CARTAGENA DE INDIAS. Under the covered archways of Plaza de Los Coches lies a row of vendors selling traditional Colombian sweets. Colombian food is some of the tastiest in South America, and both Medellin and Cartagena have great options. Need help planning your trip to Colombia? This is a close one but Medellin slightly beats Cartagena in this category. Also, what is the a hotel recommendation inside the Walled City for 4 people? Unfortunately, the beaches rimming Cartagena are neither attractive nor great for swimming. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. We visited during January and can attest to a lot of tourists, but we still found it manageable and not overwhelming. This is for March. Wendy and her team went above and beyond to provide unique experiences for us from mountain biking to a natural mud volcano in", Traveled to Colombia as a couple in August, 2022, "KimKim took the worry out of planning our trip to Colombia. But the areas where tourists will be staying are typically quite safe. However, since Escobars death in 1993, Medellin has made a drastic transformation. Medellin though, compare to Bogota and Cartagena get more rainy days through the year. So living in Medellin is more affordable as your monthly expenses would go down significantly. Santa Marta and Cartagena are both hot and humid. Cartagena Tourism Cartagena Hotels Cartagena Bed and Breakfast Cartagena Vacation Packages Flights to Cartagena 1. This is for March. Cartagena is a colonial city with a walled old town, which was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to protect it from pirates. This means that the weather is hot and humid all year long, with very little variation. The valley de cocora hike is 10/10. Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach, and let me sweat the details. Wander around and take in the gorgeous colorful homes, vibe-acious doors, and beautiful flowers overhanging into the street. Though Medellin was once the most dangerous city in the world, safety in Medellin has been steady on the rise. This was included in our Private City Tour from Hi Cartagena. The Pros of Living in Medellin. To visit Cartagena is to step back in time to the days of conquistadores and colonialists. 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 Colombias Caribbean coast is intoxicating, particularly if your Cartagena itinerary part of a larger Colombia trip. ' Should I go to Medellin vs Bogota? 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. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. Cartagena de Indias is generally an easier place to get around if you dont speak Spanish. 49,781 people follow this. Thank you. You have Colombias first metro, cable cars, and plenty of buses to get you around Medellin. Two great options are staying either withinCartagenas walled city (Centro)or just outside it, in theGetsemani neighborhood. Most tourists who visit Cartagena have a trouble-free time. If you see vendors selling fresh juices (Jugo), Arepas (maize dough flatbread), Patacones (garlic fried plantains), and Empanadas give them a try! Of course the Alisio wind season will die down soon and the unpleasant climate will return. This neighborhood radiates a vibe that is hard to describe. The record high each year in Cartagena is typically around 104 F (40.0 C). Cartagena only needs 1-2 days, to enjoy the beach and explore the Old City. Walk around town and youll find fishermen that still cast their lines into the sea every day. 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!). I know that this only happens in the historic center of town but it was the only place where you were safe as a tourist. Were happy to answer. I was thinking of spending 4 days in Bogota and 4 in Cartagena. Not only do you get to learn about the culture through cuisine, but you also get to eat tasty meals while you do it! I was thinking of spending 4 days in Bogota and 4 in Cartagena. Cartagena Accommodations:Soy Local|Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio|Casa India Catalina, Getsemani Accomodations:Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique|Hotel Monaguillo|Hotel Casa Tere. Cartagena is extremely charming, and it isnt just the buildings and streets. 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. Then, if youre not too tired from a long day in the sun, head to Cafe del Mar at the northwestern corner of the old city walls to enjoy sunset drinks. Medellin and Cartagena are both two of the biggest destinations in Colombia, and yet they each offer something very different. In addition to that it has very famous gentlemen's clubs, casinos, and public party areas. You essentially have the historic city to yourself for sunrise. Destination Expert for Seychelles Level Contributor 1,945 posts 275 reviews 206 helpful votes 4. 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. I do not like to rush when I visit a location. ' . Taxis are cheap. No matter how many days in Cartagena you have, this magnificent city is worth all the hype its generated. Relaxing next to the pool? Like I recommended above, I think you should fly the long routes to save time. Not now. : The bus journey takes around 13 - 15 hours. This is a difficult question to answer because both Medellin and Cartagena have their own unique charms. While you may not be in the coffee region of Colombia, you are in Colombia which is home to some of the best coffee in the world. You can find anything from European to Japanese and even Korean food there. Although I traveled to Cartagena just weeks after the eventand although I am, for what its worth, a huge fan of HillaryI didnt make a point of visiting Cafe Havana and retracing Clintons footsteps. Days 3-4: Medellin, once the world's most dangerous city. 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. Getsemani is littered with fantastic murals that cover its walls. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This 5 days in Colombia itinerary will cover two main cities in the country - Medellin & Cartagena. Whereas in Medellin, visitors can go to make different areas and even try local spots without worrying about their safety. 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. Check out our Colombia itinerary and trip planning guide! Terraza Municipal is located within the Getsemani neighborhood and is home to several food trucks, a full bar, and endless seating for you to watch the sunset. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112961674', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cartagena, thanks for sharing and yes I will look forward to seeing the other video and hearing your take of my adopted city of Medellin. For a more luxurious Cartagena itinerary base, splurge at Hotel Casa San Agustin or, if you want to stay in Bocagrande (Cartagenas answer to Miami) sleep at Cartagena beach hotels like Penthouses Palmetto. While wandering around and exploring a place on your own is great, sometimes booking a tour is better. is 6 days too much in cartagena? And yes, tourists are targeted. Of the many things to do, make sure to walk and see Cartagenas quaint plazas that reside within its old city walls. Depending on where you are coming from, more times than not, the quickest and easiest way to get to Cartagena is to fly into Cartagenas airport, Rafael Nez International Airport. 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October 12, 2021 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment. If you have 2 days from Rio . It was the center of operation for Pablo Escobar and his drug cartel. Not only does the city have tons of museums where you can learn about its history, but every street in the Walled City is a relic of the past. Hi, Would you spend one more night in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, with all this great weather and low rainfall comes higher prices and more tourists. Very helpful, https://youtu.be/CONkRIdj2XY check out my video on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Day 6: From Medellin to Cartagena. 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. Since then, I have trekked through the Andes, tested my lungs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, encountered the worlds deadliest spider in the Amazon Rainforest, explored the worlds most catastrophic nuclear disaster. Food is great - exotic fruits, meat, and all-around great food. Cartagena Tourism Cartagena Hotels Cartagena Bed and Breakfast Street vendors were aggressive and locals kept trying to sell me drugs. Though you might get stuck in traffic during rush hours. Cartagena. You woke up early for sunrise and experienced the quiet streets of Cartagenas Old Walled City, so what to do for sunset? The culture of Cartagena is spilling out in every corner. And it's here you'll want to begin a walking tour of the city. Alex our tour guide in bogota was so knowledgeable, caring, an", "Things turned out better than expected. Because tourists are likely to stay in the historic center, they are probably going to encounter locals that speak a little bit of English. 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. Answer 1 of 6: My husband and I are in our 50 and are well traveled. Or, just leave us a positive note! 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. 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. 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. 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! To improve your online experience, we use cookies for enhanced functionality and analytics. Although we have found beautiful girls in Cartagena and . For those who have visited Cartagena, you cant deny the beauty of this city and its infectious atmosphere and draw it has. I initially considered not visiting Totumo Volcano, because many fellow travelers I met in Cartagena said they had been disappointed by it. Outside of the above restaurants, Cartagena does have some staple dishes to try. Oh, and it should be noted that there is a daily curfew from 3 am 5 am (during COVID times at least). Though Medellin is the heart of the transformation in Colombia, Cartagena has a Walled City that is frozen in time. With a couple days you could laze on white-sand beaches and tour its famous castles, and with close to a week there are options for day trips to gorgeous Caribbean islands and protected national parks. 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. 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. They dont call Medellin the"City of Eternal Spring" for nothing. The locals are much poorer and many rely on tourism for money. "Normal tourists" 4. 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. So, while one day is short, seeing the highlights of Cartagena in one day is doable. While this may sound grand and all, be aware of the negative impacts tourism has on animals. Cartagena has a mixture of cultural and natural attractions that Medellin cannot match. Those planning a tropical holiday to Cartagena should know a couple of things right off. It is packed with vibrant buildings, cobbled stone streets, massive wood doors, balconies draped with flowers, and friendly Colombians. Thanks for stopping by my blog! This is for March. This is me Living Out Loud(Lau). On a day trip it's possible to visit Cabo San Juan, one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country. Filed Under: Colombia Tagged With: Cartagena, Santa Marta. City With The Better Attractions:Cartagena. Backpackers, younger people that go there to party or for bachelor parties. It's called "The City of Eternal Spring.". What to expect in Colombia. Neighborhoods such as the Walled City, Getsemani, and Bocagrande have a high level of police presence, so most tourists feel rather safe in Cartagena. HomeContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. 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. There arent as many bars and clubs in Cartagena as they do in Medellin. 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. SAV Reply Report inappropriate content OceanLovingCouple San Francisco. Read More: Medellin vs Bogota: Which City Is Better? @ chukwuma, nice recap video of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Generally speaking, Cartagena is more expensive than Medellin for tourists. Answer 1 of 9: Hi, Would you spend one more night in Cartagena or Medellin if you have to chose? Visitors can not only see the culture of history, but experience it firsthand when they explore the city. On the other hand, Cartagena is a lot more colorful and has a more holiday atmosphere. If you want a relaxing and rejuvenating experience of the earthy variety, you can travel about an hour outside Cartagena to Volcn del Totumo. It was so fun and a memory we wont forget. But we do think it is 100% worth visiting. Most of them are also situated inside the Walled City, which is a small area to explore. Log In. There are basically 4 kinds of gringos that visit Colombia. 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. The good news is that all of Cartagenas best lodging is located within this part of the city, which makes exploring it extremely easy, whether you do it by day, strolling down bougainvillea-line streets and dining at charmingcevicheras, or walk up onto the wall itself in the evening, and use it as a vantage point for watching sunset. You can wander around the neighborhood freely, or book a guided tour to learn more about Getsemanis history and its street art. The Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colonial buildings painted in bright colors with flowers everywhere. For city people, no doubt Medellin is the choice for extended stays. From tiny fish larvae hidden in ink pens to giant shipments of crocodiles, iguanas, and monkeys, animal trafficking represents a huge threat to Colombia's natural diversity. In the summer months, the average temperature is so hot and intolerable that many locals dont even go out during the day. Cartagena is historic, colorful, and will leave your memory card full of amazing photos. 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. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. It's a lot of fun, super easy to fly in and fly out, most people in the service industry (hotel clerks, taxis, restaurants, Police, tour salespeople, and beach vendors) will have at least a smattering of English, and they are. This gives Medellin the perfect balance between metropolitan and nature. These two cities are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia, but they both have their unique charms. 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. Same views, just free . 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. The best time to visit Cartagena isDecember to April. As an overall city, Cartagena is much more dangerous than Medellin. But besides traditional food, Medellin offers a wide variety of international cuisine. Come for two or three days and you can visit museums and botanical parks plus ride a gondola high into the hillside comunas. 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. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fort rises above the historic center and overlooks it. An alternative beach option if you have more timeand moneyis to head to San Andrs island, which is accessible by plane or a very long boat ride. Before we jump into the comparison, lets start with an introduction to the two cities. Visiting Cartagena: 18 Things To Know Before You Go, Marrakech to Fez by Train: Your Morocco Travel Guide, How Many Days in Cartagena? Still, you can find a bargain no matter where you stay. Whether you want to shake your hips to the latest Reggaeton or dance to some popping salsa music, there is a place for you. Want to make sure your post-pandemic trip to Colombia is one for the record books? 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. Its magic. Alternatively, bus travel is a well-oiled machine in Colombia, so traveling overland to Cartagena is totally doable and a cheaper option than flying. Opens Tomorrow. The nightlife in Medellin is legendary. El Totumo Mud Volcano: If you are looking for an earthy spa day, El Totumo is for you. The type of dishes served in these two cities is hugely determined by what kind of ingredients are available to them. 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 in Medellin? Medellin vs Bogota: Which City Is Better. If you don't imbibe, then opt for some delectable sweets in the Portal de los Dulces (candy vendors) that line the plaza. We also prefer a slower pace of travel but I know time will be a limiting factor for this trip. shops tend to not open till around 8:30-9 am. But authentic, eclectic. 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 . Is Medellin or Cartagena Better For A Bachelor Party? More Safety tips here. Or go on a day trip from Cartagena to explore the beautiful Rosario Islands. The last month of the winter, February, is another hot month in Cartagena, Colombia, with an average temperature varying between 31.1C (88F) and 26.1C (79F).The perfect water temperature of 27.3C (81.1F) with 3mm (0.12") of accumulated rainfall and only 2.6 rainfall days, makes February a great period for swimming and other water activities. All experiences were very authentic and unique. With the better part of a week at your disposal, you can really discover the region around Cartagena. Contact Municipality of Medellin Cebu on Messenger. Everyone had a wonderful time. 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. This is what we're thinking: Bogota (night of arrival) --> Medellin 3-4 nights (including day trip to Guatape) --> Salento 2-3 nights --> Bogota. For more information about Latin America, check out our E-Book: E-Book https://how-to-expat.com/the-real-deal-e-book/In this City Comparison, we will c. Enjoy an all-natural mud bath in a volcano. History and culture are in its blood. Buy a few and enjoy an epic sunset over the ocean as you sip on a cold Aguila Light. It is a healthy place to live. Our guides were all fabulous, very knowledgeable and friendly. But for other areas such as El Poblado and Laureles, travelers typically dont encounter any trouble. 5 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 7 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Colombia - 5 Unique Itineraries, 2 Weeks in Colombia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas, Bogot, Cocora Valley, Medelln, and Cartagena - 9 days, Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary, 5 Main Regions of Colombia: A Guide To Planning Your Trip, 5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations in Colombia. Cartagena has a lot more history and culture. Answer 1 of 9: Hi, Would you spend one more night in Cartagena or Medellin if you have to chose? See more of Municipality of Medellin Cebu on Facebook. Cartagena has traditionally been an affordable place, as Caribbean destinations go, but with increased tourism has come increased prices. Cartagena. Climate isCartagena quitepleasant of late with BRISK winds. Discover Colombia's Caribbean Islands: San Andrs & Provi Colombia's Alto Orinoco: River & Trekking Adventure - 6 Days, How to Get from Cartagena to Tayrona Park. Want to make sure your post-pandemic trip to Colombia is one for the record books? While both cities have their own cultural dishes, the ones in Cartagena are much more delicious than the ones in Medellin. more. few more questions. The flight from Medellin to Cartagena takes just under an hour, leaving you plenty of time to explore when . Catch an early flight to Cartagena, a cute colonial town on Colombia's Caribbean coast. There are also tons of great beaches nearby Cartagena, which make it the perfect place to relax after exploring the city. 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. Cartagenas Centro (old city) is a party town, no doubt. Thanks Get Something Sweet From Portal De Los Dulces, Best Places To Eat in Cartagena & Getsemani. On the other hand, Cartagena is situated at sea level next to the Caribbean Sea. There are great views from atop its ramparts and many narrow internal passageways that make for a fun walk (claustrophobics might want to sit this one out). And since the Walled City is only an area for tourists, youll find that it has less of an authentic Colombian vibe. Incidentally, it's also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. 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. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. You can meet some of the Palenqueras, the women the descendants of the first free African slave. This means that the weather is hot and humid all year long, with very little variation. This is Colombia's most popular protected area due to its stunning section of Caribbean coastline backed by rolling green Andes. Why? 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). In the end, we will sum up our findings and see which city comes up triumphant in the Medellin vs Cartagena battle! Wendy made me feel more than con", Traveled to Colombia solo in October, 2022, "A Great Trip, Wonderful Hotels and tours. There are quiet places where you can find amazing little gems that give you some solace from the crowds. The local and gritty Bazurto Market is the large market home to endless stalls selling fresh and local produce, fruits, and fresh meats. In the end, Medellin slightly edges out Cartagena and becomes the better city to visit. When planning your visit to Cartagena, understand that Cartagena has a new city and an old city. Weather: Medellin's weather is . In Cartagena, the daily high temperature averages just under 89 F (31.5 C) and the average daily low is about 75 F (24 C). Medellin boasts spring-like weather all year round and provides . The city is very liveable and has a huge expat scene, as well as tons of incredible cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Today, the city is filled with art and culture, as well as a ton of museums to learn about the citys history. This volcano-shaped pool of mud doubles as a public bath due to the nutrients in the earth. And even though the weather rarely changes in Cartagena, the country itself enjoys different seasons in different regions. Cartagena today is actually pretty safe - in fact, it's one of the safer places in Colombia.
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