Cartagena City Tours- Day Tours

Cartagena City Tours- Day Tours

Cartagena City Tours- Day Tours
4.5
About
A choice of 4 different expert guided Cartagena city tours to suit your budget and preferences. Tours available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, French and Portuguese.
Bogota, Colombia

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles52 reviews
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Sightseer779040
287 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
We booked our tour through the cruise line called Cartagena by Land and Sea. It was operated by Cartagena excursions by Convi. When getting off the ship, Carlos, the tour guide, was waiting for us with our paddle for our group. We had about 20 or so people in the group so it was a manageable size. On our cruise there were 2 groups on our tour, and one ran in the reverse, so they went on a short walk down the pier to the dock, while we boarded a bus. While on our bus ride to the San Felipe Fort, Carlos talked about Cartegena and a little bit of history and a little bit about the area. You definitely get to see the authentic streets and driving of Columbia. Carlos did honestly tell is that there are street vendors present, and that we are welcome to barter with them. He told us the only thing we shouldn’t buy is Silver because its not real. When we got off at the fort, there were street vendors present selling all sorts of things outside the entrance like hats, shirts, sunglasses, accessories. We just told them no thank you politely and they understood and walked away. There were also vendors inside the fort as well. Carlos was able to get us admission into the fort, and he had a portable speaker system with him to give a tour of the fort. It is very uphill, downhill, and stairs so be prepared for that. He was very knowledgeable about the fort and how it was constructed and the history of cartagena. He pointed out the scenery and led us everywhere on the fort. We learned that the fort was built to project an invasion by land from the British. The Spanish won the war and got to keep their colony. We learned how it was built to help the soldiers get the upper hand. In the middle we stopped for a quick break by a little shop that sold trinkets and drinks. All prices were in Columbian Pesos, but everywhere accepts american dollar so just know the conversion rate before you go. We hung out in the shade and got some good views. We were at the fort for around 45 minutes or so. There was little shade so bring a hat and sunscreen. It was interesting and cool. We boarded the bus again, and drove to the old city area. We pulled over and got off on the edge of the old city. Carlos walked us down the streets with his portable speaker and talked about the significance of the buildings like the different door knockers, and the cathedral. We walked to an open area with restaurants and a statue that people rub. Then we walked to the town square area and learned some more history. We stopped at an emerald shop for a break. There were street vendors who followed the tours a little bit, but all were friendly. The emerald shop is meant as an air conditioning break and a bathroom break. They do a short presentation on their emerald shop and you can shop if you like. You have about 25 minutes of free time. Most chose to chill in the AC. A couple of us went back to the main square area to do some quick shopping. We were able to go to Cafe San Alberto to get some Columbian coffee and walk back and that was just the right amount of time. We got back to the emerald shop just in time for the tour to resume. We continued walking through the rest of old town and to a dock. We boarded a small boat and cruised around the bay. We saw mangroves and pelicans, the high rises, the beaches, the naval base, and the other fort buildings that were meant for defending by sea. Carlos did narrate with the speaker as well. The breeze was nice because it was hot. Although we went in the beginning of March, and according to Carlos, there are 3 seasons in Cartagena. Hottest, Hot, and less hot. We were currently in the less hot stage and it was 89 degrees. The boat trip went right by the parked cruise ships which was a super cool view too. It went around the ships and to the dock just down the pier from the ships. This is where we were dropped off. Friendly reminder to bring cash because Carlos really did do a great job. From there, there were shuttles that took you down the pier back to the ship, or you could just walk the path which was a very short walk, maybe 5-7 minutes back. Right at the dock there is a place called Park Cartagena, which is a little tourist area. They have a large gift shop with everything your heart desires. Where we also got some more columbian coffee. They have some paths around the building with aviaries, parrots, peacocks, flamingos, and even warthogs. We even saw small monkeys wandering about. They had columbian music and dancers. There is also a taxi stand on the other side of this area for other tours and such. It is free and shaded with all of the tree cover. It was neat to explore that as well before walking back to the ship. Everywhere we went was a tourist area, so there was never a time where we didn’t feel safe. Overall it was a good variety tour as we got to see a little bit of everything and we enjoyed our time in Columbia.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Skiahlc
Legend, Hungary169 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Enjoyed the Land & Sea Excursion through our Carnival Legend cruiseship. We started on a tour boat visiting the original forts that were built to protect the city. Then switched to a tour bus to tour The Fortress - the original fortification protecting the Walled City. We also did a walking tour through "Old Town" to see the streets of houses with beautiful second floor balconies full of flowers. The downside is that in any tourist area you will be inundated by vendors trying to get in your face and sell you everything!
Written 1 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Boxter7
Los Angeles, CA13 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Couples
We started on the sea. The boat is nice but it could be difficult for an elderly person to get on and off. If you want to hear your guide, make sure you are in the front of the boat. From the back we heard little. The harbor has a lot of interesting history and is worth seeing. You get a meaningful perspective of the walled city from the boat.

The first thing we went to on land was the fort. The ramps that lead to the top of the fort are steep and not for everyone. A few on the tour with mobility issues wisely chose to stay on the bus. The fort is very interesting and offers beautiful views. It is worth the climb. Restrooms are limited and some exploring time was lost standing in line.

The walk through the city was good. It is very colorful. The vendors are relentless if you show any weakness. The hat prices were very attractive. Problem was that if you wore the hat, you attracted more vendors. I didn’t have any interest in the emeralds and wish they would have done more with coffee. I very much enjoyed the tour and the history but I didn’t feel a friendliness in the people. It was nice getting to stop in Columbia but it wasn’t calling me back.
Written 30 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Recon71
Leesburg, FL201 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Couples
Upon review, my wife and I determined that this seemed to be the best excursion from our cruise ships visit to Cartagena. It took two very comfortable buses to pickup all of the people booking this tour from the Holland Americas Zuiderdam.

We drove through the city to the incredible Spanish fort "Castillo San Felipe." The guide showed us all around the amazing fort and the views of the city from high up were magnificent. This enormous fort was built in the 1500's and is still in good condition. I wish the roads in the USA were built so well! We went in and around the fort and then rejoined the buses for a ride along the coastline to a shopping plaza where we had the opportunity to shop for silver and emeralds. CAUTION: Be prepared to haggle the price! This is standard. We also had the opportunity to hold a young sloth. I would have preferred to see the animal in its natural environment but it was too adorable and very gentle.

From the plaza, we boarded a 50-person touring boat. We drove all around the harbor in the protected seas and enjoyed a view of the city that can only be appreciated from the water.

The boat then took us to a pier just outside the security zone of our cruise ship where there was also an aviary. We had plenty of time so we decided to check it out, plus it was free! This was an unadvertised part of the tour and it was great! Lots of peacocks, parrots and flamingos and even some monkeys running around apparently free to stay or leave. All of the birds seemed very friendly to people but I did not try petting any - a parrot gorge in the hand would not have enhanced the remainder or our cruise! After that, it was a long walk or a short ride on a shuttle bus to the ship.

The people running this excursion did a very good job. At the fort, one cruiser turned up missing. He was still at the fort! Keeping all the cruisers together must be like herding cats!

I think I'd really like to give this excursion 4.5 stars.
Written 29 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

carlota07
Sao Paulo80 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2016 • Friends
Really great outing. One hour each way by covered launch to Isla Grande Island. Once you reach the island there are a few choices as to what you can do. Includes in our excursion was lunch and sun bathing facilities and access to fresh water shower. For an extra fee snorkling / canoe ride/ cycling was available. You can also stay at the San Pedro hotel on the site. We had a tasty lunch and a fun ride on the boat. On the way back we were given protective matwrial to shield us from the spray off the sea. The boay was very well maintained and clean life jackets were available for all passangers. On the island we were able to make use of a tiny improvised beach. Time well spent.
Written 31 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gary97TJ
Lynnwood, WA103 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2014 • Couples
They took us right from the cruise ship pier on a tour around the bay and along the edge of the city. Julito did a great job of explaining the sights and we had a great time on the water. The next stop at a little strip mall was a waste of time and you will get hit up my multiple street vendors to buy just about anything. After this you go to the old fort that protected the city and tour it. This was great and even though it looks daunting to climb the ramp to the top, it is well worth it.

If they would skip the strip mall and maybe stop at a local restaurant, it would be a better tour.
Written 4 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Victor S
Jacksonville, FL84 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2014 • Couples
We were apprehensive about visiting the old city in Cartagena Colombia. You hear all the stories about the drug problems however we were pleasantly surprised at the friendly people we encountered in the downtown area. The modern side of the city looks like a regular metropolis, but the old city has a charming laid back atmosphere and felt very safe.
Written 27 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KenRM1
Romford10 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2014 • Friends
We went on a shore excursion form the cruise ship. Had a great tour around Cartagena and then time to wander around the town beofre going back to the ship.
Written 4 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Neil-KAAG
Ellenton, FL328 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Couples
Wonderful old city in great condition. Very helpful people and safe to walk around. The fort was of great interest the whole tour passed so quick would do it again and learn so much more.
Written 21 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

laurapoint
seattle356 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2014 • Family
I love Cartagena. The modern side looks like Miami, with many skyscrapers in front of the beach and by the pier. The old part of town reminds me of Europe, with its ancient fort and the domes of the chapels sticking out in the sky. Clean, vibrant, romantic. They say that they want to develop it like Venice, using its system of channels of water running through town. In front of Cartagena there are Rosario Island and my favorite is Baru with Playa Blanca. You do not need a tour to get there. Just hop on a boat and you would be there in less than 15 minutes.
Written 26 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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