| Cartagena |
Hard to know where to start with Cartagena. It's an incredibly beautiful city but it has plenty of downfalls. It is the poorest city in Colombia with a huge
gap between the haves and have nots. Its often very dirty and many of the roads are difficult to pass because of the amount of potholes. The
beaches are actually pretty regular and not at all inviting and there are more walking salespeople trying to hawk there wares than tourists.
However if you can get past all of the above you can really enjoy a few days in Cartagena. It is without doubt a magical place and those that give it a
bit of time will love it.
gap between the haves and have nots. Its often very dirty and many of the roads are difficult to pass because of the amount of potholes. The
beaches are actually pretty regular and not at all inviting and there are more walking salespeople trying to hawk there wares than tourists.
However if you can get past all of the above you can really enjoy a few days in Cartagena. It is without doubt a magical place and those that give it a
bit of time will love it.
My first choice on where to stay in Cartagena has for the last eight years been the Casa Viena. One of the first hostels in Colombia, owned by
friendly and knowledgeable Austrian, Hans. Its located in the neighbourhood of Getsemani which is only a few minutes walk to the old walled city. If
the Casa viena is full, which it usually is, there are several good cheap options only a block away in which Hans or one of his team will be happy to
make a reservation for you. The Casa Viena is also the source of information if you are looking for a sailboat to Panama through the San Blas
islands. Also check the Casa Viena website for sale dates.
friendly and knowledgeable Austrian, Hans. Its located in the neighbourhood of Getsemani which is only a few minutes walk to the old walled city. If
the Casa viena is full, which it usually is, there are several good cheap options only a block away in which Hans or one of his team will be happy to
make a reservation for you. The Casa Viena is also the source of information if you are looking for a sailboat to Panama through the San Blas
islands. Also check the Casa Viena website for sale dates.
Where to Stay
Hostel Casa Viena
Casa La Fe
If you've got a few dollars to burn this is a good option. English owned restored colonial mansion in the heart of the old city. Less than twenty rooms
from US$100 or so. Roof-top swimming pool. Very nice place. Stayed there with my parents once. Check website for more info.
from US$100 or so. Roof-top swimming pool. Very nice place. Stayed there with my parents once. Check website for more info.
Getting there and away
Cartagena is about 12/13 hours bus ride from Medellin. Bus prices vary considerably depending on season and your bargaining ability. The price
also seems about 10.000 pesos cheaper if one is travelling south rather than north. I have heard of people paying as little as 50.000 pesos if
travelling from Cartagena to Medellin or 60.000 pesos north. During Colombian holidays it may well be impossible to bargain bear in mind. There are
several buses leaving either Cartagena or Medellin for the other in the morning and several more in the evening. Remember this bring something
warm for the ride. It gets cold on the bus.
also seems about 10.000 pesos cheaper if one is travelling south rather than north. I have heard of people paying as little as 50.000 pesos if
travelling from Cartagena to Medellin or 60.000 pesos north. During Colombian holidays it may well be impossible to bargain bear in mind. There are
several buses leaving either Cartagena or Medellin for the other in the morning and several more in the evening. Remember this bring something
warm for the ride. It gets cold on the bus.
