Cartagena - Colombia
Discussion
I have been invited to a wedding there in September and it is a place I have always wanted to visit. Apart from the internet searches and whatnot anyone else been and have any tips/recommendations? I.e. on the best route to get there, must see places, where all the banditos hang out and just general experiences?
Cheers PH, you're awesome!
Cheers PH, you're awesome!
davepoth said:
Precautions need to be taken. As the above posters have mentioned it can be a bit "iffy".
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/...
Since you're going to a wedding, it would probably be worth asking the happy couple whether they have a relative who can speak a bit of English (if your Spanish isn't great) who can look after you. That'll be the best way of getting out to see things if you aren't on an escorted trip. Average weekly salary in Colombia is about $175 according to the BBC if you want to slip them a bit of cash for their time.
Make arrangements with your hotel to send a car for you - the arrivals area will be a little bit crazy, especially after you've been on a plane that long.
Importantly - don't look like a tourist. Even though it'll be a bit uncomfortable, leave the sandals and shorts at home, ditto any expensive watches, sunglasses, phones etc. There's no point marking yourself out as a target unnecessarily to the thieves.
Thanks for the link and the heads up...I will of course exercise caution into not looking like 'That Guy' when I get there http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/...
Since you're going to a wedding, it would probably be worth asking the happy couple whether they have a relative who can speak a bit of English (if your Spanish isn't great) who can look after you. That'll be the best way of getting out to see things if you aren't on an escorted trip. Average weekly salary in Colombia is about $175 according to the BBC if you want to slip them a bit of cash for their time.
Make arrangements with your hotel to send a car for you - the arrivals area will be a little bit crazy, especially after you've been on a plane that long.
Importantly - don't look like a tourist. Even though it'll be a bit uncomfortable, leave the sandals and shorts at home, ditto any expensive watches, sunglasses, phones etc. There's no point marking yourself out as a target unnecessarily to the thieves.
Also great idea about the local connections, I am sure they will be able to offer advice for me.
Thanks
Sorry for the thread bump...all going ahead for this experience...Got a trip to the Islands planned with the wedding party guests on the first day, which will be all good, a nice way to meet the others. The wedding is friend from Uni and a few of us have been invited (how many actually go i am not sure) so hopefully a few friendly faces will be there as well. I have to wear one of the traditional shirts for the wedding which will be pretty cool and i am growing my beard to blend in 
Thanks Johnfm i will certainly keep an eye out for that place!
Do i need a special Visa of any sort? and any other tips/recommendations...
Thanks Johnfm i will certainly keep an eye out for that place!
Do i need a special Visa of any sort? and any other tips/recommendations...
Excellent Stuff, thank you very much for the info!
Only going to be a 5 day blitz for me, but travelling back via Miami, so maybe i need to get a visa sorted...The wedding is at Santa Teresa Charleston Hotel, so i guess i will stay there as well...looks nice enough!
I am only in Bogota for transit and will spend my time in the airport but i will entertain myself i am sure...
Only going to be a 5 day blitz for me, but travelling back via Miami, so maybe i need to get a visa sorted...The wedding is at Santa Teresa Charleston Hotel, so i guess i will stay there as well...looks nice enough!
I am only in Bogota for transit and will spend my time in the airport but i will entertain myself i am sure...
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