Quick snapshot: Turbaco is a small city in Bolívar department, located relatively close to Cartagena. The city is primarily focused on agriculture and commerce, with a relaxed pace of life. The city center is compact and walkable, with basic amenities. This is a very local experience with minimal tourist infrastructure, though Cartagena is accessible for day trips. Base yourself in the center for convenience. Stay alert in less populated areas, use official transport, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Turbaco were a person it would be a hardworking farmer who knows all the best local spots and always has fresh produce to share.
🔝 Top 6 Things to Do
1. Explore the city center
Compact commercial area with local shops, restaurants and markets, best explored on foot.
Why 80/20: Core city experience and local culture.
2. Visit local markets
Traditional markets with local produce, typical food and everyday goods.
Why 80/20: Authentic local experience away from tourist areas.
3. Day trip to Cartagena
Take a bus to Cartagena (about 30–45 minutes) for more amenities and tourist infrastructure.
Why 80/20: Access to major city while staying in a quieter, more affordable city.
4. Try local food in restaurants
Local restaurants serving typical Colombian food, especially almuerzo corriente.
Why 80/20: Local food culture and affordable meals.
5. Experience local daily life
Working-class city offering an authentic, non-touristy Colombian experience.
Why 80/20: Genuine local culture without tourist infrastructure.
6. Explore surrounding agricultural areas
The surrounding area has agricultural landscapes and farms, accessible by local transport.
Why 80/20: Rural Colombian experience and local industry.
🔎 Unusual facts
Turbaco is located in Bolívar department in northern Colombia, relatively close to Cartagena.
The city is primarily focused on agriculture and commerce.
Turbaco has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round, typical of the Caribbean coast region.
The city's economy is primarily based on agriculture, commerce, and services.
Turbaco offers access to agricultural areas, making it attractive for those interested in rural Colombian life.
🕐 Local Time
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👥 Population
56,171
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (very limited, mainly in business contexts)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Turbaco is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards accepted in larger stores and restaurants; cash is preferred in markets, local shops and taxis.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Requires street smarts and awareness, especially at night.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
Airport
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) — 20 km from center
Cartagena's airport, serving the entire region including Turbaco. Well-connected by transport.
Official Taxi or Ride-hailing
• 30 min
• ≈ COP 40,000–60,000 (€9–14)
Most convenient option, especially with luggage.
Use official airport taxis from the stand or ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify). Avoid unmarked taxis.
Airport bus + Intercity bus
• 70 min
• ≈ COP 10,000–15,000 (€2.30–3.40)
Cheaper option: take airport bus to Cartagena, then intercity bus to Turbaco.
More complex but affordable. Good option if you're comfortable with public transport.
SIM & Internet
Mobile coverage is available in Turbaco. Prepaid SIMs can be purchased at local stores.
Esim
International eSIMs work but may be expensive. Local prepaid SIMs are usually better value.
Physical
Get a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo at local stores. Bring ID to register.
Money
ATMs are available in the city center and near banks.
Use bank ATMs inside banks when possible for security. Decline dynamic currency conversion. Watch for card skimming.
First night tip: Take a taxi directly to your accommodation from the bus terminal. Avoid walking with luggage, especially after dark. Get your bearings the next morning in daylight.
💰 Costs
Turbaco is affordable, with lower costs than major Colombian cities, though amenities are more limited.
A visitor can get by on COP 50,000–90,000/day (€11–20) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 1,500,000–2,500,000/month (€340–560) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 1,500–3,000 (€0.35–0.70)
Cheap local coffee in small cups.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 3,500–7,000 (€0.80–1.60)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 8,000–15,000 (€1.80–3.40)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 25,000–50,000 per person (€6–11)
Without fancy wine. Limited restaurant options compared to larger cities.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 8,000–15,000 (€1.80–3.40)
Depends on distance. Ride-hailing apps may have limited availability.
Public transport
≈ COP 2,000–2,500 (€0.45–0.60)
Per ride with local buses.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 400,000–800,000/month (€90–180)
Limited options; more common in city center.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 800,000–1,600,000/month (€180–360)
City center and residential areas.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Turbaco is organized with a central commercial area and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Best for first visit
City center
— Central and convenient
Main commercial area with shops, restaurants, hotels and bus terminal.
Pros
- Central location with easy access to everything.
- Most amenities within walking distance.
- Bus terminal nearby for trips to Cartagena.
Cons
- Can be noisy and busy.
- Limited English speakers.
- Fewer modern amenities than larger cities.
Good for digital nomads
City center
Best option for internet access and basic amenities, though coworking spaces are limited.
Internet infrastructure is basic. Few cafés with reliable Wi-Fi. This is not a digital nomad hub; expect a more local, working-class experience.
Beach areas
Not applicable
Turbaco is an inland city. No beaches nearby.
Quiet areas
Residential areas outside center
Quieter neighborhoods with local shops, though amenities are more limited.
More peaceful but further from services. Better for longer stays if you want a very local experience.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You're passing through on business or regional travel.
- You want a very local, non-touristy Colombian experience.
Avoid if
- You're looking for tourist amenities or digital nomad infrastructure.
- You want extensive nightlife or cultural attractions.
- You need reliable high-speed internet for remote work.
🛡️ Safety
Turbaco has moderate safety concerns. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur, and violent crime exists but is less common in tourist areas. The city is primarily functional rather than tourist-oriented.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially in crowded areas.
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
- Scams targeting visitors (overpriced services, fake taxis).
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps when available.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
- Be cautious in less populated areas.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Not a digital nomad destination. Working-class city with limited amenities for remote workers.
🚇 Getting Around
Mix of local buses, taxis, and walking in the compact center.
- Local buses for main routes.
- Taxis are common and affordable.
- Walking is feasible in the compact center.
🎭 Culture
Working-class pace, functional and straightforward, with emphasis on agriculture, commerce, and family life.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
18:00–21:00, earlier than in larger cities.
😴 Siesta
Not common; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting tourist amenities – Turbaco is a working city, not a tourist destination.
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Expecting nightlife – limited options compared to larger cities.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Cómo llego a Cartagena?
How do I get to Cartagena?
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- June – Local festivals and cultural events.
- December – End-of-year celebrations.
👥 Meet People
Very limited language exchange opportunities. This is not an expat or tourist destination.
Nightlife Areas
- City center – limited bars and restaurants, mainly local crowd.
- Few nightlife options compared to larger cities.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Turbaco?
No, tap water in Turbaco is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Turbaco safe for solo travellers?
Turbaco requires street smarts and awareness. Petty crime can occur, and the city is primarily functional rather than tourist-oriented. Avoid walking alone at night and stay alert in crowded areas.
What is the best area to stay in Turbaco?
The city center is the most convenient option, with shops, restaurants, hotels and the bus terminal nearby. The city is compact, so most amenities are within walking distance.
How do you get to Turbaco?
Turbaco uses Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport. The 8020 option is a taxi or ride-hailing app which takes about 30 minutes and costs around COP 40,000–60,000 (€9–14). Alternatively, take the airport bus to Cartagena, then intercity bus to Turbaco.
Is Turbaco good for digital nomads?
No, Turbaco is not recommended for digital nomads. Internet infrastructure is basic, and there are no coworking spaces. Consider larger cities like Cartagena for better infrastructure.
Do you need to tip in Turbaco?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis is appreciated.