Cartegena is a dreamy city by the Caribbean coast, filled with charming cobblestone streets, colonial houses in vibrant hues, and 100-year-old forts and fortresses. With so much to do, a good way to cover as much of the city as possible is to hop on board a tour run by the locals, themselves. These eight tours each promise to show you an unforgettable side of Cartegena, in just a day or less.
1. Culture and history tour (from USD 147.0)
Cartegena has had a long and rich history as the home to several indigenous cultures, a Spanish colony and trading port, and even as a base for coordinating the region’s defenses against the real pirates of the Caribbean. Why not learn more about this fascinating city with this six-hour guided tour, which will bring you to Cartegena’s historic attractions, up close? Some of the landmarks which will be covered include the opulent Gold Museum, the bohemian Bovedas district, the ancient Castillo San Felipe – accompanied by lots of stories about their heritage and history.
Cartagena City Tour, San Felipe Castle, Popa, Coffee stop
Duration: 4 hours
2. Local market and cooking tour (from USD 115.0)
One way to get to know a city is to learn how the locals eat and this tour promises to give you a taste of just that. In four hours, a chef will lead you through one of the local open-air markets, introducing you to the sights, sounds and even smells! We guarantee that you’ll come across fruit, vegetables, and herbs you just can’t put a name to.
After purchasing your own fresh ingredients, you will head back to try your hand at creating some traditional Colombian dishes, under the guidance of the chefs, who are always able to accommodate any special diets or preferences. You’ll leave not just with wonderful memories, but also new recipes you can take home to recreate again and again.
Cartagena Market Tour and Cooking Class Half-Day Experience
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
3. Day trip to Rosario Islands from Cartegena (from USD 129.0)
For a more peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this tour will bring you on a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands. Here, you will find the crystal clear water, palm trees, and powdery white sand that all beach-goers dream of. This unspoiled slice of paradise also boasts a thriving ecosystem of colorful reef fish, coral, and if you’re lucky, turtles! Your tour guides will make sure you are safe and secure, whether you choose to explore the islands by kayak or on a snorkeling adventure.
Rosario Islands Day Trip with Cruise from Cartagena
Duration: 8 hours
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4. Sunset paddleboard tour (from USD 30.0)
There are many ways to enjoy the unbelievable sunset in Cartegena, but this is definitely one of the more exciting ones. Your instructors will bring you out by paddle board out onto the water to catch an incredible view of the sun, as it slowly sinks below the horizon. With the waves gently lapping at your side, feel free to join in as your instructor shows off some yoga poses aimed at challenging and improving your balance.
Once the sun goes down, the LED lights built into these boards will kick in and illuminate the water in a magical radius. Travelling as a group, the lights of these boards may even attract fish and jellyfish, which you can watch as you smoothly float your way back to shore. This is an experience not to be missed!
Cartagena Sunset Small-Group LED PaddleBoard Experience
Duration: 1 hour
5. Gourmet tapas tasting tour (from USD 52.01)
Foodies will just love this tour. Beginning at Cartagena harbor (itself a sight to behold), your tour guide will introduce you both to the history and the cuisine of the city. In between attractions, such as the Palacio Consistorial and the Arsenal de Cartagena, you will make plenty of pit stops at little restaurants and bars to learn the true meaning of Spanish tapas. Come with an empty stomach!
Cartagena: Guided Walking Tour with Tapas and Drinks
Duration: 2.5 hour
6. Volcano and mud bath tour from Cartegena (from USD 62.0)
Another easy day trip from Cartegena, this tour brings you away from the sea, high up on land – to the Totouma Volcano! Hike up this majestic landmark to a beautiful view of the surrounding forests and lake. At the peak, you will have the option of hopping into the famous mud baths and even getting a massage from one of the vendors on the site.
According to legend, a priest had blessed the lava of the volcano, which transformed it into a mud bath with healing properties. Whether or not this is true, the panoramic views and relaxing soak in the bath will surely leave you feeling invigorated and revitalized.
Totumo Volcano Private Transportation from Cartagena
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
7. Cartegena nightlife tour by Chiva Bus (from USD 19.0)
As much fun as you may be having in the daytime, be sure to save some energy for Cartegena’s incredible nightlife, as well. Your journey around the city begins by climbing aboard a “chiva”, or the local version of a party bus, where you’ll meet other travelers looking for a memorable night in Cartegena. Drinks and snacks are freely available on board as you cruise around the city, taking in the sights and sounds and the jokes of your hosts, as they show you around a different side of town.
Of course, the tour would not be complete without stopping by one of the city’s most lively night clubs. This is definitely a great way to get to know the locals and perhaps make some friends for the rest of your trip!
Cartagena Nightlife Tour by Chiva Bus with Nightclub Admission
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
8. An audio guide to Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Cartagena (from USD 15.0)
Fans of the Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez will be absolutely enthralled by this tour. There is no actual guide, but you will be given an audio guide that provides a clear, engaging narration, as you follow along and explore the city at your own pace. This tour will bring to life the scenes and settings that feature in his work, such as the famous Love in the Time of Cholera, and even add in fresh content that was developed by the Gabriel Garcia Marques Foundation.
Once the tour has been confirmed, all you have to do is wait at your hotel for the audio guide to be delivered. The tours are even customizable, depending on your starting point and native tongue – you can choose between Spanish, English, French, German or Italian.
Audio Guide: Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Cartagena
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Cartegena - The crown jewel of the Caribbean
Wandering around Cartegena is a great way to explore, but there’s no better way to learn more about a new city than through the stories and insider knowledge of a local. We hope this list has been useful in helping you plan your exciting adventures in Cartegena!
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