Please RSVP ASAP
Ideally, 6+ months in advance! Cartagena is a popular spot, so the earlier you book, the better your picks for flights and places to stay.
Even though we love our little ones, this will be an adults-only event.
YES! Like any travel destination, it’s all about using common sense. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep things laid-back, and stick to the good vibes. A few quick tips: - Be mindful of your belongings and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. - Skip the sketchy stuff! Stick to that, and the only thing you’ll need to worry about is how many empanadas you can eat in a day.
Cartagena is super walkable, especially in the historic center, so you’ll be doing a lot on foot. For anything further out, Uber is the way to go. It's easy, reliable, and affordable. No need to rent a car! If you're staying at a hotel, they can usually help arrange transportation or set up rides for you as well.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Cartagena, but it’s smart to carry some cash for taxis, tips, street food, and small shops. The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). For the best exchange rate, consider ordering pesos from your bank before you travel. ATMs are also available, just check for any international fees. As a reference, one US dollar is typically around 4,000 to 4,200 pesos, depending on the exchange rate that day.
Cartagena is warm, humid, and tropical, with plenty of sunshine and a coastal breeze. It’s beautiful but it’s hot! Ladies, we recommend breathable fabrics and hairstyles that can handle the humidity. Gentlemen, consider packing an extra shirt or two for the evenings after a warm day out. Think resort chic, but sweat-aware.
Street vendors can be pretty persistent in Cartagena. If you’re not interested in buying something, just say "no gracias" and keep walking. They will usually move on. You may also come across performers, including rappers who start performing next to you. They are harmless but may ask for a tip afterward. If it's not your thing, just say "no gracias" and walk away.
While Cartagena doesn’t have fully vegan restaurants, several popular spots offer vegan options. These include El Beso Bar-Restaurant, Quero Arepa, Chingada Gastro Bar, La Mulata, Alma, El Barón, and Galeteria Paradiso.
Tap water in Cartagena is generally safe to drink, but most visitors prefer to stick with bottled water, as it may be different from what they're used to. Bottled water is easy to find in stores and pharmacies.
Yes, Colombia uses the same plugs as the US, so you won’t need any adapters or converters.
San Andres: If you're up for a beachy escape, San Andrés is a stunning island that’s super easy to get to from Cartagena (about an hour flight). The water is insanely clear, the sand is white, and it’s great for just relaxing. There are lots of all-inclusive resorts if you want to fully zone out. Bonus: most people speak English. Salento: For those who love mountains, fresh air, and an amazing cup of coffee, Salento is a must. It’s a super charming town in Colombia’s coffee region, surrounded by green hills, coffee farms, and awesome hiking spots, especially the Valle de Cocora, where you’ll see those insanely tall wax palms. It’s about a 1.5 hour flight from Cartagena and totally worth it if you’ve got a few extra days. Medellin: For a city experience, Medellín is an awesome option with spring weather all year round. There’s a ton to do: ride the cable cars, check out street art in Comuna 13, wander through local markets, or just hop around the bars and cafés. It’s only about a 90-minute flight from Cartagena.