The 6 best tours to discover Cartagena de Indias

If you’re looking for a tour in Cartagena, we’ve selected the 6 best ones that will give you an insider’s view of the city and its region.

Cartagena de los Indi os, or Cartagena of the Indies in Spanish, is one of Colombia’s jewels. Located on the Caribbean coast, it is home to a magnificent old walled city dating back almost 500 years. To visit Cartagena is to discover the cultures that have shaped it for centuries.

Its indigenous, African, Caribbean and Spanish origins blend together in its culture, architecture, gastronomy and art of living. This mix forms a languorous rhythm as you stroll through the city during the hot day… But beware, the old city comes alive at night when the fresh air awakens the senses…

And to fully appreciate Carthagena and its local life, it’s best to follow a guide. You’ll learn more about the history and discover some great addresses. You’ll also be able to sample some fine Colombian cuisine at a street-side stand. You’ll also be able to decipher the street art that is so present in certain barrios. If you’d like to discover this magnificent city and Colombian culture, here are the 6 best tours in Cartagena.

The historical tour takes you back in time to centuries of fortified towns

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This classic tour takes you through the walled city to discover its history. Founded in 1533 by the famous conquistador Pedro de Herredia, Cartagena has always been the object ofcovetousness thanks to its strategic location. Your guide will take you through the battles and monument-building history of the city.

Departing from plaza Teresa, you embark on a 3-hour walk. It takes you to Plaza Bolivar, where you’ll visit the Inquisition Palace with your guide. The end of this Cartagena tour takes you to the Las Bovedas craft market.

Discovering Caribbean street food

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Colombia lives to the rhythm of street-food, and in Cartagena, street stands are a dime a dozen! The cool thing is that they reflect the city’s diversity. On your own, you’d be hard-pressed to find your way around this heap of possibilities. Slip into the footsteps of a guide to find out what to try!

This tour takes you to 9 street-food spots where you’ll see (and taste!) everything that’s eaten and drunk on the streets in this region. Sweet, salty, Colombian coffee and local craft beer are all on the menu during the 2h30 tour… A pure delight! What’s more, your guide will take you through the city’s must-see spots!

A tour of the Cartagena market in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain

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If you know celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, you’re probably familiar with his love of Cartagena. One day, he revealed that he had fallen in love with the central market of Bazurto. The colors, smells and flavors are truly breathtaking! On this gastronomic tour of Cartagena, let yourself be guided between the stalls of the central market.

You’ll taste unexpected fruits and discover new flavors. Thanks to its tropical, equatorial climate, Colombia’s fruits and vegetables are as surprising as they are tasty. For 2h30, the guide will take you on a tour in the footsteps of chef Anthony Bourdain. The aim is to get you to experience the same culinary love at first sight as he did on his visit. You’ll finish with a visit to the fish stalls, where you’ll learn more about the different species. Yum, yum, yum!

Perfect your photo technique in Cartagena’s playground

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When you see a city this beautiful, you want to take pictures of it! If you’re into photography but not too comfortable with basic techniques and settings, this Cartagena tour is for you! Meet your guide at Plaza Bolivar for a 3-hour stroll.

He’ll give you a short theoretical course, depending on your machine. Then he’ll lead you through the alleys, using the urban setting to teach you the practical side. Colors, shades, framing, shot values, aperture, shutter… You’ll know everything there is to know about photography! It’s the ideal way to take home some great shots of Cartagena!

Discover Getsemani’s artists and street art

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Adjacent to the historic district, Getsemani is Cartagena’s trendy barrio. It’s a great place to stroll and enjoy theatmosphere of its terraces and the colors of its facades. On this tour of Cartagena, you’ll have the chance to discover the talents of local artists.

Explanations of graffiti, artists’ workshops, live painting performances… For 2 hours, you’ll sneak into Getsemani and understand why it’s the vibrant heart of Cartagena. Your guide will tell you all about the magic of this neighborhood while you sip ice cream and fresh fruit juice. Open your eyes and ears, you’re in for a treat!

Horseback riding on Manzanillo beach

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Lovers of equestrian culture will be delighted! Thanks to this Cartagena tour, you’ll be able to ride a horse on the beach. You’ll be riding a Colombian Paso Fino horse – the right step – adapted to your profile and experience.

A lunch on the beach at Manzanillo is included in this walk, which will do you a world of good. It’s the ideal way to relax while enjoying the sea spray. Sun and relaxation are guaranteed.

It’s fair to say you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to embarking on a Cartagena tour! Thanks to all these recommendations, your stay on Colombia’s Caribbean coast won’t be the same. So don’t hesitate to surround yourself with the best guides for living at the local pace.