Cartagena is also known as Cartagena de Indias. It is a Colombian tourist destination and for a long time it was the only destination appreciated or known by Brazilians. It is the fifth largest city in the country and the second largest in the region, after Barranquilla, with its region having the fifth largest urban concentration in Colombia.

In the city of Cartagena, there are a large number of tourists who are on a true tour of Colombia, with many options of stops, which are intended for its visitors, which can guarantee a mix that is that of a cultural tour , with beautiful beaches and a nightlife that is very effervescent. It is an option for all types of travelers and can attract many profiles.

In Cartagena, there is this diversity of options that attracts different profiles, so that this trip is suitable for the tours and activities that may interest you most, being located on the mainland and with access that is quick or very easy from Bogotá. Its foundation took place in 1533, with several stories to tell and with a lot of cordiality among the Latins.

The region is an international destination and much more accessible than Europe or the United States. It is even cheaper than other destinations, which are also tourist destinations in South America. Cartagena has a strategic location and as it was the seat of an important port during the colonial period, which was at that time the target of constant pirate attacks.

How to get to Cartagena 

As it is a city not too far away, Cartagena has flights that are not too tiring and stops that are regular on cruises and in high season. However, it is by air that most tourists reach this region. There are no direct flights from Brazil to this destination, with foreign companies going to this city and with connections to airports. 

Cartagena airport is modern and known as Rafael Núñes International Airport, which receives flights from Colombia and also from other nearby countries, with a good infrastructure for tourists. Cruises are more expensive options For this visit, Brazilians will not be required to have a visa, nor a passport and just an ID that must be identified.

Travel time may vary and will depend on the city of departure and the connection time, with the traveler being able to calculate between 7 or 8 hours on each trip and including the connection. When leaving Cartagena Airport, use taxis, which will make the journey in a short time. However, there is the possibility of using buses, which are on common lines and are not the most recommended route for this trip.

When getting into a taxi, negotiate and because this means of transport does not have a meter, start by negotiating your price with the taxi driver. Keep in mind that the journey from the airport to the center of Cartagena takes on average 10 to 15 minutes. The currency used is the Colombian peso and credit card payments are accepted.

What to think about in your travel planning 

When preparing your travel bag, take clothes that are light and because Cartagena is very hot, with shoes that are the most comfortable and most accepted, for walks in the center, with glasses, caps or hats, which can help you have protection against the sun, along with shorts and t-shirts, to spend a very relaxing day in this place.

At night, tourists also like to wear clothes that are more tidy and without having to worry about wearing the most formal attire, at a time when it is time to relax on this trip. Have your International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate up to date. At this destination, the immigration inspector will ask you to check and make sure everything is ok. 

When planning your trip to Cartagena, tourists should know that the sockets, in most cases, have two flat pins. Furthermore, if your electronic devices are different from this standard, remember to provide an adapter, which is a socket adapter. Be aware that tours in this region are usually poorly organized and you should hire someone you trust.

Brazilians who, after planning their trip and need support to that country, can contact the Brazilian Honorary Consulate in person, by phone or email, so that the consulate can inform them about all the measures to be taken , meeting all your needs and which can be found on the trip by Brazilian travelers. 

What to see and do in Cartagena 

Cartagena is a destination with many things to see or do, which in 3 or 4 days may be enough to get to know this city, but if you want a more relaxed trip, you can extend your stay, as it is a city with small streets , settings that are romantic and in a city that is walled, which surrounds part of this ancient city and which concentrates some of its main tourist attractions.

Discover Avenida San Martín, which is also known as Carretera 2, which is one of the main roads in Cartagena, with many famous restaurants and shops. Don't miss the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, which is one of the tourist attractions that a traveler cannot miss on this trip and which was built in 1536 and 1657.

Take a chiva ride, which is a vehicle that looks like a bus, but with open sides and no windows. Go to Praça de Santo Domingos, which is very busy and lively. Visit the Zenú Gold Museum and there is no need to pay to enter. At any time of the day, take a carriage ride with horses that pull the carriage. Come take this trip to Cartagena.