Recently Viewed
Private Walking Tour in Cartagena: Uncover History, Architecture, and Local Myths
4.9
704 Ratings
Cartagena de Indias
Uncover the history, architecture, and local myths of Cartagena on a private walking tour. Explore dreamy streets, learn about customs and legends, and get insider recommendations for the city.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Walled City of Cartagena - Our walking tours take you through every significant square, site, and street, where we delve into their historical and cultural importance. Cartagena de Indias is often said to possess a unique soul. The Walled City, with its rich history and humble charm, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us as we explore the picturesque and romantic streets and squares within the iconic walls of the “Corralito de Piedra.” We’ll journey through the eras of conquest, colonization, and the republic, all interwoven with the modernity of the 21st century. Discover the city’s fascinating history, magical architecture, and captivating tales of battles with pirates and corsairs. Learn about the Caribbean’s Indigenous and African influences, religious heritage, vibrant musical culture, and the stunning array of colors and aromas. Embark on this unforgettable adventure with us!
- Camellon de los Martires - Our certified tour guide will greet you and confirm your reservation. Here, you’ll receive geographical orientation, directions, and an introduction to the tour. At Camellón de Los Mártires - Plaza de Cervantes, we’ll explore the history of the indigenous people before and during the Spanish arrival.
- Monumento Torre del Reloj - Next, we head to the “Golden Key of Cartagena” or Clock Tower, entering Plaza del Ecuador, followed by Plaza del Esclavo. This marks the beginning of our journey along the enslavement route through Porto Carrero and Candilejo streets, with a welcome from Pedro de Heredía.
- Monumento a Pedro de Heredia - Here, you’ll learn about Miguel de Cervantes and his connection to the city, as well as his significance in Colombian literature. We’ll also discuss the slave markets and the importance of the city’s traditional sweets portal.
- Portal de Los Dulces - We proceed to the Portal de Los Dulces, a symbol of female activity during slavery, with traditions that continue through their descendants.
- Plaza de la Aduana - The old “Plaza de la Aduana” has played a crucial role in the trade of goods, including enslaved people. Here, we’ll see notable buildings like the Municipal Hall.
- Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena de Indias - Art is an integral part of our tour. The Museum of Modern Art showcases Caribbean and Latin American art from the 1950s. The Gold Museum features indigenous artifacts from the Colombian Caribbean, and the Emerald Museum displays some of the world’s most beautiful stones, worn by celebrities.
- Plaza de San Pedro Claver - Religion is represented by San Pedro Claver, the “Slave of the Slaves.” We’ll admire the architecture of the Church and Museum-Monastery named after him, which also serves as the Headquarters of Human Rights.
- Baluarte de San Ignacio - This bastion was constructed to protect the “Bay of Souls” from pirate attacks. We’ll uncover the history behind Cartagena’s walls on this tour.
- Plaza de Bolivar - If you’re intrigued by pirate and corsair exploits, we’ll share their stories while visiting a bastion, showcasing Spanish military constructions and strategies. We’ll then move to Plaza Bolívar, dedicated to the precursor of Independence, where we can take a refreshing break.
- Plaza de la Proclamacion - Here, we’ll encounter various points of interest, such as the Palace of the Inquisition, the passage where our country’s beauty queens are presented, and the Gold Museum. While entrance tickets are not included in the tour, we’ll discuss these sites as part of our itinerary.
- Barrio Getsemani - Experience the vibrant culture, music, customs, folklore, commerce, and architecture of Getsemaní. Enjoy one of its most colorful cultural corridors, adorned with umbrellas, graffiti, and unique architecture.
- Parque del Centenario - Discover the sloths, squirrels, and iguanas in one of Cartagena’s vital green spaces, Centennial Park. Once a railway station, this park is a relic of the Tropical Dry Forest, offering a cool respite under the shade of beautiful trees.
- Cl. de San Juan #25-25 - Here, we’ll discuss graffiti, coffee, Blas de Lezo, Gabriel García Márquez, Mister Black, and Joe Arroyo.
- Plaza de La Trinidad - Finally, we’ll enter Callejón Ancho, concluding our tour along Calle San Juan to the rhythms of salsa and African champeta, passing by the church and square of the Holy Trinity.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Tour Guide
What's Not Included
- Anything not especified previously is not included in the price!
Additional Information
Our Walking Tour is a private and magnificent experience. Our starting point is normally next to traffic light at the Camellón, in front of the clock tower. We can also pick you up at your place of stay. Likewise, you can tell us your preferences to make this tour perfect for you! It is the best tour you can take to learn about Cartagena, its history, customs, architecture, Graffiti, wildlife, myths, legends, and the best recommendations about what you can do in the city. It is a magical journey through dreamy streets that will make you fall in love without hesitation. The guides who work with us are certified and will make you live an unforgettable experience. Live the best of Cartagena de Indias!
Location
Ac. 24 Real #8b-124
Avenida Calle 24 Real
Find us by the ORANGE umbrella :), next to the Transcaribe public service traffic light at Camellón de Los Mátires
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(704 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jekira_j
Jun 22, 2024
Walking tour - My children and I had the pleasure of exploring the Walled City and Getsemaní with our tour guide, Dimas. Cartagena is a beautiful city, and Dimas was perfect for guiding us through the city and educating us on its’ history. He also gave us a few tips for navigating on our own. This excursion provides one-way transportation. Our ride picked us up from the hotel and drove us to just outside the Walled City, where we met Dimas. You’ll have to make your own arrangements for your return. We took a taxi back.
Review provided by Viator
Jared_b
Jun 21, 2024
Great walking tour - We had a great experience with our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the history and kept us engaged with his ability to story tell. We felt safe the entire time while walking with him and even made a short stop for some delicious pineapple juice. I really recommend this tour to anyone looking to walk around the city and feel safe.
Review provided by Viator
Hcollado
Jun 19, 2024
Great experience - Our guide Ricardo did an excellent job, Ample knowledge of the city history, be aware of the heat, this is a walking tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda_s
Jun 18, 2024
Awesome tour - Easy and enjoyable way to learn the history of Cartagena. The right amount of time to hold your interest.
Review provided by Viator
Jake_s
Jun 17, 2024
Cartagena Walking Tour - Dimas was absolutely incredible. Very knowledgeable and took his time to show us everything Cartagena has to offer. Would highly recommend. 100/10 !!!
Review provided by Viator
Jayao7793uy
Jun 15, 2024
Worth it! - This was a great tour, the tour guide I had was Alvaro. Alvaro is knowledgeable, pretty outgoing and I felt like I truly got to understand more about Cartagena. He understood I had to rush as I decided to do this before my flight like a true procrastinator. I saw all the sites in el centro and Getsemani. Alvaro went above and beyond to make sure I had any questions answered. If you only speak English you’re in good hands. There’s so many little gems and details I saw thanks to this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L3256nztonyaw
Jun 14, 2024
Walking City Tour - Legaxy was our tour guide through the city and he was absolutely amazing! He was very knowledgeable about Cartegena's history. He didn't only talk the entire time he made sure we partied, laughed and danced! The best tour guide hands down.
If you want to have a good time book Legaxy as your guide! Highly recommend 👌🏿
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chiquidu
Jun 13, 2024
Great way to learn about Cartagena's past and present - We had a wonderful tour with Mercedes walking through the Getsemaní and Centro neighborhoods. She was very knowledgeable in historical facts and also shared interesting tidbits on how Cartageneros lived in the past and in the present. This tour is a great introduction to the wonderful city of Cartagena.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimmy_c
Jun 11, 2024
Excellent walking tour - We had a wonderful walking tour with Legacy, our tour guide. A great way to start our visit to Cartagena!
Review provided by Viator
S3406rtmarkd
Jun 9, 2024
Cultural experts - The tour was very informative and we had a chance to connect with Álvaro on a personal level exchanging cultures. He gave us a expert tour and felt safe with him the whole time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
