Cartagena: Old City & Getsemani Walking Tour with Local Tastings

Summary

Cartagena’s lively plazas, street art, and local stories in every step

You’ll wander Cartagena’s Walled City & Getsemani with a local guide who shares real stories behind each plaza and mural. Taste a typical drink along the way, hear music spill into sunny streets, and pause in quiet corners where history lingers. It’s not just sightseeing — you’ll feel part of the city’s rhythm for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Plaza Santo Domingo to feel so alive at 10am — even the air seemed thick with old stories and the smell of sweet coffee drifting from somewhere nearby. Our guide, Camila, waved us over by the El Mestizo sculpture (I probably grinned too much posing for that photo). She talked about how this square has always been Cartagena’s heart, but honestly I was half-distracted by a street vendor balancing mangoes on his head. The city just pulls your attention everywhere at once.

We wandered through the Biblioteca Bartolomé Calvo (so cool inside, like stepping into a quiet pocket away from the heat), then out again past St. Peter Claver Square. Camila didn’t sugarcoat history — she told us about slavery and how this city still carries those echoes. There was a moment when everyone just sort of fell silent, listening to her voice bounce off old stone walls. And then, suddenly, we were in Customs Square where kids chased pigeons and an old man played guitar under a faded awning.

The main keyword here is “Cartagena walking tour” but honestly it felt more like being shown around by someone who loves their home. In Getsemani, the colors hit you first — murals everywhere, laundry strung up above our heads, people laughing on doorsteps. I tried saying “Calle de la Sierpe” and Li (from our group) cracked up at my accent. We tasted something cold and sweet (Camila called it “limonada de coco”) — I still think about that flavor when I’m back home.

By Trinity Square my feet were tired but I didn’t want to leave yet. Music drifted from an open window; someone waved at us from a balcony strung with flags. If you’re looking for some polished museum experience, this isn’t it — but if you want to feel what Cartagena is actually like, tangled and bright and full of small surprises… well, you’ll see.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cartagena's historic sites and neighborhoods

• Visit Plaza Santo Domingo
• Admire Biblioteca Bartolomé Calvo
• Learn at St. Peter Claver Square
• Explore Customs Square
• Rest at Plaza de los Cars
• Climb the Clock Tower
• Relax in Centennial Park
• Walk Calle de la Sierpe
• Visit Trinity Square
• Experience the Wide Alley
• Photograph Calle de la Lomba
• Explore colorful Gethsemane streets

Top questions

Is this Cartagena walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this group tour are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup; the tour starts at Plaza Santo Domingo in Cartagena’s Old City.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this Cartagena day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join in strollers or prams.

Is there an audio system for the group tour?

The wireless audio system is available only for weekend tours at 10am and 4pm.

Will we have time to take photos during the Cartagena walking tour?

Yes, there are plenty of chances to take photos in plazas and colorful streets.

What neighborhoods does this Cartagena group tour visit?

The route covers both the Walled City (Old Town) and Barrio Getsemani.

Is lunch included during this Cartagena day trip?

No lunch is included; however, you will taste a typical local drink during the walk.

How long does the walking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several key sites within central Cartagena.

What’s included

Your day includes guidance from a certified local expert as you explore both Old City plazas and Getsemani’s vibrant streets together with your group. On weekends at 10am or 4pm you’ll get use of a wireless audio system so you won’t miss any stories along busy streets. You’ll also pause to try a typical local drink before heading back out into Cartagena’s colorful bustle.