CARTAGENA
Ranked by traveller popularity
The 10 most popular historical tours in Cartagena. Here's what they actually deliver, who runs them, and what they cost.
Shared Cartagena walking tour from the Walled City to Getsemaní, mixing slavery-era history with salsa and champeta for $12.
“Robert was a great guide. He gave us information about history, but also many useful tourist information. He also paid attention to include all of us in conversation, with a positive attitude. Joli also did a great job in her short explanation.”
A guided walk through Cartagena’s walled old town and Getsemaní, mixing myths, slavery history, art, and local street culture for about 3 hours.
“Well organized, interesting, entertaining great guide. Highly recommend but would not do with small kids”
A private-feeling tour to San Basilio de Palenque from Cartagena with native guides, music, drums, language, and a standout lunch.
“This tour to Palenque was outstanding. Our guide picked us up in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, and the drive took about an hour. The town itself was incredibly colorful and vibrant. We learned how to make sugarcane candy, explored traditional medicine, and enjoyed a full dance exhibition. The experience felt very interactive and intimate. The…”
A private Bazurto Market cultural tour in Cartagena with music, poster art, herbal tastings, and optional lunch at Cecilia’s.
“The guide was knowledgeable, attentive, and fun. He skillfully guided me through the market maze. He made my market experience memorable.”
Cartagena historic and movie bike tour for small groups of 10: pirate-bay sights, Santo Domingo monastery, Getsemaní film spots, coffee and juice.
“Gerardo is a wonderful guide! He is clearly so proud of his city and knows so much about the area, past and present - including some amazing family history of his own. We were a little nervous to be biking around Cartagena but Gerardo lead us with confidence and it was a totally amazing and…”
Visit San Basilio de Palenque with native guides to learn history, music, language, traditional medicine, murals, boxing, and a home-style lunch.
“It was a great educational experience. There was more depth to the tour than we expected.. Our tour guide was well known to many of the people in the town. We were able to interact with several residents.”
3-hour Cartagena photo walk with a local guide, San Pedro Claver history, secret angles, Getsemaní murals, plus a refreshing drink.
“Our guide was William, an 83-year old veteran of the Cartagen touring scene. We boarded the tour agency car with Simon, the driver and travelled to San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. William showed us the tunnels built under the fortress to confound invaders just in case they overpowered the fortress. He also impressed on us…”
Boat through mangrove tunnels near La Boquilla, try cultural net fishing, then enjoy Afro-Caribbean seafood lunch in Bolívar.
“We loved the fishing trip into the mangroves and the chance to have a go at casting the nets. Harder than it looks but great fun. The drive through La Boquilla was an eye opener as to the way of life but interesting none the less. Lunch was OK but we would have happily missed…”
Cartagena historic center and Getsemaní in 2.5 hours, 14 stops with an accredited guide, $45 per person.
“This was a great tour. Alvarito is a great guide. His English is good and his knowledge of the history and things to see was great. We saw many interesting and historic places. I highly recommend this guide and tour.”
A low-cost walking route through Cartagena’s plazas and forts, ending in Getsemaní. Follow the stories of faith, commerce, and resistance.
“Our guide was a native and shared history with us, quick answer questions and very pleasant.”
