San Felipe de Barajas Castle Guided Walking Tour with Tickets
Description
Unleash Cartagena's secrets! Journey through the imposing Castillo San Felipe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and uncover its legendary tales of battles and strategic brilliance while enjoying panoramic city and sea views. Then, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the San Diego neighborhood. Wander its colorful colonial streets, admire the charming architecture, discover local artisan shops, and feel the artistic pulse of the city. Experience the perfect blend of historical grandeur and neighborhood charm in one enriching adventure on this tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the history behind Cartagena’s fortifications. Explore the great battles between the Spanish Empire and the British and French Empires. Learn about the legendary military feats that surround this fortress.
The Bóvedas de Santa Clara, built in 1798, were designed as a bombproof shelter for troops and ammunition, it has 23 vaults with ventilation chimneys. Initially used by Cartagena’s White Militias. Today, it hosts the city’s most diverse handicraft market, offering visitors beautiful pieces of traditional Colombian craftsmanship.
Explore the legacy of our first Nobel Prize in Literature and discover his deep connection with Cartagena — a city that inspired the characters, settings, and stories behind many of his most iconic novels. Walk through the places that shaped his imagination and brought his magical worlds to life.
Here we find one of Cartagena’s most beautiful theaters, the Adolfo Mejía Theater, right next to the Claustro La Merced. Immerse yourself in the stories behind some of Gabriel García Márquez’s most iconic novels, such as The General in His Labyrinth, Of Love and Other Demons, and Love in the Time of Cholera. Let the magic of these places reveal the inspirations that shaped Gabo’s unforgettable characters and settings.
Step inside one of the city’s oldest churches and one of the few that preserves its stunning Baroque architecture. Uncover the secrets of its walls and the stories that shaped its history on this unforgettable tour!
Plaza Fernández de Madrid offers a sunny, relaxed feel in Cartagena's heart. Shady trees surround the statue, while colorful colonial buildings with flower-draped balconies create a charming scene. You'll catch the easy chatter from nearby cafes and maybe some live music. It's a peaceful little square where you can soak up the city's history at a comfortable pace.
Plaza de San Diego buzzes with a lively yet relaxed energy. Its centerpiece, the bright yellow Iglesia de San Diego, anchors the scene. Colorful colonial houses with wooden balconies line the square, often hosting vibrant restaurants and bars spilling onto the pavement. Street performers add to the atmosphere, and the air is filled with a mix of music and conversation. It's a great spot to grab a bite, people-watch, and feel the vibrant pulse of Cartagena's historic center.
La Serrezuela blends history with modern vibes. This open-air mall cleverly incorporates the old bullring's architecture, creating a unique space. You'll find a mix of shops, restaurants with great views, and entertainment spots. Palm trees sway, and the sea breeze adds a fresh touch. It's a cool place to shop, eat, and soak in the Cartagena atmosphere with a contemporary twist.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(25)
Alvaro was an amazing guide. It ended up being just my sister and I on the tour. Cold water bottles were supplied at the beginning of the castle tour - where we definitely needed them most! Throughout the tour, Alvaro was very open to answering our many questions, about history, culture, and more. Also when we asked for recommendations, Alvaro already had an extensive list ready to send. We definitely recommend taking this tour!!
Dimas was our guide and he was outstanding. We went at a pace to suit my ageing legs and he was most considerate at all times. A very knowledgeable Cartagena resident he gave us many interesting facts and answered all our questions.
The tour guide had generally good English and shared plenty of stories and history about San Felipe and other places in the historic city center. Also, he gave great suggestions for places to take photos. The ride from San Felipe to the city center was air conditioned which was greatly appreciated after the hot day.
We really enjoyed the tour! Alvaro David gave us great information about the fort and Cartagena. There were plenty of opportunities to take photos. The transfer to the San Diego neighborhood is in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Amazing! Rebekah explained everything very clear and let us know very interesting details about the castle, then we went to the historic center where we tasted some delights of the city. We recommend!!
Robert was an amazing guide. He was very knowledgeable about every aspect of the tour which made it a really cool experience.
My tour guide was Dimas. It turned out to be just me today, so he customized everything to my needs. The sun was intense so he went slowly and took pauses for my comfort, and explained so much of the history as well as the surroundings. I was blessed by his knowledge, patience, kindness, and willingness to help me practice my Spanish! I am truly grateful for all he taught me and highly recommend this tour.
Great tour of the Castillo de San Felipe and the Old City of Cartagena. Rebeca the guide is very knowledgeable on history of Cartagena in particular and Colombia in general. We finished the tour in the Old walled city and visited Gabriel Garcia Marquez museum.
The guide Rebecca was great! Very careful and asking. The tour is very well worth it because it does not include just the visit to the Castle. This tour complements the walking tour of the center that we did the day before in other 2 neighborhoods of the center and that we also loved.
Really knowledgeable and friendly tour, Alvaro was great and answered all our history questions. Touring the neighborhood at the end was a nice finish after the castle.
