THE 5 BEST TOURS IN CARTAGENA COLOMBIA
Once upon a time, I was way too sophisticated to ever consider taking a tour when visiting a place for the first time. Tours were for tourists, and I was a traveler. Or so I thought. It wasn’t until I began taking friends and family along to places I had visited many times that began to engage the services of a tour company. What I discovered was eye opening to this lifelong traveler who arrogantly thought he had seen and done it all.
Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica (photo by author)
Hiring an expert enables a far deeper dive into a city, it’s history and architecture, more detail about the significance of the art I was looking at in the Louvre or Van Gogh Museum, or simply about the daily life of the people than I ever could experience or discover on my own -- much less by me simply sitting in a bar. The latter, however, I do recommend for its own obvious merits. The attention is in the details as they say.
And “the details” was what I was looking for in my visit to Cartagena Colombia in February of 2024. So, I sought the services of a reputable outfitter (like Viator) who hooked me up with the local experts, be it in art, food, or adventure, it deepened my experience in unanticipated ways. And, I’ll add, as a (more often than not) solo traveler, you get to meet other like-minded individuals from all over the world. Who knows? You may just find some folks to sit in that bar with later.
Cartagena Colombia (photo by Mr. B)
Generally, when I first arrive at a place, I will take a walking tour. This helps me reflect upon the significance of the destination and often confirms the reasons I wanted to go there in the first place. Plus, you’ll get some steps in to help work off last night’s empanadas while getting your directional bearings in ways the ol’ google maps simply can’t do.
The Old city and Getsemani Walking Tour in Cartagena ticked all the boxes. You’ll meander through the UNESCO listed old town (Centro Historico) taking in all the colors that Cartagena’s colonia architecture so aggressively offers. Check out the Clock Tower, Plaza Santo Domingo, and the San Pedro Claver Church while your guide offers insights and those special details that Wikipedia simply can’t offer. And, of course, as you’re walking around, you’ll have more than enough opportunities to scout out those restaurants and bars to hit up later.
Read more about Private Walking Tour in Cartagena (Walled City & Getsemani) HERE
And check out this one that includes admission to San Felipe Castle HERE!
"Umbrella Street" Cartagena Colombia (photo by Mr. B)
If you’re like me, at some point I’m going to want to get out of the hustle and bustle of a city. The Rosario Islands Day Trip is perfecto! Take a day for some beach relaxation and snorkeling around the archipelago a pebble’s throw away from Cartagena. These tours cater to most beach goers’ needs be they the boat ride, snorkeling the stunning blue waters, and/or lounging on those breathtaking beaches.
Read more about a full day tour (includes 3 islands) HERE
I’m a sucker for a local market. Add food to the mix and I could hang out for hours. The Bazurto Market Food Tour will hook you up with a fellow local foodie who will give you the ins and outs of the food scene, ingredients and cooking techniques this vibrant Caribbean culinary culture has to offer. Meet the vendors and craftsmen. Sample the herbal medicines. Make the connections. Get the education. It will come in handy throughout your trip as you stroll by street food vendors sampling their wares. Lunch is included at Ceci’s made famous by Anthony Bourdain. Ah! Yes! I will have the arepas, gracias!
Read more about Bazurto Market Adventure Tour in Cartagena HERE!
Fried "thingy" with Egg (photo by Mr. B
Another foodie option is the Street Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City and Getsemani. Here, you’ll get educated on what that “fried bread with cheese thingy” or that “fried pocket that has an entire boiled egg up in it” masterpiece really is. OH! And if you get the chance to experience one of those shrimp cocktails, I’d recommend you get the large one.
Read more about the Street Food Tour in Cartagena Walled City and Getsemani HERE!
For those adventurers seeking the “once in a lifetime” experience, check out the Mud Volcano (Volcán del Totumo) and Mangrove Tour. This mineral rich mud, believed to have therapeutic properties, may be just what the doctor ordered after a few days of rich food and local beer. After the rehabilitation, some tours offer a boat trip to check out the nearby mangroves to experience the scenery and, hopefully, get a glimpse of some local wildlife.
Read more about the Mud Volcano and Mangrove Tour HERE!
Adolfo Mejia, Colombian Composer (photo by Mr. B)
BONUS!
Cartagena ATV Tours by Bomba Tours
ATVs! Cause, hell yeah! Am I right? Head out to Tierra Bomba Island and gas ‘em up! Your guide will navigate you through the rugged terrain as you take in the trails and landscapes. (Keep your eye on the road, or trail rather, as you are the one doing the driving!). Roll on up into Bocachia and Fuerte de San Fernando and check out areas that most tourists miss.
Read more about the Cartagena ATV Tours by Bomba Tours HERE!
We travel to attempt get into the soul of a place, learn more about a subject, and to see a small glimpse into a people and their history. At least I try to. To me, that is the whole point. Picking up a good tour to deepen the experience makes a world of difference. Plus, it gives you great stories to share over a few local beers with those new friends from New Zealand you wouldn’t have met if it weren’t for that walking tour!
