Cartagena Old City Walking Tour with Street Food Tasting

Colonial squares, street food stops, and the stories that built Cartagena

A private walking tour of Cartagena's Old City with a bilingual guide covering the main squares (Bolívar, Santo Domingo, Plaza de Colón and others) plus tastings of eight local street foods including arepas, patacones, yucca bread and shrimp cocktail. Hotel pickup is included, and the tour runs two to three hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bolivar Square15m
2. Santo Domingo Church15m

Explore Cartagena Old City and Street Food

• Visit Camellón de los Mártires monument
• Walk through main squares
• Taste local street foods at Portal of Sweets
• See statue of Don Pedro de Heredia
• Explore Customs Plaza with Columbus statue
• Visit Plaza de San Pedro Claver and shops
• View statue of San Pedro Claver
• Visit Bolivar Square and surrounding buildings
• Explore Plaza de Santo Domingo and church
• See sculpture 'Gertrudis' by Fernando Botero
• Enjoy sunset at Baluarte de Santo Domingo

The experience

The route starts at the Camellón de los Mártires, the restored monument that connects the Historical Center to Getsemaní, then moves through the squares where Cartagena's daily life unfolds. You'll stand in Plaza Bolívar beneath the statue of Simón Bolívar, surrounded by the Palace of the Inquisition and the cathedral, then walk to Plaza de Colón where the statue of Christopher Columbus marks the spot where the city's founder, Pedro de Heredia, is honored. At each stop, the guide (speaking English or Spanish) explains what you're standing in front of and why it matters to the people who live here.

The food tastings happen as you move through the squares. You'll try eight recipes: arepas, local orange juice, patacones (fried plantain), fresh fruit, yucca bread, cheese bread, candies and shrimp cocktail, plus beer. These are the foods sold from carts and small stands throughout the city, the things locals eat daily. The guide knows which vendors and which spots matter, so you're tasting what Cartagena actually tastes like, not a curated version.

Santo Domingo Church and its plaza close out the walk: the square fills with musicians and artists in the evening, and the baluarte (fortress wall) offers views toward the bay and the Caribbean. Bottled water is included throughout. Hotel pickup and drop-off are arranged, so you don't navigate the city on your own to meet the guide.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• bottled water.
• eight street food tastings including arepas, patacones, local orange juice, yucca bread, cheese bread, candies, shrimp cocktail and beer.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 62 years) · Senior (63 to 90 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 14 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Peace Travel Colombia SAS

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a guide who speaks your language. The bilingual commentary means you catch the history and the stories at each square without gaps, and the street food stops make sense when someone who lives here explains what you're tasting and why it matters.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (6 to 14 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the eight street foods I'll taste on this tour?

The eight recipes include arepas, local orange juice, patacones (fried plantain), fresh fruit, yucca bread, cheese bread, candies and shrimp cocktail, plus beer. These are the foods sold by street vendors throughout Cartagena's Old City.

What squares does the tour visit?

The tour covers Plaza Bolívar (with the statue of Simón Bolívar and the Palace of the Inquisition), Plaza de Colón (honoring Christopher Columbus and the city's founder), Plaza de San Pedro Claver, and Santo Domingo Church and its plaza. You also walk the Camellón de los Mártires at the start.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included in the tour price, and you'll be dropped off afterward.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs two to three hours, covering the main squares and the street food tastings at a walking pace.

What should I know before booking?

Mask use is mandatory for all travelers. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health, though it is suitable for all other fitness levels. Wheelchair accessibility is available, and service animals are allowed.