Cartagena Highlights Tour: Old City, Getsemaní & San Felipe Castle

Summary

Discover Cartagena’s Iconic Sights with a Local Guide

You’ll walk Cartagena’s most iconic streets, hear stories only locals know, and see the city’s history come alive—from pirate defenses to vibrant Getsemaní murals. This tour blends culture, shopping, and real moments you won’t find in a guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

Heat rises off the cobblestones as we slip through the gates of the Old City, the air thick with the scent of mango from a street vendor’s cart. Our guide, Andrés, knows every shortcut—he steers us away from the crowds and into a quiet corner where the walls still show scars from old pirate attacks. He tells us how San Felipe Castle once stood as Cartagena’s shield. I can almost hear the echo of cannon fire when I run my hand along the rough stone.

Getsemaní is a burst of color and sound. Murals stretch across alleyways, and you’ll spot locals chatting on stoops while salsa music drifts from a tiny bar called Café Havana. We pause to watch a painter at work—his hands stained blue and yellow. Travelers from everywhere cross paths here, swapping stories in the shade. It’s easy to lose track of time wandering these narrow streets, but the guide keeps us moving with a promise of more secrets ahead.

Near the Clock Tower, Plaza de los Coches buzzes with life. The smell of fresh arepas mixes with sea breeze, and vendors call out in rapid Spanish. Our guide points out a hidden plaque marking where enslaved people were once traded—a sobering moment that sticks with me. Later, we find ourselves in Plaza de la Aduana, the city’s largest square, snapping photos of colonial balconies and the faded pink facades that seem to glow at sunset.

We end at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Its dome rises above the city, catching the last light of day. Locals gather on benches nearby, sharing jokes and sipping cold drinks. It’s not just a church—it feels like the city’s heart, beating quietly while everything else rushes by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cartagena Historic Highlights

• Visit defensive system and learn history
• Explore Getsemaní neighborhood
• Visit lively square by Clock Tower
• Tour residential neighborhood in Old City
• See largest square and architecture
• Walk around iconic church dome area

Top questions

How much walking is involved in this Cartagena tour?

There’s a fair bit of walking—mostly flat, but some uneven stones in the Old City and steps at San Felipe Castle. Wear comfy shoes and bring water.

Is there time for shopping or grabbing snacks?

Yes! The tour includes free time for shopping or picking up a quick snack from local vendors along the way.

Are guides certified and knowledgeable about Cartagena’s history?

Absolutely. All guides are certified locals who know Cartagena’s history inside out—they share stories you won’t find online.

Can the tour be customized for specific interests?

Definitely. Let your guide know what you’re most interested in—they’re happy to adjust stops or pace for your group.

What’s included

Your spot includes a certified local guide, air-conditioned transport between sites, bottled water to keep you cool, and free time for shopping or exploring at your own pace.