I’m in Cartagena for Christmas 2024. This is my second visit here. The people are wonderful. The city is fantastic. The vibe is chill. I will be back again.
I went in late July. The food was awesome! The street art was dope! I stayed in Getsamani. I liked the city, very affordable, but I don't think I'll go back because it was too hot for me, and that kind of discomfort can ruin a trip. But if you're into hot, tropical places, then Cartagena is a must visit!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, @adolfobeteta4565! It sounds like you had an incredible time exploring Getsemaní, enjoying the food, and soaking in the vibrant street art of Cartagena. I can understand how the heat could be a challenge-tropical destinations aren't for everyone! Was there a particular dish or piece of street art that stood out to you? I'd love to hear more! Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more travel content and check out our other videos for more destination inspiration. 😊
Obviously a paradise if you're an American or European with dollars and stay on the west side of the city (Walled City, Getsemani, Bocagrande, Crespo, Manga). It's just mostly a slum if you go past the Cerro de La Popa towards the east. I know because I live here.
What an amazing video and journey. I had never known about Cartagena and you have inspired me to visit this amazing city in Colombia. You have really captured the spirit of the city. The nightlife looks great, the architecture, and the history all have a unique feel to it. I can't wait to visit.
You will have an amazing time. Cartagena is a truly unique and beautiful destination. Let me know if you have any questions at all and thanks for watching.
Hmmmm? must have missed it in your video - NO Cafe del Mar visit; amazing sunsets, great Chill music, good rum, lots of people enjoying the evening outdoors at the outer sea edge of the walled city. Oh and the nice beaches in Bocagrande? Still very nice intro to Cartagena....
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you've enjoyed the video. Caratgena truly is an amazingly beautiful and unique city. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
Wow I am here in Cartagena and your description and advice is dead on. I am a single white male visiting for my first time. I have meet many life companions already in the short visit here in Cartagena.
When I first went to Cartagena in 2001 (I visited a number of times in the same year) the first thing I would do is circle Plaza Bolivar until the vendors gave up on selling me anything. Then I would sit in the shadow of the statue of Simón Bolivar and read a chapter of the history of Colombia. If you are in any city of Colombia, even if you have no map or knowledge of the city, you can meet up with somebody by saying meet me at the statue of Simón Bolivar in Bolivar Plaza but remember there may be other statues of Simón in other plazas. The one thing I regret about the passage time is the changes in the barrio of Getsemaní. For literally centuries it was a lower middle class neighborhood and so it was when I first visited, a bustling neighborhood where you could find cheap food even by Colombian standard and watch Colombians going about their business as they had since Colonial times. My first visit after returning it was beautifully "restored" but completely sterile. The spirit of the barrio is gone. It's not entirely sad because it's the result of the relative peace established in the wake of decades of civil war and the era of Pablo Escobar. C'est la vie. Things change, but it's a little sad in itself and a reminder that a city is more than its buildings. I just wish we could learn to how to renovate a neighborhood without removing the people.
Thank you for your thorough reflection on Cartagena and its evolution over time. This kind of info and engagement helps others learn more about the places we visit and their unique histories. Thanks for watching.
Great video. Cartagena is HOT! 🥵 It is crowded and loud and the vendors are relentless. I am not sure those things came through clearly in your video. And if you get away from the tourist areas, it can be very dangerous. Having said those things, I love it and highly recommend it. Just arrive prepared and stay woke!
A sulm or a paradise? Probably both. If anyone is planning on visiting Cartagena, I rent a 50mts2 room right in front of the Castillogrande beach (the room has a view directly towards the beach and you literally just cross the street and are at the most beautiful and calm beach in the city). This is an independent business I run with my mom, and we also make local food for our customers. It all costs a fraction of the price you'd get for a place and service like this else where. If anyone is interested in reservations, DM me. This is absolutely the paradise side of the city.
Thanks for sharing, @divagaciones1628! Cartagena truly is a city of contrasts, offering both challenges and incredible beauty. Your rental near Castillogrande Beach sounds like a fantastic option for visitors-it’s hard to beat a beachfront view and homemade local food! Have you had any memorable experiences hosting travelers in Cartagena? Let me know! And don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and check out more videos for insights into amazing destinations like this.
SLUM - super polluted - constant smell mix of pollution and sewage, a lot of sketchy people, security concerns in particular after dark (which is early) but during the day also, agressive vendors and overall poor quality of gastronomy and all the services Ps. When i heard "Arent destinations like this the reason we travel?" or "food is amazing" i bursted loughing tbh 😂😢
Did you get attacked in Cartagena, by the hat salesmen, who plop a hat on your head, it looks 2nd hand store used, then they expect you to buy the hat, even though you can't understand what they are saying. I thought they were giving hats away. when I was in cartagena. I get out of very tiny cramped van, when I was on a cruise. The guy plops a straw hat on my head, which looks very used. The person I was with told me he wants money, which Im not sure how he got that out of the mans jumbled jibberish. I hand the hat back to the guy. He puts it on my head again, accosting my head, several more times, after I told him I didn't want to the hat. The person I was with, finally told me to just move along, which it was hard getting away from them all crowded around the van.
Thanks for sharing your experience, @PremiumRoseStar. Street vendors in Cartagena can be very persistent, especially in tourist-heavy areas, which can definitely feel overwhelming. It’s always best to be polite but firm and move on quickly, as you did. Despite moments like this, the city has so much to offer with its history, food, and beautiful sights. Was there anything about Cartagena that stood out in a positive way during your trip? Let me know! Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and check out other videos for more travel tips and insights.
Also, you mentioned its cheap to visit here. I wonder what the cost of living is, specifically in the walled city. And do you think this would be a cheap and interesting place to retire to?
It sucks. No prices of a street food, restaurants, cheap hotels, city transit, tours, etc. Not everyone wants to take a $100. hotel or the most expensive sea food restaurant in the city which you recommend. Get sober.
@@ProjectGaiaTravel 5% Paradise, 95% slum. Not a place I want to visit again. You get sick of the street vendors, the smell of dog and human shit, the sewage running on the streets, the garbage everywhere. Once you are there, take your photos and selfies and escape as soon as possible.
@@lav7407 I am a native from Colombia and i was born in a town 4 hours away from cartagena, i can confirm it's a filthy city and if you wanted to live like the average Colombian here you would get mugged and robbed XD
Blacks were enslaved by blacks and sold to certain European countries and Muslim Arabs. Thise blacks and Arabs dont feel guilt.Gwt off your guilt trip Yankee.
I'm sorry but I'm not into graffiti all over walls you might think it's beautiful but I don't and I'm an artist. I saw some of it was pretty nice but I also saw a lot of graffiti. 🤔
Actually you're trying to make it sound better than it is. You should just admit that there's a tremendous amount of crime and poverty and probably gangs. It's very dangerous in Central and South America and Mexico😢
I’m in Cartagena for Christmas 2024. This is my second visit here. The people are wonderful. The city is fantastic. The vibe is chill. I will be back again.
I went in late July. The food was awesome! The street art was dope! I stayed in Getsamani. I liked the city, very affordable, but I don't think I'll go back because it was too hot for me, and that kind of discomfort can ruin a trip. But if you're into hot, tropical places, then Cartagena is a must visit!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, @adolfobeteta4565! It sounds like you had an incredible time exploring Getsemaní, enjoying the food, and soaking in the vibrant street art of Cartagena. I can understand how the heat could be a challenge-tropical destinations aren't for everyone! Was there a particular dish or piece of street art that stood out to you? I'd love to hear more! Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more travel content and check out our other videos for more destination inspiration. 😊
Obviously a paradise if you're an American or European with dollars and stay on the west side of the city (Walled City, Getsemani, Bocagrande, Crespo, Manga). It's just mostly a slum if you go past the Cerro de La Popa towards the east. I know because I live here.
Thanks for the info and for watching. Yes tourism areas tend to be clustered and things can change quickly once leaving the city center.
What an amazing video and journey. I had never known about Cartagena and you have inspired me to visit this amazing city in Colombia. You have really captured the spirit of the city. The nightlife looks great, the architecture, and the history all have a unique feel to it. I can't wait to visit.
You should! And glad you enjoyed the video.
Am here enjoying the moment with you brother waiting for you to visit our small island jamaica 🇯🇲
I love Jamaica and I'm interested to see when JP visits here.
I’m due to visit in November and after watching this can’t wait xx
You will have an amazing time. Cartagena is a truly unique and beautiful destination. Let me know if you have any questions at all and thanks for watching.
You did a outstanding vlog today for sure keep going an growing road to 50k subbi
I don't know how this guy doesn't have over 100k subs yet. Cheering for him.
@josecordova6647 it will happen him just need to keep pushing
I have lived in Cartagena most of my life and yeah, this is a really good guide for anyone visiting here❤️
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the video and thanks for watching. Please subscribe for more tours across the world.
Nice tour!
I'm glad you've enjoyed the video tour and thanks for watching. Please subscribe if you haven't already for more tours across the world.
What a great, in depth video!
Glad you liked it! Please let me know if you have any questions at all and please subscribe for more videos throughout the world. Thanks for watching.
Hmmmm? must have missed it in your video - NO Cafe del Mar visit; amazing sunsets, great Chill music, good rum, lots of people enjoying the evening outdoors at the outer sea edge of the walled city. Oh and the nice beaches in Bocagrande? Still very nice intro to Cartagena....
They closed cafe del mar
Your reflection on the Getsemani neighborhood was truly moving. Sorry for all the comments I just loved this video.
Thanks and don't apologize I love the engagement from fans. It truly is a unique and beautiful neighborhood in Cartagena.
cartagenean here
Excellent video 🎉
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you've enjoyed the video. Caratgena truly is an amazingly beautiful and unique city. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
@@ProjectGaiaTravel Will do. Thank you so much for the reply!
Great documentary
Thanks for watching. Cartagena is a truly unique and beautiful destination. Please let me know if you have any questions at all.
Wow I am here in Cartagena and your description and advice is dead on. I am a single white male visiting for my first time. I have meet many life companions already in the short visit here in Cartagena.
How much did they charge?
@@hejiranyc😂
When I first went to Cartagena in 2001 (I visited a number of times in the same year) the first thing I would do is circle Plaza Bolivar until the vendors gave up on selling me anything. Then I would sit in the shadow of the statue of Simón Bolivar and read a chapter of the history of Colombia. If you are in any city of Colombia, even if you have no map or knowledge of the city, you can meet up with somebody by saying meet me at the statue of Simón Bolivar in Bolivar Plaza but remember there may be other statues of Simón in other plazas. The one thing I regret about the passage time is the changes in the barrio of Getsemaní. For literally centuries it was a lower middle class neighborhood and so it was when I first visited, a bustling neighborhood where you could find cheap food even by Colombian standard and watch Colombians going about their business as they had since Colonial times. My first visit after returning it was beautifully "restored" but completely sterile. The spirit of the barrio is gone. It's not entirely sad because it's the result of the relative peace established in the wake of decades of civil war and the era of Pablo Escobar. C'est la vie. Things change, but it's a little sad in itself and a reminder that a city is more than its buildings. I just wish we could learn to how to renovate a neighborhood without removing the people.
Thank you for your thorough reflection on Cartagena and its evolution over time. This kind of info and engagement helps others learn more about the places we visit and their unique histories. Thanks for watching.
Are emeralds still a thing there? I know at one point it was a huge business.
Great video. Cartagena is HOT! 🥵 It is crowded and loud and the vendors are relentless. I am not sure those things came through clearly in your video. And if you get away from the tourist areas, it can be very dangerous. Having said those things, I love it and highly recommend it. Just arrive prepared and stay woke!
A sulm or a paradise? Probably both.
If anyone is planning on visiting Cartagena, I rent a 50mts2 room right in front of the Castillogrande beach (the room has a view directly towards the beach and you literally just cross the street and are at the most beautiful and calm beach in the city).
This is an independent business I run with my mom, and we also make local food for our customers. It all costs a fraction of the price you'd get for a place and service like this else where. If anyone is interested in reservations, DM me. This is absolutely the paradise side of the city.
Thanks for sharing, @divagaciones1628! Cartagena truly is a city of contrasts, offering both challenges and incredible beauty. Your rental near Castillogrande Beach sounds like a fantastic option for visitors-it’s hard to beat a beachfront view and homemade local food! Have you had any memorable experiences hosting travelers in Cartagena? Let me know! And don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and check out more videos for insights into amazing destinations like this.
SLUM - super polluted - constant smell mix of pollution and sewage, a lot of sketchy people, security concerns in particular after dark (which is early) but during the day also, agressive vendors and overall poor quality of gastronomy and all the services
Ps. When i heard "Arent destinations like this the reason we travel?" or "food is amazing" i bursted loughing tbh 😂😢
Did you get attacked in Cartagena, by the hat salesmen, who plop a hat on your head, it looks 2nd hand store used, then they expect you to buy the hat, even though you can't understand what they are saying. I thought they were giving hats away. when I was in cartagena. I get out of very tiny cramped van, when I was on a cruise. The guy plops a straw hat on my head, which looks very used. The person I was with told me he wants money, which Im not sure how he got that out of the mans jumbled jibberish. I hand the hat back to the guy. He puts it on my head again, accosting my head, several more times, after I told him I didn't want to the hat. The person I was with, finally told me to just move along, which it was hard getting away from them all crowded around the van.
Thanks for sharing your experience, @PremiumRoseStar. Street vendors in Cartagena can be very persistent, especially in tourist-heavy areas, which can definitely feel overwhelming. It’s always best to be polite but firm and move on quickly, as you did. Despite moments like this, the city has so much to offer with its history, food, and beautiful sights. Was there anything about Cartagena that stood out in a positive way during your trip? Let me know! Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and check out other videos for more travel tips and insights.
What time of the year did you visit Cartagena? I'm curious when the best time to visit are...
This was filmed in late January and was a balmy 80-90 degrees. Its equatorial so it stays hot most of the time.
Also, you mentioned its cheap to visit here. I wonder what the cost of living is, specifically in the walled city. And do you think this would be a cheap and interesting place to retire to?
Most likely I would retire here in a heartbeat.
It sucks. No prices of a street food, restaurants, cheap hotels, city transit, tours, etc. Not everyone wants to take a $100. hotel or the most expensive sea food restaurant in the city which you recommend. Get sober.
The rest of the country is much cheaper
So I am currently here I respect the architecture it’s very uncomfortably hot 🥵 if one is 51 and going through menopause 😝
Haha it was hot for a man in his 30s so I couldn't imagine. Thanks for watching.
Also, go to a private island 🏝️ NOT the public beach.
Slum or Paradise? Both.
Yes that's what makes it so interesting of a destination. Thanks for watching and please subscribe for more video tours across the world.
@@ProjectGaiaTravel 5% Paradise, 95% slum. Not a place I want to visit again. You get sick of the street vendors, the smell of dog and human shit, the sewage running on the streets, the garbage everywhere. Once you are there, take your photos and selfies and escape as soon as possible.
@@lav7407 I am a native from Colombia and i was born in a town 4 hours away from cartagena, i can confirm it's a filthy city and if you wanted to live like the average Colombian here you would get mugged and robbed XD
Some people might like Hard Rock Cafe😂😂😂
lol its easy and predictable i guess.
Its good for the locals lol
Sadly slaves were probably forced to build those walls and probably a lot of those structures😢
yes true probably, the city has a very interesting past and usually older cities have a dark or violent past.
Blacks were enslaved by blacks and sold to certain European countries and Muslim Arabs. Thise blacks and Arabs dont feel guilt.Gwt off your guilt trip Yankee.
I'm sorry but I'm not into graffiti all over walls you might think it's beautiful but I don't and I'm an artist. I saw some of it was pretty nice but I also saw a lot of graffiti. 🤔
Really? I think it's pretty cool. Not the ones that are gang related and all over the walls, but the street art is amazingly beautiful.
@@josecordova6647 I'm old school I'm more into traditional paintings
Actually you're trying to make it sound better than it is. You should just admit that there's a tremendous amount of crime and poverty and probably gangs. It's very dangerous in Central and South America and Mexico😢
he mentioned its not for novice travelers. I think if you watch your back- you may be surprised what these off the beaten path cities have to offer.
Jeff, do you travel? If so where?
No Thanks 😂😂😂
I go for the sick and twisted stuff