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Cartagena is an incredible Caribbean city located on the Colombian coast. Although it is known for its luxurious resorts and high-end experiences, it is also possible to visit without breaking the bank. In this guide, we will reveal our tips for exploring Cartagena on a budget. We will discuss why Cartagena is worth visiting, what to do there, where to stay, and the best time to visit. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Where is Cartagena?
Cartagena is located on the northern coast of Colombia, facing the Caribbean Sea. It is about 240 kilometers west of Venezuela, and about 100 kilometers south of Barranquilla.
Is Cartagena Worth Visiting?
When planning your trip to Colombia, Cartagena should be at the top of your list. This city is worth visiting because it has something to offer everyone.
What is Cartagena Known for?
Cartagena is known for its beautiful beaches and Caribbean vibes. It has a distinct culture from other popular Colombian cities, such as Bogotá or Medellín. It is also famous for its Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, that offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Besides the colorful colonial architecture, people also flock to Cartagena for its famous food scene.
How to Get to Cartagena
If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena, there are a few transportation options available depending on your budget and distance.
By air
The Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is just 6 kilometer’s from Cartagena’s city center. Flights from within Colombia are pretty cheap. If you are flying from the United States, check out Spirit Airlines flights. This is the best way to travel to Cartagena, Colombia on a budget. I think I paid around $80 for a one-way ticket with Spirit Airlines!
By land
Cartagena is well-connected to other Colombian cities by bus, which makes it an effective means of transportation. However, the mountainous terrain in Colombia lengthens the time it takes to get between cities by road. While buses will likely be cheaper than flights, you will have to factor in how much time it takes to travel by bus.
By sea
Cartagena is a popular port stop for cruise ships in the Caribbean. If you are planning a Caribbean cruise, you may be lucky enough to stop in Cartagena. The cruise terminal is located near the Walled City, making it a convenient to get to the major attractions.
What to Do in Cartagena on a Budget
Here are our recommended top 5 things to do in Cartagena, Colombia on a budget!
See the Palenqueras along the city walls
When exploring the Walled City, keep an eye out for the Palenqueras. These are Afro-Colombian women dressed in bright and colorful dresses from the nearby town of Palenque. The Palenqueras carry a fruit basket on their heads in a homage to their African heritage. You can get a photo for them for a small fee. If you can make them laugh, they may let you get a photo for free.
Watch the sunset from Café Del Mar
Café Del Mar is a popular bar located on the city walls, overlooking the ocean. Locals gather here each day to watch the sun set. Drinks here are pretty expensive, so feel free to come just for the view!
Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle
San Felipe de Barajas Castle is a great destination for those interested in history or panoramic views of the city. This complex was built in the 16th century to protect Cartagena against pirates and rival European powers. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history of this castle. You can also check out the underground tunnels and secret passages around the complex that served as an escape route and supply chain. The entry fee is a reasonable 25,000 COP ($6 USD).
Explore the Walled City
The Walled City, also known as Old Town, is a great place to explore on a budget. You can enjoy the colonial architecture and lively atmosphere without spending a dime! You can also take a bicycle tour around the city for a reasonable price. If you want to spend a little more money, you can take a boat tour to some nearby islands, such as the Rosario Islands or Isla Tierrabomba. You will find vendors selling these tours everywhere, so shop around for the best deal!
Try the local delicacies
One of the highlights of visiting Cartagena is the diverse local cuisine. This food is a mix of Caribbean, indigenous, and Spanish flavors. Here are my top 3 recommendations.
Mojarra
My favorite dish in Cartagena was mojarra. This saltwater fish (typically tilapia) is grilled or fried with several spices and herbs and served whole. This is a staple in Cartagena and I highly recommend that you give it a try while you are there!
Sancocho
Sancocho is a stew that is very popular in Cartagena. It usually contains different kinds of meat, such as chicken and beef, and vegetables such as plantains, yuca, potatoes, and herbs. I enjoyed eating sancocho as a light meal between heavier meals.
Arroz con Coco
Arroz con coco, or coconut rice, is a popular dish in Cartagena. The rice is cooked in coconut milk which gives it a sweet flavor. It is often paired with mojarra, and I enjoyed it almost every day I was in Cartagena.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena
The best time of year to visit Cartagena is during the dry season, from December to April. You’ll experience the clearest skies during this time. However, this is also the high season, so hotel prices will be more expensive.
If you are traveling to Cartagena, Colombia on a budget, you should go between August and November. This is the rainy season in Cartagena, so there will be less tourism. However, the temperature is pretty hot and the ocean is warm year-round. While you may have some rainy days, you will be able to have a similar experience for less money.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Cartagena. There are a few different districts in Cartagena that you can stay in, but I would recommend staying in the Walled City or Getsemani. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you are on a budget, Casa Mamá Waldy is an excellent choice. This hostel costs about $12 USD/night and is conveniently located in the Getsemani. I stayed here while I was in Cartagena, and was able to enjoy some much-needed A/C at night. I highly recommend this hostel for solo travelers due to its location and social atmosphere.
You can also check out Selina Cartagena. This hostel is popular with digital nomads. It is located just minutes away from the main plaza, and rooms go for about $20 USD/night.
Medium budget
If you want a little more luxury, check out Casa India Catalina. This highly-rated hotel is located in a traditional-style building in the center of the Walled City. For around $50 USD/night, you can stay in the midst of the nightlife scene. There are also plenty of things to do during the day time in the area.
High budget
If you want a truly luxurious experience, you should stay in the Bocagrande neighborhood of Cartagena. There are several high-end hotels here. One of the highest-rated hotels in the area is the Hyatt Regency Cartagena. After a long day of exploring the city, you can relax by hanging out at the pool, going to the gym, eating at the restaurant, or stopping by the bar.
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
FAQs about Cartagena
1. What is the best area to stay in Cartagena?
Most of the attractions in Cartagena are located in the Walled City, also known as Old Town. If you want to stay nearby, check out Getsemani. This neighborhood is much cheaper than the Walled City, but is only a few minutes away by walking. It’s also a great place to stay if you are visiting Cartagena with kids!
Bocagrande is a good neighborhood for staying in modern high-rise hotels and being located near high-end restaurants and malls.
2. Where is the best place for wildlife in Cartagena?
Some of the best marine life in Cartagena can be found in the Rosario Islands and in La Boquilla Mangrove Swamp. Surprisingly, there are monkeys and even sloths in El Parque de Centenario, an urban park in the Walled City!
3. Is it safe to walk in Cartagena at night?
Cartagena is generally considered safe for tourists, but you need to take certain precautions. Avoid wearing jewelry and be aware of your surroundings. Try not to walk alone at night. During the day time, people will come up to you trying to sell you stuff. If somebody comes up to you at night, they will likely not be trying to sell you something. Always pay attention to your surroundings!
4. How many days in Cartagena is enough?
Between 4 and 6 days are enough for Cartagena. This gives you time to see the major attractions, relax on the beach, experience the nightlife, and visit an island or two.
5. Does Cartagena have hurricane season?
Yes, Cartagena has hurricane season between July and November. However, hurricanes are not common in Cartagena. Just be sure to pay attention to weather conditions during these months.
