Private Walking Tour of Historic Cartagena: Explore Scenic Plazas and Charming Neighborhoods
5.0
12 Ratings
Cartagena
Discover the charm and history of Cartagena on a private walking tour. Explore the scenic plazas, colonial architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • San Diego - 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.

  • Las Bovedas - 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.

  • Plaza de San Diego - 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.

  • Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria - 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.

  • Plaza de Bolivar - 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.

  • Plaza Santo Domingo - 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.

  • Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver - San Pedro Claver Church is not only a place of religious significance but also a historical and cultural treasure in Cartagena. It offers a window into the city’s colonial past and the remarkable life of Saint Peter Claver. The church is located within walking distance of other historic sites in the walled city, making it a convenient stop for tourists interested in colonial history.

  • Plaza de la Aduana - Plaza de la Aduana, also known as the Customs Square is a historic and iconic public square in Cartagena, Colombia. It serves as a central hub for tourists and a starting point for exploring the walled city. In the evenings, the square comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy cocktails, music, and entertainment.

  • Torre del Reloj - 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 del Centenario - 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.

  • Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias - 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.

  • Arte Getsemani - 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.

  • Barrio Getsemani - Getsemaní is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cartagena and played a crucial role in the city’s history, particularly during colonial times. It was home to both slaves and free Afro-Caribbean populations. Getsemaní has emerged as a hub for street art and graffiti in Cartagena. The neighborhood’s streets are adorned with an array of murals, paintings, and artistic expressions, making it a hotspot for art enthusiasts and photographers.

  • Plaza de La Trinidad - 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.

What's Included
  • Tea and coffee
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance tickets to Sanctuary of Saint Peter Clave (10USD)
Additional Information

Cartagena is a city blend of history, magic and architectural beauty. You will have a knowledgeable local guide who can provide fascinating insights and stories about the city’s past and present. There are so many highlights! You can visit the historic walled city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll see beautifully preserved colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and picturesque plazas. You can also explore the charming neighborhoods like Getsemaní, known for its street art and bohemian atmosphere. The tour might include stops at notable sites like las Bovedas, Centenario Park and the iconic Clock Tower.

Location
San Diego
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
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Veranika_b
Jun 7, 2024
Truly Memorable Tour - The best tour I have had! Fabio was very knowledgeable, attentive , and truly loves what he does! I travelled a lot and had hundreds of tours but his was the most memorable one. Fabio , you are amazing ! Thank you for your time and beautiful pictures !
Review provided by Viator
Sharon
May 26, 2024
A colourful day out with Fabio - Our day spent with Fabio in Cartagena was incredible. He met us at the port as planned and took us to the old walled city. From there Fabio shared his knowledge of the city. Fabio was both engaging and very knowledgeable. Our tour took us through the park to see a sloth & monkeys then onto Getsamani where we were to experience the colourful vibe of the area. Our tour ended with juice drinks in a local cafe before heading back to our ship. Fabio was a wonderful tour guide and we would highly recommend a tour with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annalis_m
May 25, 2024
Go at your own pace and so worth it!! - I have never done a private tour before but really liked the price of this one so decided to try it out. My guide was Fabio and he was absolutely incredible. The amount of area and history that he was able to cover on this tour was amazing. He was able to go at the pace I liked and we could take longer in places where I had more interest. This tour made it very comfortable to go back and explore areas more in depth after. I would 100% recommend doing this tour day 1 of arriving in Cartagena.
Review provided by Viator
Tomasmq9344tp
Apr 2, 2024
Tour with Fabio - We did the tour with Fabio and it was spectacular. Highly recommended as a guide. The best of all the ones we had on the entire trip.
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Gretab938
Mar 7, 2024
An amazing experience!❤️ - City tour with Fabio was really interesting and fun! We got to know a lot about Colombian history while walking the streets of Cartagena. Fabio is very passionate about sharing stories and facts about Colombia and Cartagena so it was a pleasure to listen to him. 🫶 The tour with Fabio exceeded our expectations and we really recommend his tours if you are not only interested in the history but also want to have a fun time!😊
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Taliifreitas
Feb 19, 2024
Amazing experience in Cartagena - Our tour guide provided us with an exceptional experience within the walled city. His impeccable English made communication effortless, enhancing our exploration. His knowledge and passion for the city truly enriched our journey, leaving us with unforgettable memories. We highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a remarkable adventure in Cartagena
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fayecunny
Feb 12, 2024
Brilliant tour! - Brilliant tour with Fabio, he was very knowledgeable about Cartagena and took us to some great sights, a really really lovely guy as well which makes all the difference ♥️
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Tylort680
Jan 23, 2024
Best island hopping tour I ever took - This trip was so fun with me and six other guest, the host speaks really good English, which was a relief. He’s very informative along the way explaining the different things about the trip ,we snorkeled and saw amazing things. we got to eat authentic food freshly cook fish I highly recommend this tour
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Diana0929
Jan 4, 2024
Great Experience/ Trip!! - Some of the best tours we’ve had. We did a walking tour and day boat tour with Fabio and everything was amazing! Fabio is great and ensured we were always having a great time. Everything felt very personalized and comfortable. I highly recommend Fabio and his tours. We learned so much about the city and what places to check out. We left Cartagena making a new friend and loving the city. Will be back for sure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Malinda
Nov 21, 2023
Amazing Experience! - I booked this tour same day and they were more than accommodating. My guide Fabio was exceptional in providing rich history of Cartagena, treats from street vendors and easy pick up and drop off. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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