Walking tour of the magical city of Cartagena.
Description
Ready to explore Cartagena like never before? Join us for a fun and unforgettable walking tour through colorful streets, hidden gems, and the rich culture that makes this city so special. We’ll start in the heart of the historic Walled City, where stunning colonial architecture and vibrant facades paint the perfect backdrop for your journey. Then, we’ll take you to the soul of Cartagena—Getsemaní—a lively neighborhood full of street art, music, murals, and a cool bohemian vibe that blends tradition with modern flair. What makes our tour different? It’s designed for small groups, so you’ll get a more personal and relaxed experience. Our local expert guides are passionate about Cartagena and love sharing tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to enjoy every corner of this magical city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The driver will take us to the San Diego neighborhood, located in the walled city of Cartagena. Certainly! Starting the tour in the San Diego neighborhood offers a wonderful introduction to the rich history and vibrant culture of Cartagena. This area is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, charming streets, and a mix of local and international influences.
Then, we will visit "Las Bovedas" which is not just a collection of arches; it's a living testament to the city's storied past. Built in the early 18th century, Las Bovedas originally served as dungeons and military storage. Today, within these ancient chambers, you'll find local artisans crafting exquisite goods that reflect Colombia's rich culture.
After soaking the sights of Las Bóvedas. We will visit the heart of Cartagena historic center. San Diego Square's charm has not only attracted visitors but also inspired poets, writers, and artists to capture its allure in their works. One notable landmark in Plaza de San Diego is the Santa Clara Hotel, a luxurious hotel housed in a former convent. The Santa Clara Hotel is renowned for its elegant architecture, blending colonial and contemporary styles seamlessly.
After walking at least 20 minutes through beautiful and preserved colonial streets. We will arrive at the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. One of the most emblematic monuments of Cartagena, Colombia. It was built during the colonial period, and construction started in the early 17th century. The cathedral showcases a stunning combination of Baroque and Spanish colonial architectural styles. We are Highlighting its notable features, such as the intricate façade, bell towers, and the use of coral stone in construction. Here, the guide will tell you some stories about the history of the Cathedral and its importance in the city's culture.
In front of the cathedral is one of the outstanding green spaces of Cartagena, Colombia, the Simón Bolívar park. This general was a prominent historical figure known as the "Liberator of South America." This name honors his role in achieving the independence of several South American countries from Spanish colonial rule.
Around the corner we will find the Plaza de Santo Domingo. One of the must-visit destinations in Cartagena. Offering a mix of history, culture, art and entertainment in a picturesque colonial setting. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The square is pedestrian-friendly and can be easily explored on foot. It is a hub for those exploring the historic walled city.
The clock tower is going to be our last stop in the walled city of Cartagena. It is not only a historical and architectural gem but also a symbol of the city's enduring cultural significance. The Clock Tower is often used as a focal point for various events, celebrations, and festivals in Cartagena. It's a central gathering place for both locals and tourists.
Parque Centenario is situated in the Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena, just a short walk from the historic walled city. The park was inaugurated in 1911 to commemorate the centenary of Colombian independence from Spanish rule. It is a significant historical landmark in the city. Parque Centenario offers a peaceful green space in the heart of Cartagena, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here the government invests resources for animal conservation. Today we can find birds, monkeys, iguanas and sloth bears.
The Cartagena Convention Center is a significant venue for conferences, events, and conventions in Cartagena, Colombia. It is located in the Getsemani neighborhood, right along the coastline, providing beautiful views of the internal bay of the city. The Cartagena Convention Center has hosted many significant national and international events, including business conferences, government summits, cultural festivals and concerts. Here, there is one of the most important coffee shops in Colombia. The waiters at Café Juan Valdez will serve us a delicious Colombian coffee while we relax in the air-conditioned premises.
The "Umbrella Street" in Getsemaní, Cartagena, Colombia, is a popular and colorful tourist attraction known for its vibrant and artistic ambiance. The street is adorned with a canopy of colorful umbrellas suspended above it, creating a stunning and visually captivating scene. It has become a popular backdrop for photos and a symbol of the neighborhood's artistic and bohemian atmosphere.
This will be the last stop on our tour. Plaza de la Trinidad is a must-visit place for those exploring Getsemaní and looking for an authentic cultural experience in Cartagena. Its lively and dynamic atmosphere showcases the unique charm and local spirit of the neighborhood. The square is often the epicenter of street parties and local celebrations, especially during festivals and holidays, when it becomes even more vibrant and animated.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We’ll pick up travelers from their hotel, Airbnb, or cruise terminal in Cartagena 30 minutes before the tour starts. Please wait for your guide or driver in the hotel lobby after that time. Pickup is available from all tourist areas, and depending on your location, pickup may be scheduled 40, 30, 20, or 10 minutes before the tour begins. We’ll contact you via WhatsApp to confirm your exact pickup time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(63)
the tour with Fabio was amazing! he really knows his history and beyond that, was very kind and helpful and a lovely person. He helped us find some local art, told us where some of the great restaurants are, and many other things. It was a super-hot day, and he made sure we were in shade and paced ourselves well. I would highly recommend Fabio as a guide in Cartagena. By the way, he also has been guiding us with information *after* the tour!!
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Knowing you had a great experience motivates us to keep doing what we love—showing off Cartagena’s magic!
The guide was very knowledgeable and tour was interesting. Everything was flawless and I would recommend this tour to everyone. We had included one tropical,delicious drink or a beer, it was given us of the stand on the street, people were concerned if it is safe to drink,especially director of our Cruise warned us not to have any food there. Many places are just simple not the cleanest there. The tour has potential to be even better: giving us free time like about 1 hr before sending us to the taxi. Just call taxi one hour later or let us know where we will have taxi spot and at what time.Second ,picking clean spot for refreshing drink,maybe inside some cafeteria, and third: on our way we passed lot of nice stores , so giving us time shop there at the end of our tour.that's my sugestions.
Hi Beata. I want to thank you for leaving such a great review. It was a pleasure sharing the hidden gems of this charming destination with you. I know you wanted to spend more time shopping, enjoying the food, and so on. However, please remember that you weren't the only two people on my tour, and yet I gave you 40 minutes to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh fruit juices. I can't send a taxi to pick you up an hour after the tour ends, as you are my responsibility. If you wanted to spend more time in the city before returning to the cruise terminal for lunch or shopping, you would have had to do so on your own.
Great tour guide very friendly and informative. Amazing walk around the city.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure sharing Cartagena's beauty with you. Your feedback means the world to us!
Fabio was a great communicator and had a wealth of knowledge about the historical city. Our ship delayed our disembarkation and he patiently waited for us. He answered all our questions and shared information beyond the everyday info one reads in a book. Wouldn’t hesitate to use him again and highly recommend others choose this tour !
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Knowing you had a great experience motivates us to keep doing what we love—showing off Cartagena’s magic!
My tour with Fabio was absolutely fantastic. His knowledge of Cartagena history and culture, and ability to explain it was impeccable. This tour was everything I was hoping for in a walking tour. I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure sharing Cartagena’s beauty with you. Your feedback means the world to us!
WEAR GOOD, covered-toe, athletic shoes, bc the walking tour is on very narrow streets, some with high curbs. Keep your cameras and pesos ready! Fabio moves quick- but not too fast! He had a very charming delivery and was enthusiastic the entire way! Presentation is everything and it all seemed personal to him. It was a persuasive tour, that will make you almost want to move there or escape to often. You could tell he genuinely LOVES his country and hometown! His oration was informative and rich with the history AND culture of Cartagena, at the most PERFECT time of day (4p to sundown to night fall). To keep our attention, Fabio didn’t spend too much time at any one stop. But he did respond to ALL questions with authentic good knowledge. Several times throughout the walk he pointed out cultural distinctions between other major, neighboring tourist towns like, Medellin. Overall, he was entertaining and even comedic at appropriate times. He was like a celebrity in the Walled City amongst the vendors and other tour guides! And he individually engaged and cared for every person in his group along the walk!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour! It was wonderful meeting you and sharing the stories and charm of Cartagena. Your review made my day—thank you!
Fabio was great setting up the initial meeting, like lived in the community, and, once he learned that both my spouse and I speak Spanish, evolved into a bi-lingual tour where we were very comfortable. His English was perfect, but, as a native Spanish speaker, he was able to convey more of the flavor of the area by interacting with others in the area, knowing that he wasn't leaving us out.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Knowing you had a great experience motivates us to keep doing what we love—showing off Cartagena’s magic!
Fabio is an excellent guide and communicator. He knows the area well, explains the historical, cultural, and local customs during the walking tour of the city. You will learn about when and how the city was built, how it was defended, who occupied the area, it's cultural significance and splendor, the transition to present day use and inhabitants of the walled city. Fabio will message you on Whatsapp once you book your tour. You will need to walk through the oasis zoo area, take a right at its exit and meet on the sidewalk outside the entrance if you're from a cruise ship. He'll let you know where to meet. Just say no gracias to all the cabbies and tour solicitors. Move past any line bcz it's only people stopping to negotiate cab pricing at the port. Fabio's group will be small so you're holding up the group if you're late. However, our tour was extended due to late arrivals. The air-conditioned van was comfortable with Fabio sharing highlights and points of significance enroute to the old walled city before beginning the walking tour. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and breathable fabric clothes because it's hot and humid. Participants need to be able to easily navigate steps, narrow sidewalks, and uneven terrain. Fabio keeps an eye out for wanderers in his group and looks out for area hazards. We felt very safe wherever we were. He'll point out differences between locally made wares and China-made, share various restaurant cuisine and pricing, and finishes with a refreshing beverage. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and trip into the old city and highly recommend Fabio as your tour guide. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed our walking tour of the magical city of Cartagena. It was a pleasure sharing with you the city’s history, culture, arte, and cuisine of this charming destination. Hope to see you again for another adventure!
This is a perfect 1/2 day walking tour around the walled city covering all of the neighborhoods and the history of the city of Cartagena. Pick up and drop off in a van was seamless. Our guide Fabio was excellent and adjusted the tour to our needs. Take lots of water as the weather is hot and much of the tour is in the sun.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We’re so glad you had a great time on the walking tour of Cartagena. Come visit us again!
What a fantastic way to learn about a new place! Fabio was very knowledgeable and fun! I would highly recommend booking this experience early in your trip to learn all about the city and get some great recommendations.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed our walking tour in Cartagena. It was a pleasure sharing the city’s history with you. Hope to see you again for another adventure!
