Cartagena: Bike or Walking Tour with Film & History Stories

Summary

Cartagena stories on two wheels coffee film festival stops locals guide

You’ll pedal or walk through Cartagena’s lively streets with a local guide who brings history and film stories to life. Sip strong coffee, sample fresh juice, explore centuries-old churches, and meet friendly locals along the way. End wherever you want—no rush—just real moments stitched together by laughter and sunlight.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the bikes — none of them matched, which somehow made it feel more like we’d borrowed them from a friend than booked a tour. We met at our guide’s place (he introduced himself as Jaime, but everyone seemed to call him “el Profe”) and set off along the Bay of Cartagena. The air had that salty heaviness you only get near the Caribbean, and Jaime started right in with pirate tales — apparently real battles happened right where we were riding. I could almost hear cannon fire if I squinted hard enough. Maybe that was just my imagination running wild.

We stopped for coffee in a tiny spot with walls covered in old movie posters. Jaime told us about the Cartagena International Film Festival — turns out his family’s got some connection to its founder? He talked so fast I missed part of it, but the pride in his voice was obvious. The coffee was strong enough to wake up my ancestors. At one point I tried to say “gracias” with the local accent and got a friendly laugh from an older woman behind the counter. That moment stuck with me longer than expected.

Santo Domingo Church looked even older up close than it does in photos — cool stone under my hand, sunlight bouncing off yellow walls. We wandered inside for a bit; Jaime pointed out details in the architecture and some old paintings I probably would’ve walked past otherwise. Outside again, he handed out orange juice from a street vendor while telling us about Cartagena’s own saint (whose name I still can’t pronounce). There were kids playing soccer nearby and music drifting over from somewhere — cumbia maybe? Hard to tell but it made everything feel alive.

The ride through Getsemaní was loud and bright — murals everywhere, neighbors waving from doorways, someone grilling corn on the corner. Jaime paused every few blocks to share stories about movies filmed here or introduce us to people he knew (which seemed like half the neighborhood). By then it was hot enough that my shirt stuck to my back and honestly, I didn’t mind at all. We could end wherever we wanted; no pressure to loop back or hurry up. Somehow that freedom made it feel less like a tour and more like just… being part of Cartagena for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic and movie bike tour in Cartagena

• Leave from guide's place
• Ride along Bay of Cartagena
• Have coffee and listen to stories
• Enter Monastery of Santo Domingo
• See architecture and expositions
• Hear stories about Cartagena's Saint
• Take photos and have orange juice
• Visit colorful neighborhood and restaurants
• Ride through Getsemani and meet locals
• Hear stories and see movie locations

Top questions

Is this Cartagena bike tour suitable for kids?

Yes, bikes for kids are available and infant seats can be provided.

Does the tour include drinks or snacks?

Coffee, orange juice, bottled water, and a souvenir are included during your day trip.

Where does this historic & movie bike tour start?

The tour starts from the guide’s place near central Cartagena; exact location is shared after booking.

Do we return bikes at the end or finish elsewhere?

No need to return bikes—you can end anywhere in Cartagena’s center that you prefer.

Are there any health restrictions for this Cartagena walking tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

How long does this day trip around Cartagena last?

The duration varies depending on pace but usually lasts several hours with flexible ending times.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a unique bicycle (or walking route), helmet if needed, bottled water, strong Colombian coffee and fresh orange juice stops along the way, plus a small souvenir from your local guide—ending wherever you choose within central Cartagena without needing to return your bike.