The Myth That Getsemaní Is Expensive
If you arrived in Cartagena thinking that staying in Getsemaní would cost you an arm and a leg, I get it. The prices on Airbnb on Calle de la Media Luna are a bad joke: tiny apartments for 80,000 or 100,000 pesos a night, no kitchen, and infernal noise. But there's a trick that locals and savvy backpackers have known for years. In June 2026, you can still get a full apartment, with a kitchen, washing machine, and even a terrace, for less than 50,000 pesos a night. The key isn't in an app; it's in knowing where to stop and who to ask.
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The Wrong Street: The Media Luna Trap
Calle de la Media Luna is the postcard of Getsemaní: expensive restaurants, bars with blaring music, and tourists walking around in flip-flops. Apartments there are managed by international agencies that tack on an extra 30% for "dynamic pricing." If you're looking for cheap, don't start there. That street is for those who want noise and pay for the location, not for those who need to stretch their budget.
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The Key Street: Calle del Sargento
Calle del Sargento, two blocks from Media Luna, is a different world. Here you find old two-story buildings, with wooden doors and inner courtyards. The owners live on the first floor or in the neighboring neighborhood, and they rent out the second-floor apartments at prices that seem from another era. There's no reception, no booking.com, just a "For rent" sign stuck in the window or a WhatsApp number written on the door with a marker.
How to Find Direct Rentals
Owners' WhatsApp
The most effective method is to walk Calle del Sargento and its side streets (Calle del Guerrero, Calle de la Sierpe) between 9 AM and noon. The owners are often sweeping the entrance or sitting on the sidewalk. Ask confidently: "Ma'am, do you have an apartment for rent by the day?" Many will give you their WhatsApp number on the spot. Note it in your phone and message them later. Don't be surprised if they reply with a "Yes, 40,000 a night, kitchen and private bathroom."
Local Facebook Groups
The Facebook group "Alquileres directos Getsemaní" is a goldmine. Owners of entire buildings post there, with photos taken on cell phones and descriptions like "Apartment in Getsemaní, near Parque del Centenario, 50,000 per night, includes water and gas." Don't expect professional photos; they're real. Ask for the contact of Doña Marta, a lady who manages three apartments on Calle del Sargento. Her prices are the best in the group: 45,000 pesos per night for week-long stays.
Signs in Corner Stores
The corner stores (called "graneros" in Cartagena) are the hub of neighborhood information. Go in to buy a coconut water or a soda and check the corkboard they have behind the counter. They post ads for "Room for rent with kitchen" or "Full apartment, 40,000 a night." Ask the store owner, who knows all the neighbors. They'll give you the landlord's direct number without any fuss.
Updated Costs
Reference prices in June 2026 for a full apartment in Getsemaní (with kitchen, private bathroom, washing machine, and terrace or patio) are:
- Per night (3 to 7-day stay): 40,000 to 55,000 COP (about 10 to 14 USD).
- Per night (1 month or more stay): 30,000 to 40,000 COP (negotiable if you pay in cash and upfront).
- Comparison with a hostel: A bed in a shared dorm in a hostel on Media Luna costs 35,000 to 50,000 COP per night. For the same price or less, you get an entire apartment for yourself, with a kitchen to save on food and a washing machine to avoid paying for laundry.
Important: these prices are from direct owners, with no platform commissions. If they ask for more than 60,000 a night, you're overpaying. Always negotiate for longer stays.
Estimated Times
- Finding an apartment by walking: 1 to 2 hours if you walk Calle del Sargento and the surrounding area on a Saturday morning.
- Response from owners via WhatsApp: 10 to 30 minutes, if you write during business hours on weekdays.
- Seeing the apartment and closing the deal: The same day. Owners show you the place instantly if they are in the building.
- Immediate move-in: You can move in the same day if you pay in cash and leave a one-night deposit.
The Risks and How to Negotiate
Party Noise Until 3 AM
Getsemaní is noisy, period. The main streets have bars with music until late. But if you choose an apartment on Calle del Sargento or the more interior side streets (Calle del Guerrero, Calle de la Sierpe), the noise is greatly reduced. Ask the owner if the apartment faces the street or the inner courtyard. Those facing the courtyard are quieter.
Water Shutoffs
In Cartagena, water shutoffs are common in the summer. Ask if the building has a storage tank or pump. If not, bring a bucket to fill when there is water. Serious owners will tell you the truth: "sometimes they cut it, but we have a tank." If they say "it never happens," be wary.
Noisy Neighbors
Old buildings have thin walls. You'll hear TVs, arguments, and music from the neighbors. It's not the end of the world, but if you're sensitive to noise, ask for an apartment on the top floor or with few neighbors next door. Negotiate with the owner: "If there's a lot of noise, can you move me to another apartment?" Some will agree.
How to Negotiate the Price
Owners expect you to haggle. Start by offering 20% less than what they ask. Say something like: "I like it, but it seems a bit expensive for a week. Can we leave it at 40,000 a night?" If you pay in cash and upfront (the whole week), it's easier for them to lower the price. Never accept the first offer without asking, "Is there a discount for a week?"
Survival Checklist
Before handing over money, check this in the apartment:
- Water pressure: Turn on the shower and the sink at the same time. If the water comes out with little force, you'll suffer. Ask if there is a pressure pump.
- Air conditioning: Turn it on and wait 5 minutes. If it doesn't cool well, ask for it to be checked before you pay. Owners sometimes have old ACs that don't work.
- Door security: The main door must have at least one security lock or a double-bolt lock. If it's just a simple latch, ask for an additional lock to be put on.
- Kitchen: Check that the stove works (turn on a burner) and that there are basic pots. If not, buy a small pot at the Bazurto market for 10,000 pesos.
- Washing machine: Ask if it works and if it has a wash cycle. Some are only agitators and don't spin well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Rent Directly from an Owner Without a Contract?
In general, yes, if the owner is known in the neighborhood. Ask to see their ID and take a photo of it. Don't give all the money upfront; pay day by day or week by week. If the owner asks for full payment for the month before you move in, it's better to look for another option. The owners on Calle del Sargento are trustworthy, but always be wary of offers that are too good on Facebook without real photos.
Can I Pay with a Card or Only Cash?
Most direct owners only accept cash (Colombian pesos). Some accept bank transfers if you have a local account. Don't expect a card machine or Nequi from everyone. Bring enough cash for the first week, and then you can withdraw from ATMs in the Historic Center (there's one on Calle de la Media Luna, but the lines are long).
What If the Apartment Doesn't Have WiFi?
Practical Tips
Renting an apartment in Getsemaní for less than you would pay in a hostel requires a bit of savvy and local knowledge. Here are some practical tips to help you get the best deal and enjoy your stay without overspending.
Explore Local Platforms
Insider Tip: Apart from Airbnb, consider using platforms like Homestay or Vrbo, which often have lesser-known options and more competitive rates. Some hosts may offer discounts for extended stays, so don't hesitate to ask.
Negotiate Directly with Owners
Insider Tip: If you find an apartment you like, try contacting the owner directly through social media or WhatsApp. Many times, they are willing to offer a better price if they don't have to pay platform commissions.
Travel in the Off-Season
Insider Tip: The off-season in Cartagena runs from September to November. During these months, not only are accommodation prices lower, but you'll also enjoy a less crowded and more friendly city.
Consider Shared Apartments
Insider Tip: If you're traveling alone or as a couple, looking for apartments with private rooms within a shared space can be an excellent option. This not only reduces the cost but also allows you to socialize with other travelers.
Learn About Neighboring Neighborhoods
Insider Tip: Explore nearby neighborhoods like San Diego or El Cabrero. These places offer more affordable accommodation options and are a short distance from Getsemaní, making it easy to access the area's nightlife and culture.