Traveling to Cartagena, Colombia in 2024: Safety Considerations

A trip to the enchanting port city of Cartagena, Colombia can be an exciting experience and a fantastic addition to your travel itinerary. Known for breathtaking beaches, historical architecture, and vibrant culture, this city has attracted visitors from all over for many years.

Is it safe to travel to Cartagena Colombia? Like any destination, knowing the safety concerns and taking necessary precautions can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you. In this revised article, we will discuss Cartagena's safety concerns, recent incidents, and provide tips for traveling safely while avoiding common scams and petty crime.

Compared to other major cities worldwide, Cartagena maintains impressive safety measures. Although Colombia ranks 59th out of 142 countries surveyed in terms of overall crime level, this ranking shows Colombia has a relatively low crime rate compared to its peers. In contrast, Cartagena's Crime Index score ranks it at an impressive 206 out of more than 500 global destinations, placing it amongst some popular tourist spots with higher safety levels, such as New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro.

Recent social justice activist incidents in the region are cause for concern. Violence directed at social justice activists has been growing in Colombia, with over 1,200 human rights defenders and social leaders killed since 2016.[1] The government has stepped up police presence and offers security training for activists, but travelers should remain mindful of these ongoing human rights violations when engaging with local communities or participating in political activities.

Common concerns for travelers in Cartagena include petty theft, ATM fraud, and credit card theft. To avoid falling victim to these scams, exercise caution when handling your finances. Use well-lit ATMs located within banks or shopping centers, shield the keypad when entering your PIN number, and avoid using unfamiliar ATMs. Be wary of strangers offering assistance at ATMs, as they might be trying to distract you for their accomplices to steal your card. Additionally, be cautious when using bank cards in restaurants and bars. If portable payment terminals are available, opt for them to limit opportunities for fraudsters to copy your card details.

When dealing with street vendors, it's wise to ask for the price before making a purchase and avoid buying anything from vendors who seem overly pushy or aggressive. Street food vendors offer delicious local fare at affordable prices. Just be cautious and mindful of what you're purchasing.

Some areas within Cartagena offer better security than others. The upscale neighborhood of Bocagrande caters to tourists with modern amenities and enhanced security, while El Laguito, Getsemani, and San Diego provide tourist-friendly accommodations. It's essential to stay vigilant and exercise caution, even in touristy areas.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Cartagena, follow these general safety tips:

Dress modestly and wear bags across your body to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Stay within tourist areas, avoid distant neighborhoods at night, and opt for taxis or rideshares for transportation.
Keep important documents safe and avoid carrying valuable items on the street.
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and transportation hubs.

The police presence and emergency services in Cartagena are reliable, so you'll be well-prepared for any unexpected situations. Moving on, Medellin and the Coffee Triangle region offer safe travel experiences for tourists seeking adventure beyond Cartagena.

In conclusion, travelers can enjoy a memorable and safe trip to Cartagena by following essential safety precautions and staying aware of the current situation in the area. Cartagena's location next door to South America makes it an accessible way to discover Latin America and its rich cultural heritage. For more information on traveling to Cartagena, check out our comprehensive destination guide.

Enrichment Data:

Tourism Safety and Risk Levels: https://ourwebsite.com/tourism-safety-and-risk-levels/colombia-tourism-advisory
Current Travel Advisories for Colombia: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html
Colombia Human Rights Violations Statistics: https://ww2.amnestyusa.org/colombia-human-rights-activists-killed-in-conflict-zones-and-urban-clashes/
Common Scams in Colombia: https://ourwebsite.com/common-scams-in-cartagena-colombia/
Cartagena Neighborhood Safety Guide: https://www.tripsavvy.com/walking-around-cartagena-4145845
TripSuccess Tips: https://ourwebsite.com/categorized-articles/tripsuccess-tips/

Notes:

Amnesty International. Colombia: End the cycle of killings of human rights activists! (07 March 2023). Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/03/colombia-end-the-cycle-of-killings-of-human-rights-activists/
Travel NC. Destinations: Cartagena (2023). Retrieved from https://www.nc.gov/destinations/cartagena
U.S. Embassy in Colombia. Safety and Security Tips for Cartagena (2023). Retrieved from https://co.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/safety-and-security-tips-cartagena/
Colombia Travel Tips. Cartagena Safety Guide (2023). Retrieved from https://colombiatraveltips.com/cartagena-safety/
Travel Advisory. Colombia Travel Advisory (2023). Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html
Adopting tips for trip success, such as dressing modestly, staying within tourist areas, avoiding carrying valuable items on the street, and remaining mindful of one's surroundings, can contribute to a safe and enjoyable trip to Cartagena, Colombia.
To fully appreciate Cartagena's enchanting port city lifestyle and its rich cultural heritage, travelers must also be aware of the safety concerns surrounding social justice activist incidents, petty theft, ATM fraud, and credit card theft, and take necessary precautions when navigating the city and interacting with locals to ensure a trouble-free journey.