Cartagena 101
The city of Cartagena is located on the northern coast of Colombia, in Colombia’s Caribbean coastal region.
Cartagena is Colombia’s fifth-largest city by population.
Formerly known as Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena was founded in 1533 and named after Cartagena, Spain. During the colonial era, the city acted as a key port for the export of Peruvian silver to Europe.
In 1984, Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were both designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Timezone
Cartagena observes Colombia Standard Time, the same timezone as Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5).
Temperature
The average temperature in Cartagena in February ranges from 75°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C), with pretty much zero chance of rain.
Currency
The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso. The conversion rate varies daily, so we recommend just checking on Google to get the latest as the wedding weekend approaches.
US Dollars and other foreign currencies are largely not accepted in Cartagena. As a result, we recommend withdrawing cash from the ATMs at the airport or around the city.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted in all major shops, hotels, and restaurants in Cartagena. As with many South American countries, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most commonly accepted credit cards in Colombia.
Tipping
In Cartagena, there is typically a 10% tip or service fee automatically added to your bill. If your service was particularly good, feel free to add some extra pesos. Tipping isn’t expected, except in the case of tours or excursions where we recommend tipping your guides.
Getting around
Nearly everything in the Old City is in walking distance, however if you would prefer not to walk, we recommend using taxis. (Just make sure you have local currency for payment.)
If you are not a fan of taxis, there are other options: fancy horse-drawn carriages can be found all over the Old City, or the hotel can arrange transportation for you.
InternetZ
Mobile data coverage is decent across Cartagena, and Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa will be offering complimentary wifi.
The only place where we’ll be off the grid is Isla Barú. Reception there isn’t great and there’s no good wifi option available. So — be prepared for a truly relaxing and disconnected beach day on February 15th.
Electrical Converters
If you are traveling from the US, you don’t need an adapter to charge your electronics. Colombia has type A and B plug types and operates on a 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Safety
As a whole, the Old City is very safe and tourist-friendly. As with any other major city or travel destination, we recommend using common sense — e.g. avoiding walking alone late at night and generally staying aware of your surroundings.
A note on Zika:
Zika is more a part of Colombia’s past than its present.
Per the Colombian government’s weekly epidemiology bulletins, national reports of the virus have gone down dramatically since 2017. The latest reports show that the few remaining cases of Zika are coming from provinces like Putumayo and Amazonas — both very far from where Cartagena is located. Cases have largely been in smaller towns with open septic systems and standing water, rather than in cities like Cartagena.
To put this in context, you are 15 times more likely to be in a fatal car accident than contract Zika in Colombia, with the risk of either being very low. (The national annual reported incidence of Zika in Colombia is 1.3 cases per 100,000, compared to 18.8 annual road deaths per 100,000 in Colombia.)
Minimal risk notwithstanding, if you are pregnant, it’s always wise to discuss international travel plans with your doctor.