Cartagena: Private City Tour, San Felipe Fortress & La Popa Hill

Summary

Cartagena old town, fortress walks and Getsemaní colors with private guide

You’ll feel Cartagena’s contrasts on this private city tour: sweeping views from La Popa Hill’s convent, echoing tunnels inside San Felipe Fortress, lively Getsemaní streets splashed with color, and time to wander markets or squares at your own pace. With hotel pickup included and a local guide who knows every shortcut, it’s easy to settle into Cartagena’s rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the heat or the sea breeze—it was the way our guide Mario waved at nearly everyone near La Popa Hill, like he’d grown up on every street here. We climbed up to that old convent (early morning, still a bit hazy), and I could smell jasmine tangled with car exhaust—strange mix. Mario pointed out where pirates used to watch for ships. I tried picturing it but mostly just stared at the rooftops below. The city looked soft from up there, almost sleepy.

San Felipe de Barajas Fortress is massive—I mean, you see pictures but standing in those tunnels is different. It echoed when we laughed (I tripped on a stone step; nobody saw except Mario, who just grinned). He told us about soldiers hiding in the cool shadows—honestly, I didn’t expect to feel a chill down there with the sun so hot outside. After that, we zipped down to the walled city. The streets are tight and painted every color you can imagine—blue doors, pink walls, laundry flapping overhead.

We wandered through Bolivar Square and Santo Domingo Church; some kids were playing soccer barefoot right next to a statue of some colonial guy whose name I forgot. There was this smell—arepas frying somewhere close—and music coming from a little speaker tied to a bicycle. In Las Bovedas market I tried bargaining for earrings in Spanish (badly), and the woman selling them just laughed and gave me a better price anyway. It felt good not being rushed—private tours are like that, you know? You can linger or wander off for an ice cream without anyone herding you back.

By late afternoon we rolled through Bocagrande and Castillogrande—the modern part feels like Miami but with more street vendors waving at cars. Our driver slowed so we could snap photos of skyscrapers reflected in puddles from last night’s rain. Cartagena’s got all these layers: old stones, bright paint, new glass towers. Still thinking about that view from La Popa though—it kind of sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cartagena's historic and modern sites

• Visit La Popa's Hill convent
• Tour San Felipe de Barajas Fortress
• Shop at Las Bovedas market
• Walk through Getsemaní neighborhood
• Walking tour of city squares
• Admire old colonial houses
• Tour modern Cartagena neighborhoods

Top questions

How long does the private Cartagena city tour last?

The tour typically lasts around half a day but can be customized depending on your schedule.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cartagena private city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in the tour price.

Which sites are visited during the Cartagena private city tour?

You’ll visit La Popa Hill Convent, San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the walled Old Town (including various squares), Getsemaní neighborhood, Las Bovedas market, and modern areas like Bocagrande.

Can cruise ship passengers join this Cartagena private tour?

Yes—port pickup and drop-off are available for cruise passengers if details are provided at booking.

Is this Cartagena city tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; let them know your needs when booking.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is lunch included on this Cartagena private city tour?

No lunch is included but there is time for snacks or shopping during stops such as Las Bovedas market.

Can I customize my departure time for this Cartagena day trip?

You can choose your preferred departure time when booking this private day trip from Cartagena.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off by private air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water to keep you going in the heat, all guidance from a professional local guide (sometimes multilingual), plus plenty of time at each stop—from fortress tunnels to colorful markets—before heading back whenever you’re ready.