The Ultimate Guide to Cartagena: Is It Safe to Visit?

Ever since the popular Netflix show “Narcos” featured Cartagena in its storylines, people have been flocking to the Colombian city of Cartagena in droves. But before booking a ticket, many travelers have a key question they want answered: “Is Cartagena safe to visit?” This is a great question and one we believe should be answered thoroughly. In this guide, we will provide the full scoop on the general safety of both the city and neighboring towns, as well as the best ways to make your trip as secure as possible.

Overview of Safety in Cartagena

Simply put, Cartagena is a safe destination for tourists. That being said, there can be some areas which are less safe for travelers if safety precautions are not taken. Located in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena welcomes more than two million tourists a year both from within Colombia and from abroad to take in its culture and stunning colonial architecture.Cartagena is protected by hardened security and military presence which has contributed to the general decline in crime and the city’s habitually secure atmosphere. High-tech surveillance systems have been set up throughout the city to assist in its safety. There has been a steady decline of violent crime over the last several decades, with reports of murder and robberies slowly but surely reducing since 2000. However, it is important to note that there are still several areas (mostly on the outskirts of the city and by the Caribbean Sea) that have seen an uptick in criminal activity. Drug trafficking is still prevalent in certain areas, however most of this activity remains confined away from the city center.

Tips for Staying Safe During Your Trip to Cartagena

Cartagena may be safer than it was even just five years ago, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take certain precautions to help ensure your safety while visiting. Here are some tips to consider when visiting:

• Book Accommodations with Security: Choose a hotel where security is taken seriously and keys are required for entry into hotels and guest rooms. Some places also have 24-hour security at the entrance.
• Carry Money Sensibly: When going out, only take small amounts of cash, preferably just in the local currency. Leave the majority of currency, travel cards and credit cards safely stored away out of sight.
• Be Observant: In crowded areas or tourist hotspots be aware of your surroundings, staying alert for any suspicious persons or actions. Try not to wear expensive jewelry such as watches or necklaces.
• Keep a Low Profile: Avoid drawning attention to yourself by being overly flashy or looking like lost tourist. Instead, blend in as much as you can.
• Arrange Travel through Reputable Companies: Avoid overpriced taxis or modes of transportation to get around. Instead opt for familiar companies such as Uber or pre-arranged tourist transport.

Is It Safe to Visit Cartagena’s Tourist Areas?

The most frequented areas of city tend to be much safer than other less traveled parts. Shopping areas such as San Diego, Calle de la Media Luna, La Matuna, Getsemani and Calle del Consulado are all heavily monitored by both police and security cameras which are in place to increase security for tourists. Additionally, all buses in the area operate from 6 am – 8 pm daily to prevent travelers from visiting certain dangerous areas late at night or during nightfall. It is important that you abide by these safety regulations so that you do not put yourself in harm’s way.

Recommended Tourist Areas To Visit

In terms of tourist attractions, visitors to Cartagena have endless possibilities when exploring the city. Here are some spots which we highly recommend seeing:

• The Walled City: One of the most popular parts of Cartgagena and a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with stunning Spanish colonial architecture.
• The Caribbean Coast: A stunning stretch of coastline perfect for relaxing at the beach or going sailing.
• Museo de La India Catalina : A great museum dedicated to sharing the history and culture of Cartagena’s indigenous population.
• Bocagrande : This beachside neighborhood is where you find some of Cartegena’s best restaurants and trendy linger spots.
• Castillo San Felipe de Barajas : One final UNESCO world heritage site located in Cartegena, this historic castle is a great spot to capture sweeping views of the city.

Bottom Line

Overall, Cartagena (and surrounding areas) is a safe destination for tourists with proper security protocols and regulations in place to ensure its visitors safety. While there are certain areas you should avoid—especially late at night or after dark—the majority of tourist spots are heavily monitored and quite secure. Moreover, you can take steps yourself to ensure your safety, such as following our tips for staying safe or traveling through reputable companies. Ultimately, we believe that travelers should not let safety concerns prevent them from exploring Cartagena and its surroundings wonders—just remember to utilize caution and common sense practices when out and about!