Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia is a city of magic and color, a true Caribbean jewel on South America's northern coast. With its well-preserved colonial walled city, bustling plazas, and vibrant street life, it’s a place that captures the imagination. Founded in 1533, the city was a crucial Spanish port, and its wealth attracted pirates, leading to the construction of massive defensive walls and fortresses that still stand today. For a cruiser, Cartagena is an absolute must-see; its historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is easily explored on foot, offering a genuine taste of Colombian culture.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock at the Cartagena Cruise Port, which is part of a large commercial and industrial harbor in the Manga neighborhood. For safety, you are not permitted to walk through the cargo areas. However, the port has created a wonderful experience for cruisers from the moment they disembark. You will walk on a designated path or take a short, complimentary shuttle bus from the ship to the cruise terminal area, which is about 600 meters away. From there, you will find all the services you need.
⚓ Terminal Information
The cruise terminal is an attraction in itself. It is a large, open-air "port oasis" with lush native plants, exotic birds like flamingos and parrots, and a variety of other animals. The terminal can handle multiple ships simultaneously, and it's a vibrant, welcoming space.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal is a well-equipped and enjoyable place to start your day. You'll find a tourist information point, souvenir shops, and kiosks. There is a Juan Valdez coffee shop where you can try authentic Colombian coffee, and other small cafes. Restrooms are available. There is Wi-Fi, but there may be a fee to use it. The taxi stand is located at the exit of the port, and you will see licensed guides and taxi drivers waiting to offer their services. Be sure to look for those in white shirts, as they are official and licensed.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Spanish. While you'll find that many people in the tourist areas, especially licensed guides, speak English, it is a good idea to have a few basic Spanish phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
· Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
· Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
· Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
· ¿Dónde está? (DOHN-day ehs-TAH) - Where is...?
· ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah) - How much does it cost?
💰 Money
The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). While some vendors may accept U.S. Dollars, it's highly recommended to use pesos to get the best price and avoid confusion. ATMs are easy to find and are the best way to get pesos. Using an ATM from a reputable bank is always a good idea. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and larger shops, but you'll want cash for street vendors, taxis, and smaller purchases.
🚗 Transportation
The cruise port is approximately 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) from the historic old town, which is not a safe walk.
· Taxis: Taxis are the most common and convenient way to get to the old town. You can find them waiting at the taxi stand just outside the cruise terminal. The rates are officially regulated, and you can expect a one-way ride to cost around $20 (USD). It is crucial to agree on the price with the driver before you start your journey. For a group, you can also hire a larger van or a taxi for a set number of hours.
· Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: This is a good option for seeing the main sites. The bus will take you to the fort, the old town, and other major attractions.
· Ride-Sharing: Uber is available in Cartagena and can be a good alternative to a taxi.
♿ Accessibility
Cartagena's accessibility is a 2 out of 10. While the port terminal area is generally flat, the historic walled city is known for its uneven cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks, which can be very difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility. The city's famous fortress, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, is a monumental site with many ramps and tunnels, but it is also a large fortress built on a hill, making it a challenge to explore.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the historic city center from the cruise port is to take a taxi. It is a short, 10-15 minute ride, and the fare is very affordable.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not very common in Cartagena. You will find them at tourist attractions, museums, and restaurants. It is generally expected that you will make a small purchase before using their facilities. It's a good idea to carry some small change, as some places may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
· Farmacia La Rebaja: Av. del Bosque #22 - 76, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. This is a major Colombian pharmacy chain.
· Farmacia Pastrana: Av. Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. This is also a well-known pharmacy.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Explore the Walled City and Getsemaní on Foot: Skip the bus tours and spend your time walking through the historic Walled City and the bohemian neighborhood of Getsemaní. These areas are a feast for the senses, with colorful buildings, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and lively plazas. You can wander for hours, discovering street art, local shops, and hidden courtyards. In Getsemaní, be sure to visit Plaza de la Trinidad, a main square where locals and tourists alike gather to relax and people-watch.
2. Take a Street Food Tour: Cartagena's street food is a must-try. For a truly authentic experience, book a street food tour with a local guide. You'll get to try local specialties like arepa de huevo (fried corn cake with an egg inside), empanadas, and fresh fruit juices. It's a delicious and affordable way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture.
3. Visit the Bazurto Market: For the most authentic and raw experience, take a taxi to the Bazurto Market, the city's largest open-air market. It is a bustling, chaotic, and colorful place where locals buy fresh produce, fish, and meat. It's an intense experience, but it's a great way to see a side of Cartagena that most tourists miss.
