Top Things to do in Cartagena
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10 Literary, Art & Music Tours in Cartagena That You Shouldn't Miss
Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? Stop at an outdoor cafe for excellent pastries and people-watching.
Restaurants in Cartagena
1. Salsa Crawl Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Let's crawl to authentic, fun local salsa places, where you will get to experience the different types of salsa sounds like Jibaro, Romántica, Cubana, Colombiana and some old African Champeta music. We will meet at a central location and take you to where the real fun is at! We will go to some salsa bars and teach you some salsa moves . Got two left feet? Have no fear! You will still enjoy yourself while you learn the basics, no peer pressure here. You will be able to see and even dance with locals, while truly experiencing salsa in Cartagena. Salsa music is a great form of expression and our goal is for you to get to know, live and experience this beautiful dance and go to true local bars that you wouldn’t usually go to. Come and salsa crawl with us! It will be fun and a great experience
Inclusions: One Beer at each Bar, Guide , Transport
Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities
Reviewed By JohnRothSeattle
I just returned from amazing experiences in Cartagena with Nimia of La Guia Cartagenera, I am a student of Spanish, constantly trying to speak better. Nimia speaks fluent English as well as her native tongue of Spanish. We did our tour in Spanish with Nimia’s help at times. The tour can be done in English or both, whatever is your preference. I spent 2 days with Nimia. The first day, we went to Tierra Bomba, which is an island about a 15-30-minute boat road from the mainland, depending on what part of the island you are visiting. We landed at an island and visited a foundation that focuses on recycling of glass bottles. Jenny, the Director and our host at the foundation, is from England and is now living in Cartagena. The foundation is dedicated to helping the environment and providing employment to the residents of Tierra Bomba, many of whom are impoverished. Jenny has made arrangements with hotels, restaurants, and other places to take their empty bottles and make them usable in other forms. So, for example, the bottles are transported to Tierra Bomba and put into a machine that grinds them into fine sand. This sand is then used for composting and construction, among other things. They have a garden there that uses the sand to grow vegetables. We explored the grounds and saw demonstrations of how the glass turned into sand and also how the artisans from the island repurpose the glass bottles. They take the recycled bottles and after washing them, the bottles are cut into different shapes to produce candle holders, cups, terrariums, and glasses, for example. The artisans also paint the glass and they sell the final products in the mainland. The proceeds go directly to the artisans which improves their lives and of the community, not to mention the positive impact of re-using all of the bottles. So, now, with this project, people are starting to have the resources to live a viable life outside of poverty. Nimia then had a local guide, who grew up on Tierra Bomba, take us through paths to explore forts that have existed for centuries. The Spanish came to Colombia and brought slaves with them, while also killing almost all of the indigenous people. We were the only people on the paths, no other tourists. The guide showed us three forts, all of which were elaborate and fascinating to see. We then had lunch at a local restaurant in Boca Chica, the main town on the island. The town is somewhat poor, but the people are super friendly and love to talk to visitors. We walked around the town and saw how locals live and how they face challenges such as a lack of an aqueduct. It is the hope that some of the beaches surrounding Boca Chica will bring in more tourists in the future and stimulate more economic opportunity. We finished the tour by visiting the highest point on the island and experiencing a 360-degree view of the island.
2. Graffiti Tour in Getsemani Cartagena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Let our guide take you to some of the main spots along Getsemani neighborhood and discover one of art’s numerous ways of expression: muralism and graffiti. Walk for 3 hours and enjoy this local experience of colorful streets and warm people. Learn about urban art and how important it became for Latin-American countries to make statements and show their thoughts through it Enjoy some traditional snacks and adventure yourself to see all of the contrasts of the city. • A quick but informative lesson about Colombian graffiti art and its cultural and political importance • A typical snack in a local stand in the neighborhood • Walking along colorful houses in the bohemian Getsemaní neighborhood • The chance to meet more travelers • Wider perspectives of the city through urban expression
Inclusions: Gran Colombia Tours Guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, All Risk Insurance
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Sharonmora16
The tour guide has great knowledge of his country and its cities, so you'll have a great time absorbing information like all the facts about the history of structures of the palace of the inquisition or the walled city of Cartagena and its surroundings. Also with Gran Colombia Tours, I spent spectacular time watching the san Felipe Castle on its inside and exterio.
3. Cartagena Art Tour
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 7 reviews
Visit the city's most alluring galleries as well as the studios of talented local artists to discover why Cartagena is becoming such a cultural hotspot. Explore Getsemani, Cartagena's emerging cultural quarter, learn about the barrio's street art scene, and the graffiti gallery that has given a face to the neighbourhood's most revolutionary former resident, Pedro Romero. Visit the studios of local artists that have made Cartagena and the thriving streets of Getsemaní their muse and pick up a little something worth taking home with you and hanging on your wall. Given the healthy returns being posted by Colombian art in auctions around the world it would be foolish to go home without a little cultural loot of your own.
Inclusions: Professional art historian guide, Bottled water, Coffee or beer
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By MiisJess
I am inexcusably late with this review! My husband and I took a private tour of Getsemaní in February 2019, and Ronald was the best guide we could have asked for. Our tour was entertaining and educational, and perfectly paced. We got lots of information and tons of photo ops, we got to play dominoes, and Ronald showed us tons of spots we never would have found on our own. And as an added bonus, he even spotted a sloth up in one of the trees for us at the end of the tour! We had a great time, and will definitely do another tour when we return to Cartagena.
4. 32 / 5000 Resultados de traducción rumba in chiva party bus typical
Overall Ratings
3.6 based on 8 reviews
In Cartagena there are some buses called chivas rumberas. You have probably noticed the bright, colorful buses painted blaring Latin music. It's full of people who seem to be having a great time. Chiva tours are emblematic of Cartagena and you really haven't visited Cartagena without getting on board and experiencing a Chiva rumbera. Chiva's colorful bus will take you and your companions on a tour through the streets of Cartagena. We present you with everything that needs to be seen in our city and in the meantime, you will have a lot of fun!
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (Bocagrande, Castillogrande hotels only), disco cover (right of access), animated and / or dj
Exclusions: Consumption inside the disco., tips
5. local party bus, The best way to enjoy the city of , at night time
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
Cartagena Colombia, is the most visited city in our country..... It’s history, culture, and people, as well as the enthusiasm and gastronomy...all these virtues make travel through its streets an unforgettable experience as people tour with the intention of knowing, enjoying, and finding a reference that they can set as an example in their own lives. To live unforgettable experiences! Local Cartagena tour was created with the intent of connecting people with the natives of Cartagena and to create an interaction between them, in order for you to be immersed in our culture. we are locales , we know everithing about party on the city , we wants to show cartagena from our perspective . Marlon Mendoza, a young man born on the island of Barú ~son of fishermen, oldest of 5 brothers and I was raised up in the culture of Cartagena. This has allowed me to have extensive knowledge in everything related to the sector of this touristic city. I describe myself as a tireless fighter
Inclusions: We will have Vallenato live music. Vallenato is a Colombian rhythm with accordion which local people love. Perhaps it includes local rum and coke. After our panoramic tour we will c
Exclusions: Gratuities, bebidas alcoholicas dentro de establicimientos privados , como bares y discotecas ,
Reviewed By luvbk11221
My friends and I did the real cartagena tour with Marlon. He was so friendly, funny and made us feel very comfortable. He gave us the real information on how people live and showed us all areas of Cartagena. He is very knowledgeable and full of facts. We didn't take a boring history tour, he showed us how everyday people live.
6. Zenu indigenous immersive tour
Places: 20 de julio, zenu gold museum Departures: 365 Days Of The Year, Daily Departures 7 Days A Week at 9:00 aM and 2 pm *flexible start time, please inquire. Duration: 4 hours Included: hotel pick up and drop off - private car with bilingual driver and ac - traveler‘s insurance – entrance to zenu gold museum – zenu workshop - local taxes - parking fees - fully narrated tour. Not included: meals - alcoholic beverages - tips to driver/guide
Inclusions: TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By kyongp542
Daniel, the guide, is knowledgeable. He hosted a tour of Communa 13 using a historic and ethnographic lens to illustrate socioeconomic evolutions. It was a deep education of a district I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to become acquainted
7. Mompox must do overnight from Cartagena
Places: mompox Departures: 365 Days Of The Year, Daily Departures 7 Days A Week at 9:00 am *flexible start time, please inquire. Duration: 2 days Included: hotel pick up and drop off – hotel accommodation for 1 night in mompox - private car with bilingual driver and ac - traveler‘s insurance – workshops – local taxes - parking fees - fully narrated tour. Not included: meals - beverages - tips to driver/guide
Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Local taxes, Driver/guide, All activities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By kyongp542
Daniel, the guide, is knowledgeable. He hosted a tour of Communa 13 using a historic and ethnographic lens to illustrate socioeconomic evolutions. It was a deep education of a district I would have otherwise never had the opportunity to become acquainted
8. GOD 4- COLONIAL PHOTO STOP IN CARTAGENA Shore excursion
Small group tours This tour of the magical Old City allows you to hear the incredible stories narrated by an expert guide who details all about our ancestors’ living days and the secret stories around the beautiful streets and balconies of the Old City. It is your choice to snap gorgeous postcard like pictures of every attraction (site) visited noting the great landscapes and settings. Every corner is framed in a portrait of memories, thus the guide will recommend the loveliest spots to take the pictures that will always bring wonderful memories of your visit to this Caribbean port city
Inclusions: Bottled water, A bottle of water or a cold beer.You can choose betwen this options !, Air-conditioned vehicle, • Transport to the San Felipe fortress(castle) and photo stop time, • Refreshments, • Walking tour of the magical old city, • Narration of history and stories of every square and little Street and time for pictures, • Visit to a typical colonial place and free time for pictures, • Free time for shopping
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Boris P
I re-learned my city thanks to Cartagena Destiny Tours. As a native Cartagenero, I was able to return to my birthplace after 20 plus years. I contacted Cartagena Destiny Tours a week before my trip. Tour representative Sandra was able to complete a trip package for me quickly, and best of all, personalized every selection. My package included a personal guided city tour, a party bus (a.k.a Chivas), couples massage at one of Cartagena's most luxurious hotels, and a romantic horse carriage ride with dinner at Hotel Movich. Besides vacation, I wanted to propose to my girlfriend. With Sandra's assistance, my vacation plans happen with little to no hesitation or worries. To begin, Sandra took a personal approach towards my goals since she knew about my proposal. I want to give a personal thanks to Sandra and her professional staff for making my dream a reality. Sandra kept me up to date and on schedule. Sandra gave me daily reminders on event times and who was greeting me. Additionally, Sandra took extra steps to ensure that my fiancé and I were safe at all times by providing us with tips and locations to refrain from visiting. Personal guided city tour. Our tour guide was Ender. Ender knew so much history of Cartagena that I felt like I was back in school. We visited la Popa, the San Felipe Fort, a walk through the colonial streets, and scenic city views with Ender. Ender spoke English well, and we understood every word without question. If you are booking a personal guide through the city and would like to learn Cartagena's rich history, I recommend Ender to guide you. Party bus (a.k.a. Chivas). There is no party like a Chivas' party! Cartagena is well known about their Chivas and what they do. However, due to COVID, the Chivas atmosphere changed, and the shared drinking stopped. You will have to get your bottle before going into the Chivas or wait until they get to a local liquor spot where you can get your own. The people running the Chivas were accommodating and knew how to run the crowd. We danced, drank, ate, and even took a few pictures on their many stops throughout the city. Couples' massage. Well… I must say, my fiancé and I were delighted in many ways. The massage happened at Casa San Agustin, Aurum Spa. The welcoming service was incredible, and it was like you were pampered every step of the way. My fiancé had a medium touch massage, while I had a deep tissue massage. Our welcoming agent was Ligia. Ligia made us feel like we were in a world designed for my fiancé and me. Ligia constantly offered us water or asked us if we needed anything. My fiancé got a massage from Jesti, which she said that she felt like she was in a cloud after Jesti was done. My masseuse was Arelis. She did an excellent job with the deep tissue. I felt it the next day, but that's what deep massages are for. BONUS TIP: Go to the bar ALMA! Get the Monkey 47 drink! Also, you may want to try the Ceviche Eljach. Best Ceviche you will ever eat! Romantic horse carriage ride with dinner at Hotel Movich. Best scenic view of Cartagena at night! After dinner is when I proposed to my girlfriend (now fiancé). Our horse carriage picked us up from Casa San Agustin, took us through a scenic city view with a small tour, and stopped at the Hotel Movich for our rooftop dinner. The food was great! You would have a few options to select from, but well worth it! Being that I was proposing at dinner, Sandra gave me professional photographer information to record the magical night. Photographer Alvaro Delgado took some magnificent photos and recorded the proposal. I highly recommend hiring Mr. Delgado if you have a special occasion. BONUS HELP FROM SANDRA: I asked much from Sandra. I asked Sandra if she knew someone that could do the makeup and hair for my girlfriend before our romantic horse carriage ride. Sandra quickly found two professionals that tended to my girlfriend immediately after the spa. I cannot complain about the service. Thanks to Cartagena Destiny Tours, Sandra, and the great city of Cartagena, my fiancé and I had the best experience and vacation that we could ever imagine. Looking forward to the wedding and I will call Cartagena Destiny Tours again.
9. GOD 5- MAGICAL STOPS IN THE OLD CITY Shore excursions
Small group tours This tour begins with a stroll around the historic plazas in Cartagena. In each one of them you will find dance troupes wearing outfits related to our folklore. Through the narrow streets, short stops will be made in every plaza along the way. There, a cultural surprise show will await you so you can learn and enjoy meeting locals with features of their African, Spanish and Caribbean native influences. A cheerful guide will accompany you throughout the tour and amuse you with stories of myths and legends in every square.
Inclusions: Bottled water, A bottle of water or a cold beer.You can choose betwen this options !, Air-conditioned vehicle, • Transport to the San Felipe fortress(castle) and photo stop time, • Refreshments, • Guided walking tour of the old city with stops at the main squares, • A cultural surprise show in each square, • A visit to the emerald museum
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Boris P
I re-learned my city thanks to Cartagena Destiny Tours. As a native Cartagenero, I was able to return to my birthplace after 20 plus years. I contacted Cartagena Destiny Tours a week before my trip. Tour representative Sandra was able to complete a trip package for me quickly, and best of all, personalized every selection. My package included a personal guided city tour, a party bus (a.k.a Chivas), couples massage at one of Cartagena's most luxurious hotels, and a romantic horse carriage ride with dinner at Hotel Movich. Besides vacation, I wanted to propose to my girlfriend. With Sandra's assistance, my vacation plans happen with little to no hesitation or worries. To begin, Sandra took a personal approach towards my goals since she knew about my proposal. I want to give a personal thanks to Sandra and her professional staff for making my dream a reality. Sandra kept me up to date and on schedule. Sandra gave me daily reminders on event times and who was greeting me. Additionally, Sandra took extra steps to ensure that my fiancé and I were safe at all times by providing us with tips and locations to refrain from visiting. Personal guided city tour. Our tour guide was Ender. Ender knew so much history of Cartagena that I felt like I was back in school. We visited la Popa, the San Felipe Fort, a walk through the colonial streets, and scenic city views with Ender. Ender spoke English well, and we understood every word without question. If you are booking a personal guide through the city and would like to learn Cartagena's rich history, I recommend Ender to guide you. Party bus (a.k.a. Chivas). There is no party like a Chivas' party! Cartagena is well known about their Chivas and what they do. However, due to COVID, the Chivas atmosphere changed, and the shared drinking stopped. You will have to get your bottle before going into the Chivas or wait until they get to a local liquor spot where you can get your own. The people running the Chivas were accommodating and knew how to run the crowd. We danced, drank, ate, and even took a few pictures on their many stops throughout the city. Couples' massage. Well… I must say, my fiancé and I were delighted in many ways. The massage happened at Casa San Agustin, Aurum Spa. The welcoming service was incredible, and it was like you were pampered every step of the way. My fiancé had a medium touch massage, while I had a deep tissue massage. Our welcoming agent was Ligia. Ligia made us feel like we were in a world designed for my fiancé and me. Ligia constantly offered us water or asked us if we needed anything. My fiancé got a massage from Jesti, which she said that she felt like she was in a cloud after Jesti was done. My masseuse was Arelis. She did an excellent job with the deep tissue. I felt it the next day, but that's what deep massages are for. BONUS TIP: Go to the bar ALMA! Get the Monkey 47 drink! Also, you may want to try the Ceviche Eljach. Best Ceviche you will ever eat! Romantic horse carriage ride with dinner at Hotel Movich. Best scenic view of Cartagena at night! After dinner is when I proposed to my girlfriend (now fiancé). Our horse carriage picked us up from Casa San Agustin, took us through a scenic city view with a small tour, and stopped at the Hotel Movich for our rooftop dinner. The food was great! You would have a few options to select from, but well worth it! Being that I was proposing at dinner, Sandra gave me professional photographer information to record the magical night. Photographer Alvaro Delgado took some magnificent photos and recorded the proposal. I highly recommend hiring Mr. Delgado if you have a special occasion. BONUS HELP FROM SANDRA: I asked much from Sandra. I asked Sandra if she knew someone that could do the makeup and hair for my girlfriend before our romantic horse carriage ride. Sandra quickly found two professionals that tended to my girlfriend immediately after the spa. I cannot complain about the service. Thanks to Cartagena Destiny Tours, Sandra, and the great city of Cartagena, my fiancé and I had the best experience and vacation that we could ever imagine. Looking forward to the wedding and I will call Cartagena Destiny Tours again.
10. GOD 6- TO THE BEAT OF THE CARIBBEAN RYTHM. LESSONS Shore excursion
Exciting tour features watching and learning to play rustic afrocolombian drums. Assisted by instructors, participants actively and freely improvise rythms, even with no previous experience with a drum. All end in a freeing and healing relaxation.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, A bottle of water or a cold beer.You can choose betwen this options !, Drum playing lessons, • Cumbia and Champeta music dance shows, • Mini drums souvenirs, free samples, • Short walking tour of the Old City, • Free time for shopping, • Welcome drinks, • Transport to the San Felipe fortress(castle) and photo stop time
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Boris P
I re-learned my city thanks to Cartagena Destiny Tours. As a native Cartagenero, I was able to return to my birthplace after 20 plus years. I contacted Cartagena Destiny Tours a week before my trip. Tour representative Sandra was able to complete a trip package for me quickly, and best of all, personalized every selection. My package included a personal guided city tour, a party bus (a.k.a Chivas), couples massage at one of Cartagena's most luxurious hotels, and a romantic horse carriage ride with dinner at Hotel Movich. Besides vacation, I wanted to propose to my girlfriend. With Sandra's assistance, my vacation plans happen with little to no hesitation or worries. To begin, Sandra took a personal approach towards my goals since she knew about my proposal. I want to give a personal thanks to Sandra and her professional staff for making my dream a reality. Sandra kept me up to date and on schedule. Sandra gave me daily reminders on event times and who was greeting me. Additionally, Sandra took extra steps to ensure that my fiancé and I were safe at all times by providing us with tips and locations to refrain from visiting. Personal guided city tour. Our tour guide was Ender. Ender knew so much history of Cartagena that I felt like I was back in school. We visited la Popa, the San Felipe Fort, a walk through the colonial streets, and scenic city views with Ender. Ender spoke English well, and we understood every word without question. If you are booking a personal guide through the city and would like to learn Cartagena's rich history, I recommend Ender to guide you. Party bus (a.k.a. Chivas). There is no party like a Chivas' party! Cartagena is well known about their Chivas and what they do. However, due to COVID, the Chivas atmosphere changed, and the shared drinking stopped. You will have to get your bottle before going into the Chivas or wait until they get to a local liquor spot where you can get your own. The people running the Chivas were accommodating and knew how to run the crowd. We danced, drank, ate, and even took a few pictures on their many stops throughout the city. Couples' massage. Well… I must say, my fiancé and I were delighted in many ways. The massage happened at Casa San Agustin, Aurum Spa. The welcoming service was incredible, and it was like you were pampered every step of the way. My fiancé had a medium touch massage, while I had a deep tissue massage. Our welcoming agent was Ligia. Ligia made us feel like we were in a world designed for my fiancé and me. Ligia constantly offered us water or asked us if we needed anything. My fiancé got a massage from Jesti, which she said that she felt like she was in a cloud after Jesti was done. My masseuse was Arelis. She did an excellent job with the deep tissue. I felt it the next day, but that's what deep massages are for. BONUS TIP: Go to the bar ALMA! Get the Monkey 47 drink! Also, you may want to try the Ceviche Eljach. Best Ceviche you will ever eat! Romantic horse carriage ride with dinner at Hotel Movich. Best scenic view of Cartagena at night! After dinner is when I proposed to my girlfriend (now fiancé). Our horse carriage picked us up from Casa San Agustin, took us through a scenic city view with a small tour, and stopped at the Hotel Movich for our rooftop dinner. The food was great! You would have a few options to select from, but well worth it! Being that I was proposing at dinner, Sandra gave me professional photographer information to record the magical night. Photographer Alvaro Delgado took some magnificent photos and recorded the proposal. I highly recommend hiring Mr. Delgado if you have a special occasion. BONUS HELP FROM SANDRA: I asked much from Sandra. I asked Sandra if she knew someone that could do the makeup and hair for my girlfriend before our romantic horse carriage ride. Sandra quickly found two professionals that tended to my girlfriend immediately after the spa. I cannot complain about the service. Thanks to Cartagena Destiny Tours, Sandra, and the great city of Cartagena, my fiancé and I had the best experience and vacation that we could ever imagine. Looking forward to the wedding and I will call Cartagena Destiny Tours again.
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