All About Cartagena With Kids: Important Information To Know

A young couple stands smiling next to an expansive piece of street art in Cartagena, Colombia, featuring a large women's head with an afro and a red flower behind her ear.
Photo Courtesy: Elizabeth Merrill

If you want to know all about Cartagena with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, so we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Cartagena, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Cartagena with kids and the best hotels in Cartagena for families. Keep reading for all about Cartagena for families!

At a Glance

A young boy wearing sunglasses smiles while standing near a cannon on the Old Wall of Cartagena, with a stunning sunset over the water.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Before you visit Cartagena with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and more information all about Cartagena with kids. Check out Cartagena’s official tourism website for more information on planning your Cartagena vacation with kids

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Cartagena local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Cartagena is the Peso. It is widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, use this handy Currency Converter. Cartagena operates one hour behind Eastern Time, in GMT -5. Click here to see Cartagena’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

The official languages in Cartagena are Spanish and English. If you’re planning an extended trip to Cartagena or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. Click here to learn about Cartagena’s VISA policy for families.

Power/Standard Voltage

Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 volts, so transformers are not necessary for tourists from the U.S. If you are planning to use anything with a three-prong plug, bring an adapter, as some establishments only have two-prong outlets. 

Local Weather

Knowing about the Cartagena climate will be helpful before you depart. Cartagena has a tropical climate with wet and dry periods. The rainy season is from May until June, and another rainy period happens from October to November. The weather tends to be warm throughout the year. From January until March, it’s extremely dry in Cartagena. Check the current forecast on Accuweather.

Health Information

A family of four walks down a road in Cartagena's old town hand-in-hand.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Having the correct information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Cartagena with kids. If your children have allergies, need medical attention, etc., keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Cartagena with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about Cartagena with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination, just in case. Some accessible hospitals in Cartagena include Hospital Bocagrande. 

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena soon, you’re probably wondering about Cartagena’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15, 2022, Cartagena has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Cartagena’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest ensuring you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Cartagena with kids. For vaccination information, click here

Emergency Services

A young girl is surrounded by numerous pigeons in Plaza de San Pedro Claver, with one that landed on her back!
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Cartagena with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about Cartagena with kids. 

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in Cartagena, dial 123 for the police, 132 for an ambulance, and 119 for a fire.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is Cartagena safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Cartagena is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in Colombia. Cartagena is overall very safe to travel to. Generally, the criminal activities that do occur only apply to neighborhoods considered a bit more dangerous, which tourists rarely frequent.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s Colombia Travel Advisory here.

Cartagena for Kids

Visiting Cartagena with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Cartagena? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Cartagenawith kids. We suggest Babysits in Cartagena. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Cartagena. Finally, you can also take a look at Bebe Viajero Colombia.

Transportation

A mom holds her infant during a stunning sunset in Cartagean.
Photo Courtesy: Jessica Langston McClellan

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Cartagena with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Cartagena for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

All passengers must wear seat belts if you plan to ride in a car.

Transportation Services

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). Shorter distances are best traveled on foot. 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.

Families should avoid taking the busses from nearby cities into Cartagena. Instead, visitors can travel by air, which is the most popular way to visit the city. Local buses are also available at the airport, and it stops throughout Cartagena, but public transit can be challenging to navigate and is not recommended for tourists.

Local Airlines

To get into the city, many travelers fly to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). 

For more information on transportation in Cartagena, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Cartagena with Kids

A young girl wearing a flamingo dress stands in front of a flock of flamingos at the Aviario Nacional de Colombia, one of the best things to do in Cartagena with kids.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Searching for more tips all about Cartagena with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Cartagena with kids!

Click here to read The Best Multi-Day Cartagena Itinerary For Families

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in Cartagena can save families a lot of hassle. In Cartagena, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout Cartagena is not as common as in the USA. When visiting spas, salons, and other service industries, you can feel free to leave a tip, though it’s not required. When paying the bill at most restaurants, bars, or cafes, you’ll usually see a 10% voluntary tip (¨propina voluntaria¨). You don’t have to do it, but people often do, and it’s always appreciated. 

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Cartagena, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Cartagena. Check out Colombia’s National Holidays for more information here. 

Things to Do in Cartagena with Kids

A young girl looks up a the sky while exploring a beach at Punta Faro, rows of beach loungers and the ocean are seen in the distance.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Once you’ve read our Cartagena important information and all about Cartagena with kids, look up what to do. Cartagena is an extremely kid-friendly city, from colonial-era architecture to exciting culture, delicious food, and friendly locals. Families can soak up the sun at a local beach, like Boca Grande or Playa de La Boquilla, slightly north of the city. Or, take in your daily dose of history at the Castillo San Felipe Fortress. Then, explore the Old City by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage.

Kids will love passing street performers in Plaza Bolivar or souvenir stores at Las Bovedas! Water lovers can take a Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel tour or indulge in a Colombian cooking class with a local chef. Animal enthusiasts will love the Colombia Aviary or feeding the pigeons in front of San Pedro Claver Church. Remember to watch the sunset from the famous Cafe Del Mar restaurant

For more family-friendly activities in Cartagena, check out these Cartagena With Kids – 20 Amazing Things To Do

Where to Stay in Cartagena with Kids

An aerial view of the courtyard with Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, featuring a pool an lush palms.
Photo Courtesy: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Looking for the best places to stay in Cartagena with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Cartagena with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. Families who want somewhere to cool down will love Hotel Charleston Saint Teresa, which has a rooftop pool for kids to splash in. For something a bit more elegant, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena is located in a converted 17th-century convent and has a pool too.

Casa San Agustin and the Casa Claver Boutique Hotel are two other options for families visiting Cartagena. For a different kind of Cartagena experience, book a stay at Hotel Punta Faro outside of the city. You’ll get to experience the beauty of a secluded island! 

Plan your next vacation to Cartagena after reading Where To Stay In Cartagena That Kids Will Love

Book your next stay in Cartagena using Hotels.com now! 

Get a discount on your next Cartagena family vacation by using Expedia today!

Interactive Map of Cartagena

You can search and find accommodations in Cartagena that meet your needs using this interactive map. Our location-based interactive map will help families find the ideal accommodation for their stay, regardless of their budget.  Find things to do, airports, local activities, and restaurants easily by using this map.

Happy Travels!

A young girl holds her hands up high in celebration of exploring beautiful Cartagena, Colombia.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

We hope you liked this article All About Cartagena With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy Cartagena with your kids! 

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk. 

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The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.