In Cartagena, the historic center is best explored on foot. Official yellow taxis are plentiful; always ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Didi operate. For the Rosario Islands, organized boat tours or private lanchas (speedboats) depart from the Muelle de la Bodeguita. Local buses (colectivos) connect cities and towns but can be crowded. Renting a car is an option for exploring inland, but driving in Cartagena is chaotic. For Mompox, the most scenic route is a combination of road and river boat.
December to April is the dry season, offering sunny days with minimal rainfall, ideal for beach visits and city exploration. However, this is peak tourist season, especially during the Christmas/New Year period and the Cartagena International Film Festival (March). The months of June and July also see less rain. Avoid the rainy season (May-November, peaking Oct-Nov) for heavy downpours and high humidity, though prices are lower.
Dress is generally casual but modest when visiting churches (cover shoulders and knees). Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants if service charge isn't included, small change for porters and taxi drivers. The pace of life is relaxed—'mañana' attitude is common. Greet people with a friendly 'buenos días/tardes.' Engage in local festivals like the Independence celebrations in November. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in fixed-price stores. Respect is paramount in interactions.
Cartagena's walled city and tourist areas are generally safe, but be vigilant against pickpocketing and bag-snatching, especially in crowded markets and on beaches. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Use only official taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Exercise increased caution in some suburban neighborhoods of Cartagena and when traveling to very remote rural areas. Common scams include overcharging taxis, fake tour guides, and street games designed to distract and rob. Keep valuables in hotel safes and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Medical facilities in Cartagena are good, with several modern private hospitals (e.g., Hospital Universitario de Cartagena, Clínica de la Costa). In rural areas, services are limited. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, especially for travel to rural and jungle areas. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for visits to low-lying rural zones outside major cities. Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are present; use insect repellent. Drink only bottled or purified water. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are widely available in cities.
