The "Essential Cartagena de Indias" walking tour, will make you understand the relevance of this Caribbean port city and how its strategic location has helped to shape the world powers and economy from the 16th century till today.
In this tour, you will feel the city like a local and will be amazed by the beauty and the good vibes of this unique place on earth.
This is a no-rush kind of tour, that will walk tourists by history while learning why Cartagena became the prize for so many pirates and empires.
Also, you will live the rhythm that does of Cartageneros happy citizens of the world.
The walking tour is totally customizable and can be upgraded to compliment it to your interests or preferences.
You will get to feel my city like a local.
"El Guiador" is a perfect tour to fully understand the energy of the cartageneros and enjoy a fun time.
Let me have the pleasure to be your #TourGuide
I speak fluent English.
Licensed, insured and certified by Colombian authorities.
Meeting points
We will start the tour at the "Torre del Reloj" , the entrance of the city since 1631 when the walls were finally finished and the city was enclosed.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Itinerary
Plaza De Los Coches
The Plaza de los Coches is where the people entered the walled city, it was where the slave trade happened and also acted as a kind of transportation hub. This is where the statue of the founder of the city, Pedro de Heredia, is erected.
8 minutes
Plaza de la Aduana
In this plaza is where the gold, silver, and produce like tobacco, potatoes, sugar, fruits, and other produce were embarked to Spain in the Galeón Armada, also all the imports from the metropolis came by here to all the territories in SouthAmerica. The Casa de La Real ContadurÃa, the kings accounting offices is here and now is the mayor´s office of Cartagena.
8 minutes
Plaza de San Pedro Claver
If you believe in miracles this is a place on earth you should know, but also if you are someone that admires extraordinary human beings. The church of San Pedro Claver was made in honor of a Jesuit priest that dedicated his service to the wellbeing of the enslaved Africans that were brought to America by this port.
8 minutes
Baluarte de San Ignacio
From here you will see the Cartagena bay and the Bodeguita dock and will learn about the defense of the city from pirates and enemies of the kingdom of Spain.
At this museum, visitors will learn about the geography and nature that made this place a perfect site to build a defensive port and also you will get a complete look at the history of Cartagena de Indias from a naval point of view.
30 minutes
Baluarte de San Francisco Javier
From this bastion, you will see the coastline and in the distance Bocagrande where the Spanish military engineers built an underwater jetty to impede navigation and to make ships go by the guarded entrance to the bay, Bocachica.
8 minutes
Plaza de Bolivar
One of the most important sights at the city, here you will see the Palacio de la Inquisición, the statue of Simón BolÃvar the "Libertador" of 5 countries, the Colombian beauty queens hall of fame.
15 minutes
Museo del Oro Zenu
Here you will see the gold artifacts made by the Zenú culture that inhabited this area before the Spanish came in the 16th century.
30 minutes
Plaza Santo Domingo
At this beautiful plaza you will get to know Gertrudis, or as is also known, "La Gorda de Botero", additionally we will appreciate the church of Santo Domingo, the first monumental construction at Cartagena.
10 minutes
Plaza Fernandez Madrid
Here you will get to see the Iglesia de Santo Toribio and also know more about how the people of Cartagena got their fresh water supply.
8 minutes
Plaza de San Diego
One of the picturesque plazas of Cartagena is San Diego, where students from the arts university make it a very trendy place to be delighted. Filled with excellent restaurants and historical buildings like the Santa Clara convent, now a luxury hotel. A stop to be delighted with street food like arepa de huevo, caribañolas or empanadas if you like to.
10 minutes
La Serrezuela
We will walk by this location that was the bullring and multipurpose arena of Cartagena, now a high-end shopping mall and venue for concerts and shows.
30 minutes
Baluarte de San Pedro Martir
This is the bastion that guarded this part of the walled city. In the distance, we will see the Cerro de La Popa and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, one of the most impressive military constructions in America.
8 minutes
Plaza de La Trinidad
Here we will get into the coolest neighborhood of Cartagena de Indias, GetsemanÃ, and will get to see some of the finest street art and colorful streets.
10 minutes
Camellon de los Martires
Walking by the Camellón de Los Martires and the Parque Centenario you will get to see the Convention Center and also this section of the city that connects Getsemanà and the centro.
10 minutes
Torre del Reloj
We will get to where we started the tour and complete the circuit. Here you will be knowing the history and the culture of this great port city that is the pride of Colombia.
8 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Free Cancellation
April 25100% refund
April 26No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Reviews
4.8
13 reviews
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 10 reviews with 5 stars
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Private tour of the city
Published on Mar, 2024
We did this day trip while in port off a cruise ship. Stefania and Jose were our tour guides. They customized the tour to our interests and abilities. I was traveling with my mother who can’t walk long distances. Stefania had great energy and taught us a lot about the history of Cartagena. She was very fun. We got to taste some food and juices from local fruits. It was a great day!
Perfect
Published on Mar, 2023
Nestor was amazing. Very educated, which made this experience so special. He is so engaging and easy to talk to. I would highly recommend this excursion. When we go back, I will make sure to contact Nestor again.
Nestor was amazing!!! His English is superb and he’s fun and knows everything about Cartagena. With Nestor you’ll feel the energy and learn the history behind the beautiful city. Nestor will go at YOUR pace and offers great insider advice known only to the locals. Be ready for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide. I will use him again when I return!
Touring the Tunnels under the Fort were just 1 highlight of our Tour!
Published on Jan, 2020
Nestor did an excellent job for our private group of 7 which wanted a custom tour of Cartagena. During our Panama Canal cruise, we wanted a 3-4 hour which Nestor created for us and even built in some flexibility for shopping and walking around the old Town area. The view from the Convent was outstanding and his van driver navigated skillfully around the traffic jams to get us back to the cruise port in plenty of time for our departure.
An Great walking Tour!
Published on Dec, 2019
We had a wonderful walking tour of Cartagena! Nestor brought the city to life for us! He explained the strategic importance and history of this wonderful city!
We also were able to experience many of the neighborhoods which were amazing!
I highly recommend Nestor! Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about the wonderful city of Cartagena.
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