Cartagena: Historic Center & Getsemaní Walking Tour Stories

Summary

Cartagena’s living history, vibrant plazas, and street rhythms

You’ll walk Cartagena’s walled city and Getsemaní with a local guide, tasting sweets at Portal de los Dulces, hearing pirate tales in lively plazas, spotting street art, and even learning some dance steps if you’re brave enough. This shared tour brings you close to Cartagena’s living history — and maybe leaves you humming salsa tunes long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try?” our guide Luis grinned, holding out a sticky piece of coconut candy from the Portal de los Dulces. I’d just tried to say “alegría” like a local — totally botched it, but the woman at the stall just laughed and handed me another sweet. The smell of caramel and fruit stuck to my fingers as we wandered through Cartagena’s historic center, following Luis’s stories about pirates and poets. He pointed up at the faded yellow walls near Plaza Bolívar — bullet holes from centuries back, he said. I didn’t expect to feel so much just standing in a square, you know?

We ducked under the arches by the Clock Tower and into Getsemaní, where music seemed to pour out of every doorway. Luis stopped us in front of some wild graffiti — faces I’d seen on postcards but never this close. He explained how these murals tell stories about migration and resistance. Someone started playing salsa on a speaker nearby; suddenly half our group was swaying along while Luis tried (and failed) to get us dancing champeta. I still think about that moment — sweaty, laughing, not caring who was watching.

There was this quiet stretch in Centennial Park where iguanas lazed in patches of sun and old men played dominoes under giant trees. It felt like time slowed down for a bit before we headed back into the busy streets. We ended near Calle San Juan with its rainbow umbrellas overhead, everyone snapping photos but also just… pausing for a second. No one rushed off right away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Historic Cartagena and Getsemaní

• Begin tour at Camellón de Los Mártires
• Learn about indigenous people history
• Visit Clock Tower and Plaza del Ecuador
• Explore enslavement route on Porto Carrero street
• See Portal de Los Dulces
• Visit Plaza de la Aduana and Municipal Hall
• Tour Museum of Modern Art and Gold Museum
• Visit San Pedro Claver Church and Museum
• Explore pirate bastion walls
• Visit Plaza Bolívar
• Relax at Centennial Park
• Walk cultural corridor of Getsemaní
• End at Callejón Ancho with salsa and champeta

Top questions

How long does the Cartagena Historic Center & Getsemaní tour last?

The shared walking tour lasts about 2½ hours.

Is this Cartagena walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What are some highlights included on this Cartagena day trip?

You’ll visit Bolivar Square, Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena, Centennial Park, and colorful streets of Getsemaní.

Does the tour include any food or tastings?

You’ll have chances to taste traditional sweets at Portal de los Dulces during the walk.

Are gratuities included in this shared Cartagena tour?

Yes, your tip is already paid when you book this shared experience.

Will I learn about local culture on this Cartagena walking tour?

Yes — guides share stories about indigenous roots, African heritage, pirates, art, music like salsa and champeta, plus gentrification topics in Getsemaní.

Where does the tour start in Cartagena?

The meeting point is Camellón de Los Mártires - Plaza de Cervantes.

Is there public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes — public transportation options are available near the starting location.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional local guide leading you through Cartagena’s historic center and Getsemaní neighborhood on foot; all gratuities are covered when you book; opportunities for cultural tastings along the way; plus accessible routes so everyone can join comfortably.