Exploring the vibrant cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta from Cartagena offers an enticing opportunity for travelers seeking to enjoy Colombia’s rich cultural tapestry. This guided tour promises a comprehensive 15-hour experience, providing participants with a chance to explore the historic landmarks, bustling markets, and picturesque coastlines that define these captivating destinations. With convenient transportation, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and a delectable lunch included, the journey promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable. But the true allure lies in the chance to uncover the unique charms that make these cities so alluring to locals and visitors alike.

Key Points

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Key Points

  • A 15-hour guided tour from Cartagena that explores the cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
  • Highlights include visiting a historic market, scenic riverside promenade, and iconic landmarks in Barranquilla.
  • Provides opportunities to experience the colonial architecture, beaches, and cultural attractions in Santa Marta.
  • Includes transportation, a bilingual guide, lunch, and entry fees to all sites.
  • Tour not suitable for certain travelers, but emphasizes safety and enjoyment for participants.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Tour Overview

The guided city tour from Cartagena offers a day-long excursion to the neighboring cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta.

The tour lasts 15 hours and costs $87.49 per person. Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy by canceling up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour also allows for reserve now and pay later, letting travelers secure their spot without immediate payment.

Pickup is provided from selected meeting points around Cartagena before sunrise, and the tour includes transportation by bus, a guided tour in English and Spanish, and lunch with five meal options.

Itinerary Highlights

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Itinerary Highlights

After picking up participants from selected meeting points around Cartagena before sunrise, the tour travels approximately 90 minutes to Barranquilla.

Here, visitors will explore several highlights, including:

  1. La Venta del Mundo, a historic market selling local arts and crafts.
  2. Malecón del Río, the riverside promenade with scenic views.
  3. Sharks Fin monument, a unique sculpture commemorating the city’s maritime heritage.
  4. Pumarejo Bridge, an iconic landmark connecting Barranquilla’s north and south sides.

The tour then continues to Santa Marta, where guests can see the Pibe Valderrama Monument, wander through colonial-era streets, and visit La Bahia de Santa Marta, Parque de los Novios, the Cathedral, and the Gold Museum.

Included Services

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Included Services

Comprehensive services accompany this guided city tour, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for participants.

The tour includes transportation by bus, with pickup and drop-off from selected meeting points around Cartagena. Throughout the journey, a bilingual guide provides commentary in both English and Spanish, offering insights into the history and culture of the visited destinations.

Lunch is also included, with five options – chicken, fish, meat, pork, and vegetarian – catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Plus, entry fees to all the sites on the itinerary are covered, allowing participants to fully enjoy the exploration of Barranquilla and Santa Marta without additional costs.

Participant Information

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Participant Information

This tour isn’t suitable for certain participants due to various physical and health considerations.

Pregnant women, wheelchair users, people over 60, those with pre-existing medical conditions, or individuals with low fitness levels are advised not to join this excursion.

Participants are recommended to bring the following items:

  1. Comfortable shoes
  2. Drinks and water
  3. Sunscreen
  4. Passport or a copy

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of these considerations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

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Customer Feedback

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Customer Feedback

Based on the 22 customer reviews, the Guided City Tour from Cartagena has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers were generally satisfied with the transportation, giving it a 3.7 rating. However, the value for money received a lower 3.1 rating.

Opinions on the Barranquilla stop and Santa Marta beach experience were mixed, with some praising them and others finding them lacking.

The tour’s organization and the overall experience received positive feedback from customers.

The tour seems to offer a good way to see multiple cities in a single day, though some aspects could be improved to enhance the value proposition.

Barranquilla Exploration

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Barranquilla Exploration

The Guided City Tour from Cartagena offers an enthralling exploration of Barranquilla, the bustling metropolis along the Magdalena River.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse array of highlights, including:

  1. Witnessing the iconic Sharks Fin monument, a striking landmark along the Malecón del Río.
  2. Strolling across the Pumarejo Bridge, a historic structure that connects Barranquilla’s neighborhoods.
  3. Exploring the vibrant La Venta del Mundo, a lively commercial hub brimming with local shops and eateries.
  4. Discovering the city’s architectural gems, from colonial-era buildings to modern skyscrapers, as you wander its dynamic streets.

This dynamic stop showcases Barranquilla’s diverse charms and provides a tantalizing glimpse into the culture and history of Colombia’s fourth-largest city.

Santa Marta Sightseeing

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Santa Marta Sightseeing

Upon arriving in Santa Marta, the tour group explores the coastal city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

They visit the Pibe Valderrama Monument, a tribute to the legendary soccer player. Wandering through the colonial-era streets, they admire the architecture and soak in the local culture.

At La Bahia de Santa Marta, the group takes in the stunning views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.

Next, they stroll through the lively Parque de los Novios, taking in the bustling energy of the city.

The tour culminates with a visit to the impressive Cathedral and the fascinating Gold Museum, providing a well-rounded experience of Santa Marta’s heritage and attractions.

Beachfront Experience

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Beachfront Experience

After exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Santa Marta, the group makes its way to the renowned Rodadero beach.

This popular seaside destination offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy:

  1. Sunbathing and swimming in the warm, Caribbean waters.
  2. Strolling along the boardwalk and admiring the stunning coastal views.
  3. Indulging in fresh seafood and local cuisine at the beachfront restaurants and cafes.
  4. Browsing the lively handicraft markets and souvenir shops.

With its laidback atmosphere and picturesque setting, the Rodadero beach provides the perfect opportunity to relax and soak up the sun before the journey back to Cartagena.

Frequently Asked Questions

From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend My Stay in Barranquilla or Santa Marta After the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour is a day trip from Cartagena and doesn’t include the option to extend your stay in Barranquilla or Santa Marta. The itinerary is fixed, and the tour ends with drop-off back in Cartagena.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary isn’t customizable, but travelers can extend their stay in Barranquilla or Santa Marta after the tour ends. This allows them to explore those cities further on their own schedule.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, light and breathable clothing, and bring sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. Loose, layered clothing is best to stay cool during the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the bus. The tour includes lunch, but extra snacks and beverages are permitted to make the long journey more comfortable.

Is Wifi Available on the Bus During the Tour?

The tour’s information doesn’t mention if Wi-Fi is available on the bus. It’s likely that Wi-Fi isn’t provided, so passengers should plan accordingly and bring their own mobile data or portable Wi-Fi devices if they need internet access during the trip.

Recap

This guided tour from Cartagena offers an immersive 15-hour experience, exploring the vibrant cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta. Priced at $87.49 per person, the tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch, delivering a memorable adventure filled with cultural insights and stunning scenery. Visitors will discover Barranquilla’s historic market, the iconic Pumarejo Bridge, and Santa Marta’s picturesque beaches, making this an unmissable opportunity to explore Colombia’s rich heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: