Cartagena Private City Tour with Castle & Local Guide

Summary

Stories & Sights: Cartagena’s Emblematic Landmarks by Private Tour

Step into Cartagena’s living history as you wander vibrant Getsemaní streets, explore San Felipe Castle’s tunnels, and gaze across the city from La Popa Convent. With a local guide sharing stories (and jokes), private transport, entry tickets, and cold coconut lemonade included — you’ll feel connected to Cartagena in ways you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not the traffic, but music spilling from somewhere behind the yellow walls of Getsemaní. Our guide, Camilo, grinned when I asked about it and said it was just “Cartagena waking up.” We started right in the old center, where the air smelled faintly of coffee and sea salt. At Plaza San Pedro Claver, Camilo pointed out tiny details on the church façade I’d have missed — bullet scars from centuries ago. I tried to imagine what this square looked like before all the selfie sticks.

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a historical tour. Camilo had stories for every corner — he even made us stop at La Gorda Gertrudis (the big bronze lady) and insisted we rub her for good luck. The streets in Getsemaní were wild with color; murals everywhere, kids playing fútbol barefoot, someone selling arepas from a cart that smelled so good I almost ditched the group. We wandered down Callejon Ancho and Calle San Juan, dodging motorbikes and stray cats. There was this moment when we paused under a balcony dripping with bougainvillea — just heat, chatter, and that weirdly comforting hum of city life.

San Felipe de Barajas Castle looked massive from below — honestly a little intimidating. The climb up was sweaty (bring water), but worth it for that view over Cartagena’s rooftops and out to the sea. Camilo told us about tunnels under our feet where soldiers used to listen for invaders; he even clapped his hands so we could hear how sound bounced around down there. At Convento de la Popa, wind whipped at my shirt as we looked out over both the old city and neighborhoods stretching far beyond what you see in postcards. It made me think about how much history gets left out of tour books.

We finished near Los Zapatos Viejos — those giant bronze shoes everyone takes photos with. I tried to climb inside one (don’t judge), but mostly just ended up laughing at myself while sipping coconut lemonade that tasted like summer in a glass. Four hours went fast. Still thinking about that view from La Popa and how Camilo called Cartagena “a city that never really sits still.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cartagena Historic and Colorful Streets

• Visit Plaza San Pedro Claver, La Gorda Gertrudis, Santo Domingo Church
• Explore colorful streets of Getsemani: Lomba, Callejon Anjo, Calle San Juan
• Tour San Felipe Castle
• View city from Convento de la Popa
• Photo stop at Old Shoes Monument

Top questions

How long does this Cartagena private city tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Is entrance to San Felipe de Barajas Castle included?

Yes, entry fees for Castillo San Felipe are included in your tour.

Does this tour include transportation?

Private transportation is provided throughout the experience.

What neighborhoods or areas will we visit?

You’ll visit Cartagena’s historic center, Getsemaní district, San Felipe Castle, Convento de la Popa, and Los Zapatos Viejos monument.

Is food or drink provided during the tour?

A bottle of water and coconut lemonade are included for each guest.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to walking and some uphill climbs.

Can infants join this Cartagena city tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are service animals allowed on this private tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with pickup if needed, entry tickets to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and Santa Cruz de la Popa Convent, guided stops in Cartagena’s historic center and Getsemaní neighborhood (with time for photos at Los Zapatos Viejos), bottled water along the way, plus a glass of fresh coconut lemonade before heading back into town.