cartagena tourist dead

Two Dutch tourists die of possible food poisoning in baffling Cartagena mystery

Colombian authorities have released little information about the events that set everyone on edge in the historic caribbean seaport.

The young woman lay lifeless on the hospital gurney. Her partner, a man of the same age, would die a few hours later. The doctors who treated them were instructed to sanitize themselves well. “We don’t know what we’re dealing with,” said the head physician. The August deaths of the two Dutch vacationers in their 30s remains a mystery. Both earned good salaries — one at JP Morgan, the other at Procter & Gamble — and shared a sense of adventure. Colombian authorities have not released the autopsy results and have not offered any explanations for their deaths. Nienke Bawa, who liked interior design, and Bob Kootte, a financier with slicked-back hair, are gone and no one know why.

Speculation is rampant in this Caribbean city, Colombia’s number one tourist destination, but the authorities have said little to dispel anxiety about the unexplained deaths. Online publication Traveling Lifestyle noted the deaths of the Dutch tourists in an article, “Is it safe to travel to Colombia right now?”

“They [the Dutch tourists] didn’t come here. And even if they did, everyone else ate the same food. So why did only two die? I’ve asked God and the Virgin Mary to tell me what happened,” said Edilma Marimón, who has been serving food in Cartagena’s Bazurto market for more than 40 years. The market is a maze of stalls with fresh fish and other food on display, producing an overwhelming combination of aromas. She says there are fewer customers once word got around that the two Dutch tourists visited the market the day before they died. Authorities have retraced the steps of Bawa and Kootte, and are focusing on three places they visited. The market is one of them, but they are also scrutinizing The Rum Box restaurant, owned by the son of Cartagena’s mayor. Shortly after the deaths were revealed, several hotheads stood outside the restaurant shouting “murderers” at the staff.

Nienke Bawa made the dinner reservation for two at The Rum Box, and then sent a last-minute WhatsApp message changing the reservation to four diners for a table on the second floor. The restaurant owner, Abraham Dau, says their meal began at 8:30 pm with several shared appetizers and six cocktails. Bob ordered fish, while Nienke ordered a pork dish. The other couple ordered fish.

The restaurant’s security cameras recorded the entire dinner, as well as their departure at 11:10 pm. Bob, tall and blond, walks calmly out of the restaurant with his hands clasped behind his back. They all say goodbye to the staff as they walk out the door, and then chat for a moment out on the street. They disappear around a corner, perhaps heading for the historic city center.

“The biggest mystery is that the other couple disappeared,” says the cab driver as looks at me in the rearview mirror. No one seems to know anything about this other couple. Some rumors say they were located and interviewed by investigators on Baru Island, south of Cartagena, but local prosecutors and police will neither confirm nor deny this. There is an uncomfortable veil of secrecy about everything surrounding the case. “I’m not authorized to speak [about the case],” said one of the investigators apologetically.

The next day Bawa and Kootte show symptoms of poisoning, and spend the day in their room at the Casa del Coliseo hotel, the third location under scrutiny by investigators. The boutique hotel is a tastefully restored mansion with large, stately rooms and balconies overlooking the bustling streets of downtown Cartagena. There’s a rooftop swimming pool sheltered from view. No one wants to talk about the deaths at the hotel, and there only a few guests having breakfast. A lawyer for the hotel issued a statement saying that the investigation at the hotel “did not yield any clues as to the cause of death.” The statement also notes that the hotel only serves a standard breakfast, and no other guests reported any problems.

The couple got sicker as the day went on, and were transferred in the late afternoon to the Medihelp clinic. Bawa died that night, and Kootte died the next morning. An investigation was launched, and the bodies were repatriated a few days later.

The investigators first went to The Rum Box. They checked the food and beverages, and took samples. They analyzed the security camera videos and requested to see invoices from all of the restaurant’s suppliers. Abraham Dau does not understand why the investigation is taking so long, and says that it has affected his business, although every table on the second floor was occupied when we visited. “We were mortified,” said Dau, who insists that no one got sick from the many meals they served that night. He believes that some of the accusations against his restaurant are politically motivated because he’s the mayor’s son. “I’m an introvert and this experience has been traumatic. I’m used to being criticized, but I built this business with my own sweat and blood.”

Nothing much has changed for the three places at the center of the police investigation. The restaurant was only closed on the first day so as not to hinder the investigation. There is nothing but serene silence at the hotel. And in the market, vendors are still selling lobsters stacked high on trays and rice from huge pots, although any mention of “the Dutch couple” causes a stir.

Gina Marimón adamantly says that no one has ever gotten sick from eating at their place, and threatens to retaliate if anyone accuses them of anything. “We’re going organize a protest march and demand that the other couple appear in public to tell everyone what the two dead ones ate.”

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Two dutch tourists die of suspected food poisoning in colombia.

A 31-year old man and a 29-year-old woman from Amsterdam have died of suspected food poisoning in Colombia, the foreign affairs ministry has confirmed to the AD .

A spokesman for the ministry told the paper the Colombian authorities are assuming the two succumbed to food poisoning just days after arriving in the coastal town of Cartagena, but police are still investigating what happened.

The couple arrived at a hostel at the weekend. Two days later they complained of serious stomach problems and were taken to a local clinic where they were found to be in shock, with high blood pressure and intestinal problems. The woman died later the same day, followed by the man the next morning.

‘The care at our clinic was fully focused on helping them, but their situation quickly deteriorated,’ medical director Javier Hernández told a Columbian radio station.

The Dutch honorary consul is in contact with relatives of the deceased whose bodies will be brought back to the Netherlands as quickly as possible, the AD reported.

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Colombian authorities investigating Dutch couple's mysterious death

The authorities in Colombia are investigating the deaths of two Dutch tourists. The couple died earlier this week after going to a hospital with stomach aches. They had been staying in the Colombian city of Cartagena.

Colombian media identified the tourists as a 29-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man. The couple arrived in Cartagena over the weekend and were staying at a hostel, Infobae reported. On Monday, they went to a doctor for medicine for stomach aches. A few hours later, they were admitted to the Medihelp Clinic in the city.

The woman died on Monday night and the man on Tuesday morning. According to Parool , the local authorities suspect food poisoning but will do autopsies on their bodies to determine the cause of death.

Javier Hernandez, a doctor at the clinic, told a local radio station that the clinic gave the Dutch tourists the best possible care, but their condition deteriorated quickly.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to NU.nl that a 29-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man from Amsterdam died in Colombia. The Ministry informed their family and will support them where needed.

Update: Body of man killed during robbery in Colombia arrives in Chattanooga, family says

by AC Barker

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — UPDATE (November 2nd):

Family members confirm to us that the body of Gregory Stewart Owens is now back in Chattanooga.

That's 2 weeks after he was gunned down in the streets of Cartagena during a robbery.

We continue to work to learn more details about what happened, and the arduous process Owens' family went through to get this situation resolved.

Depend on us to keep you posted.

A family is mourning the loss of a 59-year-old Chattanooga man who was shot and killed during a robbery last week in Colombia.

Now, they are learning that the process of getting his body back to where it belongs is an incredibly difficult process.

Takia Owens told us on Tuesday that her father, Gregory Stewart Owens, was celebrating his birthday the day he was killed.

Local news outlets report Owens was in Cartagena near the center of town on October 19th, when 2 thieves attacked him.

One report quotes police as saying the criminals tried to strip Owens of all his belongings, particularly a gold chain he wore around his neck.

Security cameras show Owens "resisted with all his strength," according to the report, and started to run away.

The robbers then opened fire, hitting Owens in the head and the chest. He died a few hours later at a nearby hospital.

So far, police have made no arrest, but investigators have reportedly found one of the motorcycles involved in the theft.

Another report says

After the death of the American citizen, the mayor of Cartagena, William Dau, expressed his condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. Likewise, he convened an extraordinary security council and expressed his willingness to support the Police and the Prosecutor’s Office in the necessary actions to clarify this homicide.

In a Facebook post , Takia Owens says

On Thursday, October 19th my (our) daddy was taken away from me (us). It was his birthday and he didn’t deserve what happened to him. He just wanted to enjoy his birthday trip like he always does.... He always encouraged me, pushed me to be my best self, taught me how to be strong, how to love, be kind to otherseverything. Anytime I needed him he was on that highway with no question. I’m hurt. I’m angry.

Takia Owens also says her dad loved to travel and " going on new adventures ," and " as much as I wish he hadn’t gone, I know there was no way I would have ever been able to talk him out of it ."

We reached out to the U.S. State Department. A spokesman told us via email,

We can confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in Cartagena, Colombia. Out of respect for the privacy of the family, we have no further comment at this time.

When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Department provides all appropriate consular assistance to the family and friends. Depending on the situation, this can include attempting to locate and inform the next-of-kin of the death, providing information on local burial or the return of the remains to the United States, assisting the legal representative with questions concerning the disposition of the U.S. citizen’s personal effects and/or estate, and preparation of a Consular Report of Death of a U.S. citizen Abroad.

We're working to learn more about what options Owens' family has, and how exactly they'll get his body back home.

This is a developing story and will be updated as we learn more.

U.S. tourists in Colombia caught in new wave of kidnappings

MEDELLÍN, Colombia — The local detectives pointed to the spot in the grass near a creek where the body was found. Eh Xiong walked toward it, listening to the water flowing, thinking about the final moments before his brother’s death.

Xiong, 56, had traveled from his home in Minnesota to Medellín in late December to try to understand what had happened to his brother, a 50-year-old U.S. citizen and well-known Hmong comedian and activist. Tou Ger Xiong was held for ransom, stabbed and beaten, and then thrown off a cliff. His corpse was found on Dec. 11 in one of the most dangerous areas of Medellín.

The grieving brother had come to this creek to perform a traditional Hmong ritual to liberate a deceased person’s spirit. He burned incense and gold paper as he said a prayer.

“I venture here today to this tranquil spot … where you took your last breaths of fresh air,” he whispered. “Regrettably, I stand here now, realizing I wasn’t by your side sooner.”

Last week, police arrested and charged four people in the kidnapping and killing of Tou Ger. His was one of at least eight “suspicious deaths” of U.S. citizens in November and December in Medellín, a popular destination for tourists visiting Colombia. The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá said the incidents seemed unrelated, but several involved similar circumstances.

“Criminals use dating apps to lure victims to meet in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and then later assault and rob them,” the embassy warned in a statement. “Numerous U.S. citizens in Colombia have been drugged, robbed, and even killed by their Colombian dates.”

“Let’s be clear: Medellín is a safe city,” said William Vivas, a public human rights defender in Medellín. “But as the number of tourists goes up, so does the number of certain phenomena around tourism.”

Tourism here has grown steadily since the 2016 signing of peace accords with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, also known as the FARC. The country began promoting areas that were previously too dangerous to visit, and foreign visitors quickly poured in. The government has also offered new “digital nomad” visas to encourage Americans and other foreigners to live in the country.

The revival of Colombia’s kidnapping industry

Colombia was once infamous for its kidnapping industry. The FARC, then the country’s largest leftist rebel group, used the tactic to earn revenue and gain political advantage. Between 1996 and 2006, 23,144 people were kidnapped by the FARC and other criminal organizations, according to Colombia’s national police — an average of 5.7 people per day.

But public outcry, together with the creation of specialized anti-kidnapping entities, helped reduce kidnappings by 92 percent by 2013, according to the country’s then-police chief. As the FARC fighters laid down their weapons and signed the peace agreement, many Colombians hoped that kidnappings would remain a part of the past.

Now, though, as other armed groups have gained more control in places where the FARC withdrew, kidnappings have risen again. Last year, the number of people kidnapped soared to 287, police figures show, a figure the country hadn’t seen since 2014.

Pablo Escobar’s personal photographer confronts the drug lord’s complicated legacy

One of the most high-profile recent kidnappings was of the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Díaz , who was held hostage for more than a week by the ELN guerrilla group.

Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, said armed criminal groups in Colombia are extorting protection “taxes” from families and businesses as a way to diversify their moneymaking portfolios and instill fear in the community. Sometimes these groups kidnap relatives and hold them hostage until the extortion is paid.

Last month, in a bid to advance peace talks with the government of President Gustavo Petro, the ELN announced it would no longer hold people for ransom — as long as the government funds projects that offer alternative sources of income.

Even in urban settings, kidnappings are not happening randomly, Dickinson said. Often, they are part of an organized network of control, as urban criminal groups aim to recruit more members and generate more income.

“These sorts of events disproportionately affect the perception of security that citizens have because it’s a practice that Colombia had thought it had moved beyond,” Dickinson said, “but clearly it’s come back.”

The case of Tou Ger Xiong

Tou Ger Xiong came to Colombia as a tourist at the end of November and rented an apartment in El Poblado, one of the most popular neighborhoods for foreigners in Medellín.

Back in the Twin Cities area, host to the largest Hmong population in the United States, he was a celebrity, a performer who used comedy, storytelling and rap to confront stereotypes and forge connections. He told audiences about how his father fought with U.S.-backed forces during the Vietnam War, how his family had to flee Laos because of that association and how he learned to navigate American culture while holding on to his heritage.

An enthusiastic traveler, Tou Ger had visited Colombia a half dozen times. On this trip, he told his brother, he planned to study trade and the stock market in the mornings and spend afternoons with friends. He was also learning Spanish.

On Dec. 10, at 7:15 p.m., Eh had just boarded a plane in Seattle when he saw his younger brother’s name appear on the screen of his cellphone. “Can you send me a couple thousand dollars?” Tou Ger asked. “I’m in a bit of a situation, but everything’s okay.”

This was not the first time he had asked his brother to wire money, so the request didn’t strike Eh as odd. Tou Ger asked for the money through PayPal, but Eh didn’t use the platform, so Tou Ger gave him a bank account number instead. The plane took off while the transaction was pending.

On the morning of Dec. 11, Tou Ger’s roommate saw his empty bed and filed a missing-person report. Then, an anonymous call alerted police to a body by the creek.

The prosecutor’s office reconstructed that he had been tied up and tortured in an apartment before being taken to a wooded area and thrown off the cliff. He had stab wounds on his chest and face, and his cranium had been crushed with a rock.

One of the four arrested in the killing was 19-year-old Sharit Gisela Mejía. It turned out that Tou Ger had made another call that evening to ask for money. In that exchange, with a friend in Minnesota, he said he was being held against his will. His friend sent $3,140 by PayPal. Investigators traced the recipient account to Mejía.

Investigators say they believe Tou Ger and Mejía may have met each other online. They had gone to a Karol G concert at the beginning of December — they can be seen together in a video. And they were together on Dec. 10, too, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Prosecutors say they believe Mejía had been dating Tou Ger with the goal of stealing money. But when her boyfriend found out, he became jealous, prosecutors allege.

The boyfriend, a 17-year-old being held as a minor, pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder charges. Mejía pleaded not guilty, as did two other men: a 34-year-old law student and a 24-year-old who belongs to a criminal group that runs a drug business in the neighborhood, authorities said. The men had both previously been convicted of drug trafficking.

Tou Ger didn’t mention a potential date to his roommate before leaving the apartment.

“He just said, ‘Maybe I won’t come home tonight,’” said his roommate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns. “He was too good and trusted everybody. I told him to be cautious in Colombia.”

Weeks later, Eh traveled to Colombia and met with the prosecutor in charge of the investigation. He made arrangements to send his brother’s body back to Minnesota, and he carried out the ritual to bid farewell to his brother’s spirit.

According to Hmong custom, the ceremony must take place in the exact location where a person died. Standing at a distance were police officers, a small entourage from Minnesota and Tou Ger’s roommate — the last of his acquaintances to see him alive.

Once the brief ceremony was over, a friend stepped forward with a bag containing cigars, a bottle of whisky, a candle and purple flowers for the late Vikings fan.

“When we hung out, Tou Ger would pop up a cigar, have some whisky and say, ‘Just do one with me,’” Eh said.

So at the creek that day, Eh lit a cigar, poured himself a glass of whisky and splashed some on the ground for his brother.

Samantha Schmidt in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

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Two tourists killed and 16 injured after massive wave capsizes boat

Twenty-two passengers were onboard the tourist boat when it capsized near the coast of colombia on 5 march, article bookmarked.

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Two passengers were killed and 16 were injured when a tourist boat capsized at sea after being bashed by a huge wave.

The authorities said 22 passengers were onboard the tourist boat when it capsized on the morning of 5 March, Jam Press reports.

A huge wave caused the vessel to overturn, leaving passengers stranded in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, some 21 miles from the coast of Colombia.

After rescuing all the passengers from the water, the captain of the tour boat noticed there were two women missing.

The victim’s lifeless bodies were found underneath the overturned vessel minutes later.

According to reports, 16 other tourists were injured in the incident off the coast of Santa Marta, Magdalena Department, Colombia.

After the boat capsized, a boat from the Santa Marta Sports Fishing Club was passing through the waters of the Tayrona National Park at the time.

Crew members heard the screams of people in the sea and rushed to help fish them out of the water.

Footage shows crew members helping survivors onboard the fishing boat.

Fisherman Jader Fontalvo said: “We heard the cries for help and I immediately told the captain to move closer.

“However, our boat was not very big so we could only go up to 10 people.”

Coast Guard officials promptly arrived on the scene to help transport the other tourists to safety.

It was initially believed that everyone had survived the incident, but when everyone was onboard the rescue vessels, the tour boat captain realised the two women were missing.

Minutes later, their dead bodies were found underneath the overturned boat.

The mayor’s office confirmed that the other tourists were all treated at nearby medical centres and are in good general condition.

An investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing.

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Mystery as American becomes fourth tourist to die in Colombia this year

Dakarai earl cobb, 47, was found dead in the bedroom of a house in the santa lucia neighborhood of san javier.

An American has become the fourth foreign tourist to die in Colombia this year.

Authorities in Medellín have opened an investigation into the death of Dakarai Earl Cobb, 47, was found dead in the bedroom of a house in the Santa Lucia neighborhood of San Javier, where he was staying.

He was found at 8pm local time on Monday by the owners of the house after two days of being missing. 

The owners became concerned for Cobb after not seeing him for days, so decided to enter the bedroom, where they found him dead.

The discovery was made on 47F Street and 89A Highway, in the Santa Lucía neighborhood, west of Medellín, as reported by El Colombiano.

READ MORE:  Two more American tourists killed in Colombia in disturbing trend

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA,  go to Daily Express US

#Atención | Alerta por la muerte de un cuarto turista extranjero en Medellín. Se trata de un estadounidense de 47 años de edad. pic.twitter.com/IyCu2AAcvr — La FM (@lafm) February 7, 2024

The owner of the room told the outlet: "The man had been there for a month, nothing more, and we rented it because they asked us for a favor because he was coming to stay for about a month, nothing more. 

"The man did not respond further when we left the room and when we found him, the man was dead."

Cobb is the third American to be recorded dead in four days in Medellín, after the two cases were reported in Laureles and El Poblado.

Anthony G. López, 29, was found dead in a hotel located on Circular 4 and Carrera 70, in the Laureles neighborhood. A man and a woman were said to have entered the room, leaving hours later.

DON'T MISS:

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Vicious herd of Pablo Escobar's illegally imported hippos are terrorizing locals  [REPORT] 

Glamorous teenager stabbed 24 times and her body found stuffed into suitcase  [INSIGHT]

Manley Mark Conlen, 37, fell from the 17th floor of a building where he had rented an apartment through Airbnb. His death occurred on Calle 6 Sur and Carrera 43A, in the La Aguacatala neighborhood of El Poblado.

There have now been four deaths of foreigners in different circumstances this year in Medellín. In 2023, 31 deaths occurred, according to court records.

It is still not known how Cobb's death occurred, as the investigation continues, however authorities have confirmed that it was not a robbery gone wrong.

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Cartagena   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Enzo Figueres | Getty Images

Why Go To Cartagena

During the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena functioned as a key foothold for the Spanish empire in Colombia and South America. The coastal city's colonial walls (which began construction in 1586) defended against pirates, who were drawn by Cartagena's status as an economic hub. These walls were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and they are now one of Cartagena's most well-known attractions, drawing history enthusiasts from around the world.  

The city boasts an astounding number of historical attractions in addition to its famous walls. Travelers can wander the streets taking in the architecture, or opt to spend an air-conditioned day in one of the many museums populating Cartagena. Plus, with the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Cartagena Bay to the south, this South American city provides a number of playas for even the most selective sun-seekers.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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• # 7 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023
• # 18 in Best Places to Visit in Winter
• # 26 in Best Cities in the World to Visit

Best of Cartagena

Best hotels in cartagena.

• in Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique Spa
• in Hotel Las Americas Torre del Mar
• in Hilton Cartagena

Best Things to Do in Cartagena

• # 1 in Old City Walls
• # 2 in San Felipe de Barajas Castle
• # 3 in Plaza Santo Domingo

Popular Tours

Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience

(415 reviews)

from $ 108.11

Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Cholon and Playa Blanca

(1441 reviews)

from $ 63.75

Cartagena ATV Tour

(683 reviews)

from $ 135.00

Cartagena Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Cartagena is December to April. The city's tropical climate means that, although temperatures tend to stay around the mid-80s year-round, the amount of precipitation each season varies wildly. The dry season, December to April, coincides with Cartagena's summer and is also when the city welcomes the most visitors. Fighting the throngs of tourists turns out to be worthwhile though, as the winter seasons brings near-constant precipitation, accompanied by overbearing humidity, which makes it difficult to take advantage of the outdoors.

Weather in Cartagena

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Be wary of street vendors Aggressive street vendors swarm many of the popular attractions . If you're not interested in their services, clearly say no to avoid awkward confrontations.
• Keep cool Average temperatures in Cartagena typically stay between 75 and 89 degrees year-round. Travelers should be prepared to invest in sunscreen and sunglasses before their trip.
• Learn Spanish phrases Although Cartagena caters to tourists, most of its English speakers are concentrated in the most heavily-trafficked areas (such as the walled city). If you plan to venture outside of the tourist areas, plan to learn a few key Spanish phrases. It makes you a better tourist and (hopefully) helps you avoid scams.

How to Save Money in Cartagena

• Try some street food With food stands perched on every corner, travelers can experience a smorgasbord of culinary options without ever setting foot in a restaurant. What's more, street food is generally cheaper than a traditional sit-down eatery.
• Avoid public transit The Cartagena bus system is inconvenient and hard to navigate. What's more, many of the areas are walkable with some rudimentary planning, while hailing a taxi only costs a small premium.
• Budget for small purchases While lodging, flights and excursions are best budgeted out in advance, set aside a small pool of pesos for small purchases from street vendors and the like.

Culture & Customs

Cartagena features a diverse culture, though visitors will primarily notice the Spanish colonial vibes that permeate the city. Consequently, Spanish is the dominant language of Cartagena; though, as a tourist city, most establishments can recognize the relevant English phrases. That said, travelers are more likely to avoid overpaying for services if they know a few simple Spanish words such as hola (“hello”), por favor (“please”), gracias (“thank you”), cuánto cuesta (“how much is it”) and dónde (“where”).

Visitors to Cartagena ought to recognize the roles that different meals traditionally play in Colombian culture. Breakfast and dinner are auxiliary meals, with small dishes accompanied by coffee or water. Meanwhile, the majority of a Colombian's calories are typically consumed around lunchtime. While the role of each meal is more of a guideline, travelers have no reason not to subscribe to the country's dietary habit during their visits.  

After dinner, music-lovers should plan to spend at least one night out dancing to the sounds of the city. Music plays a particularly significant role in Colombian culture, with an eclectic variety of genres like champeta, cumbia and salsa echoing from the city's bars and clubs.

What to Eat

Cartagena's street food provides a cost-effective and delicious option for full meals or snacks. Travelers can purchase an assortment of tropical fruit from las palenqueras , or local women selling fruit from the carefully balanced bowls on the tops of their heads. You'll be able to easily spot them thanks to their colorful dresses. Alternatively, Colombians and tourists alike enjoy feasting every morning on arepa de huevo , a deep-fried breakfast dish that consists of cornmeal dough and eggs.

The city's coastal perch means that fresh seafood is also abundant. Ceviche, a hodge-podge of fresh seafood and vegetables, delights travelers from around the world. La Cevicheria is the most well-known ceviche eatery, in no small part because Anthony Bourdain once visited and praised the restaurant. Other traveler favorites include La Pescaderia Ceviches y Piqueo, Mangata and Porton de San Sebastian.

A culinary trip to Colombia isn't complete without sancocho , a soup that combines local ingredients like seafood, plantains, yucca, corn and cilantro. Soup isn't the only liquid worth trying though, and a variety of bars, like El Arsenal: The Rum Box and Sinko Bar , wowed recent patrons with their expansive menus of custom cocktails.

Following the Colombian government's 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, violent crime in Cartagena has drastically declined. That said, Cartagena is still plagued by many of the same petty crime that you'll find in other major metropolitan areas. Because street crime is the most common threat to tourists, visitors should take common sense precautions: travel with friends, be aware of your valuables at all times, and stay alert for pickpockets and other scams.

Getting Around Cartagena

The best way to get around Cartagena is by taxi. Taxis make it easy to get between distinct points in the city, including Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), while short jaunts ought to be made on foot. According to area hotels, taxi rides from the airport to the central tourist areas cost about $10. Rental cars are available in Cartagena (an international driving permit is required), but the U.S. State Department advises against driving in Colombia due to lax traffic laws and poor infrastructure.

For the same reasons, travelers should avoid taking the busses from nearby cities into Cartagena. Instead, visitors should opt to arrive by air, which is the most common means of arrival in the city. Local buses are also available at the airport and stops throughout Cartagena, but public transit can be challenging to navigate and is not recommended for tourists.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Colombia, and tourists from the United States can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. A yellow fever vaccine is required for travelers entering Colombia from Brazil, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

The Public Clock Tower is a major attraction in the Old City Walls .

Explore More of Cartagena

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Missing tourists found dead in Mexican well were trying to stop carjacking: Officials

Jack carter rhoad, 30, of san diego and two brothers from australia, jake robinson, 30, and callum robinson, 33, vanished on april 27 on a surfing trip in ensenada, mexico..

Three bodies recovered in Mexico last week are those of three tourists who disappeared during a surfing trip and three people were in custody in connection to their deaths, officials in the country confirmed Sunday.

American Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, of San Diego, and Australian brothers Jake Robinson, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, vanished April 27 while on the trip in Ensenada, less than 100 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border.

During a press conference , the Baja California State Attorney General's Office said the victims were found shot at the bottom of a 50-foot well after it appears the trio tried to intervene in an apparent carjacking.

On Sunday in an announcement, Mexico publicly expressed its condolences in the tourists' deaths after a prosecutor confirmed relatives of the victims traveled to the country and identified their loved ones bodies, the BBC reported .

A fourth body was also found in the well, but does not appear to be related to the tourists' killings, the office wrote in a press release. Authorities said that victim had been there for a longer period of time.

Watch: Man points gun at Pennsylvania pastor during church, police later find body at man's home

Three people detained in surfers' slayings

Baja chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez said a warrant was issued for Jesús Gerardo “N”, alias “El Kekas”, charging him with forced disappearance of people in connection to the case. That suspect, Ramírez said, was in custody on Sunday.

Two other people, a man and a woman, had also been detained in connection to the killings, Ramírez announced. Officials did not identify the pair.

Ramírez said officials believed the killers saw the victims' tents and pickup truck and wanted to steal their tires, but when the victims "came up and caught them, surely, they resisted.”

California mass shooting: Long Beach shooting injures 7, 4 critically wounded, police say

Gun casing, blood stains and drag marks found at scene

The office previously said it learned about the missing friends through social media and announced their bodies were discovered after searching property near where they had been camping in area known as La Bocana Santo Tomás.

At the scene, officials wrote in a release, evidence including tent rods, a gun casing, plastic gallon bottles, blood stains and drag marks, which led to the suspicion that the victims may have been attacked.

U.S. and Australian consulates, embassies and national law enforcement confirmed they have been working closely with the Mexican authorities on the investigation.

The  U.S. Department of State encourages citizens  to keep their friends and families aware of their international travels and to discuss plans in the event of an emergency.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

American found dead in Colombia after returning to hotel with two women

I n the heart of Colombia's picturesque city of Medellín , authorities have been left puzzled as they strive to unravel the mysterious death of an American citizen .

The lifeless body of Jhonny Jerome, a 45-year-old tourist from the United States, was found in the bathtub of a room at a luxurious hotel in the El Poblado neighborhood.

Jerome had arrived in the country just days prior, on Sunday, October 29th, to celebrate his birthday.

However, what should have been a joyous occasion took a tragic turn when Jerome was discovered deceased in his hotel room .

READ MORE: One of US' 'most wanted' criminals found dead in trunk of luxury vehicle

The preliminary investigation suggests that he had been celebrating his birthday at a local nightclub.

After the festivities, Jerome returned to his hotel room, accompanied by two women. These women left the scene in the early morning hours, but it remains uncertain whether they are connected to the man's death.

Lieutenant Colonel Eddy Sánchez of the Medellín Metropolitan Police confirmed that the case is under active investigation. He said: "We are in a verification process. An interdisciplinary team is already working on it, and I cannot say more about the event."

Jerome's body was eventually discovered in his hotel room by his cousin, with whom he was traveling.

His cousin saw that the water in the bathroom was overflowing so he entered the bathroom and saw his cousin's lifeless body.

According to local media, hotel staff tried to resuscitate Jerome but it was already too late.

On Halloween night , Medellín saw a strong police presence to maintain public order. Despite the rain dampening traditional festivities, the city's authorities ensured the safety of children and their guardians, with no major disturbances reported.

The authorities are now investigating whether Jhonny Jerome's death might be linked to a potential overdose of hallucinogenic substances combined with alcohol found at the scene, as there were no apparent signs of violence on his body.

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Tourist killings expose fragmentation of organised crime at the heart of Mexico’s extraordinary violence

The murders of two Australians and an American in Baja California show the shifting and uncertain fault lines of risk in a country where crime and the state often overlap

T he killings of the Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, have highlighted the shifting and uncertain fault lines of risk in Mexico , which is simultaneously a major tourism destination and a country with hotspots of extraordinary violence.

The trio, who in April went missing in the Pacific coast state of Baja California while on a surfing trip, were later found dead, each killed by a gunshot to the head. Mexican authorities believe that they were attacked by people who wanted to steal their car tyres and were killed upon resisting .

The man accused of the killings, Jesús Gerardo known as “El Kekas”, is currently in custody, with murder charges expected to be filed. His girlfriend, who was also taken into custody, has reportedly turned witness against him , telling a court he said to her “I killed them”, gave her a mobile phone and showed her the allegedly stolen tyres on her car.

The murders are part of the violence that grips Mexico, which in 2023 saw more than 30,000 homicides for the sixth consecutive year. More than 100,000 people are also missing .

But beneath the national-level statistics, violence is hyper-concentrated in certain states.

“Baja California is one of them – but even there the bulk of homicides occur in Tijuana, and mostly in the poor areas,” said Falko Ernst, Mexico analyst for the nonprofit Crisis Group.

The violence in Baja California reflects the sheer volume of criminal business in the state, but also the instability of the criminal system itself.

Tijuana is the biggest border city in Mexico, which means huge flows of people, goods and cash going to and from the US every day. That makes Tijuana itself a prize to control, with a big local drug market and opportunities for money laundering.

Organised crime groups also have an interest in other parts of the state, for example the port in Ensenada – the nearest city to where the tourists’ bodies were found – which brings in drugs and chemical precursors for synthetics such as fentanyl and crystal meth.

Many groups are fighting to control these territories and businesses across Baja California.

“Tijuana is an emblem of the fragmentation of organised crime, where you don’t have one group running the show, but many,” said Ernst. “What ensues is perpetual fighting.”

This has been made more deadly by the torrent of US-made firearms trafficked over the border to Mexico. “Over the last couple of decades, guns have proliferated,” said Victoria Dittmar, a researcher for Insight Crime. “Now, anyone who wants a pistol can get one easily.”

Despite the violence, many tourists are drawn to Baja California for the beaches, waves and wildlife along a peninsula that stretches down to the resort towns of Los Cabos, on the southernmost tip of the state of Baja California Sur.

Given the number of visitors, it is striking how rare it is for tourists to be targeted. This is in part because organised crime groups also make money from the tourism industry – for example by extorting hotels, restaurants and nightclubs – and therefore rely on the continued flow of tourists.

“The fish you eat at that fancy restaurant may be subject to a kind of criminal taxation,” said Cecilia Farfán-Méndez, a researcher at the University of California at San Diego. “There could be a whole structure of criminal governance of which the tourist is unaware.”

However, crime in Mexico is far from perfectly organised. There are independent actors and local cells making decisions on the ground and in the moment.

“We’re also talking about a world that is hyper-paranoid,” said Ernst. “If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, and somebody panics and thinks that there might be a risk for them, mistakes can be made.”

The speed of the investigation that followed the disappearance of the three surfers in Baja California reflects local authorities’ desire to relieve the external pressure and reassure tourists that they are safe in the state. Within days of the tourists being reported missing, three suspects were detained and the bodies were found at the bottom of a well on remote ranch land.

This is in a state where more than 80% of homicides go unpunished and roughly 20,000 people remain missing since 2006.

According to the Daily Beast , a member of the Sinaloa Cartel – one of Mexico’s largest organised crime groups – claimed to have tipped the authorities off on where to find the suspects so as to avoid “unwanted attention”.

“I think this case tells us a lot about how crime and the state tend to overlap in Mexico,” said Ernst. “Intelligence is not the problem – the problem is corruption and collusion, with many security forces on the take or even part of criminal networks.

“But if there’s external pressure, if elite and economic interests are potentially being affected, then the Mexican state is capable of getting things done.”.

“Sadly, there are tiers of victims. If you’re a foreigner, it is very likely they will find your remains,” said Farfán-Méndez. “But if you’re Mexican, you may never be found.”

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Cartagena, Colombia

Headed to Cartagena and wondering what you can’t miss? Here is my go-to Jetset travel guide to a perfect vacation full of dancing, drinking, and eating your way through this coastal Colombian gem.

You’ll come to Cartagena for its tropical Caribbean vibes, but you’ll be blown away by the historic stone-walled old city, the colorful colonial architecture and the uniquely Colombian culture. Whether your idea of a vacation is sipping the world’s best coffee on a bougainvillea-laced balcony, heading to a lush tropical island just minutes off of the city, or salsa-dancing until 6am in one of Cartagena’s famous nightclubs (My favorites are La Movida, Alquimico, La Jugada, or Cafe Havana), Cartagena, Colombia has a ton to offer everyone.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Cartagena

On the rooftop of Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa

There are two main areas to choose to stay in in Cartagena – the old city or the “new city”- the Miami-beach-like Bocagrande (which you can see is the area with the skyscrapers below) . They each have their pros and cons. From Bocagrande, you can step out of your hotel or Airbnb directly onto the beach, which is pretty ideal. But, that being said, the city beaches are nothing  compared to the beaches outside of the city (like Baru or Rosario), so I don’t think this is a strong enough pro to stay here over Old Town.

The gorgeous stone-walled Old City is Cartagena’s principal attraction – and  is where the best restaurants and cafes, and all the nightlife is, so if that’s where you’re going to be spending all of your time, it may not make sense to stay elsewhere.  Old town is packed with colonial architecture, beautiful churches and plazas, delicious restaurants, and Cartagena’s famous colorful mansions with their overhanging balconies… It’s definitely where you want to be.

Hotel Casa San Agustin

Honestly it doesn’t get any better than this hotel if you’re looking for where to stay for luxury in Cartagena . This boutique luxury hotel is one of the Leading Hotels of the World (which in my experience are ALWAYS amazing). Hotel Casa San Agustin is stunning in every sense of the word. It’s composed of three beautiful white houses, connected with bright clay rooftops, and a gorgeous view of the clocktower.

Hotel Casa San Agustin has only 20 rooms and 10 beautifully-decorated suites in traditional Colombian style and sprawling balconies for sipping your Colombian coffee in the morning. The hotel incorporates modern amenities while maintaining pristine colonial architecture and a beautifully authentic vibe of Cartagena’s rich history. It is absolutely one of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed in in the WORLD, and a must if you’re willing to splurge on your vacation in Cartagena.

Standard rooms are beautiful, but the premium rooms with private plunge pools or jacuzzis are definitely worth the splurge. Rates from $400-$500 per night. Hotel Casa San Agustin .

Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa

I LOVED this hotel. The location is awesome – right at the entrance to the old city and right by the boat docks (making it easy to get out to the Rosario Islands for a day trip!). The service was impeccable, and I loved the rooftop and the dreamy courtyard. Can’t beat this spot for a go-to Cartagena hotel. 

My fiance Kenny (wearing his brand Kenny Flowers ) living his best life at Hotel Charleston

Tcherassi Hotel & Spa

This boutique hotel from acclaimed Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi is set in a 250-year-old restored colonial mansion with original stone-walled rooms and private balconies. There are only 7 rooms, but 4 pools, creating an intimate atmosphere like none other in the city. Rates from $200-$300 per night. Look at how beautiful this hotel is –  Tcherassi Hotel & Spa .

Shop my Colombia dress here

The best places to stay in Cartagena with a group –

The Best AirBnBs and VRBO’s in Cartagena for Groups

Luxury 4 bedroom villa in cartagena´s walled city with pool and rooftop jacuzzi.

Located next to plaza Fernandez Madrid and across from Santo Toribio church. It combines modern finishes with colonial Colombian architecture creating an unforgettable property. It has a large private pool as well as a modern rooftop jacuzzi. All of the well appointed large bedrooms have spacious en suite bathrooms. 

Check rates here

Old Town Group Villa

La Casa Que Besa El Mar is located in the old city of Cartagena de Indias. It sits unobstructed, with views of the historic Spanish Colonial wall set just in front of the ever expansive ocean. Facing west, the sunset is visible each and every day, with optimal viewing from La Casa’s spectacular mirador (roof terrace).

Other hotels I like:

Townhouse boutique hotel & rooftop.

This charming and tropical boutique hotel is the perfect choice for young 20-somethings traveling to Cartagena and hoping to be in the heart of the action. It’s decorated head-to-toe by young Colombian artists (the pictures don’t do it justice but CHECK OUT THIS PLACE !!!), so cool. Each room has vibrant and fun paintings of flamingoes, toucans, or other tropical touches. Each of the hotel’s eight bedrooms and 3 suites are individually styled, and their rooftop, open the public from 8am-1am, offers panoramic views of the walled city, two plunge pools, and a lot of icy cocktails. Their slogan “fancy doesn’t have to be boring” says it all – Townhouse is millennial luxury at its finest. 

Rates are around $175/night for a standard double room. Book here.

Blue Apple Beach House

If you’re looking for a beach retreat right outside of the city, Blue Apple Beach House is your spot. This chill beach club slash hotel is owned by the same people as Townhouse in downtown, and is a super-cute, relaxed, very Colombian beach getaway. 

Intercontinental Cartagena

If the Miami-like bocagrande is more your style, the Intercontinental offers 360 degree ocean views and a swoon-worthy ocean-facing infinity pool and a bar filled with delicious fruity cocktails that will have you wondering if you should ever leave your hotel.

Sophia Hotel Cartagena

This modern elegant hotel in the heart of Cartagena’s Plaza de Aduana offers fashionable rooms, a modern aesthetic and a pretty unbeatable rooftop.  It’s a little oasis in the heart of the city. Rates from $200-$300 per night. Book at  Sophia Hotel Cartagena

What to do in Cartagena

Explore Old Town Cartagena

You can’t leave Cartagena without exploring the beautiful stone-walled Old City.

Strategically located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena was historically one of Colonial Spain’s most important ports. Stone fortresses and gigantic walls up to 30 meters thick and 11KM long line the city, which was so well protected after many pirates (most notably Sir Francis Drake) in the 16th Century attempted (and often succeeded) in sieges of the wealthy port city’s riches.  Strolling the historic Old City is like stepping back in time and losing yourself in the romantic historic plazas and vibrant, colorful cobblestone streets.

One of my favorite streets (and most colorful) is right where the restaurant Carmen is. Just type in Carmen to your google maps to get there!

Go emerald shopping!

Did you know that Colombia produces the highest quality emeralds in the world? If you, like me, love your jewelry, do not leave Colombia without emerald shopping! My favorite spot in Cartagena is Lucy Jewelry – let them know I sent you and maybe they’ll give you their best price 🙂 

photo from Equities.com

SEE MORE: Where to Find The Best Instagram Spots in Cartagena

What islands are the best to visit around cartagena.

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Take a day trip to Islas Rosario

There are so many breathtakingly beautiful islands accessible by boat from Cartagena, and a beach day to the islands is a popular day trip for locals and tourists alike! The most popular islands to visit are the Islas De Rosario, a beautiful group of 28 islands about an hour off the coast of Cartagena.

The easiest way to book a boat is to go through your hotel (who can recommend you to one of the many best island resorts). My favorite spot in Islas Rosario I’ve been to so far has been Gente Del Mar island (pictured here)! It was so gorgeous, and the food and drinks were amazing! 

Eteka Beach Club

If you’re looking for Tulum-meets-Bali vibes in Colombia, the super-instagrammable Eteka Beach Club is a great spot super close to Cartagena. Loved this place!!

We were super impressed by the food here, too!

Take a day trip to Isla Barú

Baru is another great island option from Cartagena (in fact, if you have enough days you should definitely do both Baru and the Rosario Islands!!!). It’s way more casual, and divey, than the Rosario islands, but the colorful beach shacks and pina colada stands with the beautiful turquoise water make it an amazing day trip.

And I’ll let you in on a little secret that most people don’t realize —  Isla Barú, is even accessible by an easy 40-minute cab ride over a bridge! Making it super easy to get to verus the islands only accessible by boat, since, sometimes, when you don’t want to worry about boat schedules! So an easy (and cheap!) cab ride out to the island is just what you want. Negotiate a rate with the cab driver ahead of time, and tell him you’d like him to wait there at Playa Blanca until you are all ready to go home (it should be around $50 for the entire day – which divided if you’re going with friends is not bad at all!) 

Then, once you’re dropped at Playa Blanca, hop on a motorbike to take you to the end of the road where the beach is. There will be lots of locals offering to take you down to the end- it’s definitely worth the $1 ride versus a long walk! When you get to Playa blanca, get onto the beach and turn right and keep walking. My favorite place to post for the day is this beautiful colorful beach bar called The Wizard. If you’re early enough, you and your friends can reserve one of their hammock beach lounge areas, or just a few chairs where you can order frozen beach drinks and yummy bites all day long.

Isla Baru is anything but fancy… It’s less of a luxury island and more of a local, divey beach day getaway, but the water is gooorgeous, the beach bars are colorful and fun, and the vibe is bustling. It’s an awesome spot to explore for the day and get some sun.

Bike around town

Many of the resorts I recommend in this post (such as Charleston Santa Teresa and Casa San Agustin ) offer complimentary bikes to get around town! It’s my favorite thing to do in the mornings in Cartagena, before the crowds. 

Watch the sunset at Cafe del Mar

If your hotel doesn’t get a good sunset view, this touristy-but-great outdoor lounge and bar is perched up on Cartagena’s stone walls and offers a casual bar with an unbeatable sunset view. 

Where to drink & dance in Cartagena

this is my all-time favorite bar in Cartagena! 4 stories, a gorgeous rooftop, and way too many insta-worthy corners. We had so much fun here! HIGHLY recoommend.

There’s no better spot for dancing the night away in the hippest little spot in the historic district, La Movida is easily the best night club in Cartagena. 

Mirador rooftop 

this bustling rooftop is the place to be after the sun goes down. With a DJ spinning every night, great happy hour specials, and the colors of the city shining right behind the DJ booth, this is a great spot to kick off your night out in Cartagena. 

Where to eat in Cartagena

I hope yall like seafood, because Cartagena is seafood & ceviche central – and it is all SO good.

Carmen Cartagena

My favorite fine dining meal in Cartagena is easily Carmen. It has the most gorgeous tropical patio and the food is always extraordinary. Dine on dishes like octopus with chili pepper and tucupi tiger milk, or yucca croquettes with a liquid foie gras and black truffle center, or poached prawns with black bisque and creamy cilantro rice and crab cakes with plantain and wasabi mayo.

They have a restaurant in Medellin as well and it’s also unreal. The food at Carmen is so innovative, fresh, and AMAZING here, and the cocktails are even better. 

Ranked as one of the top 50 Restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a must-stop on any trip to Cartagena. It’s creative Caribbean fusion food and many people will tell you it’s the best restaurant in Colombia – you have to go!!!

Alma Restaurant

If you’re looking for a romantic meal in Cartagena, this is your spot. Located inside the dreamy Casa San Agustin hotel, Alma is delicious, and the atmosphere is absolutely perfect, complete with live music playing the courtyard.

La Cevicheria

This is the one place you’ll see on every single travel guide to Cartagena. This always-busy seafood haven is located on an adorable cobblestone street and rose to fame thanks to Anthony Bourdain. Everyone will tell you to go there but what they won’t tell you is there’s a just-as-good-if-not-better cevicheria down the block called El Boliche also. Head to either one and all your Caribbean ceviche dreams will come true.

Pizza en el Parque

if a casual pizza overlooking one of Cartagena’s parks is what you’re feeling, Pizza en el Parque serves up some delicious pies on a gorgeous balcony. It’s cute, casual, and delicious.

Juan Del Mar

This spacious restaurant & bar in the heart of old town is like a rite of Cartagena passage. The menu is full of Colombian delicassies, as well as some international and Italian favorites. Book a table on the upper terrace if you want to soak up the best view of the square (this is where Colombia’s president eats when he’s in town!) The restaurant is busy year round and features a live band 7 nights a week.

For good Italian food in a casual atmosphere in Cartagena, head straight to Diva Pizza. I almost always crave Italian no matter where I am in the world, so headed to this place when I read the incredible reviews. It was casual, but the food is anything but. I was SO impressed by their food (especially the lasagna, oh my goodness!!!)

For delicious tapas, yummy cocktails and a great ambiance, Pata Negra is your spot. Go with a group and order just about anything on the menu – they’re shared plates and you can’t go wrong – it’s all so, so good.

RPG Pizzeria Boutique

This adorable local pizzeria was my favorite meal in Cartagena! The location is right off of a main square, allowing for a quiet tucked away dinner. The menu features to-die-for thin crust pizzas, sandwiches, salads and more. Ask them if you can sit outside and they’ll set you up with an awesome people-watching spot on the cutest cobblestone street.

Know before you go

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?

Is it safe to travel to Cartagena? Is Cartagena safe? Is Colombia safe?

Yes, yes, and yes! Please don’t let fear of Colombia’s rocky past stop you from exploring this WONDERFUL country! Yes, Colombia was entrenched in a civil war up until the 1980’s, and I know that this is a main concern for many people who are wondering just how safe the country is today. But I want to say that I didn’t feel unsafe for a second in Cartagena. Of course, like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware and be smart about your surroundings, but I think that if you do so, you won’t feel unsafe, even if you’re traveling by yourself.

There is still a US government issued warning against travel to Colombia, which reads: 

Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Colombia each year for tourism, business, university studies, and volunteer work. Security in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years, including in tourist and business travel destinations such as Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellin, and Cali.

However , violence linked to narco-trafficking continues to affect some rural and urban areas. Despite significant decreases in overall crime in Colombia, continued vigilance is warranted due to an increase in recent months of violent crime.

My travel philosophy has always been that dangerous crimes can happen anywhere. They happen every day in my home city of San Francisco , and crimes are commonplace in many of my favorite travel destinations, and many places at home. It’s not uncommon to hear news stories or read travel cautionary tales and feel extremely nervous about traveling to a certain place, but I am a big believer in not letting that fear of danger get in the way of seeing the world. While everyone’s travel experiences are different (and one negative experience or secondhand negative experience can forever skew your feelings toward a certain place), I think it is vitally important to see the world with an open mind, while staying optimistically cautious and aware, of course.

What do I need to be on the look out safety-wise in Colombia?

This all being said, a lot of people ask safety-related questions like, “should I wear my jewelry in Cartagena?” and to that I say it’s best to leave your expensive jewels at home, and be as bare as possible so as to not attract attention to yourself as a potential target to criminals. I would not wear fancy jewelry in Colombia, or bring name brand luggage (such as Louis Vuitton), etc. They call it ‘don’t dar papaya’ which translates to don’t give papaya, meaning don’t give yourself up as a flashy easy target for criminals. 

If you’re a guy traveling by yourself or with a group, please also be aware that there is a crime happening often in Colombia of Colombian women drugging foreign men to rob them at night. (crazy, I know! but please watch out!)

You also might see many signs in Colombia saying “SAY NO TO THE SEX TOURIST”, many establishments have these signs up and will flat out deny service to sex tourists, which is great. Sex tourism is unfortunately a trend in certain cities in Colombia, but there is a lot of active action happening against it making it a less than ideal place for these people to travel to, thank goodness. I only mention it so that you aren’t put off if you see one of these signs at a restaurant or hotel, this is a good thing!

Can I drink the tap water in Cartagena?

On the coast of Colombia, it’s recommended to buy bottled water (it’s very cheap!) as opposed to drink from the tap. But, theoretically, the tap water is supposed to be fine, that’s just the tip I’ve heard from other travelers.  You don’t have to worry about ice or vegetables or anything like that. In  Medellin , on the other hand, which is inland and a big city, it’s perfectly okay to drink their (very good!) tap water, and I drink it every day when I’m there!

Do I need to know Spanish to travel in Colombia?

I’m not going to lie, it helps a TON to know at least a little Spanish when you’re traveling around Colombia. The thing is, tourism is relatively new to this country, so it’s not like everyone is used to all of the tourism and English speakers. But isn’t that what’s so cool about a Colombian vacation?! Cartagena, of all the destinations in Colombia, is by far the most developed for tourism and much easier to get around as a gringo (even if you don’t speak Spanish) than other destinations in the country. But it would definitely help to brush up some on your Spanish before your trip (I’m a big fan of using Rosetta Stone for this!)

And, don’t worry, by the time you leave Colombia all of your high school Spanish will be flowing out of you like loco. Olé!

Will I need a power converter for traveling to Colombia?

If you’re traveling from the US, nope! Cartagena and all of Colombia uses the same power outlets as the USA. If you’re coming from Europe, however, you’ll want to bring a converter ( like this one ) with you.

What season is best to travel to Cartagena?

Cartagena is wonderfully hot year-round. With May being the warmest month (average temperature around 85 °F) , and January being the “coolest” (averages around  80 °F ). The dryest months are December through April and t he highest rainfall occurs in October.  The high season for tourists is during Christmas and New Years (note that prices for accommodation and just about everything hikes about 3x around this time and it can be very difficult to find vacancies in hotels- after all, the whole country wants to flee to the beautiful coast for their vacation!).

Will I need a visa to travel to Colombia?

Nope! A Colombia tourist visa is not required for citizens of United States of America for a stay up to 90 days.

What should I pack for a trip to Cartagena, Colombia?

It is HOT in Cartagena. And when I say hot, I mean HOT. Like, 90 degrees plus humidity hot. And it’s year round. It’s dryest December-March, but you’ll still be sweating every time you walk outside (which I love…. especially when you’re escaping the cold winter up north!)

You’ll definitely want to pack some sunscreen ( here are my favorite sunscreen picks ) and a hat to protect yourself from the Caribbean sun!

Here are some of my favorite picks for Cartagena outfits:

What to pack for him for Cartagena:

This classy Cartagena-inspired button down shirt

PS – Join the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other jetsetters!

Follow @JetsetChristina on Pinterest!

Enjoy your trip! It’s one of my very favorite cities.

PS – Follow @JetsetChristina on instagram to keep up with all of my travels!

& don’t forget to like jetset christina on facebook .

Check out my post on 10 Things You Can’t Miss When Traveling to Colombia

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to some hotels! If you choose to book one of the hotels I recommended, I would so appreciate you using these links to do so! An affiliate link basically just means that at no cost to you at all, I get a small kickback from the booking site for bringing them your business! I never recommend any hotels that I don’t 100% LOVE & think you will, too! If you have any questions at all, please see my advertiser & affiliate policy page here .

Check out these other Colombia posts:

The best places to visit in Colombia

Medellin Colombia Travel Guide

Reasons why Colombian coffee is the best in the world

Where to stay with a group in Cartagena

Is the Maldives Baby Friendly? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to the Maldives with Kids or a Baby

The Perfect White Dresses & Outfits Every Bride-to-Be Needs for Every Event Leading Up to the Wedding

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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Tanja Valentic

Christina, Your pictures are beautiful and your trip sounds amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this post. I am planning a trip to Cartagena in March and I was wondering if it is safe to bring a nice camera (DSLR camera) or do you recommend bringing a small camera ? This is kind of a dumb question but what did you do with your stuff to keep it safe while you were at Isla baru? Sorry for all the questions!

Christina Vidal

Hi Tanja! Thanks so much for reaching out! It is definitely safe to bring a nice camera. I didn’t feel unsafe at all and I had my camera with me in Baru! If you’re by yourself, you can ask a trustworthy bartender or tourist to watch your stuff while you go in the water, or just take turns going in the water if you’re with someone else! Have such a great trip to Cartagena! xx

Christina your description of Cartagena is perfect – the colors and architecture are very appealing –

Thomas Espeute

Hey Christina!

Your pictures are gorgeous, and your dress is matching perfectly with the colorful walls ;). Cartagena is lovely and perfect for a Jetset Trip!

The old city center is really safe, and there are so many options to sleep, eat and drink! Also, there are other beaches than Isla Baru 🙂 – You can travel to Cholon island or sleep one or two nights on Isla Grande. You should try to get there. I’m sure you will love it!!!

And I love the Getsemani district where there are the street arts. And the vibe on Trinidad square at night is awesome! And then you go out at Bazurto social Club (great live music) or Mr. Babiila (crazy bar)

Oh yes!! thank you so much for all the tips! Going to get to Getsemani, Isla Grande and Cholon next time I head to Cartagena, for sure!!

Patricia Davies

[* Shield plugin marked this comment as “0”. Reason: Human SPAM filter found “oy” in “comment_content” *] I loved Cartagena de Indias! I stayed at the Intercontinental Cartagena and I am planning to go back. Really enjoyed your post and your pictures!

Thank you so much!

Donna M Brown

Thanks Christina for sharing great stuff on Cartagena. I am also a travel blogger and share a list of Things to do in Cartagena Tour. Thanks again Christina for this wonderful write up!

Shawndra Warren

Super helpful, I am heading to Bogota and Cartagena in two weeks. I am going with a friend and my husband is super nervous this post set him at ease and gave me some great tips for my upcoming adventure. Those colorful buildings are calling my name!

Sandra McCoy

Awesome read. I am heading out to Colombia in June for the birthday so super excited. The hotels you recommended are they in the old town area?

Most of the ones here are! I definitely recommend staying in the Old Town area!! Everything is walkable and the views are unbelievable 🙂

Hi Christina! I am going for a bachelorette and your info is so so useful, I love it all!!! The hotels you mentioned, do you know if they let you go and use the pool/bars or amenities or eat at their restaurants if you are not a guest ? they all look so beautiful?

Hi Sara! So fun. I don’t know for every one, but usually they’re okay with it! I’d just shoot a quick email to the hotel and find out!

Adam McConnaughhay

Hey, this is a great travel guide for Cartagena. And your pictures are terrific, they capture the colors of Cartagena perfectly.

Amazing! Did you take out cash before you arrived or did you use the ATMs there/use your card at restaurants/shops? What would you recommend? Thanks!

Great question! I like to have some cash on hand before I arrive (especially for taxis, etc) and there are definitely plenty of places that don’t take card in Colombia. But, the more upscale bars and restaurants will take card.

Hey Christina was born in Colombia, am adopted y have foster parents that live in Colombia as well have one of my foster sisters that live there as well with her family. Haven’t been back over there since coming 2 America at the age of 2, definitely want 2 go back y see where my life started have just so much desire 2 visit y know there are lots of changes but am just so interested 2 go back home since have a family there. When is the best time 2 go y bout how long is the flight? Look forward staying in touch y getting some gr8 pointers from u, t2u soon Christina – Danny

Hi Danny! That’s so great to hear that you want to go back. It is a beautiful country!!! I think any time of year is great in Colombia. The highest season is winter in the states – so november-january. It’s beautiful weather down there then!! The flight isn’t too bad! Actually only 2.5 hours from Miami. So depends where you are coming from in the states.

Hi Christina I have all your post and I really like. I am exciting because of my travel to Cartagena and I want to make a little question to you. When you talk about take a cab ride, you pay 50 (you are talking about dollars right?) and is it sure to take a taxi for a long way in colombia?. PD: Thank you for your post It’s very helpful for us.

Hi Pamela! Yes I paid $50 USD to get from central Cartagena to Baru island. It was about 45 minutes to an hour away! & thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad it’s helpful!

If someone was going to stay in isla baru what area of the beach would you suggest? Thanks!

I’ve never stayed on Isla Baru but I’ve heard this hotel is amazing – https://www.booking.com/hotel/co/las-islas.en.html?aid=1590369&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 They probably have the best most tucked away area of beach!

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Hi!! I love your post, I will soon visit Cartagena, please a question… Where exactly is the purple house of your photo? I love your pic..

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Hi Christina! I love this blog post, it’s very helpful as I plan a mini-moon for this June. I’m curious about your dinning recommendations and if you recommend making reservations ahead of time, or if most of the places you listed are okay for walk-ins? Thank you!!

Hi Ana! Thank you! Most should be fine to walk in (or have your hotel book you a reservation week of) – if you’re going to Carmen I would make a reservation at Carmen ahead of time!

I have been reading your blogs and googling Cartegena all day at work! Can you give us an insider scoop of how much things are in Colombia… average for a cocktail / beer / soda / pizza / steak dinner? I think you mentioned this once in your stories but I don’t remember! I’ll have to go through your Insta stories when I get home! Thank you! I am dying to book a trip!!

Hi! Of course! Everything in Colombia is definitely a more affordable price point than in the US! A dinner for 2 at a fancy restaurant in Colombia usually ends up around $100, including drinks but obviously can be more if you get a nicer bottle of wine, etc. Dinner at a more casual restaurant can be super affordable. Cocktails out will cost $8-10 at a good spot. Beer is like $3-5.

hello Christina, I love yout your travel guide. I have questions about when you visit Isla rosario. is the Gente Del Mar is beach club or is hotel ? do you prefer to do day pass or go by yourself with guide of the hotel. I will like to visit exactly that point where you were more I need more details please thank you. I see that you travel a lot. I love your pictures.

Hi! We went for the day, but I believe you can stay overnight there too. I prefer to stay in old town Cartagena and go for the day! We went via a boat that we rented for the day.

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Australian brothers and US tourist who went missing on surfing trip in Mexico 'shot dead by thieves'

Bodies found in a well near where the trio disappeared have now been formally identified by their families.

Monday 6 May 2024 13:46, UK

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Two Australian brothers and a US tourist who went missing in Mexico were shot dead by thieves who wanted their truck's tyres, according to prosecutors.

Relatives of Jake and Callum Robinson and Jack Carter Rhoad have identified the three bodies.

They were dumped in a remote 15m-deep (50ft) well.

The trio went missing a week ago while on a surfing trip near the northern city of Ensenada - not far from the US border - and had posted photos on social media of isolated beaches.

Thieves likely saw their truck and tents and wanted their tyres but the men probably resisted, said prosecutor Maria Elena Andrade Ramírez.

She said the bodies were taken to "a site that is extremely hard to get to" in Baja California state.

The well, near where their truck and tent were found on Thursday, also contained a fourth body that had been there much longer.

It took two hours to winch the bodies out, said Ms Andrade Ramírez.

She said the same thieves may also have dumped the fourth body there.

Read more: Police shoot boy dead in car park after possible terror stabbing Brazil flooding death toll rises to 75

Three men are being questioned over the killings.

After the bodies were found, surfers gathered in Ensenada, the nearest city, to protest at what they say is a lack of safety in the state.

"They only wanted to surf - we demand safe beaches," said a sign held by one woman.

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Some of the surfers took part in a 'paddle-out' ceremony in remembrance of the three men, forming a circle with their boards in the sea and throwing flowers.

In a Facebook message last week, Jake and Callum's mother said she hadn't been in touch with them since 27 April.

The post said they were meant to check into an Airbnb in the resort town of Rosarito but didn't show up.

Callum, 33, had reportedly been living in the US to try to become a professional lacrosse player, while his 30-year-old brother Jake, a doctor, had flown out to visit him just two weeks ago.

In a statement reported in Australian media, their parents called them "beautiful human beings".

"We love them so much and this breaks our heart," it said.

"Our only comfort right now is that they were together doing something they passionately loved."

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