Cartagena, the jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, beckons travelers with its captivating history and architectural wonder. This guided tour promises to immerse visitors in the city’s rich cultural tapestry, from the iconic La Popa Convent to the imposing San Felipe Fort. With scenic drives, a walking exploration of the Walled City, and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, the experience offers a seamless blend of discovery and relaxation. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour unveils the essence of Cartagena, leaving one eager to uncover more of its captivating charms.
About Our Review: We hope you find our review helpful! Though we don’t operate tours, you can easily book this experience using the button at the bottom of this page. If you do make a booking, we will make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Key Points
- A 4-hour guided city tour of Cartagena, including visits to the La Popa Convent and San Felipe Castle, with scenic drives and a walking tour of the Walled City.
- The tour package includes admission tickets, hotel pickup and drop-off, and air-conditioned transportation, with a bilingual guide providing informative commentary.
- Highlights of the tour include exploring Cartagena’s old city, the picturesque views from Cartagena Bay, and the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
- The La Popa Convent offers stunning panoramic views of Cartagena and features Spanish colonial and Moorish architectural influences, as well as the statue of the Virgin of La Candelaria.
- The San Felipe Fort, constructed in the 16th century as a defense against pirate attacks, provides insights into Cartagena’s historical significance and offers stunning views from its walls.
More tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The guided city tour of Cartagena offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of this historic Colombian port city.
The 4-hour tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like the La Popa Convent and San Felipe Castle. Priced from $39.99 per person, the tour provides outstanding value, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Guests can also take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option. The tour highlights include scenic drives along Cartagena Bay, a walking tour of the Walled City, and informative commentary from a bilingual guide.
Pickup and drop-off services from designated areas, as well as admission tickets to key sites, are all included in the tour package.
Tour Highlights
During the guided tour, visitors can expect to explore Cartagena’s old city and the impressive San Felipe Fort.
The tour also includes a drive around Cartagena Bay, offering scenic views of the city and its surroundings. A bilingual guide, fluent in both Spanish and English, provides commentary and insights throughout the tour.
Highlights include a stop at the La Popa Convent, a visit to the Old Shoes Monument, and a walking tour of the Walled City.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Cartagena’s rich history and culture, learning about its architectural gems and iconic landmarks.
Inclusions
As part of the guided tour, the admission tickets for San Felipe Fort and La Popa Convent are included. Guests will also enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off from designated areas, including Zona Norte, Bocagrande, and Laguito. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guided walking tour of the Walled City is included.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission Tickets | San Felipe Fort and La Popa Convent |
| Transportation | Hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle |
| Guided Walking Tour | Walled City |
| Food and Drinks | Not included |
While food and drinks are not provided, the tour covers the key highlights and transportation, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient experience.
Meeting Points and Important Information
For the guided tour, guests have designated meeting points based on their hotel locations.
Those staying in the historic center or Getsemaní area can meet at Las Bóvedas at 1:35 PM or Charleston Santa Teresa Hotels at 1:45 PM.
Guests at Manzanillo del Mar or Barú Islands must go to a meeting point.
Visitors are advised to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera.
Pickup and drop-off services are provided from designated areas in Zona Norte, Bocagrande, and Laguito.
It’s important for guests to arrive at the meeting points on time to ensure a smooth start to the 4-hour guided tour of Cartagena.
Customer Reviews
The customer reviews for the Guided Tour of Cartagena provide a well-rounded assessment of the experience. Most customers highly praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, as well as the included transportation. However, some noted room for improvement in the organization and service aspects of the tour.
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Guide | 4.6/5 |
| Transportation | 4.6/5 |
| Service | 3.8/5 |
| Organization | 3.9/5 |
Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena, the historic jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, beckons visitors with its stunning colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
The guided city tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks. Guests explore the charming Old Town, admire the imposing San Felipe Castle, and visit the hilltop La Popa Convent for panoramic vistas.
Along the way, a knowledgeable bilingual guide provides captivating commentary, bringing the city’s history to life. The tour’s inclusion of hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and skip-the-line access ensures a seamless and convenient experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this comprehensive tour promises to unveil the enchanting essence of Cartagena.
La Popa Convent
Situated on a hilltop overlooking Cartagena’s picturesque harbor, the La Popa Convent commands stunning panoramic views of the city.
Founded in the 17th century, the convent’s architecture blends Spanish colonial and Moorish influences. Visitors can explore the ornate chapel, the cloister gardens, and the panoramic terrace.
The convent is also home to an iconic statue of the Virgin of La Candelaria, the patron saint of Cartagena.
The tour includes admission to the convent, allowing guests to enjoy the rich history and spiritual significance of this important site.
With its breathtaking vistas and well-preserved heritage, the La Popa Convent is a must-see destination on any Cartagena city tour.
San Felipe Fort
Although imposing in size and stature, San Felipe Fort‘s history extends far beyond its impressive physical presence. Constructed in the 16th century, this Spanish colonial fortress was a crucial defense against pirate attacks.
Today, visitors can explore its intricate network of tunnels, bastions, and cannons, which offer a glimpse into the strategic military planning of the era. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the fort’s role in Cartagena’s past, and the stunning views from atop its walls are a highlight for many.
With its rich history and architectural significance, San Felipe Fort remains an essential stop on any tour of this picturesque coastal city.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a specific dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Guests should avoid wearing overly casual or revealing attire to respect the cultural sites visited during the tour.
Are the Admission Tickets Valid for Only the Tour Day?
The admission tickets included in the tour are valid only for the day of the tour. Visitors cannot use the tickets on a different day or for separate visits to the sites.
Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?
The tour does not include food or drinks, so visitors can purchase additional refreshments during the tour if they wish. The guide will point out recommended spots for snacks and drinks along the way.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour duration can’t be extended, but guests have the option to explore Cartagena further on their own after the 4-hour guided tour. Additional food and drinks are available for purchase during the tour.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. You can discuss any changes you’d like to make with the tour provider, such as adding or removing stops, adjusting the duration, or focusing on specific interests. They’ll be happy to accommodate your requests.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- New Playa Blanca From Cartagena
- Private Transportation From Cartagena to Minca Police Station
- Cartagena: Walled City, San Felipe, La Popa Tour & Tastings
- Cartagena: Isla Baru Beach Club at Playa Blanca
- Cartagena: Snorkel, Mangroves and Playa Blanca Tour
- Fiesta Tulum Golden Hours
- Cartagena: Palenque’s Tour, Dance Show, Lunch, Pick-Up Included
- Cartagena: Panoramic City Tour, Monuments, Walls, Castle
- Cartagena: Sunset Tour La Romantica Up To 2 People
- Carey Beach Tour Cartagena
- Cartagena: Private Car Transfer From Airport to Bocagrande
- Cartagena Panoramic Tour
- Gabriel García Márquez in Cartagena Tour
- COCOLISO ISLAND, Day Trip
- Cartagena: Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour
Recap
This guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Cartagena’s rich history and captivating architecture. Visitors will explore the iconic La Popa Convent, the impressive San Felipe Fort, and take a walking tour through the city’s charming Walled City. With convenient hotel pickup, admission tickets, and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this tour provides an immersive and hassle-free way to discover Cartagena’s cultural gems.