Cartagena in Colombia: 26 Do's and Don'ts

Cartagena in Colombia: 26 Do's and Don'ts

Cartagena in Colombia: Even the name has an aura of old world romance; of sweltering days, winding city streets and crumpled treasure maps.

Its charming architecture and interesting history certainly didn't disappoint, but it was a baptism of fire after six months in the Pacific.

We quickly learned that there are two rules for the roads of Colombia. At first, do not offer papaya. Secondly, if papaya is offered, someone must accept it. Of course you don't mean papaya in the literal sense; it is a byword for your valuables.

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It reminds tourists (and locals) not to have a camera slung over their shoulder, a sling bag casually thrown on a chair, a wallet poking out of the top of a pocket. These are the most important lessons, but we learned a few others during our time in Cartagena.

Here is a summary for future visitors.

Cartagena, Colombia: 26 Do's and Don'ts

1. Übernachten Sie im Herzen der Altstadt. Es kann billiger sein, in der Umgebung zu übernachten, aber Sie möchten den Spaziergang nicht nach Einbruch der Dunkelheit machen.
2. Fliegen Sie nicht nach Bogota; fahren Sie direkt nach Cartagena. Mit etwas Glück können Sie die Hauptstadt ganz umgehen.
3. Verirren Sie sich beim Wandern durch das Labyrinth aus gepflasterten Straßen, alten Mauern und Festungen, um die Altstadt aus jeder Perspektive zu sehen.

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1. Erwarten Sie nicht zu viel vom Old Fort. Es gibt großartige Ausblicke auf die Stadt, aber nur wenige verfügbare Informationen über ihre Geschichte.

2. Watch the sunset with a mojito at Café del Mar. It's touristy but also very pretty.

3. Don't go to the Convento de la Popa. The winding road up is unsafe, so take a taxi.

4. Visit Getsenami - it is darker than the old town but still has its charm.

5. Don't venture out of the Old Town after dark - always take a taxi. We became complacent and got into trouble.

6. Haggle with the taxi drivers. Assume that the first price they quote you is twice the actual price.

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1. Vergeuden Sie keinen Tag am deprimierenden und ziemlich räudigen Touristenstrand von Bocagrande; Machen Sie stattdessen einen Tagesausflug zu den Islas del Rosario und Playa Blanca.

2. Watch some street performances in one of the many squares.

3. Don't spend your entire food budget at the overpriced pizzerias. There's plenty of delicious street food for a fraction of the price.

4. Sit on a bench or stand with a cold drink and people watch.

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1. Füttern Sie die Tauben nicht, es sei denn, Sie sind froh, sie bei sich zu haben!

2. Before you visit, see Romancing the Stone - if only for Michael Douglas' ridiculous all-white ensemble.

3. Don't expect to see crocodiles in the city.

4. Take the time to visit the Jardin Botanico de Guillermo Piñeres botanical garden, a perfect place for a break.

5. Don't embarrass yourself on the dance floor before taking a few salsa lessons at crazysalsa.net.

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1. Besuchen Sie die Catedral, die 1575 von Sir Francis Drake teilweise zerstört wurde. Diese lästigen Briten, ey?

2. Don't take the cheesy Chiva bus - you're better than that!

3. Visit some of the museums: The Palacio de la Inquisición (Inquisition Palace) is where the Spanish Inquisition tortured, judged and tried men accused of crimes against religion. For the less sadistic, there is the free and air-conditioned Museo de Oro (Gold Museum).

4. Look up as you walk around. The architecture is simply breathtaking.

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1. Vergessen Sie nicht, Ihre Dollars in Pesos umzutauschen, bevor Sie in ein Taxi steigen. Sie erhöhen den Preis um das Vierfache, wenn Sie in Dollar bezahlen möchten.

2. Look for the classic shot of shirtless men playing dominoes in Gethsemane.

3. Try counting the Fernando Botero statues of fat naked people.

4. Expect your bus trip from Cartagena to be “eventful.” We haven't had it easy in Colombia yet!

Lonely Planet South America contains a comprehensive travel guide to Cartagena, Colombia, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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