Food

Please don't hold us to this :) Budget on average the following for food.

Lunches: US$3-12

There are daily "corrientazos" to be had for $3-5. These are also referred to as "Menu del Dia". Many restaurants have these, some will post signs outside, others will not. Just ask for "el menu del dia" if you don't like the prices of the regular menu, on a budget, or saving for a beer. This local lunch usually consists of a warm soup (weird right?), rice and/or beans, lettuce and/or vegatable, and a meat option (fish, beef, chicken, or pork).

Beyond the local plate, you can find plenty of other options, from pastas to carnes to burgers. Expect to spend more, even at McDonalds (except for the Big Mac, currently $2.50...but please, please don't do it :).

Dinners: US$8-25

Occasionally there are also "menu del noche" options, but it is rare. Budget more for dinner as we will be inviting everyone to join us for different meals around town at our old and new favorites, some of which are "un poquito" expensive. We will provide tentative schedule soon.

Breakfast: US$1-4

If you like to eat out a big breakfast, good luck. Costenos do not typically offer big American style breakfasts. However, there are numerous amazing "panaderias" all around town and we'll tell you about our favorites. For those renting an apartment, you have a full kitchen and can cook up whatever you'd like to start your day.

Beer: US$2-6

Unfortuantely Cartagena, like most Caribbean destinations, doesn't have much to offer in the beer department :( Club Colombia is the "award winner" and likely the least damage to the brain. In a few spots, you will find imported Erdinger or Paulaner. A local microbrewery is starting to get a little penetration in a couple places as well. Buying beers off the street or in the supermarket is obviously cheaper than the restaurant, but don't BYOB to dinner.

Juices: US$1.50-4

In a bakery, you can usually find the best juice prices. Second best location is an ice cream or dessert cafe. Restaurants always charge the most. The sizes vary too, so don't be surprised if you pay double for half the glass...welcome to tourism. If you are daring, grab a glass of mandarin juice or limeaid from a guy in the street who sells it out of a glass box for COP 1000. Please take full advantage of all the amazing juices and fruits you've never heard of. I always drink 1 or 2 a day in Cartagena.

The Boring Beverages

Drink lots of water, it will be sunny. Bottles of water cost about US$1 in most places. Look for a "farmacia" or a cooler from a dude in the street (check the cap is sealed!). Restaurants will usually charge you double (or more). You can often ask for "un vaso de agua" or "agua de la casa" for free in nicer places, but they will not offer it to you at first (and will try to sell you a bottle). You can (and we often do) BYObottle of water.

Soda is about the same price, same rules. Only McDonalds and Burger King offer free refills, everywhere is non-American style, i.e. by the bottle.