{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America","description":"Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia \u2014a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast \u2014 and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City \u2014 La Ciudad Amurallada \u2014 is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You can pick up a free map at your hostel or a tourist stand. Inside the walls, you'll find cobblestone streets, cannons facing the sea, and church courtyards like San Pedro Claver, where you can sit in the shade and people-watch. For sunset, head to the top of the wall near Caf\u00e9 del Mar \u2014 it's a magical view of the Caribbean, and you'll see locals and travelers gathered for that golden glow. I stayed in the Getseman\u00ed neighborhood, at Viajero Hostel, a lively, social spot just outside the walled city. It had a tiny rooftop pool \u2014 perfect for cooling off in Cartagena's humidity \u2014 and a friendly mix of travelers. My room was simple, a six-bed dorm, stuffy and windowless, but safe and well-located. The price? About $17 a night \u2014 great value for budget-minded travelers. Getseman\u00ed itself is known for its street art and music. Don't miss Calle de la Sierpe, where colorful murals tell stories of resistance and community. The nightlife here is vibrant \u2014 karaoke, fireworks, and salsa music spill into the streets. But if you're not a night owl, bring earplugs and enjoy it from a distance. One day, I took a day trip to Playa Tranquila on Bar\u00fa Island, about an hour and a half from the city. It started rough \u2014 a confusing pickup process, language barriers, and a lot of waiting around, like for two hours. I felt a bit like a piece of furniture being moved from one driver to another. Eventually, things smoothed out. I met some friendly couples from Mexico and Colombia. The weather turned rainy, and we all got soaked, but when the sun came out, it was worth it. At Playa Tranquila, the water was calm, the food was fresh \u2014 fish, rice, salad, and plantains \u2014 and the atmosphere was relaxed. Swimming and snorkeling were okay, though there wasn't much to see underwater. It was a stormy day. Still, it was a lovely escape from the busy city. Note: Some beaches, such as Bocagrande, are crowded and urban in nature. For a quieter experience, try Castillo Grande or take a guided tour to the nearby fishing villages, such as La Boquilla. For safety, a few quick reminders: Take taxis or ride-shares \u2014 don't walk alone at night. Avoid hiking solo \u2014 especially to places like La Popa Monastery, where you should always take a cab. Stay hydrated and take breaks indoors during midday heat. And remember, Cartagena can feel intense \u2014 lots of vendors, noise, and attention \u2014 but also warm, welcoming, and full of life. In the end, Cartagena taught me, Dr. Travelbest, patience, flexibility, and how to stay cool \u2014 literally and figuratively. Would I go again? Maybe, but next time I'd choose my tours more carefully and build in more downtime. It's hot, touristy, but authentically Caribbean, and for solo women, it's a destination that builds confidence one humid, colorful day at a time. Tips: Safety: Cartagena is one of Colombia's safest cities for tourists, but it's recommended to stay in well-lit areas and use registered taxis or Uber. For solo senior women, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night and to stay in well-reviewed accommodations. Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle; it's very humid. Money: Use small bills; many shops prefer cash (Colombian pesos). Language: Basic Spanish helps, but most tour operators and hotel staff speak English. Pacing: Afternoon breaks indoors (12\u20133 pm) are ideal \u2014 locals rest during the heat.  Smart Move and Slip-up pairings Bring the address of the place you are staying. I got lost in Cartagena and did not have the exact address of my hostel. I knew better, but thought I wouldn't need it. I was mistaken. It would have saved me a lot of stress to have the photo of the address on my phone, rather than what I actually had, which was very little. Having the address on a piece of paper is a smart move. On the other hand, a slip-up would be not having a backup plan if your phone runs out of battery or loses signal.   5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube In the news   ","author_name":"Dr Mary Travelbest Guide","author_url":"https:\/\/drmarytravelbest.com","html":"