Cartagena: Tour Barranquilla and Santa Marta in English

Cartagena, the vibrant coastal city of Colombia, offers an immersive tour that explores the neighboring cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta. For just $58.91, travelers can embark on a full-day adventure guided by a bilingual professional, uncovering historic sites, iconic landmarks, and the region’s rich cultural heritage. With flexible pickup options and a wheelchair-accessible tour, this journey promises a memorable experience along the picturesque Caribbean coast. However, some feedback suggests room for improvement in the tour guide’s language proficiency. Nevertheless, the tour’s diverse highlights and inclusions make it an intriguing option for those seeking to delve deeper into Colombia’s fascinating destinations.

Key Points

1. The tour provides an English-Spanish speaking guide to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience of Barranquilla and Santa Marta’s highlights.
2. The 15-hour tour departs from Cartagena and includes visits to historic sites, cultural landmarks, and scenic viewpoints in both cities.
3. Breakfast, bottled water, and lunch options are provided, offering a comfortable and convenient way to explore the northern coast of Colombia.
4. The tour is wheelchair accessible and subject to itinerary changes to accommodate unexpected circumstances or optimize the experience for participants.
5. Customer reviews suggest a mixed response, with praise for the excursion’s highlights but concerns about the tour guide’s English proficiency, indicating a need for strong language skills among the guides.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour begins with a pickup from the historic center of Cartagena, with additional pickup locations in Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Laguito, Crespo, and Bocache.

It’s a 15-hour excursion that takes visitors from Cartagena to Barranquilla and Santa Marta. Priced at up to 12% off, the tour costs between $58.91 and $51.84 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes a Spanish-English guide, breakfast, a water bottle, and lunch options like fish consomme, fried fish, and vegetarian plates.

Pickup times may vary, and the itinerary is subject to change.

Highlights in Santa Marta

After the scenic drive from Cartagena, the tour visits several highlights in Santa Marta.

The first stop is Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a historic site where Simón Bolívar spent his final days.

Next, the tour visits the Monumento a El Pibe Valderrama, honoring the iconic Colombian soccer player.

Finally, the group explores the Bahia de Santa Marta, taking in the breathtaking coastal views.

Following these landmarks, the tour travels to the lively Rodadero district, where participants enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Highlights in Barranquilla

Following the scenic drive from Santa Marta, the tour explores the vibrant city of Barranquilla.

The first stop is the Aleta del Tiburón Junior, a monument dedicated to the city’s beloved soccer team. Next, visitors admire the Monumento Ventana al Mundo, a striking architectural landmark.

The tour then proceeds to the Letras Barranquilla, a photogenic display of the city’s name in large letters.

The highlight is a visit to the Shakira Statue, honoring the city’s most famous daughter.

Throughout the Barranquilla portion, the guide provides insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage and its significance as a hub for music, art, and sports.

Included in the Tour

What does the tour include? The guided tour from Cartagena to Barranquilla and Santa Marta offers several inclusions.

Guests will enjoy:

1. An English-Spanish speaking guide to provide commentary throughout the day.
2. A breakfast and bottled water to fuel the journey.
3. Lunch options ranging from fish consomme to vegetarian plates, ensuring there’s something for all’s taste.

Beyond these amenities, the tour also covers visits to key sites in Santa Marta and Barranquilla, such as the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Monumento a El Pibe Valderrama, and the Shakira Statue.

With a mix of transportation, meals, and curated experiences, this comprehensive tour aims to deliver a memorable exploration of Colombia’s northern coast.

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Pickup and Meeting Details

The tour starts early, with pickups beginning as early as 4:00 am in the historic center of Cartagena.

Depending on your location, pickup times vary – those staying in Bocagrande, Castillogrande, or Laguito will be picked up at 4:30 am, while those in Crespo and Bocache will be picked up at 5:00 am.

For those not within the designated pickup areas, the meeting point is the Clock Tower in the historic center.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can participate.

Be mindful that pickup times may change, and the itinerary is subject to modification, so it’s best to check for any updates before the tour.

Itinerary Changes

Itinerary adjustments may occur throughout the tour, as the schedule is subject to change. The tour guides make every effort to provide the best possible experience, but unexpected circumstances can lead to modifications.

Participants should be prepared for the following:

1. Site visits may be shortened or extended depending on traffic, crowds, or other logistical factors.
2. The order of activities could be rearranged to optimize the day’s flow.
3. Lunch options may vary from the initial plan based on availability and participant preferences.

While the core itinerary is designed to showcase the highlights of Barranquilla and Santa Marta, flexibility is required to ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour for all.

Customer Feedback

Travelers’ reviews of this tour offer valuable insights into the experience.

The overall rating of 3.3 out of 5, based on 4 reviews, suggests a somewhat mixed response from participants. While some praised the excursion itself, others expressed dissatisfaction with the tour guide’s English proficiency, which led to communication challenges.

The feedback highlights the importance of ensuring that tour guides possess strong language skills to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for English-speaking travelers.

As with any tour, there’s room for improvement, but the positive comments suggest that the highlights of Santa Marta and Barranquilla can still make for an engaging day trip from Cartagena.

Tour Booking

Travelers can book this comprehensive tour through the provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team. The booking process is straightforward and includes the following:

1. Select the desired tour date and pickup location from the available options.
2. Provide the necessary personal information, such as the number of travelers and any special requirements.
3. Choose the preferred payment method and complete the transaction securely.

Once the booking is confirmed, travelers will receive a detailed itinerary and instructions on the meeting point and pickup time.

This tour offers a convenient and efficient way to explore the highlights of Barranquilla and Santa Marta while enjoying the comfort of transportation and the expertise of a bilingual guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary cannot be customized to individual preferences. The tour follows a set schedule of attractions in Santa Marta and Barranquilla. However, customers can provide feedback to the tour operator for potential itinerary improvements in the future.

What Is the Method of Payment Accepted for the Tour?

The tour operator accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards and cash. Customers can make their payment directly with the tour provider when booking the tour or upon pickup on the day of the excursion.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for students or seniors. The price is listed as saving up to 12% from £58.91 to £51.84 per person, but specific discount details are not provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks During the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks during the tour. However, the tour includes breakfast and lunch options, so bringing additional provisions may not be necessary. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Limitations?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility limitations. The itinerary includes key sites in Santa Marta and Barranquilla, allowing participants to explore these destinations comfortably.

Recap

This tour offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the vibrant cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta from Cartagena. Guests can expect to visit historic sites, iconic landmarks, and enjoy delightful meals with scenic Caribbean views, all while guided by a bilingual professional. Though there may be some language challenges, the tour provides a memorable glimpse into Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and is accessible to wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here: