Best Time to Visit Cartagena

The best time to visit Cartagena is early in the year, between January and March. This period is characterised by favourable weather and doesn't get too humid, which is perfect for both city exploration and nearby island-hopping. Streets begin to feel emptier as vacationer waves of December and early January subside, giving way to more manageable prices and attractions that are no longer swarmed with visitors. Another bonus of traveling during this period is the possibility to hit several important festivals: Storyland (dedicated to electronic music) and Hay Festival (revolving around all things cultural exchange) both take place in January, while Festival del Dulce — a celebration of sweets from all across the Caribbean — is a glorious Easter tradition worth making time for.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the European Union, most countries in the Americas, Australia & Oceania, as well as several Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. In cases when an entry visa is required, the application can often be done online. Nationals of Cuba and and those holding passports issued by Palestine will need to apply for a visa, even if they will be entering Colombia for transit purposes only.

• Web:

  www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements

Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)

The largest air hub on Colombia's Caribbean coast serves multiple destinations within the country, as well as several major international ones such as New York, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City. The trip to central Cartagena usually takes no longer than 20 minutes. Taxis are always available; these operate on fixed fares rather than meters — get a voucher from the official taxi stand at the airport with an exact price quote to your destination to avoid being overcharged. Public transport is available as well: one option would be catching a colectivo off the side of the road by the airport, another — taking a Metrocar shuttle (these run at 10-minute intervals and stop at the La India Catalina monument, just outside the old town).

• Web:

  aeropuertocartagena.com.co

• More info:

  www.metrocarsa.com/rutas.html

Public Transport

Private buses circulate around Cartagena, each one's main stops indicated in the front window. Fares are very inexpensive, and the buses can be flagged down off the side of the road. Inside the old town, most locations are easy to reach on foot.

Taxi

Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but make sure to be clear on the exact fare prior to boarding, as local taxis do not use meters. When getting a cab, opt for calling an operator and ordering one rather than just getting into one in the street, as this puts you at a higher risk of being overcharged. Ridesharing apps such as Uber are also in use and may even be the preferred option for travelling locally, as fares will be determined automatically prior to boarding and charged directly to your credit card.

Cartagena de Indias Cruise Port

Cartagena is a common day-stop for cruises whose routes lie through the Caribbean. The cruise port of Cartagena, Colombia, is located roughly 4km from the Old Town, where the majority of Cartagena's attractions lie. To reach the city center, one will either need to take a short walk from the pier to the Cruise Ship Terminal, or take a free shuttle bus. From the terminal building, the options are to either join a shore excursion or arrange your own transfer. Taxi drivers will be waiting at the port and outside the port exit; those who choose to walk a little further can expect to pay two times less than those who choose to get a cab directly from the port (which will still likely be twice as expensive as getting a cab back from the Old Town to the port). It may be worth checking whether any cars are available via apps such as Uber. The Cartagena de Indias Cruise Port is pleasant enough, and has been named best in the Caribbean on several occasions. The port is equipped with souvenir stores for last-minute shopping and a Juan Valdez Cafe Cafe outlet. It is best, however, to make any purchases elsewhere, as things at the port tend to be overpriced. Although Colombia's official currency is the peso, US dollars are widely accepted throughout Cartagena. It is advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases; there is a functioning ATM at the port. The cruise port's absolute highlight is a miniature outdoor zoo, which contains a selection of animals ranging from macaw to flamingos.

• Web:

  www.puertocartagena.com/en/cruise-ship-terminal