Planning first trip to Cartagena. Need advice on:
1. Best area to stay
2. Daily budget
3. Safety concerns
4. Online vs in person?
5. Duration - thinking 12 days
Tips appreciated.
Cartagena first timer tips
Started by LiverpoolLee · 26 Feb 2026 · 596 views
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26 Feb 2026 at 22:09
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28 Feb 2026 at 14:12
100% agree. The atmosphere is hard to beat.
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Location: Minneapolis, MN
1 Mar 2026 at 09:36
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
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3 Mar 2026 at 05:30
Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were higher when I went. Maybe timing matters.
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3 Mar 2026 at 18:13
Did you use the local sites or find girls at clubs?
Portland, OR | 20 countries visited
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5 Mar 2026 at 12:15
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
Melbourne, Australia | 23 countries visited
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6 Mar 2026 at 05:15
Did you use an agency or find girls at clubs?
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7 Mar 2026 at 16:44
How does it compare to the Philippines?
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Location: Dublin, Ireland
9 Mar 2026 at 11:49
Can confirm. Was there 2 weeks ago and everything checks out.
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Location: Buffalo, NY
10 Mar 2026 at 18:30
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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11 Mar 2026 at 03:02
Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.
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12 Mar 2026 at 01:17
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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12 Mar 2026 at 19:53
Not sure I agree about that area. I found downtown to be better value.
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14 Mar 2026 at 16:06
Not sure I agree about that area. I found a different part to be better value.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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15 Mar 2026 at 15:58
Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.
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Location: Chicago, IL
17 Mar 2026 at 12:29
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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18 Mar 2026 at 21:45
Not sure I agree about that area. I found a different part to be better value.
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Location: Montreal, Canada
19 Mar 2026 at 02:54
I'd also recommend downloading Google Translate before you go. Essential.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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19 Mar 2026 at 18:00
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
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21 Mar 2026 at 08:46
I'd rate it similarly. Solid 8/10 destination.
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