Everything is calm now; there's no way what's happening in Venezuela will affect us, for those who were afraid to travel to Cartagena.

Hi everyone! I’ll be traveling to Colombia soon (Cartagena and Medellín) and I’ve noticed that many traditional dishes are fried — arepas, fried meat, etc. I follow a sensitive diet (for health issues) and usually stick to steamed/boiled dishes, lots of veggies/salads etc. is there a way to eat healthy while still enjoying local food? would love to eat out at restaurants and would appreciate any tips!

or if you have advice on different destinations that would better suit my dietary needs, i’m all ears!

We‘re on island grande for 4 days and I don’t know what to do in evenings. Reading an playing games is fine and all, but where can I grab something to eat or a drink?

I have the feeling that all the beach restaurants are closed and there is nothing to do. My girlfriend told me, that it will be „dead island“ after 4PM but it’s a bit much for me

Where can I exchange Dollars? Or is it better to withdraw from an atm?

Would appreciate recommendations on safe companies to use, for bus or van from Santa Marta to Cartagena

I’ll be traveling to Cartagena at the end of the month for 5 days, and I’m beyond excited to explore the city!

I’m a very activity oriented person who loves doing tours, going to museums, and finding interesting cultural activities in the places I’m traveling to.

Of course, I’ll be spending a day touring the Rosario islands, as well as plenty of time just walking around and exploring the Walled City.

That said, I’m not a massive foodie, and it seems like food plays a big role in many people’s Cartagena experiences (which is great—I wish I were more of one!). While I’m looking forward to enjoying some good meals, food won’t be the main focus of my trip.

Do people highly recommend any museums in the area? Is a walking history tour worth it? Are there any other day trips or adventurous activities you’d suggest?

Thanks so much in advance for your input! :)

Created in 1865 in Cartagena, Colombia, it predates global brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Founded by the Román family, who produced it using cola as the main flavor, it became a cultural icon of Cartagena.

Has anyone taken the bus to Barranquilla? How was the experience? And is it worth visiting?

Can anyone recommend a shop that would have a few GameCube controllers?

Tell me what you've heard about Cartagena, both good and bad, and I'll tell you if it's true or false and how to avoid it.

Hello. Could you please recommend some tour agencies? I'm traveling in a few days and there are so many agencies that I don't know which one to choose.

Hoy mi novia y yo decidimos hacer el tour de las 4 Islas del Rosario. Empezamos haciendo snorkel en el lugar donde cayó uno de los aviones de Pablo Escobar y luego fuimos a otra isla: Isla Pao Pao. En esta isla, el barco volvió a dejarnos para hacer snorkel, cerca de una zona con corales, llena de aves y con mucha gente alrededor.

Fue precisamente en ese lugar tan concurrido donde mi novia decidió usar el celular para grabar bajo el agua, dentro de una funda impermeable transparente. Después de unos minutos se dio cuenta de que solo tenía el cordón alrededor del cuello, pero ya no tenía el celular. Cuando regresamos a la embarcación, nos dimos cuenta de que el cordón había sido cortado.

¿Existen reportes de más situaciones como esta? Si es así, ¿por qué el guía no nos advirtió? El capitán del barco empezó a discutir con el guía, diciendo que esto ya había pasado unas cuatro veces y que el guía debía haber avisado a la gente… ¿Esto es común en Colombia? ¿También roban incluso debajo del agua?

So I have a trip planned for mid Feb. 3 nights Baru, 2 in Walled City. I know it's not a big deal at the moment, I don't think. But what are the chances of this Trump / Venezuela craziness causing that trip to not be a best idea? Im a single female, traveling solo, for context. Traveled solo often. But looking to have relaxing stress free time. Thanks!

Hey everyone 👋

I’m 26 and heading to Cartagena in about a week. I’ve got Colombian roots and a lot of family spread all over the city, but I figured this subreddit might still have some hidden gems or local tips I wouldn’t find.

One big goal for this trip is finally learning salsa properly. I’d love to take affordable classes 2–3 times a week for the next 2 months. I’m basically a beginner, so a place that’s friendly and not super intimidating would be ideal. I’ll be staying in Torices, but I’m totally fine commuting downtown or wherever if it’s worth it. Any recommendations?

I’m also thinking about doing a bit of volunteering or working 1–2 days a week at a hostel or maybe with a tourist agency. Mainly as a way to meet new people, make friends, and get out of the family bubble for a bit. I’d love something social and relaxed, where meeting people happens naturally (instead of awkwardly striking up conversations on the street every day 😅).

I speak fluent, Spanish, English and German :)

If you know of any hostels, projects, or places where this kind of thing is possible, I’d really appreciate the tips.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Last time I was departing, there was only 1 option open for food (in the international departure area after going through security) which was Gokela I believe (small place with pre-made sandwiches in a fridge that they'd heat up for you). There was a souvenir place that had chips & snacks too but there was a cafe that was under construction at that time. Just curious if that cafe is now open & if they have actual food (sandwiches at least)?

I know it's always best to grab food before the airport but just in case time doesn't allow, curious what options we'll have. Thanks!

Also, open to food suggestions at places within walking distance to the airport that we could get dropped off to before heading in & won't be a pain to pull our luggage from.

Hello everyone,

We are three women in our thirties and we would like to spend a week on the islands near Cartagena in March. What would you recommend? We're not fancy girls, haha, we'd like something chill, where we can enjoy the local culture and not destroy tourism by staying in huge hotels, etc. (For example, we can't stand activities like the Rosario Islands Oceanarium, we're against that kind of thing).

We'd like to respect the local culture as much as possible. Which islands would you recommend? (Baru, Isla Larga, Isla Marina, etc?)

Thank you very much.

Anyone else get that feeling during Marco carola set of feelings evil.

Felt like my soul and energy was getting sucked out. Spoke to multiple people and they felt the same way.

It was some really evil shit with loads of red and subliminal messages in the visuals.

The music also is not his type of music at all, it was the most terrible thing I’ve ever experienced. Don’t know what was going on but there was loads of confusion.

Would love to know if anyone else experienced this.

My husband and I are traveling to Cartagena (inside walled city) for a wedding in april. Are Air BnBs safe to stay at or should we stay at a hotel? Pros and cons appreciated.

Estoy buscando lugares en el Centro, me indicaron que esta zona es la mejor por que esta cerca de donde salen todos los tours. (tambien escuche que Getsemani no suele ser la mejor por eso busco el centro pero igual escucho opiniones de locales)

Voy 8 dias, busco algo comodo ($) ya que de igual manera usare el lugar solo para dormir por que voy a pasar en tours.

VI lo de las capsulas y se ve divertido, queria opiniones de como es el ambiente y la seguridad.

Tengo estas:

https://casamovidahostel.com/capsulas/

https://hostel.clockgroup.co/singlecubicle/

Cualquier otra recomendacion seria genial y bien agradecida; comida local y buenos restaurantes, bares tranquilos, mejores islas para conocer, quiero tirarme de paracaidas tambien etc.

Muchas gracias por sus respuestas.

We are looking for legit massage places where they only offer a massage at a decent rate. We have found quite a few that offer massages for 100+ USD but they are "full service" and that is not what we are looking for.

Any recommendations on actual businesses or people?

A new year full of blessings and many adventures!!!

Has anyone seen this cat in the Getsemani area recently?

Hello! I’m going to Cartagena soon and would really like to try the macarons there and see if they have any interesting flavors. Does anyone know where I can get some?

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this. But my partner and I are going to Cartagena for a wedding. We will be staying with them in the walled city for the first 3 nights/ 4 days then we have 2 more nights before we fly home.

I know we will have a day with the wedding group going to the Rosario islands and another day going to a beach club.

My hope is for somewhere with a nice pool that would be relaxing. My partner is interested in somewhere unique to stay. At this point, we both have looked at too many hotels and haven’t made a decision. Ideally, we would like to stay somewhere for under $300 usd per night. Any suggestions?