General security in Cartagena de Indias
One of the most important information for people who desire
visit Cartagena de Indias is manifestly the security in general.
To answer this question, people must firstly understand the
intentions of the one that writes this subject.
If I’m from the Colombian government or the city of Cartagena,
my intention could be to show you something pleasant to allow
you traveling to Cartagena and help the touristic expansion as
well as the economic.
If I’m a journalist, my intention could be to show you something
alarming to get more readers by creating sensationalism without
having gone to Cartagena.
If I’m a person having businesses linked with tourism, I could
write something friendly concerning Cartagena in order to
promote ideas and therefore improve my sales figure.
If I already made a trip to Cartagena without having any
troubles, then I’ll say that the city is secure. Or else, I’ll
say it’s dangerous.
Therefore, most of the people writing about this subject,
make it in a non-objective way (believing they are), but
according to prejudices or experiences they had. It’s up to you
to discern the information between those that say facts and
those that say opinions about facts or nothing.
We present you observations from a stranger tourists speaking in
three languages and lives here in a quarter for many years all
by constantly being in contact with many people such as tourists,
dealers, sellers, entertainers, policemen, taxis, etc. Also read
the El Universal to discover the daily facts of Cartagena and
you’ll have more information. Especially the articles that have
comments and facts…
The security in Cartagena de
Indias according to observable facts
Security scale in 2009
Very safe |
Safe |
Medium |
Caution |
Bocagrande, Castillogrande and Laguito:
Really high, rare are attacks, violations and other acts against
people. However, stealing is regularly happening, sellers at the
beach are harassing, lack of respect and often try to steal. A
too large number of policemen bring doubt over security and
plans with sellers. The beach closes at 6pm.
Historic center: The
sections in the walls is secure but beware of thefts that can
easily steal, they don’t have shoes! During the day it’s full of
people and during the evening it’s full of tourists. The quarter
of San Diego is also really secure in spite of its tranquillity.
Few physical acts are reported against people, but steals are
often happened during the day. Terraces close at 1am.
Getsemani: A special sector
because of the Convention Center where everything is secure, but
if you move at night in the interior, then risks increase
rapidly. Therefore, it’s difficult to divide the quarter that’s
divided in two.
Manga: Really secure. Few
violence and steals reported. A peaceful quarter and well taken
care of with medium police presence.
North of Cartagena at Cielo Mar:
High security around the Las Americas hotel, few violence cases
are reported. Sellers are less harassing than Bocagrande and the
police presence is lower. The beach of Blas del Teso is
accessible all night to sit and have a drink, but not the sea.
North of Cartagena at La Boquilla:
Medium security and difficult access by sellers that run around
the taxi or car to try telling you that the street is blocked
(to try to bring you to their restaurant). The village of la
Boquilla is doesn’t usually have violence or crimes, but still
is a place to go with someone that knows the region.
Marbella, Cabrero and Crespo:
Situated between the historic center and the airport, these
sectors are a little dangerous and some steals and attacks are
reported each month. Some homicides are also reported around
each two months.
Other quarters: Security is
absent, whether it’s on the street, against people or any other,
cases are reported each day. Violence, crimes and deadly
accidents are observable in the newspaper each day. For a
tourist, it’s important to be accompanied by someone if you
don’t speak Spanish.