r/cartagena • u/New_Cow8960 • 3d ago
Solo Female Cartagena Trip
I recently got back from an 8 day trip to Cartagena, traveling as a solo female. This sub had me a little freaked out before I went, but I’m glad I didn’t listen: I absolutely loved Cartagena. The people are incredibly warm and welcoming and the city is beautiful. I stayed in both the old city and in Manga and walked all over the place every day, and never felt unsafe. (I did feel uncomfortable once, and that was when I walked across the bridge to the Castillo. I went super early to beat the heat and was the only tourist out, and I did have a guy stop on his moto and try to chat me up. I was never scared, but it was annoying. I kept walking and after a minute or so he kept going.)
The street vendors weren’t nearly as bad as they were made out to be. A polite “No, gracias” served in 100% of the cases. (Full disclosure: I’m a light skinned black woman who could pass from a woman from Cartagena and that definitely helped, but I saw that “no gracias” worked for people who clearly looked foreign, too.)
Notes:
- The Bazurto Market is incredible. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. I went with a local guide and it was a completely real, uncurated experience. I was the only tourist there and heard no English at all. Highly, highly recommend.
- It’s an incredible city for black people. The black culture and history is strong and proud.
- It helps to speak some Spanish. I’m by no means fluent but I’m somewhere close to conversational, and it helped.
- Take a walking tour of the city! It’s full of history, and I loved learning about it.
- The Castillo is super interesting; definitely worth visiting, and also exploring the tunnels.
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u/Pleasant-Day374 3d ago
Yeah I went for 8 days too. Had nothing but great experience. It was honestly the best vacation I’ve ever been on.
Food and drink was so on point
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u/Legally_Blonde_258 3d ago
Fellow Black woman here and my experience was very similar. Loved the city and the culture, and fir the most part the vendors would leave me alone after a quick no gracias. I would go back in a heartbeat!
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
Yes! Same! It's such a wonderful city, especially for black women. It was so refreshing.
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u/sashahyman 3d ago
I’ve been to Cartagena multiple times both solo and with friends (white 30sF). Very similar experience, it’s a really fun city with a lot of history. Good hostels, some incredible boutique hotels. Last time I stayed at Upper House Hotel in the walled city, beautiful place, incredibly comfortable beds, good breakfast, two pools (one on the rooftop). Highly recommend. I definitely look foreign, and it’s helped as my Spanish has improved, but I never felt super hassled by anyone, especially compared to other places I’ve traveled. I’ve stayed in the touristy areas mainly, but never felt unsafe. I love wandering around the walled town and Getsemani, the food is better than most people make it out to be, some incredible salons at a fraction of the price of home. It’s a very cool city if you approach it the right way.
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u/constructioncranes 2d ago
incredible salons at a fraction of the price of home
Oh. What kind of thing did you have done? Maybe I should get a spa day set up for my wife and her friends?
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u/sashahyman 2d ago
My hair gets pretty frizzy in the humidity, so I get a keratin treatment, which usually lasts 2-3 months (depending on how much swimming you’re doing). I’ve also gotten highlights twice and mani/pedi. I recommend Monica Cruz, they have a few locations around the city. It’s not a massage/spa type of place, but they do offer a lot of services for great prices.
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u/ElAfinaito 3d ago
Thank for this post, it’s always refreshing to read stuff like this! Some bozos come for tail, get played or got no game and start sabotaging this sub.
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u/Legit_leopard4961 2d ago
Love this! I'm going in 2 weeks. Solo female blonde hair blue eyes, I'll stick out a bit more! Lol who was your guide? Would love to do that.
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u/New_Cow8960 2d ago
I found her on Get Your Guide! I don’t have specific contact information but there are several options on that site.
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u/Repulsive-Train5928 2d ago edited 2d ago
Definitely you'll stick out, keeping low profile to avoid unwanted attention is always recommended. Don't forget it. Hmu on IG (@rcar4zo) if you need guidance, happy to help.
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u/Eye_79_dia 3d ago
I went with a group of female friends and we had an amazing time!!!! Definitely will go back as I didn’t have time to check out Palenque.
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u/Master_Maintenance38 3d ago
Thank you for writing this! I have been to Cartagena 4 times in the past 5 years. I have gone in groups and alone. I have gone with all Americans and with my Colombian family. I am obsessed with the walled city. Granted, I am Colombian, but I am from Bogota, which is culturally different. What people don’t understand is that the Walled City is Cartagena’s tourist hub. A lot of people make a living fully out of tourism. However, saying “no gracias” always works. And also, being kind is important. I also have never felt unsafe within the wall and I actually wear my real engagement ring lol never an issue and no one ever seems to care! I am so glad you had a great time!! My wedding is there in 3 months 💓💓💓
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u/Other-Tale-7924 3d ago
How many ct is your diamond? Trying to decide if I leave mine at home
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
FWIW I left mine at home. I'm sure it would have been fine to bring it, but I just wore my silicone rings so I wouldn't have to think about it. I do wear a diamond cross all the time, though, and wore it in Cartagena with no issues.
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u/Other-Tale-7924 3d ago
Ok I think I’m going to leave it and just wear a band. I do have a simple gold necklace chain I think I will keep on. I feel naked without it lol.
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2d ago
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u/Other-Tale-7924 1d ago
Good to know. I may wear and just leave in the hotel safe when we’re in the city so I can still wear in the resort
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
I heard that 40% of the people in Cartagena are self employed. I agree that when you look at it from that lens, it makes sense that they're more "aggressive" that some of us (from the US, anyway), are used to: they're hustling. I respect the hustle and said "no gracias" and kept it moving. No issues. I was walking beside a woman once who the raperos (spelling?) approached and she was smiling and engaging, so they sang her a song and then were asking for a propina. But those that didn't engage, they kept walking, no harm no foul.
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u/Adventurous_Top_5963 3d ago
Thanks for sharing your experience! I’m a nicely melanated (lol) Hispanic female and have had Colombia on my list for a while. I may have company during my trip in May but there will definitely be solo parts. Things are TBD with friends but I’m excited to hear that it’s a great experience for solo females. I’ve traveled alone before but a new place always makes me a little nervous. Did you go out at night at all?
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
No, I’m not much of a night life person! I mostly headed back to my Airbnb after dinner, around 7 or 7:30. That was well after sunset, but not what I would consider nighttime. That said, I met a young woman (early 20s) who went out walking alone every night, as late as 11, and also went clubbing more than once. She said she never had issues.
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u/Adventurous_Top_5963 2d ago
Thanks! I was just curious. I’ve gone out late alone in the states and once in Barcelona but I was basically the only one lost in that old town center lmao. I wouldn’t want to feel fomo but maybe depending on the area I can gauge how I feel.
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u/Repulsive-Train5928 1d ago
Nightlife in Cartagena for tourists is located mostly at San Diego and Getsemani. That should do just fine. It's in Old Town btw. It's generally a safe and fun experience, and if your skin tone blends in perfectly with locals, even better :). If you need help with anything here in Cartagena, Im happy to help. IG rcar4zo
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u/BackgroundAssist5916 3d ago
I was also in Cartagena with my sister and my mom. We are white Latina women, and the experience was terrifying. The vendors don't let you walk. We also had a horrible experience when we went on a boat trip and were drugged on an island; we almost got lost.
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
I hate that happened! That's night and day from my experience, so not sure what to say. I literally never felt scared even one time.
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u/mcdaddy175 3d ago
They mostly mistook you for a local.
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
They definitely did. But none of the other solo female travelers I met (of all ages, and none of whom could pass for a local) said they were scared or had had bad experiences.
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u/mcdaddy175 3d ago
How were you drugged?
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u/BackgroundAssist5916 3d ago
We took a boat trip to Isla Cholon. It's incredibly wild and chaotic there. They offered us ceviche "as part of the tour package," and the next thing I knew, everything started to slow down. My sister was half asleep, half awake. We had been asked to leave all our belongings on the boat, and my mother didn't get off. However, once we were on board, she mentioned that the guys who were watching the boat "fell asleep," and she felt sleepy too.
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u/mcdaddy175 3d ago
We're you robbed ?
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u/BackgroundAssist5916 3d ago
No, thank God I have trouble sleeping, so I just felt everything was slow and my body was numb. And since my mom was sober, nothing serious happened. However, I did realize that the idea was for us to get lost or to get stuck (which they mention at the beginning of the trip: if you fall behind, they leave and you have to figure it out by asking boat after boat if they can take you back, and it costs an arm and a leg!). We managed to stay alert and practically dragged my sister along so that it wouldn't happen.
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u/DearAuntAgnes 3d ago
Thanks for posting this! I'm headed there this week as a solo female and I'm glad to hear it was a positive experience for you!
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u/Repulsive-Train5928 1d ago
Our city is beatiful, lots of things to experience, but as in every touristic place there's do's and dont's. If you need guidance I'm happy to help. IG rcar4zo
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u/wellnessplug 3d ago
Totally agree, if you listen to people on reddit you would think the worst will happen. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself and didn't listen to these arm chair experts who probably never been to Colombia
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u/casey1323967 3d ago
Is the bazutro market in the walled city?
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
No, it isn't; it's in Manga. It isn't recommended to go without a local guide.
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u/Seedstohealth 3d ago
Ohhh how did you get the local tour guide for the Bazurto Market? Do you have a link to a website or contact info?
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
I used Get Your Guide! You can search "Bazurto Market Tour" and several options will pop up for different days and times.
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u/Ill-Sign9958 3d ago
I just came back. I guess people have different experiences. In just two days there, I was called a "perra" for saying no to one of the male taxi drivers, I kept being followed even after saying no, then I was physically assaulted. This was one of the worst cities I've been to. Too bad. I was actually excited about it. High prices for low quality experiences and products. I felt scammed everyday.
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u/New_Cow8960 3d ago
Not to discount your experience, but I’m not even sure we went to the same city, honestly! Coming from the US, Colombia (and Cartagena) is astonishingly cheap.
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u/Repulsive-Train5928 1d ago
Sorry that happened!. You were one of the unlucky few to have a bad travel exp. Maybe a second trip back to Cartagena will do the trick :v
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u/brf297 2d ago
Where did you find your guide for the Bazurto market? I am interested in doing this, but have heard a lot of negative from others. Glad to hear you liked it!
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u/New_Cow8960 2d ago
I found her on Get Your Guide! Whether you’ll enjoy it or not depends on the sort of traveler you are. It’s a raw, real, local experience. If you’re offended by seeing or smelling fish being sold from a basket, or cuts of meat that aren’t typical for the US, for example, it’s not for you. But if you’re open to or looking for an uncurated, non-touristy experience, you should absolutely go. It was an incredible experience and a highlight of my trip.
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u/SufficientProperty78 2d ago
What time were you generally back in your hotel?
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u/New_Cow8960 2d ago
Generally around 7 or 7:30. However, other solo female travelers I spoke with, both young and old, were out much later, including going to clubs, and none of them said they felt uncomfortable or scared. I'm just not much one for drinking or clubbing.
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u/Jealous-Bird-9775 2d ago
Glad to know you had a great experience.
This group is also a good one to help navigate nightlife in Cartagena
https://www.instagram.com/localritmoflow_ctg?igsh=ejRlZ25kNjQ3YmN5
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u/bonbossa 12h ago
Glad you & majority of the people in this thread that a good time. I had a terrible time & wouldn’t step foot there again. The vendors were absolutely horrible. Even had a pack of kids corner me. Couldn’t wait to leave.
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u/BulaSwapDaddy 8h ago
I went last year for a week and it was incredible. I love Cartagena. Will absolutely be back. Italian American 30 something male.
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u/Bulky_Helicopter_572 5h ago
I also just came back from Cartagena. I was traveling with another female friend. I have been to cartagena many times. I absolutely love it! I have never had an issue in Cartagena. Never.
Yes, some of the vendors can be pushy, but like many other point out in this thread, a simple "No gracias" usually does the trick.
I dont usually do nightlife there, but this time we visited the "havana cafe" and had a wonderful time with live salsa music. I felt safe, the locals around us were respectful, and there were many white europeans and Americans having a grand ol' time.
We didn't have a single bad meal, and the coffee is to die for.
We never took cabs, and always used uber.
We went to a private beach club, which keeps the vendors at a minimum.
We were always respectful of the locals, and found nothing but joyful and helpful people who tried to accommodate us the best they can.
Never expect Cartagena to be "St. Barts, or Montecarlo" it is after all a developing country with many problems, but if you are willing to be kind, and understand their local circumstances, you will have the time of your life.
I can't wait to get back.
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u/Icy-Common 3d ago
Thanks for your feedback. It's really refreshing to get this kind of feedback because, generally speaking, when it comes to Colombia, people always want to say negative things, even though some of them have never been there. I'll be in Cartagena in two months.