is cartagena really worth it? a messy reality check
so here's the deal with cartagena. i showed up expecting this perfect instagram dream-colorful streets, endless mojitos, maybe a few pirates. instead, i got a city that's both magical and kinda frustrating, depending on where you're standing.
first off, the weather. imagine walking through a sauna that someone spilled perfume in. it's hot. like, "i regret wearing pants" hot. but then you get those golden hour breezes off the caribbean and suddenly you remember why people come here.
let me break down some real numbers because i know you wanna know if your wallet survives this place:
| Expense | Local Peso (COP) | USD Approx |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Rent (Centro) | 2,500,000-3,500,000 | $650-$900 |
| Meal at Local Spot | 25,000-50,000 | $6-12 |
| Beer at Bar | 8,000-15,000 | $2-3.50 |
| Taxi Ride (Short) | 8,000-12,000 | $2-3 |
overheard from a local barista: "everyone thinks we're living in paradise, but try finding a decent job that pays in dollars. the tourism money doesn't trickle down like you'd think."
speaking of jobs, if you're a digital nomad hoping to "live the dream" here, heads up: internet can be sketchy in the old town. i learned this the hard way during a client call when my connection dropped mid-sentence. nearby cities like medellín and bogotá have way better infrastructure if that's your main gig.
but let's talk about what cartagena nails. the street art scene? chef's kiss. wander through getsemaní and you'll see murals that tell stories deeper than any guidebook. and the food-don't even get me started. i ate arepas so good i considered moving here permanently (then remembered the humidity).
pro tips from someone who made every mistake so you don't have to:
- carry small bills. nobody has change, ever.
- learn basic spanish unless you enjoy playing charades for water.
- the beaches in bocagrande are fine, but take a day trip to playa blanca. it's worth the boat ride.
- sunset from the city walls? non-negotiable. go early, bring a beer, thank me later.
random overheard gossip at a salsa club: "that new rooftop bar? overpriced and the drinks are weak. go to cafe del mar instead, but get there before 6pm unless you like standing."
the nightlife here is either sleepy or packed, depending on the night. weekends bring out everyone-tourists, locals, and the occasional stray dog who's clearly there for the music. i danced until my legs gave up, then ate empanadas at 3am like a champion.
so is cartagena overrated? kinda. it's not the flawless paradise social media sells, but it's got this raw, unfiltered charm that grows on you. the kind of place where you complain about the heat, then miss it when you're gone.
if you're coming here, come for the colors, the chaos, and the stories you'll tell later. just maybe don't plan on getting much work done-unless your job involves drinking fresh juice and people-watching, in which case, welcome home.
check out more local tips on tripadvisor find hidden gems on reddit's r/cartagena read more about safety on lonely planet
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