Cartagena: San Felipe Castle & La Popa Convent Tour

Summary

Climb to La Popa’s summit then wander San Felipe’s tunnels with a guide

You’ll wind through Cartagena’s lively streets before exploring San Felipe Castle’s tunnels with your local guide. Climb to La Popa Convent for sweeping city views and pause for photos at iconic spots along the way. Expect laughter, real stories, entry fees included — plus moments that linger long after you’re back down at street level.

What’s the experience like?

So our driver took a wrong turn near Getsemaní — which meant we got an extra five minutes of Cartagena’s morning chaos (honestly, I didn’t mind). The windows were down and I could smell fried arepas mixing with car exhaust, which is just… very Cartagena. Our guide, Andrés, just grinned and shrugged. He said the traffic here has its own rhythm, like cumbia. I tried to laugh but was still clutching my water bottle because it was already sticky-hot at 9am.

First stop was Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Standing in front of those old stone walls, you feel tiny. Andrés told us about the tunnels inside — apparently pirates never figured them out (I’d probably get lost too). Inside it’s cooler and echoes bounce around when someone laughs or shouts. The stones felt rough under my hand, almost salty from years of sea air. There was this moment at the top where you can see all of Cartagena stretching out — glass towers on one side, old town on the other — and I just stood there squinting into the sun, not really saying anything.

After that we wound up Cerro de la Popa in a van that sounded like it might give up halfway. At the top, the convent sits quietly above everything else — white walls, bougainvillea everywhere. A nun waved as we walked in (her smile made me forget about my sweaty shirt for a second). The view from up there is wild: ships in the bay look like toys and you can spot every color in the city below if you stare long enough. Someone nearby prayed softly in Spanish; I didn’t understand all the words but it felt peaceful.

I’m not usually big on “panoramic tours” but seeing Isla Grande shimmering out there made me want to hop a boat right away. We stopped by those big Cartagena letters for a photo — cheesy but fun — and then back through traffic again, which somehow felt less stressful now. Maybe that’s just what happens after you see a city from above for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cartagena city tour and panoramic views

• Visit San Felipe de Barajas Fort
• Tour Cerro de la Popa and convent
• Take photos at Cartagena letters
• Enjoy panoramic tour of Isla Grande

Top questions

How long does the Cartagena San Felipe Castle & La Popa Convent tour take?

The tour typically lasts half a day including stops at both main sites and some panoramic viewpoints.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cartagena city tour?

No specific mention of hotel pickup; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are entry fees to San Felipe Castle and La Popa Convent included?

Yes, entrance to both monuments is included in your booking.

Can infants or small children join this Cartagena tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health due to walking and climbing involved.

Will we have time for photos at popular Cartagena spots?

Yes, there are stops for photos including at the Letters of Cartagena de Indias sign.

Does this Cartagena day trip visit Isla Grande?

The itinerary includes a panoramic view of Isla Grande but does not land on the island itself.

What’s included

Your day covers entry fees to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and La Popa Convent, guided exploration throughout both sites, time for panoramic photos across Cartagena (including Isla Grande views), plus relaxed stops along the way before returning downtown by van or public transport.