Bazurto Market Adventure: Tour in Cartagena

Exploring the vibrant Bazurto Market in Cartagena is an immersive cultural experience that transports visitors beyond the city’s iconic colonial architecture. This 3.5-hour tour takes travelers on a journey through the bustling stalls, where they’ll encounter local vendors, try exotic fruits, and savor delectable street food. More than just a culinary adventure, the tour delves into the rich Afro-descendant and indigenous heritage that shapes this vibrant marketplace. By the end, guests will have gained a deeper understanding of Cartagena’s diverse communities and the unique character that defines this lively corner of the city.

Key Points

• Explore Cartagena’s vibrant Bazurto Market on a 3.5-hour guided tour, immersing in the local culture, tasting exotic fruits, and experiencing street art.
• Includes a 20-minute local bus ride to the market, 2-hour exploration, visit to Barrio Chino, and a Cartagena-style lunch at Cecilias restaurant.
• Highlights include engaging with vendors, musicians, and artists, learning about traditional herbs, and opportunities for dancing and appreciating street art.
• Tour is led by a local guide and bilingual translator, and includes snacks, bottled water, and a small gift as a memento.
• Not suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues, preparation required includes sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Bazurto Market Adventure in Cartagena is a 3.5-hour tour that allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant local culture of the city.

Priced from $80 per person, the tour starts at Centenario Park and includes a 20-minute local bus ride to the bustling Bazurto Market.

During the 2-hour exploration, you will meet vendors, musicians, and artists, taste local fruits and street food, and learn about traditional herbs and mechanics.

The tour also includes a visit to the Barrio Chino neighborhood and a lunch stop at Cecilias restaurant, made famous by Anthony Bourdain’s show.

A private group option is available, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary

Starting at the Centenario Park’s Obelisk, visitors embark on a 20-minute local bus ride to the bustling Bazurto Market.

Over the next 2 hours, they’ll explore the vibrant market, meeting local vendors, musicians, and artists.

They’ll taste exotic fruits and street food, learn about traditional herbs and mechanics, and visit the Barrio Chino neighborhood.

The tour culminates with a lunch at Cecilias restaurant, featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show.

After the market experience, visitors take the 20-minute public transport back to Centenario Park, having immersed themselves in Cartagena’s local culture.

Highlights

Vibrant market atmosphere with diverse flavors and colors captivates visitors, who enjoy Cartagena’s local culture. Opportunities to dance to local rhythms and enjoy street art add to the unexpected experiences. The tour also provides a chance to learn about traditional herbs and mechanics, as well as visit the Barrio Chino neighborhood.

Highlights
Authentic immersion in Cartagena’s local culture
Vibrant market atmosphere with diverse flavors and colors
Opportunities to dance to local rhythms and enjoy street art
Unexpected experiences including art, dance, and traditional medicine

The tour includes a donation to FEM Colombia, supporting Afro-descendant and indigenous communities, making it a socially conscious experience.

Inclusions

The tour includes a local guide and bilingual translator if necessary, providing visitors with knowledgeable support throughout the experience.

Plus, the tour provides:

1. Snacks, local fruits, and a Cartagena-style lunch to fully immerse guests in the local cuisine.
2. Bottled water to keep hydrated during the lively market exploration.
3. Round-trip local transportation, making the journey to and from the market seamless.

A small gift is also included as a memento of the authentic Bazurto Market adventure.

The tour aims to offer a comprehensive experience that caters to the needs of the visitors while highlighting the vibrant culture of Cartagena.

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Important Information

While the Bazurto Market tour offers an immersive cultural experience, it’s important for visitors to be aware of some key considerations.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, people with mobility issues, or those with food allergies.

Visitors should come prepared with a sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, as the market’s environment can be challenging with foul smells and slippery, uneven surfaces.

The meeting point is at the Obelisk of Centenario Park, where tour guides in orange Cartagena Insider t-shirts can be identified.

Meeting Point

One key piece of information for the Bazurto Market tour is the meeting point. The tour starts at the Obelisk of Centenario Park, where you’ll find the guides wearing orange Cartagena Insider t-shirts.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Look for the distinctive orange shirts to easily spot your guide.
2. The meeting point is located at the Obelisk in Centenario Park.
3. Arrive a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the group’s departure for the market.

With this information, you’ll be able to conveniently find the starting point and join the Bazurto Market adventure.

Bazurto Market Experience

After the initial 20-minute public transport journey, visitors embark on a captivating 2-hour exploration of the vibrant Bazurto Market.

They’ll meet local vendors, musicians, and artists, seeing Cartagena’s authentic culture. Guests can taste exotic local fruits and street food, learning about traditional herbs and mechanics.

They’ll visit the Barrio Chino neighborhood and enjoy a lunch at Cecilias, the restaurant featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show.

Throughout the experience, visitors can dance to lively rhythms and admire the vibrant street art, encountering unexpected delights like traditional medicine practices.

This immersive market tour offers a genuine connection to Cartagena’s diverse flavors, colors, and community.

Public Transport

Travelers depart Centenario Park and board a local bus for the 20-minute journey to Bazurto Market.

The public transport ride offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Cartagena’s residents. Along the way, passengers may observe:

1. Bustling streets filled with pedestrians, street vendors, and colorful local buses.
2. Historic colonial architecture juxtaposed with modern high-rises.
3. Lively conversations and interactions among the diverse local community.

This public transport segment sets the stage for the immersive market experience, providing a seamless transition from the city center to the vibrant heart of Cartagena’s local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The tour doesn’t explicitly cater to vegetarians or vegans. However, the market visit and lunch at Cecilia’s provide opportunities to sample local produce and dishes that may accommodate those dietary preferences, though options may be limited.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Market?

Participants can take photos inside the market, but they should be respectful and avoid disturbing the vendors or shoppers. Photography is generally allowed, but it’s best to ask permission before capturing images of individuals.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old or people with mobility impairments. Those with food allergies may also want to avoid this tour due to the potential for exposure to various foods in the market.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it involves navigating the uneven and slippery surfaces of the Bazurto Market. The itinerary is also not suitable for those with mobility impairments, as stated in the important information section.

Can We Purchase Items at the Market During the Tour?

Participants can purchase items at the market during the tour. The tour allows visitors to explore the vibrant market, meet vendors, and sample local fruits and street food, providing opportunities to make purchases throughout the experience.

Recap

This Bazurto Market Adventure in Cartagena offers a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant local culture. From exploring the bustling stalls and tasting exotic fruits to engaging with vendors and musicians, the tour provides an authentic experience that supports Afro-descendant and indigenous communities. The delightful lunch at Cecilias restaurant caps off this memorable journey, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Cartagena.

You can check if your dates are available here: