Cartagena receives each year millions of visitors, and the growth of tourism also brings a responsibility: to take care of the natural and cultural resources that make the city a destination so special. Sustainable tourism does not mean giving up nothing of the experience, but make decisions a little more aware of during the trip, from transportation that you choose to how you behave in the sea or in the historic centre.
Why sustainability matters in a destination, such as Cartagena
The colombian Caribbean faces environmental pressures on real-life coral reefs near the Rosario islands are sensitive to human contact, the urban beaches receive a huge amount of visitors on a daily basis and the historic center with its centuries-old architecture, it needs constant care to stay in good shape. Travel responsibly helps that these resources remain available for the next few generations of travelers and the local communities that depend on them.
Choose excursions with responsible practices
Not all the trips to the Rosario islands or other locations along the coast operate under the same standards. Before you book, it is worth asking if the operator respects the coral reefs, if you limit the number of people per boat, and if you avoid the use of sunscreen non-biodegradable near areas of reef, as certain chemicals directly affect the health of the coral.
You can check out this guide on the trip to the Rosario islands to learn more about how these outputs and what to ask before booking with a specific operator.
Reduce your footprint of transportation within the city
Bocagrande, the Historic Center and the garden of Gethsemane are relatively close to each other, which allows you to cover a good part of the city on foot or on short trips, instead of constantly rely on vehicles. Choose to stay in a well located reduces the need for long journeys in a car or taxi during your stay. Hotel Regatta Cartagena, located in Bocagrande, offers rooms facing the sea and the city from where you can move around to walk toward various areas of interest and use transport only when it is really necessary, which also contributes to a trip with less impact.
Responsible habits on the beach and in the sea
The beaches of Cartagena, in both the urban and the nearby islands, and benefit from simple gestures on the part of the visitors: do not leave trash in the sand, to avoid touching the corals while snorkeling, and use sunscreen biodegradable where possible. If you practice water sports, choose operators to maintain their equipment in good condition and which respect the designated areas for each activity, avoiding contact with areas of reef-sensitive.
Supports the trade and the local culture
A simple way of practicing responsible tourism is to prioritize restaurants, artisans and local guides on international chains or to intermediaries who do not reinvest in the community. Purchase art directly to the people who prepare, eat at family restaurants outside the tourist areas and hire local guides certificates for the historic center are specific ways that your trip directly benefit the city that you visit.
This type of decisions does not require much additional effort during the trip, but a little bit of intention: ask who made the product you are buying, choose a restaurant that takes years in the neighborhood instead of one focused exclusively on tourists, or taking the time to talk with a local guide instead of following only one application are gestures that, combined, generate a real economic impact in the communities that sustain much of the tourism in the city.
Take care of the historical heritage of the city
The historic center of Cartagena is a unesco world Heritage and its conservation depends in part on the behavior of those who visit it. Avoid scratching or write on the walls, do not climb to restricted areas of the fortifications, and follow the directions in historical sites such as the Castle of San Felipe helps that these areas are kept in good condition for future visitors. These structures are centuries old and, though they seem to be resistant to the wear and tear accumulated by the human contact constant is one of the main concerns of conservation in the city.
Practical tips to make your travel more sustainable
- Choose accommodation well located to reduce your trips in transportation during the stay.
- Question to the tour operators about their conservation practices before you book.
- Use sunscreen biodegradable when you go to swim near reef areas of.
- Prioritizes restaurants and local artisans for over chains or to intermediaries.
- Follow the indications of conservation at historic sites and avoid touching ancient structures.
Is it possible to make tourism sustainable without sacrificing comfort?
Yes. Practice sustainable tourism does not mean renouncing to the comfort of the trip, but make conscious decisions on specific aspects, such as the operator of excursions you choose or habits you have at the beach, without changing the rest of your experience.
How can I reduce my impact during a trip to the islands?
Choose operators that limit the number of people per boat, out of respect for the areas of reef, and to promote the use of biodegradable suntan lotion are concrete ways to reduce the environmental impact of a tour to the Rosario islands or to other points close to the coast.
Does the hosting influencing the sustainability of my trip?
Yes, in part. Stay in a well located, as Bocagrande, reduces the need for long-haul transport during your stay, which decreases the impact associated with the constant movement within the city.
Travel with a conscience from your arrival to Cartagena
Choose an accommodation located is one of the first steps for a trip more responsible, because it reduces trips unnecessary and makes it easier to move on foot for a good part of the city. Contact us to know availability in Hotel Regatta Cartagena and plan for a comfortable stay in Bocagrande, close to the main areas of the city.
