Cartagena Walled City & Getsemani Private Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Cartagena's historic Walled City
- Discover the vibrant Getsemani neighborhood
- Learn about Cartagena's rich colonial history
- Experience local culture and street art
- Enjoy personalized insights from a local guide
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private guided walking tour
- Visit to Walled City and Getsemani neighborhoods
- Local insights and historical context
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Our guide will pick you up at the designated time and will take you right to the entrance of the Walled City to start traveling in time.
While walking around San Pedro Claver’s square and church, you will observe the walls bordering the sea and the bastions, like San Francisco and San Ignacio, that were quite important back in the XVI and XVII centuries for Spaniards to defend the territory from enemy troops.
You will also visit La Trinidad Square, Las Bóvedas and the main churches such as Santo Domingo and Santa Catalina de Alejandría.
You will keep strolling through narrow streets and among old colonial heritage houses that will make you feel frozen in time. And then, get to Getsemaní to continue knowing the area. There you will try the best Caribbean Colombian cuisine with some of the most traditional snacks: for example, arepa with egg, a crunchy and fried corn-based tortilla with an egg inside and raspao, a cup of shaved-ice with a fruity syrup on top. All of them tasting experiences with native people so you end up having as many sides as possible of the magical city of Cartagena. With this tour, you will never forget Cartagena as the touristic capital of Colombia as well as a city synonymous with culture, tradition, and diversity.
You will learn and link in history the transition from free-living indigenous communities to Spanish colonization by jumping afterward to the Zenú Gold Museum, the place that holds pre-Columbian metalwork pieces of one of the oldest ethnics of the country, and then, the Palace of Inquisition, the Court of the Holy Office and a sign of the power the catholic church had in the XVII century.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in English; please ensure you understand the language.
- This is a walking tour; be prepared for a leisurely stroll through the neighborhoods.
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for the weather.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque streets and murals.
- Consider carrying a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Be aware this tour is walking.
- If you have a layover in Cartagena please select the airport or cruise ship terminal as a pick-up point for the layover tour.
- The Tour Guide will contact you the day before in case you have any questions or assist you with any requirements
- If you are coming from a cruise ship, be sure to select the cruise-only rate from the booking options.
- This tour includes two 4-hour options with pickup from Cartagena lodging and the cruise terminal, plus a 5-hour option that includes San Felipe Castle, available only with pickup from your lodging.
Traveler reviews
Unforgettable time
Our tour guide was the kindest, most hospitable knowledgeable person I've met in a long time. He was patient, funny and kind. He took us to our the places we paid to see and explained in depth when we asked questions. I definitely recommend this company to all my family and friends that ever plan to go to Cartagena. Well worth every penny and then some. His name is Jhon and he has my recommendation!!
Best Ambassador for Cartagena Tour in the Walled City
By far the best experience I had abroad. Eddie was an amazing guide. He reached out to us the night before to see if we were ready for the tour and showed up 20 minutes earlier in the morning, to introduce himself, discuss the tour and to transport us from our hotel. From the moment the tour began, he passionately discussed the history of Cartagena, the intricacies of the architecture, the beauty of the local art and graffiti and explained how politics and religion had influenced the Walled city. As we walked through the city, we stopped for refreshments and spoke to locals who were extremely inviting and respectful. He also was kind enough to suggest best locations for us to take photos and recommendations for our evening excursions and dinner. We were actually sad that the tour had ended because he was such a pleasure to be with but we know we gained a friend and would highly recommend him, because of his professionalism, knowledge and his ambassadorship of the culture. If you’re in need of a guide, please consider Eddie.
Great intimate walking tour
Jhon was a great guide. We learned a lot and covered a good amount of ground exploring. It was a memorable day
Cartagena’s Columbia
Our guide, Gary, was great! He was very entertaining and informative. I highly recommend him. He will give you a great tour!
Not in English. Not as Described.
1. This tour is not in English. A few English words will be spoken, but we could not understand anything. I even confirmed after booking that it would be in English. 2. We booked a 5 hour tour with San Felipe Castle. We received a 4 hour tour, did not visit the Gold museum (no explanation on that). We did visit the Castle and some Plazas, and we visited a ton of street vendors … all selling plastic junk and friends of the guide. Overall really disappointing. We were really excited to see and learn the history of Cartagena, but between the street vendors and language barrier, we learned next to nothing.