Top Things to do in Cartagena
Things to do in Cartagena, Bolivar Department: The Best Private Tours
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. Private Sightseeing Photo Tour in Cartagena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Take amazing pictures while sightseeing in Cartagena with our professional photographer and guide. Whether you're a newbie or experienced photographer with any skill or camera type, If you never used the manual mode on your camera and want to learn about taking professional photographs, our photographer will give you useful information to capture everlasting memories while exploring the iconic spots of the walled city and Getsemani
Inclusions: Professional photographer guide, Hotel pickup, Bottled water
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By ingvardrago
Great service. Good communication. On time even with very last minute changes. Very reasonably priced. Ended up using them several times during the trip. Cannot ask for much more than that!
2. Cartagena Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
This tour will take you to the most important streets, squares, churches, coffee, restaurants, and the best places of interest in Cartagena. We know all stories about pirates, legends and history of this magical city.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Local tour guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By quintashiap
Such a great time take advantage of the island tour very nice. They treated us so well. We even was able to use WiFi although we where not part of the hotel. Very pleased with the entire experience
3. The Great Battle: Fort of San Felipe: Resistance and Glory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Relive the incredible battle of Vernón, in this experiential tour of the San Felipe Castle, formerly called Fort of San Lázaro, by the hand of Carlos Desnaux, the military engineer who worked with the famous" Anka Motz ", Admiral Blas of Lezo.
Inclusions: All chapters with offline use, maps and tips to explore Cartagena
Exclusions: Snacks, Smartphone and headsets
Reviewed By Davidthetraveler123
This was a very nice experience, the background music was nice, the description of the events seems very well informed and the speaker speech it's easy to understand and fun to listen. I have been to the castle before but this time I felt I was with a private tour guide and I was able to take my own time without feeling rushed.
4. Pirate Tales Tour: To the conquest of the treasure of Cartagena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Legendary pirate Black Bart hasn’t looted or pillaged in over 200 years so he’s pretty anxious for an adventure. That’s good news for you. Join him on an unforgettable walk as he relives his glory days. Cartagena has as much, if not more pirate history, than any city on the planet. Bart Black knows it all. He won’t make you loot, but we know he’ll make you laugh.
Inclusions: All chapters with offline use, maps and tips to explore Cartagena
Exclusions: Snacks, Smartphone and headsets
Reviewed By Davidthetraveler123
This was a very nice experience, the background music was nice, the description of the events seems very well informed and the speaker speech it's easy to understand and fun to listen. I have been to the castle before but this time I felt I was with a private tour guide and I was able to take my own time without feeling rushed.
5. GOD 2- MILITARY HISTORY OF CARTAGENA Shore excursions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
On this tour, an expert guide will take you to back in time to the city beginnings. The first encounters between the invading Spanish and the indigenous calamari natives. The attacks perpetrated by different pirates, privateers (corsairs), buccaneers and philibusters throughout the colonial period. We also explain how independence wars prompted Colombia to start building its military force that later became known as Fuerzas Armadas de Colombia, the national army. We will visit: Naval Museum, San Felipe fortress (castle), Las bóvedas. In each one of them, we also touch on the recent history of Cartagena as part of Colombia conflicts with guerrilla groups, drug trafficking (Medellin and Cali Cartels), Paramilitary groups, constitutional amendments, Extradition in Colombia, Narco guerrilla as well as Colombia´s peace talks and agreements.
Inclusions: Bottled water, A bottle of water or a cold beer.You can choose betwen this options !, Air-conditioned vehicle, • Visit to the San Felipe fortress(castle) , • Refreshments, • Visit at Las Bóvedas , • Visit to the Naval museum, • Visit to San Pedro Claver monastery and church, • 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.
6. Walking Tour in the City of Columbia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit the historic center of Cartagena and understand the fascinating history of the city with a private tour of the city designed for tourists who want to see as much of the city as possible.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Local guide, Entrance to the Castle, Entrance to Hill of the stern, Air-conditioned transport
Exclusions: Lunch, Services not specified in the plan
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.
7. Mar Rosa and Volcan del Totumo - Cartagena de Indias
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Salinas de Galerazamba is a beautiful and colorful pink sea, located between Cartagena and Barranquilla; It is a destination worth knowing. Where is Salinas de Galerazamba? Specifically it is located in the Galerazamba district, Santa Catalina Bolívar; It is only 15 minutes from El Volcán del Totumo, so you can visit it. The pink sea is given by a natural phenomenon derived from the great concentration of saline in the waters. When the rain falls, the drops of water break the salt granules and create this phenomenon. The sea also has halophilic microalgae that produce beta carotene, creating environments of high salinity and luminosity. IT INCLUDES: * Transportation round trip by air-conditioned bus * Tour of Galera Zamba * Visit to the Pink Sea (Salina) * Entrance to the Totumo Volcano * Visit to the Cartagena sign * Lunch with 3 options * Swimming in the pool or on the beach *Bilingual guide
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By jays210
Overall was a great trip....beautiful islands...Pedro"the solution" was great. He speaks English and Spanish, and was helpful. This is a must do,while in cartegena. Be sure to bring plenty of water,sunscreen,and your choice of alcohol. Lunch was included. Bring cash along with you,to buy additional items on the trip. Give exact change,for what ever you purchase...vendors tend to not give back change. The only complaint I had,was pick up was @730,they did not arrive until 0830
8. 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.
9. Full Day Boat Rental with Captain in Cartagena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy the best experience in our private boats in the company of family or friends, the boat is yours during the day, you can set sail at the time of your preference, you must arrive at 5:00 pm approx, visit the places that you like the most, You can swim in the crystalline sea, the tour is up to you or we can recommend the best tour, you can have lunch on the island of your preference or simply rest a little on one of them, if you want to party we also have the best plan for friends or farewell single
Inclusions: Ice and waters, All Fees and Taxes, Captain and crew member, Fuel
Exclusions:
Reviewed By laurajeans2013
Recently my Colombian boyfriend and two other couples took a private day trip of the Rosario Islands, Isla Cholon, and Barú. The boat is very clean and wonderfully spacious. The crew was amazing, catering to providing ice, filing our drinks, taking us to really special and private places around the islands, and always wearing a smile! They helped with lunch and the best part: you can hook up your music to the awesome sound system on board. I highly recommend this company as they were safe, responsible, and enjoyable! It was such a wonderful experience we booked the same pilot two days late for another trip to the islands!!!!
10. Totumo volcano tour + snack
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Get to know an exotic and special experience that will take you to immerse yourself in the totumo mud volcano near Cartagena. You will enjoy a massage, a mud bath and you will relax with the benefits of this mineral.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Snacks, Travel insurance, All Fees and Taxes, Bilingual guide, Massage inside the volcano, photography service, and bath in the totumo lagoon with the natives
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By micahnicole
Niko took very good care of the group. He was kind and informative. The beach beds at Mambo were really nice and shaded. The water and beach were great. Fernando was an excellent driver.
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