Tag: Colombias

  • Colombia’s Caribbean Gem Unveiled: Cheap Hotels Await In This Colonial Beach City

    Colombia’s Caribbean Gem Unveiled: Cheap Hotels Await In This Colonial Beach City

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    If you’re looking for a unique and affordable tropical vacation destination for this summer, look no further than Cartagena, Colombia.

    This colorful colonial city located right on the Caribbean coast of Colombia is one of the trendiest destinations of the summer.

    According to recent data from travel booking platform Hopper, Cartagena is the fourth most searched international travel destination this summer. And it’s also really affordable, making it even better for a summer getaway that won’t break the bank.

    Woman in Cartagena

    Here’s why you should add Cartagena to your travel bucket list and plan a trip ASAP:

    A Unique Blend Of Cultures

    I’ve traveled to almost every country in South America, and I’ve never been anywhere like Cartagena.

    Since it’s located on the country’s Caribbean coast, it has a very different vibe compared to the rest of the country, with a very strong Caribbean influence.

    Woman with Fruit on Her Head in Cartagena

    But there’s also still a strong Spanish colonial influence on the city’s architecture, particularly the walled Old Town which is full of colorful old buildings and quaint cobblestone streets.

    Every corner of Cartagena is an Instagram post just waiting to happen.

    Just outside the Old Town, the Getsemani neighborhood is the hippest part of the city. You’ll find street art, cool bars, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and the best nightlife in the city.

    Street with colorful murals in Getsemani, Cartagena Colombia

    Cheap Hotel Prices

    Colombia in general is one of the cheapest countries in Latin America, and while Cartagena is slightly more expensive than the rest of the country, it can still be super affordable.

    In fact, it’s still one of the cheapest beach destinations in Latin America.

    And you can find particularly good deals on hotels in Cartagena. Based on data from Hopper, the average price per night for a hotel in Cartagena this summer is $119.

    Cartagena, Colombia. Church of St Peter Claver

    That’s more than 50% cheaper than hotels in Cancun, Mexico (the most searched destination for this summer) where hotels average $255 a night.

    When I was in Cartagena, I stayed at Hotel Bantu, an amazing luxury boutique hotel in the walled Old Town for around $150 a night. This hotel had a great location in the Old Town and I loved the tropical, colonial-influenced design and decor.

    And the hotel has a pet toucan that roams the property freely — how cool is that?!

    Woman in Cartagena Colombia

    Easy And Affordable To Get To

    Some of the other trending destinations for this summer (like Tokyo, London, and Rome) are not as easy for Americans to travel to.

    With exorbitant airfare prices this summer, some of these more far-flung destinations might be off the table for budget-conscious travelers.

    The great thing about Cartagena is that flights from the U.S. tend to be very affordable. There are a few cities with nonstop flights to Cartagena, but most flight routes will have you stopping in Bogota, Colombia or Panama City, Panama first.

    Modern Seaside Development In Cartagena, Colombia, Latin America

    Based on data from Google Flights, most flights to Cartagena are under $400 round-trip from dozens of cities in the United States!

    Beaches, History, Food, And Culture

    Cartagena is extremely hot and humid year-round. I visited in July and I was pretty overwhelmed by the heat, but luckily there are beaches nearby where you can cool off.

    The city itself has some decent beaches in the Bocagrande neighborhood (basically the Miami of Cartagena), but the best beaches are in the nearby Rosario Islands.

    Rosario Islands

    Taking a day trip by boat to these islands was a highlight of my time in Cartagena.

    And there’s plenty more to do in the city than just beaches — exploring the historic churches, museums, and forts of the Old Town, eating your way through the city’s delicious street food, and enjoying the lively nightlife are just a few things you can look forward to in Cartagena.

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    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



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  • Colombia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Is One Of The Easiest To Apply For

    Colombia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Is One Of The Easiest To Apply For

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    Digital nomadism is on the rise in South America, a continent rushing to be ahead of the curve in the post-Covid economic race. Following Brazil and Argentina, who opened the path to residence for remote workers earlier this year, now it’s Colombia’s turn to launch its own Digital Nomad Visa, with some of the easiest requirements we’ve seen yet.

    Young Woman Traveling As A Tourist In Cartagena, Colombia

    A country whose natural beauties and unique culture were once spoiled by turf wars and widespread instability, which kept visitors and investors away for most of the 20th century, Colombia has successfully re-branded itself in recent decades as a leading tourist destination and major Latin American hub.

    Now, it’s taking yet another bold step in revitalizing its Covid-hit economy:

    Colombia Has The Most Affordable Nomad Visa Requirements Yet

    Aerial View Of Guatape Rock, Colombia

    Colombia may be arriving somewhat late to the party, seeing that most of its traditional competitors, including Costa Rica and neighboring Brazil, have already announced similar schemes benefiting digital nomads months ago, but it’s definitely making up for the delay with an offer many will find impossible to resist.

    Starting October 22, eligible workers will be able to set up residence in Colombia by fulfilling one simple requirement: they must have a minimum $684 in available funds monthly. That’s a far lower sum than the United States’ own national minimum wage average this year, estimated at $1,256.70.

    Medellin Cable Car Pictured Against The City's Backdrop, Colombia

    With the cost of living crisis, the surging price of fuel, and the never-ending political disputes that are rocking Washington to its core, living Stateside is becoming unsustainable for many young workers, who are now looking outward beyond their home country and joining the growing nomadism trend.

    Well, lucky them, cause Colombia’s visa scheme is incredibly accessible.

    Digital Nomad Visas Can Require You Make $70,000+ A Year Elsewhere

    Traveler Booking A Flight On A Computer While Holding Up A Credit Card, Flight Booking Concept

    Essentially, foreigners are required to earn a nearly-negligible average of $22.80 per day to apply, an amount significantly lower than other destinations fueling the trend. In comparison, Costa Rica expects applicants to prove means of support at least $3,000 per month, or $2,316 more than Colombia’s much more modest request.

    Over in Europe, perhaps the most popular continent for long-term travelers due to its unparalleled cross-border connectivity, Croatia has established a minimum threshold of $2,600 monthly, while Malta is setting the bar even higher by turning down applications of travelers whose funds do not total $3,063.39 a month. Other examples include:

    Digital Nomad Working With Computer At The Beach
    • MontserratMinimum $70,000 a year
    • Dubai – Minimum $60,000 a year
    • Barbados – Minimum $50,000 a year
    • Estonia – Minimum $1,302 per month
    • Romania – Minimum $4,170 per month

    You can find the complete list of countries offering Digital Nomad Visas clicking here

    As you can see, Colombia’s visa requirements are a lot easier to fulfill than those of island countries or Europe’s. Unlike other destinations that have admitted to be openly discouraging budget travel, eyeing big investors and high-spending tourists instead, the Escobar homeland is hoping to attract Europe’s shunned backpackers by removing financial barriers.

    Colorful Houses In Guatape, Colombia, Latin America

    3-Month Rule Concern Will Soon Be A Thing Of The Past For Remote Workers

    Prior to the visa being launched, Colombia was already a household name among digital nomads, who are drawn to Medellin’s bustling nightlife, Bogota’s cultural scene, the Colombian Amazon’s diverse nature and its beautiful Caribbean coastal route. The only downside? They were only allowed to remain in the country for up to 90 days.

    That changes starting this fall.

    Female Traveler With Nails Painted Red Clutching A U.S. Passport

    As a general rule, when visiting as tourists, Americans and a majority of foreigners could only remain for three months. Still, we have had reports of nomads renewing their temporary visas for a further three, though that isn’t guaranteed and overstaying visas inevitably leads to legal difficulties when exiting or re-entering a country.

    Once the new system launches, however, long-term travelers wishing to linger in Colombia will no longer have to worry about the 3-month rule, being allowed to remain in the national territory for up to two years – more than enough time to tick off the list all of Colombia’s top landmarks and discover its hidden gems.

    Two Travelers Sitting On The City Wall For Sunset In Cartagena, The Colombian National Flag Waving In The Background

    In order to be free from Colombia’s Immigration Department’s scrutiny, eligible travelers will be probably be required to apply for the correct visa in advance, granting them permission to work remotely from Colombia. As of now, authorities have not given further information or listed other criteria that must be met.

    Are There Any Other Rules For Applying?

    Air Passenger Wearing A Face Mask As He Observes An Aircraft Through The Airport Terminal Glass Front, International Travel Concept

    As the system is only launching in the fall, we do not know yet of any other rules that may apply other than the minimum income. Usually, Digital Nomad Visas are issued upon presentation of:

    • A valid passport that isn’t set to expire during the temporary residence
    • Proof of enough financial resources
    • One’s income must originate fully from abroad*
    • Health insurance for the duration of the intended stay
    • A criminal record check**

    *When seeking entry into Colombia to work as an employee for a Colombia-based company, foreigners must apply for a Worker Visa, or other similar categories instead

    **Not mandatory in some cases

    Church Of St Peter Claver Bocagrande In Cartegena, Colombia, South America

    Additionally, if you hold a second Mercosur citizenship besides your American, British or European, or you are also a citizen of a Mercosur-associated member state, you already enjoy freedom of movement within Colombia, being allowed to live and work in Colombia with no requirement other than your Mercosur/Mercosur-associated nationality.

    Thus, you are not required to apply for a long-term visa or Colombia’s new digital nomad visa to remain in the country. This is valid for nationals of:

    • Argentina
    • Bolivia
    • Brazil
    • Chile
    • Ecuador
    • Paraguay
    • Uruguay

    Read More:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    Top 10 Beach Destinations For Digital Nomads

    The Ultimate Cheat Sheet To Becoming A Digital Nomad

    South America’s First Digital Nomad Village Will Open In Brazil

    The Top 5 Countries Where You’re Most Likely To Get Scammed

    This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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