Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia on a Day in Port
Table Of Content
Reinado Nacional de Belleza (Nov) The national beauty pageant celebrates Cartagena’s independence day. Miss Colombia, the beauty queen, is elected on November 11, the high point of the event. The fiesta, which includes street dancing, music, and fancy-dress parades, strikes up several days before the pageant and the city goes wild. The event, also known as the Carnaval de Cartagena or Fiestas del 11 de Noviembre, is the city’s most important annual bash. The Bocagrande and El Laguito districts have good shops, and the city's largest shopping mall is the Centro Comercial Pierino Gallo.
Catamaran tour
Cartagena’s food scene is known for its mix of flavors, from seaside fish to locally grown beef. In Colombia, street food is a must-try experience, whether you’re sipping fresh fruit juice or eating a hot, delicious arepa. Another staple of the Colombian culinary scene is the empanada, perfect for a quick snack. Ceviche, a dish made from raw and cooked fish, is a popular street food. If you’d prefer an upscale dining experience, head to the famous Cafe del Mar for drinks, La Cevicheria for paella and seafood specials, or El Burlador Gastrobar for tapas and cocktails.
For cruise passengers
Another popular shopping spot is the Dungeons, where you’ll find plenty of tourist souvenirs to bring back home. If you’re interested in jewelry, diamonds, or luxury watches, check out Cruise Shop Save for expert advice on where to shop for these items in Cartagena. Our extensive guide provides all essential information, from terminal details and transport options to local attractions, ensuring your time ashore is nothing short of adventurous. The Port is around 4km (2,5 miles) from the entrance of the Old Walled Town and the taxi ride shouldn't take more than 15 minutes.
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No matter what cruise ship I’m on, if there’s anything that resembles the nightlife tour, I’m buying it. On city highlight tours, survey the buses to be used and look for the one with the least passengers. Usually this is the last bus in the row, as most people tend to board the buses that are closest to the ship. I’m not advocating for women to wander the streets of any foreign city alone. Even though I’m not a fan of group excursions, I will take a shore tour if I don’t feel comfortable or if I want to visit an out of the way point of interest.
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Navigating through Cartagena is made easy and convenient with the various transportation options at the cruise port. Shuttle bus services operate round-the-clock, providing a fast and efficient way to get you where you want. Once outside, on a large parking lot, the cruise traveler will find officially licensed Taxi drivers and some independent tour operator offering their services. Taxi fares are displayed in small blue signs (US$20 for a single ride to the Old Town; $25 for a 1-hour tour; et cetera).
Shopping In Cartagena – Colombia
Looking for a comprehensive guide to the Cartagena Cruise Port in Colombia? This bustling port in the Manga neighborhood is just 2.5 miles from the city’s charming Old Town. The Port handles annually ~1400 vessels, ~3 million TEU containers, ~7,2 million tons of cargo.
Cruise Terminal Information
Although some crew members choose to walk, it is not advisable to cross the neighborhood of the port on foot. There isn't really much to see as this is a residential area of working people. On a taxi ride, you will see a couple of interesting landmarks. The main terminal building is a large air-conditioned space. It is placed so that all passengers will have to go through the Terminal to exit the port.
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The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Cartagena Colombia. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. Sometimes there is also a catamaran tour offered in the port. It costs 30 dollars and it gives you a quick tour of the town.
Cruise Port Spotlight: Cartagena, Colombia – Orlando Sentinel - Orlando Sentinel
Cruise Port Spotlight: Cartagena, Colombia – Orlando Sentinel.
Posted: Thu, 25 Feb 2016 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Cartagena Cruise Port is located in the Manga neighborhood, a vibrant area brimming with life and culture. Nestled at P.ยบ Alfonso XII, 8, the terminal strategically sits within a convenient range of vital amenities. Columbia's principal port (and the country's largest by annual shipping volumes) is Buenaventura. Cartagena de Indias is a major port city in Colombia and also one of the country's oldest settlements.
On the northern side of the square, a fortified wall with a clock tower marks the entrance to Old City. The large square in between these landmarks is known as Paseo Camellon de los Martires and pays homage to those that died for the Independence of Cartagena. Right outside the gangway, the cruise traveler will find a small Tourist Information Kiosk but, be aware, it is only open for the first couple of hours after the ship docks.
To distinguish it from its native city, 'de las Indias' was added to the toponym. The days when the Port was a major Gold and Slave trade center are long gone. The prices in Colombia are marked with a dollar sign, so be sure to remember that the prices you see are in pesos.
Cartagena is a city of castles and walls, where historic sights like the Walled City and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas provide a glimpse into the city’s founding in the 16th century. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. Secured Parking is available across the terminal at $12.00 a day (subject to change). If you want something a bit more upscale, this restaurant will fit the bill.
The city's 17th century walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is large, so if you want to see some of the more distinctive sites, it would be best to book an excursion. Overall my favorite part of this port terminal was the birds. I am such a bird nerd that I was in awe that there were Scarlet Macaws, Toucans, and other parrots within a couple of inches from me.
Many people want to know if you can walk from the cruise terminal to the old town. Your walk will take between minutes through a suburb of Cartagena and remember that is it hot and humid! We highly recommend transportation like a shore excursion or taxi.
Find the catamaran right next to the flamingo garden at the cruise terminal. Cartagena's amazing display of impeccably restored buildings of historical significance and beauty are a delight. Cruise travelers shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit and enjoy the walled city of Cartagena de las Indias - a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take extra precautions at night by sticking to well-lit streets and avoiding isolated areas. If you’re taking taxis, only use registered ones and negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. Immerse yourself in the regional specialties and enjoy a memorable culinary experience during your Cartagena Cruise Port Guide visit.
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