Cartagena City Tour: Private Guide, Fortress & Old Town

Summary

Cartagena private city tour with fortress monastery & old town walk

You’ll explore Cartagena’s bay and lively Bocagrande before climbing San Felipe Fortress with your local guide. Take in sweeping views from La Popa Monastery and wander colorful streets in the historic center. With hotel pickup and entry fees included, you’ll experience both grand sights and small moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start my Cartagena city tour staring at a line of pelicans bobbing in the bay near Bocagrande. Our guide, Javier, just grinned and said they’re regulars here — “They like the view too.” The shopping area was already waking up, music drifting from somewhere behind a row of bright umbrellas. It smelled like sea air and sunscreen and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe coconut?

San Felipe de Barajas Fortress was next — honestly, it looked even bigger up close than in photos. Javier told us stories about tunnels under our feet (he made a joke about ghosts; I pretended not to be nervous). Climbing up those old stone ramps took some effort — bring water! — but the breeze at the top felt like a reward. You can see all of Cartagena stretched out below you. I tried to imagine pirates coming in from the sea. Not sure if I got the history right but it made me smile.

The road up to La Popa Monastery twisted through bursts of bougainvillea and little houses painted every color you can think of. At the top, there’s this hush that surprised me — just wind and distant city sounds. We took photos but mostly just stood there for a minute or two, not really talking. Sometimes you don’t need words for those views, you know?

Walking through Cartagena’s historic center after that felt like stepping into someone else’s dream: yellow walls, balconies tangled with flowers, people waving from doorways or selling fruit on corners. Javier pointed out where Gabriel García Márquez used to wander (I’d read one book — he teased me about it). We stopped at San Pedro Claver church and learned about his work with enslaved people; it hit harder than I expected. The whole day moved fast but left these odd little memories stuck in my head — the sound of bells echoing off stone or how cool the shade felt under an archway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cartagena City Highlights

• Visit Bocagrande peninsula and bay shopping area
• Tour San Felipe de Barajas Fortress
• Visit Convento de la Popa for city views
• Walking tour of Old Town Cartagena
• Visit San Pedro Claver Church

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Cartagena city tour?

Yes, hotel or cruise port pickup is included for your convenience.

Does the tour include entry tickets to San Felipe Fortress?

Yes, entrance fees for San Felipe Fortress and Popa Monastery are covered.

How long does this private Cartagena tour last?

This is a half-day tour; expect around 4 hours total.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for all participants.

Are guides bilingual on this Cartagena city tour?

Yes, your local guide speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

Will we visit both Bocagrande and the Old Town?

Yes, you’ll see Bocagrande’s bay area plus walk through Cartagena’s historic center.

Is this private city tour suitable for cruisers docking in Cartagena?

Yes, cruisers can join as port pickup is available.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup by air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets to San Felipe Fortress and Popa Monastery, bottled water throughout the journey, plus guidance from a bilingual local expert before drop-off back at your starting point.