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Is Cartagena, Colombia a Safe City to Visit? A Cartagena Safety Guide

La Carta - Cartagena Culture & Tourism > Popular > Is Cartagena, Colombia a Safe City to Visit? A Cartagena Safety Guide
Published: September 18, 2024 | Last Updated: September 23, 2024
Written By:
Miguel
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Edited By:
bgy3x
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Last updated:
Is Cartagena, Colombia a safe city to visit?
Is Cartagena, Colombia a safe city to visit?

Alright!  Welcome my friend!  I made this article particularly for my western compatriots.  As I was born in the great white north, and also lived 15 years in the sunshine state, I thoroughly understand your concerns about travelling abroad to a developing nation.   I’m here to abrasively lay down everything to you about the safety in Cartagena, Colombia.  I will not sugarcoat anything but present to you the facts about everything you need to know and watch out for in Cartagena from my personal experiences, and stories from friends, after living here for the past 4 years .

While the city has made strides in security, there remain some concerns, such as petty theft, scams, sketchy neighbourhoods that travellers should be aware of.  In this article ill be your little guardian angel with my top concern solely on making sure you stay completely safe while staying here in Cartagena.

If you decide not listen to me, and not follow the article I laid out for you, or worse! Listen to some passerby kumbaya world traveller, rather than a realist western local, thats on you.

With that said, lets begin!

So is Cartagena a Safe City to Visit?

It is the safest city of all of Colombia.  This is primarily due to the fact that it is the most visited city of all of Colombia with over 3,000,000 tourists a year , with that said however, like every big touristic city you should still take precaution. The city heavily relies economically on tourism and the government understands this so there is an increased police presence and focus on tourist-friendly areas to make it a welcoming destination.

As someone who deals with the hustle bustle of the Cartagena streets and explores every crevice of the neighbourhoods of Cartagena on the daily, I can say that Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, especially when compared to other cities in Colombia.

It is important to know which neighbourhoods are safe and which are not.  However please always be vigilant, aware and cautious when travelling to any unknown new city.  Even in the safest neighbourhoods in Cartagena, Colombia or anywhere around the world bad things can happen if you are not cautious.

It is wise to know of some of Colombians customs, as well as being aware of some well know documented scams every local knows of, to avoid it happening to you.  Some of these guys are really creative with their scams so below I will go over the safest neighbourhoods and common known scams to avoid.

While Cartagena is relatively safe for tourists, it’s still crucial to be cautious. It’s best to avoid less crowded areas at night. That often includes sticking to well-lit streets and avoiding showing valuables in public spaces. (Honestly you shouldn’t be bringing valuables at all.)

Tips for Staying Safe:

  • Stick to tourist zones.
  • Use reliable transportation.
  • Keep copies of important documents.
  • Don’t carry too much cash on you.
  • Have travellers insurance for belongings
  • Zipped Pockets & Bags.

Keep these points in mind and Cartagena will be safer and enjoyable.  Let’s take a look at the luxury & sketchy neighbourhoods of Cartagena, Colombia.

What are the Safest Neighbourhoods in Cartagena, Colombia?

In Cartagena, safety varies by neighbourhood.  Rule of thumb, for all neighbourhoods in Cartagena, Colombia the higher the estrato the higher the safety.  Higher estratos are usually the richer neighbourhoods. (1-6 grading scale, 6 being best.)  Some areas offer peace of mind for travellers, while others require a bit more caution. Here’s my simplified neighbourhood breakdown into 3  tiers for you to give you a better idea of where to stay. (All of them are safe, some more than others though.)

Tier 1 Neighbourhoods: Nothing to Worry About

El Centro (Historic Center):

The most beautiful place to stay in all of Cartagena.  Take a time travel trip back to the 1500’s.  This place is very safe day & night and heavily guarded with police.  However just be vigilant if your out past 3AM.  I’ve had all nighters in el centro and you will be fine, just don’t be hanging around the the sketchy characters around that time, use common sense.

Bocagrande:

In Bocagrande, you’ll find many hotels, shops, and restaurants. It’s a commercial hub that stays busy day and night.  You just have to deal with many street vendors here so be vigilant for scams from them.

Castillo Grande:

This is the second richest & most luxurious neighbourhood in Cartagena, you will most likely be staying in 1970’s style homes or modern sky high condos.  Great beach and very safe day and night.

 

Tier 2 Neighbourhoods: Still Safe but not tier 1

Cabrero:

Not in the historic walled city but a stones throw away.  It will take a 5-10 minute walk to get into el centro.  Very safe area and in front of the beach.

El Laguito:

his area is safe, however it is known to everyone as the party area.  So very noisy and a lot of tourism.  You really have to watch out here more for drunk tourists.

Getsemani:

Very safe area however it is very lively here at night, which is actually a good thing but more prone for you to potentially encounter bad actors at night.  The good things is that there is so many people here I really wouldn’t worry.  It is known for being the art hispter backpacker area of Cartagena so you will find many hostels.

 

Tier 3: Safe but Be Vigilant

Manga:

This neighbourhood is very hustle bustle, it is a very local Cartagena neighbourhood.  If you want to fell real Cartagena, this is where it’s at.  Although this area is safe I stay here all the time I have seen many small business robberies on the news.

Marbella: So I actually live and own a condo here with my family.  It is very developed and modern and next to the beach, however it is next to Torices, a neighbourhood undergoing massive gentrification separated by a little canal where there is still unfortunately a lot of poverty.

Crespo:

Like Manga this area during the day is another very local neighbourhood, this is where the airport is where you will get off.  however at night here it get’s a little less busy and too tranquil for my liking.

Zona Norte:

This neighbourhood is very far away from the action.  It is not advisable to be catching late night cabs or ubers to be going back somewhere far away. Although this is an area where a lot of undeveloped land is being developed it is a far too quite for my liking if you know what I mean.

Dangerous Neighbourhoods in Cartagena to Avoid

There are certain neighborhoods of Cartagena that I’d advise visitors to avoid.  The most dangerous neighbourhoods of Cartagena are El Paraiso, Sector La Magdalena, La Maria, Olaya and El Pozon.  Do not let anyone take you there.  Also the Castillo San Philippe & statue of India Catalina great during the day, but I wouldn’t be walking around there at night as they are around lower estrato neighbourhoods.

To make things easier just stay in these neighbourhoods at all times:

  1. Castillo Grande
  2. Boca grande
  3. El Laguito
  4. El Centro (Historic Walled City)
  5. Manga
  6. Cabrero
  7. Crespo
  8. Marbella
  9. Zona Norte

For the astute looking for bargain stay prices, you can also stay at Torices for an economical stay, however I would not recommend walking here at night, AT ALL.  I almost got jumped in this area jogging during the day.  Luckily, they thought I was part of the navy with my navy attire.

I also would avoid walking in these areas at night:

  1. Crespo
  2. Marbella
  3. Zona Norte
  4. Torices

Do not let anyone convince you to take you anywhere during the day or night if they are not in the areas I listed above, unless your going to see Castillo San Philippe or the Islas del Rosario/Baru.

Be vigilant in the night at all times but especially in the 4 areas I mentioned above.  Better yet, please bookmark or screenshot my list, copy paste in a list on your phone for future references when speaking to guides, taxis, or new friends about neighbourhoods someone mentions to travel to.

Are the Islas del rosario/Baru safe?

Yes, especially for the day.  Typically if your going for a day trip you will be back before 4PM when the currents start getting strong.  The only danger may be in the 40 minute boat rides but the crews are always professional and have been depended on doing boating for a livelihood for years.  Just don’t be coming back on a boat you rented privately after 4PM this is not advisable due to strong currents!

If your staying at a resort at the Islas del Rosario or Baru it will be very safe and luxurious so nothing to worry about. However, please note the more busy, or economical beaches for day trips, you will be dealing with  a lot more people which probability wise, means you may encounter a bad vendor.  See my tips below on dealing with Cartagena vendors below.   Also I have heard stories of the cheap hostel beach houses or small cabana over nighters, of petty theft between guests or employees.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

You will now be an expert on seeing any potential Cartagena scam a mile ahead thanks to my personal and friends experiences.

Knowing these tricks can help keep your travel experience safe and enjoyable.

Dealing with Cartagena Street Vendors

With the benefit of Cartagena becoming a worldwide touristic hub, it as of lately has seen the rise of many street vendors. The majority of these street vendors are friendly but the majority of them can be very persistant.  I’ve seen the cultural disconnect and frustration of tourists when they don’t speak the language.

Here’s what I recommend:

Always ask for the price when shopping or browsing do not accept anything for free from vendors as they will try and bill you an unreasonable price for something you didn’t even ask for or want.  If you don’t speak Spanish some of these astute vendors have the audacity to cause a big show in front of everyone and even call the police to put you in the situation of the offender.   Leading you to eventually have to bargain with them for a lower price for something you didn’t even want.  I’ve had to help some tourists more than once 😬.   This happens a lot with the girls offering massages on the beaches!  I recommend you take a look at our Gringo to Spanish guide to brush up on some basic phrases for your trip.

If vendors keep approaching you on the streets when you do not want to be approached always be happy and smiling and kindly say “no gracias” you may have to repeat more than once but always keep a calm head with them please.

I also suggest keeping some change or low bill amounts for beggars or street performers on a daily basis especially when walking in El Centro (Cartagena Historic Center).

Chilean Package

This involves exchanging money.  The vendor will count your money your exchanging out in front of you so you see it, then put it in a tapped up or not so easy to open envelope only for you to realize later the money they put in envelope is less than what you were supposed to receive.   I do not recommend you exchanging money with anyone randomly on the streets.  Take a look at the best currency exchanges/ ATMS of Cartagena to exchange money for your trip.

Friendly Drinks

Be cautious if a stranger offers you a drink.  If you accept a drink, it’s always from a sealed bottle.  Avoid leaving drinks unattended. Unfortunately, drink spiking can happen. Keeping an eye on your beverage ensures that you don’t become an easy target.  This will only really happen if you are out late partying.

Tinder Swindlers

Although more common in Medellin than in Cartagena, young men are usually the planned target of this scam.  Although it can happen to women, typically it is touristic men who fall for this.

When you match someone on Tinder they will go out on a date with you then spike your drink, only to have a petty gang pick you up in another vehicle, rob you, then dump you in the middle of nowhere.  Or, they will convince you to invite them to your place with another girlfriend because “they are scarred and don’t know you”.  Once they arrive, they seduce and drug you with Scopolamine.  Only to wake up later to a robbed apartment.

How to avoid:

I have been on many Tinder dates in Cartagena (more then I am proud to admit) and this is not to deter you on dating in Cartagena but to bring it to your attention.  Here’s what I always do.  If the girl looks like a escort (tattoos, piercings) just avoid.  Never let your dates pick the place to go to, always set the place yourself in a touristic place.  If they ask to bring a friend (although some religious girls do ask this) better to always say no.

Taxi Upcharges

This is most likely the most common scam along with the beach thefts in Cartagena.  Taxis will try and charge you more than what a honest fair rate costs.  Always ask the taxis drivers how much a taxi ride costs before accepting or take an uber which display rates on app, however Uber drivers will always ask you sit in the front as ride shares are illegal. You should download our Cartagena Travel Guide to get all the Taxi rates around town and avoid ever being gringo charged.

Beach Robberies & Pickpockets

This has personally happened to my friends personally twice while we were at the beach, as well as my poor mother in the 90’s….! You leave your stuff on the beach then go for a swim only to find everything stolen.  To avoid this bring as littler as possible to the beach, I never bring anything except a little cash and sandals.  I know this is easier for a nomad then it is family so if your a family or must bring your whole gear to the beach make sure someone is always on patrol watching your stuff.

Pickpockets happen a lot too, and the the pickpockets are very well disguised.  One time, I was with a friend who had her phone hanging out of her backpack, I noticed a man with a baby and his wife trying to steal the phone.  When I surprisingly snatched it out of his hand he played the martyr as if he he was warning us to watch out for other pick pocketer’s who would do the same…yeah sure buddy.

House Cleaning

When you leave your hotel make sure you take account on the inventory very well on how you left things, or better yet lock up your things in a safe lock if the hotel provides or keep your personal travel belongings tidy when leaving.

Is Cartagena, Colombia Safe for Families?

Yes, Cartagena is safe for families. I have never in my time in Cartagena heard of any case of touristic families ever having an issue with safety in Cartagena.  However please note the common scams section of the article to be vigilant of losing more money then necessary.

Families usually spend there time solely in Boca Grande, Getsemani, El Centro, & the las islas del Rosario, I find that popular tourist areas, like the ones mentioned, are typically well-patrolled by police.

You will also be fine staying in the list mentioned previously above just stick to my advice.

Tips for Families

  • Stay in pedestrian-friendly areas.
  • Keep belongings secure & zipped.
  • Plan activities during daylight.

With these precautions, I believe families can have a safe and enjoyable visit.

 

Is Cartagena, Colombia Safe for Females?

Overall I would say yes Cartagena is safe for females.  If you follow everything I mentioned from above about staying in the right neighbourhoods, avoiding the scams mentioned, it is safe.

Although I cannot speak from personal experience on this my female friends a big issue they do deal with Cartagena is cat calling.  The men tend to holler a lot at the women but they are not aggressive or vulgar from what they mentioned.  They’ve mentioned compared to other cities not just in Colombia but worldwide they do not feel threatened at all in Cartagena.  They tend to have more issues with men travelling to Cartagena then locals.

 

General Tourist Safety Tips for Cartagena

When traveling to Cartagena, it’s important to be mindful of transportation safety, watchful while walking around, and cautious when transacting with money. Keeping these areas in focus can help ensure a safer trip.

Transportation Safety Advice

I always recommend using registered taxi services or official ride-share apps when moving around Cartagena. These services offer better accountability and safety compared to flagging down random cabs. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your trip if you opt for a taxi.

Public buses are available, but they can be crowded and confusing for non-locals. I’d advise sticking to more reliable transport options, especially at night.

For those who prefer cycling, I’d only reccommened biking in Boca Grande, Castillo Grande, El Laguito, area. Bike tours with a guide can be a safe way to explore the city and avoid risky areas. Safety first!

Walking Around

While exploring charming streets, I suggest staying within well-populated tourist areas. These regions are generally safer and well-patrolled by police. It’s also wise to travel in groups, especially after dark. During the day, wearing comfortable shoes can make your walks more enjoyable.

Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can happen, so I keep valuables close and avoid flaunting expensive items. A crossbody bag with zippers can be a good choice for storing essentials. As well as zippered pockets. When visiting markets, usually assertiveness will deter pickpockets.

Being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your personal items can go a long way in ensuring your safety.

Transacting with Money

In Cartagena, many places accept credit and debit cards, but cash is still widely used. I recommend using ATMs located inside Exito, or Carulla or shopping centers like Plaza Boca Grande, el Nau, or Mall Plaza to withdraw money, as they are generally more secure. Also, it’s best to avoid withdrawing large amounts at once to minimize risk.

When paying with cash, I usually keep smaller bills on hand to avoid flashing large amounts. I also don’t travel around the city in my wallet around with a lot of cash. Monitoring accounts regularly helps spot any unauthorized transactions.

Lastly, currency exchange should be done at reputable places to avoid counterfeit notes. It’s important to be cautious and prioritize your financial safety while enjoying your trip.  Check out the best ATMS/ Currency exchanges in Cartagena.

 

Emergency Services and Support in Cartagena

When visiting Cartagena, having access to reliable emergency services is important. In case of emergencies, anyone in Cartagena can dial 911. This number connects directly to emergency operators who can coordinate police, ambulance, or fire services.

Check Out the Cartagena Touristic Services

I find that Cartagena’s medical facilities include several reputable hospitals and clinics.  Medical tourism is big here.  From personal experience medical care is better here than in Canada, on par in some fields with United States.  The service is fast but you will have to pay.  It’s always wise for me to have travel insurance which covers medical emergencies.

Important Numbers:

  • Police: 911
  • Ambulance/Fire Services: 911
  • Tourist Help: +57 (605) 655 0211

These services aim to provide tourists with a sense of security. I recommend travelers note these numbers down. Having a local SIM card can make contacting these services easier.

I have seen that many hotels and accommodations in the city offer additional safety advice and assistance. They can also connect you with local guides or support services if needed. This adds another layer of support during travel.

It’s not uncommon for travelers like me to carry a list of nearby hospitals and pharmacies. This can be essential in the event I need quick medical or logistical support.

Remembering basic safety measures, such as staying in well-lit areas and keeping valuables secure, is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I address common concerns about safety while visiting Cartagena. From understanding local areas to drinking water safety, I aim to provide helpful insights based on current information.

What are estratos?

In Colombia, “estratos” refer to a socioeconomic classification used to determine utility rates and other public services. Cartagena’s neighbourhoods vary in wealth, often indicated by their estrato level, ranging from 1 (low income) to 6 (high income).  All the mentioned neighbourhoods in this article were 5-6 Estratos.

Is it safe to drink Cartagena water?

Drink bottled or filtered water in Cartagena. Do not drink the tap water, do not drink juices on the street, slushies, even street seafood unless reputable.

What happens if I get robbed?

If you are getting robbed let the thief take what he wants, DO NOT ASSUME the thief has no weapon.  Many deaths have arrived to men when little kids rob them thinking they can fight them off only to realize at the cost of their life they had weapons.  If you get robbed you can go to police but please do not expect getting anything back or them following through with your report.  Your stuff is gone, buy it again when you get home.

I always carry expired ID, a debit card with low balance, and never wear watches, chains, or anything flashy just for insurance.

What measures can families take to ensure their safety while visiting Cartagena?

Families should stay in reputable accommodations and keep to well-lit, populated areas. It’s a good idea to avoid displaying valuables openly and to use registered taxis or ride-sharing services. Knowing emergency numbers is also important.

Are there areas in Cartagena that should be avoided, especially at night?

Yes, some areas are best avoided, particularly after dark. Neighborhoods like the outskirts of Bocagrande or near the bus terminal can be riskier. Staying in tourist-friendly areas such as the walled city and Getsemani is often recommended.

How safe is Cartagena for tourists today?

Cartagena is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any city, vigilance is important. Petty crime is more common in crowded areas, so keeping an eye on belongings is wise. Current advisories suggest staying informed and cautious.

Can tourists rely on safety maps for navigating Cartagena?

We cannot attest to others safety maps but our safety map is one we update every year and is something we pride on ourselves on.  Check it out here.

What about the Colombian Cartels?

I’d be more afraid of the police trying to rob me then the cartel in Cartagena.  Cartel violence around Colombia has really diminished under the presidency of Uribe, and Santos.  Although still prevalent, drug wars do not happen openly in Cartagena.

How does the safety of Cartagena compare to that of Medellin for tourists?

Both cities have their unique challenges and safer areas. Cartagena is known for tourist-friendly zones but can experience petty theft. Medellin has improved safety over the years but still requires awareness. Comparing both cities, staying informed and cautious is key in either destination.

About the Author

I have been living in Cartagena since 2019. Cartagena has over 3 Million tourists a year and since 2019 I have decided to start living here. I started a Airbnb Management company in 2019 & La Carta in 2022. Since then I have been dedicated to tourism & everything Cartagena.
No Facebook profile available for this author.

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