 3-4: Medellin, once the world's most dangerous city. Outside is the modern Cartagena, where locals live, plus the upscale beachfront district of Bocagrandea kind of mini-Miami with its shimmering apartment towers and long stretches of beach. Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Walled City and admire all the colonial buildings and landmarks of Colombia. This is for March. 48,632 people like this. The tour guide Javier did a great job showing us around. Medellin is at an elevation of 1,495 meters above sea level and sees temperate weather all year round. All experiences were very authentic and unique. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112961633', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cartagena.tomorrow Ill post one of medellin. This is a beach bum's paradise, as it's filled with long stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing and the waters it fronts are perfect for swimming. Thankfully, if you have more than 2 days in Cartagena, they are also avoidable: Simply book a boat from the Cartagena marina, just past the Clock Tower, to Isla de Baru, one of the popular Cartagena islands where youll find the idyllic Playa Blanca, one of the Cartagena best beaches without a doubt. Cartagenas nightlife, on the other hand, is quite limited. It is a great itinerary to get a feel for a couple different cities in the country and to learn more about what they have to offer. Having a couple of free days in Cartagena is the perfect excuse to go beyond the Walled City and explore. Is Medellin or Cartagena Better For A Bachelor Party? Cartagena is extremely charming, and it isnt just the buildings and streets. shops tend to not open till around 8:30-9 am. Try to do it in the early morning to escape the heat (and crowds). Playa Blanca is located on Isla Bar, a peninsula south of Cartagena and is accessible via a shuttle bus or speedboat. 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. Both Medellin and Cartagena are excellent destinations for a bachelor party, but what ultimately comes down to whether youll enjoy the tropical weather of Cartagena or the temperate weather of Medellin. Day 11: Fly from Medelln to Cartagena; Day 12: Cartagena; Day 13: Cartagena; Day 14: Cartagena and Fly Home; You'll note that there are a couple of travel days carved out. One of our favorite things we did during our time in Cartagenas old city and Getsemani was listening to live music and salsa dance at Cafe Havana! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112696882', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Caribbean heat so definitely Medellin for me. Both cities have almost no seasonal variation. With the better part of a week at your disposal, you can really discover the region around Cartagena. 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. Moreover, Cartagena is a jumping-off point for journeys to Tayrona National Park, one of Colombias natural jewels. How far is Cartagena from Medellin? And if you dont like public transport, the roads in Medellin are in great conditions, which makes getting around in a car very easy. Although the Cartagena metro area is huge, both in population and in land area, the portion of the city with which most travelers are concernedthe Walled City of Cartagena, dating back to the 16th centuryis very small. 2. Day 3 - Transfer to Cartagena . Cartagena. I went to Medellin on May 25th to see how things was looking and also for picking up some of my customers, Medellin was actually looking great, then i came b.

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