Full experience in Cartagena de Indias

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Former military garrison, built at the end of the 18th century, is currently an excellent craft market where you can spend time observing and if you wish, buy the most beautiful local crafts.

   10 min

2. Beautiful colonial square where the Old San Diego Convent (Current School of Fine Arts) and old Santa Clara Convent (Current Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara) are located, restaurants such as Juan Del Mar, La Cevicheria famous for the visit of Anthony Bourdain

   10 min

3. the guide will delight with an excellent explanation of the traditional and well known Colombian coffee, being the fourth generation of a traditionally coffee family. if you wish this is the place to buy the best specialty coffee (Non-commercial)

   15 min

4. A must-see visit, that is... you can not miss, to the former Cloister of Mercy, which currently functions as the headquarters of the public university of Cartagena, and theater where important events such as the classical music festival, literature festival, film festival among many others, in addition to lovers of Gabriel García Márquez, there are his ashes and a small museum.

   15 min

5. One of Cartagena’s oldest churches, the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Cartagena de Indias is an impressive example of colonial architecture and a historical and artistic treasure of the city. Founded in the 16th century, the cathedral has witnessed the history of Cartagena de Indias and has been restored and preserved to be appreciated by current and future generations.

   Passes by

6. Where the oldest civil constructions of the city are located, namely the Convent of Santo Domingo, there is also a sculpture of Fernando Botero; who was a famous Colombian sculptor & painter born in the city of Medellin, department of Antioquia.

   15 min

7. A jewel of Colonial religious architecture, the church where Pedro Claver (Canonized in 1888) served slaves and other Cartagena residents for a long time, is also the naval museum and some of the best restaurants in the city.

   15 min

8. Square that houses the house where today the city mayor works, the institution of the SENA and modern buildings built whose anecdotes will be talked about

   10 min

9. The old square of the slaves, which now functions as a meeting place, is also located the portal of sweets and some bars and restaurants recognized in the city

   10 min

10. Place of habitation of free and indigenous slaves in colonial times, currently a colorful and beautiful neighborhood outside the walls of Cartagena de Indias, can be seen there graffiti and much street art

    30 min

11. Cerro de la Popa is the highest point in Cartagena de Indias, rising to about 139 meters above sea level. Its curious name was given by the first Spanish navigators in the early 16th century At the top of the hill is the Sanctuary and Convent of the Holy Cross of the Pope, built by Fathers Agustinos Recoletos. the place housed a clandestine worship of indigenous and African slaves dedicated to a deity shaped like a goat called Busiraco. Legend has it that Friar Alonso de la Cruz Paredes threw the idol over the cliff (a site known today as the "Jump of the Cabrón") to consecrate the temple to the Catholic faith. The sanctuary guards the image of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the city, whose devotion culminates every year on February 2nd in a massive pilgrimage to the summit. A Spectacular View of the City Being Cartagena’s quintessential natural viewpoint, the Popa offers an imposing 360-degree panorama.

    25 min

12. The castle was erected on the strategic hill of San Lázaro, is the most imposing piece of Spanish military engineering in America. Its construction began in the 16th century in order to protect Cartagena de Indias from constant sieges by privateers and European colonial powers. This stone colossus stands out for its brilliant defensive design. His peak came in 1741, when Admiral Blas de Lezo led an epic resistance against Edward Vernon's massive British navy. In addition to its sloping walls and batteries, the castle is famous for its intricate network of underground tunnels, designed with such precise acoustics that it could hear the slightest whisper of the enemy and prepare lethal ambushes. A spectacular viewpoint From its platforms and top decks you will enjoy a privileged 360 degree view. It is the ideal point to contemplate the transition between the walled Historic Center, Manga Bay and modern skyscrapers.

    50 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 9 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Cartagena

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 1343 experiences we list in Cartagena.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 427 of 1343.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Cartagena

Cartagena, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is a walled colonial port of flower-draped balconies, colourful plazas and warm, music-filled evenings.

The walled old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of cobbled streets and squares lined with pastel houses, churches and bougainvillea. The Clock Tower gate leads into Plaza de los Coches, and the cathedral, the Church of San Pedro Claver and the Palace of the Inquisition are all within a few blocks. Walking the thick ramparts at sunset is a local ritual.

Top-ranked sights in Cartagena: Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario), Old Town Cartagena, Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo).

See all 1343 experiences in Cartagena