Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America

Cartagena, Colombia.

Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich.

Let's start with the setting.
Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You can pick up a free map at your hostel or a tourist stand.

Inside the walls, you'll find cobblestone streets, cannons facing the sea, and church courtyards like San Pedro Claver, where you can sit in the shade and people-watch.

For sunset, head to the top of the wall near Café del Mar — it's a magical view of the Caribbean, and you'll see locals and travelers gathered for that golden glow.

I stayed in the Getsemaní neighborhood, at Viajero Hostel, a lively, social spot just outside the walled city. It had a tiny rooftop pool — perfect for cooling off in Cartagena's humidity — and a friendly mix of travelers.

My room was simple, a six-bed dorm, stuffy and windowless, but safe and well-located. The price? About $17 a night — great value for budget-minded travelers.

Getsemaní itself is known for its street art and music. Don't miss Calle de la Sierpe, where colorful murals tell stories of resistance and community. The nightlife here is vibrant — karaoke, fireworks, and salsa music spill into the streets. But if you're not a night owl, bring earplugs and enjoy it from a distance.

One day, I took a day trip to Playa Tranquila on Barú Island, about an hour and a half from the city. It started rough — a confusing pickup process, language barriers, and a lot of waiting around, like for two hours. I felt a bit like a piece of furniture being moved from one driver to another.

Eventually, things smoothed out. I met some friendly couples from Mexico and Colombia. The weather turned rainy, and we all got soaked, but when the sun came out, it was worth it.

At Playa Tranquila, the water was calm, the food was fresh — fish, rice, salad, and plantains — and the atmosphere was relaxed. Swimming and snorkeling were okay, though there wasn't much to see underwater. It was a stormy day. Still, it was a lovely escape from the busy city.

Note: Some beaches, such as Bocagrande, are crowded and urban in nature. For a quieter experience, try Castillo Grande or take a guided tour to the nearby fishing villages, such as La Boquilla.

For safety, a few quick reminders:

• Take taxis or ride-shares — don't walk alone at night.

• Avoid hiking solo — especially to places like La Popa Monastery, where you should always take a cab.

• Stay hydrated and take breaks indoors during midday heat.
  
  

And remember, Cartagena can feel intense — lots of vendors, noise, and attention — but also warm, welcoming, and full of life.

In the end, Cartagena taught me, Dr. Travelbest, patience, flexibility, and how to stay cool — literally and figuratively.
Would I go again? Maybe, but next time I'd choose my tours more carefully and build in more downtime.

It's hot, touristy, but authentically Caribbean, and for solo women, it's a destination that builds confidence one humid, colorful day at a time.

Tips:

• Safety: Cartagena is one of Colombia's safest cities for tourists, but it's recommended to stay in well-lit areas and use registered taxis or Uber. For solo senior women, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night and to stay in well-reviewed accommodations.
  
  

• Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle; it's very humid.
  
  

• Money: Use small bills; many shops prefer cash (Colombian pesos).
  
  

• Language: Basic Spanish helps, but most tour operators and hotel staff speak English.
  
  

• Pacing: Afternoon breaks indoors (12–3 pm) are ideal — locals rest during the heat.

 Smart Move and Slip-up pairings

Bring the address of the place you are staying. I got lost in Cartagena and did not have the exact address of my hostel. I knew better, but thought I wouldn't need it. I was mistaken. It would have saved me a lot of stress to have the photo of the address on my phone, rather than what I actually had, which was very little. Having the address on a piece of paper is a smart move. On the other hand, a slip-up would be not having a backup plan if your phone runs out of battery or loses signal.

 

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