relaxatsea Posted October 21, 2012 #1 Share Posted October 21, 2012 The Cartagena Catamarn Shuttle from the port to the old walled city was supposed to resume service this month. Does anyone know if this has happened and if the shuttle is now running? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grego Posted October 29, 2012 #2 Share Posted October 29, 2012 A few of us are hoping to see this running before the year - November would be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitcht Posted November 16, 2012 #3 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Just back from there and no catamaran shuttle yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relaxatsea Posted November 16, 2012 Author #4 Share Posted November 16, 2012 Just back from there and no catamaran shuttle yet. Thanks for the update! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted November 20, 2012 #5 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Sorry to hear it is not running. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted December 9, 2012 #6 Share Posted December 9, 2012 Does anyone have an update on this? Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwick Posted December 11, 2012 #7 Share Posted December 11, 2012 It is a very complicated situation and there have been several meetings including the mayor, vice minister of tourism, the port, the guides and others. However, there still is no resolution so it's not known when, if or how the catamaran shuttles may operate. We'll provide updates as they become available. However, if you're visiting Cartagena and taking a ship's tour, try to still visit the port terminal as it is a must see. It is like a park and zoo with lush vegetation, wild birds, monkeys, miniature deer, simulated emerald mine, snack bar, store, etc, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted December 11, 2012 #8 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Yes, we are visiting in January and this will be our fourth visit. When we were there this past January the catamaran was running. We didn't use it though. I agree the port terminal is a must see with the park/zoo. Every time we visit there are different animals to see. Can you elaborate on the issue of the catamaran. Is it the local guides and also taxi drivers who don't care for it as it takes potential business away from them? Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyB Posted January 13, 2013 #9 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Any updates? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adventurenerd Posted January 14, 2013 #10 Share Posted January 14, 2013 No catamaran yet when we visited in Mid Dec 2012. I agree that the port terminal animals and birds are must see. We took a taxi to the Walled City with another couple for $20 (each couple paid $12). On the way back, we caught a taxi by the clock tour and it charged us $10 so we paid $12 with tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40yearcruiser Posted March 7, 2013 #11 Share Posted March 7, 2013 Bumping this up to the top of the forum. Has the shuttle started running again? We will be in Cartegena at the end of March (on Good Friday). Will things be open that day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwick Posted March 9, 2013 #12 Share Posted March 9, 2013 The controversy still exists regarding starting the catamaran shuttle from the cruise terminal to the docks of the Old Town. I would guess that they would not be running when you visit. If they do start running or if we have any new information, we'll post it. The other easy way to get to the Old Town is to just get a taxi for the short 15 minute ride downtown. Pick up a free map at one of the tourist information kiosks at the port or downtown and it will be easy to find your way around the Old Town. Hope you enjoy this wonderful city! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 16, 2013 #13 Share Posted March 16, 2013 It is definitely not running. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeyB Posted March 23, 2013 #14 Share Posted March 23, 2013 So what should the taxi driver expect me to pay and what should I really pay for the ride into town? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted March 23, 2013 #15 Share Posted March 23, 2013 So what should the taxi driver expect me to pay and what should I really pay for the ride into town? From the port to the walled city, they will ask about 15 dollars for up to four people, but some of the drivers will take you there for 10 dollars. The return trip will be about the same, and there are lots of taxis roaming around the walled city area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 23, 2013 #16 Share Posted March 23, 2013 I would recommending negotiating a round trip and have the taxi driver wait for you. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted March 24, 2013 #17 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I would recommending negotiating a round trip and have the taxi driver wait for you. Keith That is not a good idea if you are seeing the walled city for the first time. It puts you on a schedule, and the driver may want a lot of money to wait for you. The taxis are so plentiful that you can have a much better experience if you just do your thing and then walk outside the walls and grab a taxi to take you back to the port. there are literally hundreds of taxis roaming the streets, and most are willing to bargain on the prices. If the driver doesn't speak English, either show him a picture of the ship or tell him you want to go to the Barca. A hint for those getting off the cruise ship. There is a small kiosk (information booth) on the dock, and they will give you a great map of the walled city free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ming Posted March 24, 2013 #18 Share Posted March 24, 2013 "......Por favor, lleveme al barco grande", works too. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 24, 2013 #19 Share Posted March 24, 2013 That is not a good idea if you are seeing the walled city for the first time. It puts you on a schedule, and the driver may want a lot of money to wait for you. The taxis are so plentiful that you can have a much better experience if you just do your thing and then walk outside the walls and grab a taxi to take you back to the port. there are literally hundreds of taxis roaming the streets, and most are willing to bargain on the prices. If the driver doesn't speak English, either show him a picture of the ship or tell him you want to go to the Barca. A hint for those getting off the cruise ship. There is a small kiosk (information booth) on the dock, and they will give you a great map of the walled city free. I have been to Cartagena several times and corpus times in last 18 months and most recently this past January. I do recommend negotiating a R/T taxi. That way you can see whatever you want and you can get a great price. I would see the fort first and then get over to not only the walled city. But the rest of the old town area. Tis can easily be done over four hours at a taxi fare of around $50.oo. You can see a lot with no pressure. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swedish weave Posted March 24, 2013 #20 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I have been to Cartagena several times and corpus times in last 18 months and most recently this past January. I do recommend negotiating a R/T taxi. That way you can see whatever you want and you can get a great price. I would see the fort first and then get over to not only the walled city. But the rest of the old town area. Tis can easily be done over four hours at a taxi fare of around $50.oo. You can see a lot with no pressure. Keith I don't agree that it is worth an extra $30 dollars to have the taxi wait for you. I have also made several trips to Cartagena and have booked a very good city tour for less than $50 dollars. To each his own !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted March 24, 2013 #21 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I don't agree that it is worth an extra $30 dollars to have the taxi wait for you. I have also made several trips to Cartagena and have booked a very good city tour for less than $50 dollars. To each his own !!! If you only want to see one site then obviously it is not worth the money. But if you want to see several sites (which you can do) then it is worth the money. Yes, choice is good. And each person can do what works for them. My point that there are alternatives and one of them is the one I posted which will allow someone to see several sites in different areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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