Visiting Colombia

Best Boutique Hotels in Cartagena

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Hotel Charleston Santa Clara - Cartagena

With new boutique hotels opening all the time in Cartagena, it's hard to keep track of which are the best of the boutique hotels in the city.

Here are a couple of my favorite boutique hotels in Cartagena:

Casa El Carretero

Hotel Agua

Best Restaurants in Cartagena

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restaurant across our house

Here is a list of what I consider to be the best restaurants in Cartagena. I've eaten at all of them, and they all had great local cuisine, good wine and cocktails, and friendly service.

La Vitrola

La Casa de las Palmas

La Cocina de Soccoro

Weather in Colombia

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And God said, Let there be light: and there was light

Because it is equatorial, the weather in Colombia doesn't vary much with the seasons, so it shouldn't be too much of a deciding factor in when you time your visit to Colombia.

The weather in Colombia on the coast equatorial. That means that the weather is hot and the climate tropical. The rainy season on the Colombian coast runs from May to November, but varies with altitude.

Inland towards Bogota the weather is consistently cool throughout the year. Due to its mountainous location and very high altitude, the weather in Bogota is perennially fresh, with cool days and cold nights.

The best time of year to visit Colombia is from December to March and July to August.

Best Time to Visit Colombia

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Playa de la siete olas

The best time to visit Colombia is December to March as well as July and August. The weather is pleasant during these months, many of Columbia’s festivals take place at this time, and the tourist crowds are relatively low.

From late December to mid-January and from mid-June to mid-July are peak tourist times and are best avoided if you don't like crowds and high prices.

Because it is equatorial, the weather in Colombia doesn't vary much with the seasons, so it shouldn't be too much of a deciding factor in when you time your visit to Colombia.

Is It Safe to Visit Colombia

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Colombia: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Due to the turbulent history of Colombian government forces fighting the rebel movement FARC, Colombia used to be a destination that foreigners were urged to avoid for safety reasons.

Thankfully, the violence and kidnappings that once kept visitors to Colombia at bay are now a such a rarity that most of Colombia is very safe to visit.

People visiting Colombia are still urged to avoid rural mountain areas, but cities like Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin are all safe for visitors. Aside from the petty crime that is common to every city, Colombian cities are safe as for tourism as other international cities.

Over the last few years, Colombian cities and the people living in them have started to feel much safer, and the atmosphere in Bogota and other areas is much more free and less fearful than in the past.

If you are planning on visiting Colombia, don't let safety concerns get in your way. Be smart and do your research before booking your trip, and use common sense when out at night or in less frequented parts of the cities.

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements

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DSC02571

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens: Passport required. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements for Australian Citizens: Passport required. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements for Canadian Citizens: Passport required. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements for New Zealand Passport required. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements for South African Passport required. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

Colombia Visa and Passport Requirements for UK Citizens: Passport required. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.

Note: Requirements are subject to change, so be sure to check the website of your country's embassy or consulate before you travel.

Colombia Currency

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Colombian Currency

The Colombian currency is the Colombian peso (COP) and is often written as COL$ or $.

Each Colombian peso is divided into 100 centavos.

Colombian peso bills come in denominations of 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; and 50,000, and 100,000 pesos.

Colombian peso coins come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos.

The Colombian peso is a free floating currency, which means that it is not pegged to any other country's currency. Check exchange rates when you visit Colombia.

Colombian currency can be obtained upon arrival in Colombia at ATMs throughout the country.

Bogota Time Zone

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Bolivar clock.

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is five hours behind GMT.

The time zone in Bogota is COT, which stands for Colombia Time.

Bogota City Guide

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Bogotá: Iglesia de La Candelaria

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a city great history and rich culture. Visitors to Bogota can expect to be impressed by the city's historic architecture, diversity of activities, and beautiful mountains.

Bogota was founded in 1538 by the Spanish conquistadors. Its history is rich with tales of battles, gold, and cathedrals, and today visitors can take in much of Bogota's history at its museums, churches, and many famous sites.

Bogota is a city surrounded by mountains, and no trip to Bogota is complete without a drive into the hills or a trip up Monserrate by foot or funicular. If you hike, keep in mind that Bogota is at very high altitude, so make sure to bring plenty of water and pace yourself.

Bogota is also known for its restaurants and nightlife. Whether you dine at Andres Carne de Res or stay closer to town at Club Colombia, Bogota has no shortage of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Whatever your pleasure, Bogota can keep you busy for weeks. But if you don't have unlimited time, try to spend at least four days in Bogota to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Top 10 Things to Do in Bogota

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Bogota street

10. Visit the Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar
9. Shop for emeralds
8. Hike or take the cable car or funicular up to Cerro de Monserrate
7. Visit the Bogota Gold Museum (Museo de Oro)
6. Taste local specialties like ajiaco
5. Drink aguardiente (but not too much...remember Bogota is at high altitude!)
4. Drive up into the mountains above Bogota for great views of the city
3. Visit the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira
2. Explore Bogota's old town
1. Have dinner and dance the night away at Andres Carne de Res

101 Park House Hotel Bogota

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Bogotá: Iglesia del Carmen

101 Park House Hotel
Address: Carrera 21 N. 101, 10 Bogota, Colombia
Phone: (57-1) 6000101

The five star 101 Park House hotel in Bogota is one of the best hotels in Bogota. Situated in a residential area of the city, the hotel is in a quiet neighborhood in the north of Bogota.

With an open atrium surrounded by floors of hotel rooms and suites, the lobby area of 101 Park House hotel is home to a lounge, restaurant, and bar that are always busy (but not too busy!) with visitors and business people.

The rooms at 101 Park House hotel are spacious and have all the luxury amenities including flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, a fully stocked mini bar, and toiletries.

Breakfast is included in most room rates at 101 Park House hotel, and it consists of a buffet of fruit, pastries, and hot food as well as cereal and yogurt. Juices, coffees, teas, and milk are all available to drink.

The staff at 101 Park House hotel are friendly and helpful in arranging transportation, restaurant reservations, and activities. The hotel has cars and drivers to take you to all of Bogota's attractions as well as those further afield.

Hotel Agua Cartagena

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casa tipica Cartagena de Indias

Hotel Agua
Address: Calle de Ayos No. 4-29, Centro Historico e Isla Baru, Cartagena
Phone: (5) 6649479

Hotel Agua in Cartagena is a great boutique hotel in the historic center of the walled city of Cartagena. Hotel Agua is situated near the cathedral and amongst the emerald shops in the city and is a great location for exploring Cartagena.

Hotel Agua has a large reception area with a lounge. The high ceilings and oversized furniture lend a colonial feel to the entry area, and the guest rooms on the upper floors are full of all the luxury amenities one would expect from a boutique hotel in Cartagena.

Hotel Agua boasts of a gorgeous rooftop pool and deck area that is perfect for the hot afternoons in Cartagena.

The staff at Hotel Agua are friendly and accommodating, and add all the little touches that makes a stay so memorable.

Club Colombia Restaurant Bogota

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perfecta

Club Colombia Restaurant in Bogota is one of the best restaurants in Bogota. Big, high ceilinged rooms with contemporary decor are packed full of jet setters and well heeled local Colombians dining and drinking good wine, beer, and cocktails.

The menu at Club Colombia restaurant is extensive and includes local Bogota specialties like ajiaco, a great soup that can be eaten as a main course or a starter. The wine list is extensive and there is a special tasting menu that is offered to those that want to sample a bit of everything.

Andres Carne de Res

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Chia--Andres, Carne de Res

Andres Carne de Res is not just a restaruant in Bogota. It's an experience that cannot be missed by anyone visiting the city. Even if you only have one day, Andres Carne de Res should be at the top of your list of things to do in Bogota.

Andres Carne de Res is a restaurant serving up some of the best steak in Bogota. It's also a huge labyrinthine space full of bars, dance floors, and big wooden tables.

The decor at Andres Carne de Res is as cluttered and kitschy as it gets, and even the menu comes in a big box with a jack-in-the-box-like handle that you wind in order to read it.

Food at Andres Carne de Res is mainly steak, but there are enough different options for meat and sides that you could spend weeks there without eating the same thing twice. The wine list at Andres Carne de Res is long and the cocktails are strong, and everyone ends up dancing the night way after they're done eating.

How to get from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

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Colombia: Catedral de Sal, Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral in Bogota is located 25 miles outside of the city in Zipaquira. To get from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral, there are several options:

Trains from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

Trains leave Bogota for the Salt Cathedral in the morning and return in the afternoon, so it's easy to make a day of the excursion by train. From the train station by the Salt Cathedral, you can either walk up the hill or take a taxi to the cathedral.

Taxi from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

It's difficult to find a taxi driver that is willing to drive from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral, so you're best off using a car and driver from your hotel. The journey takes about an hour and the driver will wait for you while you tour the cathedral, then take you back to Bogota.

Bus from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

Buses leave the outskirts of Bogota for the Salt Cathedral, and are a less expensive way to get from the city to the cathedral. The bus is a good way to get from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral if you are on a budget.

Salt Cathedral in Bogota

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Colombia: Catedral de Sal, Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral (Catedral de Sal in Spanish) is an underground cathedral in an old salt mine near Bogota.

Located 25 miles outside of Bogota in the town of Zipaquira, the Salt Cathedral is a must see on any visit to Bogota, religious or otherwise. Getting from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral is easy and can be done by several different modes of transport.

With 14 stations of the cross and a gorgeous altar, the space is breathtaking. Guided tours are available at the Salt Cathedral in Bogota, and are the only way to see the cathedral. They leave consistently throughout the day, so there's no need to book ahead.

The Salt Cathedral offers a small cafe and gift shop inside, and has activities like a climbing wall outdoors. Leave yourself at least two hours to see the whole cathedral.

Cartagena City Guide

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Cartagena: Plaza San Diego

Cartagena is a city of beautiful colors, rich history, and great nighlife. Visitors to Cartagena can expect to be dazzled by Cartagena's beautiful architecture, rich culture, and vibrant energy.

Officially named Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Spanish explorer Pedro de Heredia. Its history is rich with tales of pirate battles, castles, and cathedrals, and today visitors can take in much of Cartagena's history at its museums, churches, castle, and other famous sites.

Cartagena is also a city for walking. Whether its getting lost in the walled city's narrow streets or taking a stroll along the city walls, Cartagena's bright colors and beautiful flowers are in bloom year round.

Cartagena is known around the world for its restaurants and nightlife. Whether you dine at La Vitrola or have a sunset cocktail at Cafe del Mar, Cartagena is bursting with energy every night.

Its proximity to the Islas Rosarios makes diving in Cartagena a great activity for those wanting to get out of the city. Daily dive and snorkel expeditions leave from Cartagena and offer world class coral reefs and marine life sightings to divers.

Whatever your pleasure, Cartagena can keep you busy for weeks. But if you don't have unlimited time, try to spend at least five days in Cartagena to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Best Restaurant in Cartagena

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Puerto del Reloj, Cartagena

La Vitrola Restaurant
Address: Centro Cll 33 #2-01 Calle Baloco, Cartagena
Phone: 664 8243

La Vitrola restaruant is generally accepted as being the best restaurant in Cartagena. Packed nightly with locals and visitors alike, La Vitrola restaurant is famous for both its great Colombian food and its live music.

La Vitrola restaurant gets booked up quickly, so have your hotel call for reservations in advance so you won't be disappointed when you get there.

Top 10 Things to Do in Cartagena

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Cartagena: Iglesia de San Roque

10. Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas on the hill above the walled city in Cartagena
9. Walk along the city walls for great views of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea
8. Tour the Gold Museum to learn about Cartagena's history
7. Take a horse and carriage ride through Cartagena
6. Visit the Modern Art Museum to see the works of some of Cartagena's famous artists
5. Have cocktails at sunset at Cafe del Mar on the city walls
4. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition
3. Wander through the colorful streets in Cartagena's walled city
2. Have dinner at the famous La Vitrola restaurant in Cartagena
1. Go diving in the Islas Rosarios

Best Dive Company in Cartagena

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Islas del Rosario (50)

The best dive company in Cartagena is Dolphin Dive School S.A.. Dolphin Dive School has an office in Cartagena where staff can help you choose a diving or snorkeling excursion in the Rosario Islands. You can also have your hotel arrange your trip with Dolphin Dive School for you.

Daily diving boats leave from the Marina Todomar in Dolphin Dive School's boat and take visitors to the school's island in the Rosarios. Dive gear is piked up there, and groups are taken to various reefs for some of the best diving in the Rosarios.

Dolphin Dive School makes sure that there are ample dive instructors are on hand at each dive to teach beginners and supervise experienced divers and snorkelers.

Lunch is served in Dolphin Dive School's lodge on the island, which also has overnight facilities for visitors who book a multi-day dive excursion with Dolphin Dive School.

Day visitors are taken back on a boat in the late afternoon and arrive in Cartagena in the early evening.

Diving in Cartagena and the Islas Rosarios

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islas rosario aquario 04

The best place for diving in Cartagena is in the Islas Rosarios, or Rosairo Islands off the coast of Colombia. The Islands are a protected wildlife park with great opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

Diving in Cartagena and the Islas Rosarios is famous for its hundreds of species of coral, myriad fish populations, giant crabs, sea turtles, squid, sharks, and other marine life.

Boats leave Cartagena for the Islas Rosarios from the Marina Todomar. Diving companies in Cartagena such as Dolphin Dive School run daily or overnight diving boats to the islands. All diving levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome, as is snorkeling.

Casa El Carretero Cartagena

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Cartagena Colombia

Colombia Reservations: +57 (300) 660 4475
US Reservations: +1 (415) 508 3927
UK Reservations: +44 (0) 20 8144 1785

Located just off the colorful Plaza de la Trinidad in Cartagena's Getsemani district, the hotel Casa El Carretero is one of the best boutique hotels in Cartagena.

With a lounge and kitchen on the ground floor, three guest rooms on the first floor, and a pool and deck on the roof, hotel Casa El Carretero is small enough to feel like a home, but has all the amenities of a luxury hotel.

The staff at hotel Casa El Carretero is warm and friendly, and cooks up great breakfasts of fresh fruit and local specialties. They are happy to make dinner and activity reservations for guests, and are helpful in assisting with plans.

Rooms at Casa El Carretero have large beds and bathrooms, as well as flat-screen televisions, air conditioning and fans, and balconies overlooking the surrounding neighborhood.

Room rates at the hotel Casa El Carretero are US$165 a night for a single and US$265 for a suite. The entire house can be rented for US$595 a night (US$1,000 a night from December 20-January 8).

Hotel Casa de las Palmas Cartagena

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cartagena-doorway-pan12

Hotel Address: Getsemani, Calle de las Palmas No. 25-51, Cartagena, Colombia
Hotel Phone: 6643 630 - 6641 765
Restaurant Address: Calle de la Aguada No. 25-46
Restaurant Phone: 6601 628

Located in Cartagena's up and coming Getsemani district, Hotel Casa de las Palmas is a quiet guesthouse on a residential street in Cartagena's historic walled city.

Hotel Casa de Las Palmas, run by Martha Estrada, is a glorious throwback to old Cartagena. The decor is out of 1950's Havanna and has an intimate feel that makes the visitor feel like they are a million miles from home.

The restaurant at Hotel Casa de las Palmas, with indoor and outdoor seating, is a hidden gem. It is one of the best restaurants in Cartagena but one that only the locals seem to know about. The rice with chicken dish is suberb, and the prices are lower than most others in the city.

La Cocina de Soccoro Restaurant Cartagena

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Cartagena: Iglesia de San Pedro Claver

La Cocina de Soccoro restaurant in Cartagena is one of the city's top restaurants. Serving up great food for 25 years, the restaurant is thriving under the management of Gustavo Ortiz Rodriguez.

Located right across the street from the Centro de Convenciones, Cartagena's Modern convention center, La Cocina de Soccoro serves up traditional Colombian cuisine and great drinks. The rice dishes are particularly flavorful, especially the rice with chicken and the rice with prawns.

La Cocina de Soccoro has two floors and a bar area, and often plays American sports games on the television on the ground floor.

Bogota Meets the World

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Photo title: Bogota - Panoramic from Monserrate I
Link to flickr.

Another great article on Bogota from the New York Times.

Link

A FEW years ago, Macarena — a neighborhood in central Bogotá backed against lush Andean mountains and wedged between office buildings and a bullring — was a run-down area mostly avoided by tourists. Largely thanks to an influx of arty locals and expats chasing cheap rents, though, it’s been cleaned up, nicknamed Zona M, and now hosts a buzzing scene, mostly centered on the side street of Carrera 4A.

This is welcome news for many Bogotanos. A short walk from the busy Centro Internacional, the Macarena is easily accessible to this city of over six million, yet, as locals like to put it, it still lives “like a village.” And if it is a village, it’s certainly a global one.

“The people here have mundo,” said Peter Hoogeveen, a Dutch-born resident who runs Tapas Macarena (Carrera 4A, No. 26-01; 571-243-9004) with his Colombian wife, Maria Pinzón. He says Bogotanos “travel a lot, know a lot, are more open.” Open since November 2007, the restaurant is decorated with racks of wine, stacked watermelons and a hanging jamón Ibérico. It’s not uncommon to see Oxford graduate students, American classical guitarists and local social workers with Che Guevara beards sharing tables and nibbling on skewered beef with Indonesian-style peanut sauce (9,900 pesos, or about $4.70 at 2,100 pesos to the dollar).

That international flavor continues around the corner at Beograd (Calle 26, No. 4-76; 571-283-4866), where Katarina Markovich, a wiry self-described Serbian “war refugee” with curly hair dyed bright red, regularly takes breaks from cooking in her open kitchen to help first-time diners with unfamiliar Serbian dishes like the tasty karadjordje (26,500 pesos), a breaded veal with cream cheese and ham (“named for a great mustached hero,” she explained).

(...continued on NYTimes.com)