Cartagena: San Felipe Fort, Popa Hill & Old Town City Tour

Summary

Climb Popa Hill, walk San Felipe Fort and feel Cartagena’s history

You’ll ride up Popa Hill for sweeping views over Cartagena before exploring San Felipe Fort’s tunnels and ramparts with your local guide. Shop for crafts in Las Bóvedas’ old barracks and stroll through lively Old Town streets lined with music and color—ending your day feeling closer to Cartagena than you expected.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we set off from our hotel in Cartagena—just that I’d heard the city was full of stories. Our guide, Andrés, had this gentle way of pointing things out as we drove through the city: a flash of blue water at Cartagena Bay, kids waving from behind fruit carts, the clatter of old buses. The air smelled salty and a bit sweet—like mangoes left in the sun. We stopped first at La Popa Convent, winding up a hill that made my ears pop. Up there, the city looked like it was holding its breath under the heat. Inside the convent’s cool stone halls, Andrés explained about Candlemas and how every February people fill these rooms with candles and songs. I tried to picture it—so many voices echoing off those thick walls.

San Felipe de Barajas Castle was next, and honestly, I thought I’d seen enough forts before—but this one felt different. Maybe it was the way you could still see little marks on the stone where cannonballs hit, or maybe just how massive it is. Andrés told us about Baron de Pointis (I probably spelled that wrong) and all these attacks from pirates and armies. There was this moment when I touched one of the old walls—still warm from the sun—and just felt how much had happened here. Kind of humbling.

Afterwards we wandered through Las Bóvedas, which used to be barracks but now are full of stalls selling emerald jewelry and woven bags. The sellers were friendly but not pushy; one woman let me try on a ring even though she knew I wasn’t buying (I think she just liked chatting). Then came my favorite part—a walk through Cartagena’s Old Town. The streets are tight and bright; yellow paint peeling off balconies, music drifting out from somewhere you can’t quite find. Andrés recited a line from Luis Carlos López about loving his hometown like an old pair of shoes—I laughed because yeah, some corners do feel worn-in but comfortable.

I still think about that view from Popa Hill sometimes—how everything looked smaller but somehow more alive from up there. If you’re curious about Cartagena’s history (and don’t mind sweating a bit), this city tour kind of sneaks up on you with its mix of stories and colors.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cartagena city and Popa Hill tour

• Panoramic view of Cartagena Bay
• Visit Pegasus Pier and public clock tower
• Guided tour of La Popa Convent
• Explore San Felipe de Barajas Castle
• Visit Las Bóvedas artisan center
• Walk through Cartagena Old Town
• See Old Shoes Monument
• Optional tour of jewelry factory

Top questions

How long is the Cartagena city tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Cartagena city tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included.

What attractions are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit La Popa Convent, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Las Bóvedas market, Old Town (the walled city), Pegasus Pier, and see the Old Shoes Monument.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are guides bilingual on this Cartagena day trip?

Guides speak both English and Spanish.

Does the tour include entry fees?

The tour includes entry to all listed sites as part of your booking.

Will there be free time for shopping at Las Bóvedas?

You’ll have time to browse handicrafts at Las Bóvedas during the tour stop there.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for guests on this city tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual local guide leading you through La Popa Convent, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Las Bóvedas artisan market, plus bottled water along the way before returning to your accommodation at the end.