Cartagena Travel Forum

   
Get Cartagena travel and vacation advice from over 1,000,000 VirtualTourist members. Post a Cartagena travel question and get unbiased, timely answers and insights from real travelers and Cartagena locals.
Browse by Location: Cartagena
Search for a Forum Location:
> Advanced

Featured Cartagena Travel Deals

Top Cartagena Hotel Deals: Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates

Cartagena Hotels: Book now for big savings!
hotels.com Outstanding choice of hotels all over the world at fantastic prices.

Hotels in Cartagena: Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Cartagena Hotel Deals: Vacation Package Specialists
Expedia Vacations Save on flight + hotel packages. Click or call now: 1 - 800-713-8214

Hot Cartagena Hotel Deals: Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links

Back to Cartagena Forum

Forum Question Posted By: Replies:
Cartagena
REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Sat February 5, 2005 04:54 PM UTC
I have been wanting to go to Cartagena for years. People have told me it is a beautiful city with great restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and water sports. I have considered going with a woman or as a safer choice, with a buddy. Yet, every time I get ready to make reservations, someone warns me that Columbia is no place for an older, white, yuppified, Jewish guy from the United States. I grew up in New York City with no fears what so ever. More people are afraid of me than I am of them. What should I do? Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. 7 replies

[Reply]

Cartagena
Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Sun February 6, 2005 02:18 AM UTC
Colombia is relatively safe right now, and Cartagena is perhaps the safist city in the country. Pay attention, don't wander off into bad parts of town and Enjoy the old City. Really you should be OK in any of the cities, or just as safe as In NY or Washington, just never try to drive between the cities. I am a redhead, obviously gringo and have had no problems.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Cartagena
Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Mon February 7, 2005 06:13 AM UTC
I've been to Cartagena 3 weeks ago but only for a 1 day excursion during a cruise. We visited the old quarter of the city and I never felt unsafe. A lot of police is present to ensure safety.

We asked our guide about the problems. He told us that Cartagenas touristic center is probably the safest spot of Colombia, but that there are quarters in the city that should be avoided. And it's not recommendable to travel overland in Colombia.

So we enjoyed our trip very much. Cartagena is a fantastic city. It's a pity that it can't get all the touristic attention it deserves due to the bad reputation of Colombias criminals.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Cartagena
Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Wed February 9, 2005 11:16 PM UTC
I do not know what your jewish side would like, but I can assure you being older and yuppified will make you like Cartagena. Top end hotels, top end restaurants all over town, plus the beautiful old district. It is a very secure city, obviously taking into account it is a third world country do not carry your rolex around. Besides that no problem. My favourite hotels are Santa Clara (Sofitel) which is 17th century monastery turned 5 star hotel, and Agua bed and breakfast, which is also a very old Chic hotel. www.aguabedandbreakfast.com Both in the old city and walking distance from best restaurants and shops. Another nice one is the Charleston Santa Teresa. Now if you do not want to stand out, leave your shorts and T-shirts at home and instead dress up like if you are in nice summer day or evening in the South of France. Then you will look local. Enjoy the place it is worth the trip.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 colombiantraveller [Reply]
Cartagena
Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Thu February 10, 2005 05:23 PM UTC
HI I went to cartagena last month. I am withe too ( maybe more than you are). I walked into the old cartagena city during the nigth, went to a disco, bougth emerald ring ( 18k gold with emeralds = 150US$ not bad). Of course, you have to take care of yourselve everywhere during these days. I got a lot of fun since we were 3 people from Mexico and me ( from Venezuela). For me, best places to go :

-Little keys called El Rosario, but my recommendation is : take the big ship to the islands. In the afternoon the sea becomes a little windy. There are beautiful beaches, turquoise color. I got a lot of pictures.

-Must see : old city in Cartagena. Museo de la Inquisicion.There is a Church which is being refurnished by Hunday. This church was built in 1600. Was used to hide gold stuff from the pirates and it got lot of old catacumbes.

-Old fort : built in 1600 too. Very interesting. Lots of secret ways inside the fort. Must see it.

Recommendations:
1.-Dont be in panic because it is colombia. The conflict is far enough from Cartagena.
2.-American airlines gets there
3.-Stay in an american hotel like Hilton, etc. You deserve it and you can pay for that.
4.-If you go to the islands, take a big ship
5.-Go with many people so you can enjoy the visit. You can take a taxi from your hotel to the Old City and see by yourself. Inside the museums, there are translators.
6.-I really recommend the gold and emeralds. 18k gold!! you can not find that in the US Virgin Islands! I know because I have been there
Only in South america you can find good gold.

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 antpepe [Reply]
Cartagena
Re: Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Fri February 11, 2005 12:51 AM UTC
Before you go out and buy lots of Emeralds remember that they are probably the most dificult stone to judge in value. Even experts disagree, If you are not an expert, find one you trust or go to a reputable dealer. More than one American has left this place with an "incredable deal" on an emarald only to find out when they get it home that is is fake or wax or oil were used to hide imperfections. There are great stones here, and it is possible to get them cheeper then the states but be careful

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Cartagena
Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Sat February 19, 2005 05:42 PM UTC
As a New Yorker CTG will present little challenge to your finely honed survival skills.
It's a great place but hot as hell much of the time-how's your Spanish?

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Cartagena
Re: REALLY, IS IT SAFE?
Posted: Sat February 19, 2005 07:08 PM UTC
Just go!!!

I've followed the news for 2 years and talked to insiders and next Monday finally get on plane and go to Colombia, including CTG in early March. I wouldn't do, if I had to believe that risk of getting in trouble there is big.

NY is a good model -- some places are nice/safe, some are not. I expect the same to be true about most Colombian cities.

P.S. Wanting to do something and not doing it may not be good for mental health :( The alternative to not going is to get hypnosis telling that you do not want to go. :) I didn't want to take the latter :)

Was this reply helpful?yes no 

Add to your Do-it-Yourself Travel Guide
Report Advertising or Inappropriate Posting
 Click Picture to enlarge. [Reply]
Back To TopPages: 1

Cartagena Hotels