Cartagena Travel Forum

Where in Cartagena is "ELECTRA CLUB." A CLUB? WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE GO THERE?

Hi VT-ers,
I am heading off to Cartagena at the end of May. I am planning to stay in the Old Colonial City, in El Centro or San Diego and spend four full-days visiting the city and the surrounding area. Safety-wise, is there any specific "do" and "don't" I should be aware of, other than taking the usual precautions mandated by common sense?

Thanks for your help!
Giuseppe

We will be in Cartagena this August on a 1-day stop on a cruise. My wife and I tend to like the "do it at your own pace" type of exploration as opposed to a tour where you are timed down to the minute (as all of the excursions offered by the ship seem to be).

What suggestions does anyone have about how best to do it? We're more interested in the history, sight-seeing & unique shopping aspects rather than the beach (plenty of that on a cruise already).

Following is the cruise's description of the city - and it sounds great! But what we're looking for is a good and safe way to go about this on our own scheduled. We are there from 9:30-5:30.

"Step back in time in Cartagena amidst the scenic northern coast of Colombia. Stroll down narrow cobblestone streets of this seaport town and explore the famous walled colonial city, brimming with cafés, restaurants and shops. Wander the Bocagrande, the picturesque avenue bordering the beach, or delight in a visit to the 16th-century Cathedral with its majestic exterior. Tour Cartagena's oldest church, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, or behold the fascinating exhibits in the Palacio de la Inquisicíon. Stand in the shadows of the 17th-century Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, an ancient hillside fortress built to protect the city against pirates, or revel in the spectacular seaside views from the Convento de la Popa, a 400-year old monastery."

bus? fly? you? haha

I am planning a trip to Cartagena-Medellin-Ecuador in May and am wondering if it is safe. I have been traveling by local buses, often overnight (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina), but am nervous to do so in Colombia, especially on my way to Ecuador. Pls. advice. Thank you. Marian

Hi,

I'm going to Cartagena next month and would like to know how much does cost a taxi from Airport to El Laguito area.
Many thanks,

Rafa

Hola,

Estoy viajando a Cartagena el mes que viene y quisiera saber cuánto sale el tazi desde el Aeropuerto a la zona de EL Laguito.
Muchas gracias,

Rafa

does anyone know where to buy nancy gonzales handbags in cartagena colombia?

I was in Cartagena in September and ate at a wonderful restaurant. I can't remember the name, and hope someone can help me.

It was authentic Columbian food. In a restaurant that was across the street from a nice hotel (on the beach I think) and an international phone place. It was a busy part of town.

The restaurant was nice--white table cloths and all. You could eat inside or in a covered outdoor area. Any idea of what I'm talking about???

Sorry so vague, just wondering the name.

Several people from the ship at there. Like the doctor, nurse, and the shore excursions reps. Apparently it was the place to go for good local food.
Thanks!

Hi all,

Sorry all these question are a bit vague!

Can anybody tell me how cheaply you can travel in Columbia? Are we talking 10$ a day or 20$ How much a basic hostel room is, a beer, 3 basic meals per day etc. I have been living in India and Nepal for a couple of years so I am used to 'ruffing' it.

What are the visa regulations for a UK citizen? how long can you stay in the country for?

Also are there any nice beaches to relax on (in cheap locations!)

How safe is the country in general? What about traveling by motorbike? has anybody done this? how dangerous etc.

Thanks for any advise anyone can offer.

Jx

What kind of music do they play at Mr. Babilla? we are looking for a salsa club

is this city safe

does any have addresses..name and/or phone numbers of trust worthy
tour guides upon arrival of cartegena..

do you know of places to meet nice afro colombiam mullattos to befriend....not prostitutes....

any known good hotels to stay at in safe areas...

good eating places to go ...


if you can provide any answers to my questions ....please send me an email

Hi guys, bit of advice needed here. I am in Caracas at the moment , and tommorow night i will be getting a bus to Cartagena, now i have heard that this is unsafe to cross the border by bus..the company i am going with is called Brasillia, and the buselook pretty standard, good buses. So, can anyone advise me if this will be a dangerous trip or not, by my reckoning the bus should cross the border at around 4 in the morning. Also guuys, does anyone know of any decent cheap hostels in Cartagena . Many thanks guys, quick response would help here, as am leaving tommorow, as i say, and have only just heard about the dangers. Cheers ian

I will be in Cartagana in the May to June timeframe. During this time I would like to take a trip to Barranquilla and Santa Marta. Is the bus the best way to travel to these destinations, or should I use a private drive service. I speak zero Spanish. If you do recommend a private drive service, could you please recommend one. Thank you in advance.

I am visiting Cartagena with 3 other people at the end of March. We want to rent a house or apartment in the old city area. We've found a few two bedroom apartments for rent in the Santa Clara neighborhood. (supposedly near the Hotel Santa Clara although I can't be sure because I don't know the city). Is this a safe/good neighborhood? It seems like it is part of the old city, but I'm not sure. Thanks for any advice or information. Also, if anyone knows of a 4 bedroom place in the old city I'd love to hear about it. Again, thanks.

I would greatly like to meet other travellers staying in Cartagena around mid March. Trade stories, get a drink and shoot the breeze in a pub, or just like to meet other travellers , maybe make new friends.

Hello guys & gals,

I'll be visiting Colombia this May and plan to spend a week or so in Cartagena. I would like to try and practice salsa dancing more while I'm there and was wondering if there's a good salsateca or dancing instruction place where they can teach me the ropes while I'm there. I'll also visit Medellin for a handful of days, so if you know of any good places there then please give me a hand.

On a side note - if anyone knows of some good "gimnasios" in Cartagena & Medellin please let me know.

Thanks - Jay

Hi Vt'ers:

I am planning a trip to Bogota and Cartegena. Can someone advise how much should the airfare be for a roundtrip between Bogota and Cartegena? What airlines besides Avianca would serve these cities, and what are reliable websites or travel agents I can go to in Bogota to book?

If I book from Canada, they seem very $$ - about $400USD!

Thanks

Mike

Some years ago I spent a few weeks at isla blanca staying in a hammock owned by a local guy named Angel and his spanish wife. Does anyone know if this place is still there? Any other recommendations for Isla would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, dave

Hey,
My girlfriend and I will be in Cartagena over New Years and are looking for a place to stay. We have nevere been there so we don't know where is good and where isn't. The places I have looked at so far are all booked up so I need to make a decision very quick. We want something that is clean, close to the major area, has charm and character. Pricewise, anything under $150/night is OK. Thanks for any help and advice. Also, if you have any recommendations of things to do while we are there, tat woudl be great too. Thanks!!
Kevin

Is the Cartagena area good during Carnival? How 'bout the beaches toward Santa Marta? Do the Colombians party as hard as the Brazilians? Anywhere else in Colombia you can recommend at that time?

Thanks,

Scott

I will be traveling to cartagena in september just for 3 days I do not know the language I was wanting to hire a safe taxi guy who knows english and spanish to translate for me who will keep me safe. I noticed your post of clarence's yellow cab. would this be the guy to hire. and do you have any idea of how much it would cost me to hire him for the whole 3 days? thanks Dean

I'm thinking of heading down from Costa Rica to Cartagena for about a week around the first week of August. 2 questions. I have all my shots, except no yellow fever vaccine. Will I be okay? Also, the weather forecast currently looks pretty bad, rain every day. Is it the rainy season (I hope this doesn{t sound like a stupid question), and will the diving still be good? thanks

Anyone know if there are direct flights from Caracas to Cartagena. So far can only find flights via Bogota. Any other suggestions? Thanks

hi,
I was wondering if some one could reccomend/just mention some hostels in CTG. i found alot of hotels, but no hostels. i would like to pay around $10 or less a night, i heard that is feasable.

thanks,
micky

Is it dangerous to travel to Cartagena these days?

Hello all-

How safe is Cartagena for a woman travelling alone? Any "dangerous" parts of town?

Thanks!

Anna

Hi Friends,

I will be traveling to Columbia, South America for one week in the month of April 2006. Which destination would be most practical for a single man to find his special lady? Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Bogota? I am looking for romantic settings and friendly environments. Any information would be graciouslay accepted.

Thank you,

I will be arriving in Cartagena at the beginning of January (4th) and staying for around 10 days. Hoping to see the city and see some nightlife as well. Any ideas of good hostels/bars to meet other travellers? I was looking to stay at a decent hotel/hostel in the old town (something like Hotel Tres Banderas) but realize that might not be the best place to meet other travellers. 30/single/male/Seattle.

I will be in Cartagena next week and plan on staying in the old city. I could use recommendations on mid-range hotels, scuba companies and dive spots. Also, any recommendations on night life are much appreciated.

Thanks

hi, are there any trekking to be done around Cartagena? maybe on Pico Cristobal Colon?

thanks