Cartagena tour: San Felipe, Getsemaní art, emeralds

Colonial fortress, graffiti-filled streets, and the story of Colombian emeralds in one morning

A private city tour of Cartagena with a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or other languages, covering San Felipe de Barajas fortress, the colorful Getsemaní neighborhood, the Emerald Museum, and Cartagena Cathedral over three to four hours. Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle and water are included. Entrance fees to monuments are separate. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. San Felipe de Barajas Castle15m
2. Cartagena Cathedral10m

Explore Cartagena's historic and cultural sites

• Meet at the starting point
• Visit San Felipe Fortress
• Walk through Getsemaní neighborhood
• Discover colorful streets and street art
• Visit Emerald Museum
• Explore main city squares
• See Cathedral Santa Catalina de Alejandría
• Enter and tour the cathedral
• Taste typical Colombian sweets
• Visit the Clock Tower area
• Learn about independence and monuments
• See historic churches and squares
• Pass by the Inquisition Palace

The experience

The tour starts at San Felipe de Barajas fortress, where you walk through the intricate tunnels and ramparts that defended Cartagena during the colonial era. From there, you move into Getsemaní, the neighborhood where the streets are covered in street art and graffiti: the itinerary notes the Magic Realism corner with its yellow butterflies, and the guide will help you frame photographs. The Emerald Museum comes next, where you learn that Colombia produces 60 percent of the world's emeralds and explore the three mining regions (Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor) that supply them.

The route also takes you through the Cathedral Santa Catalina de Alejandría, where you step inside to see the colonial architecture, and past the Clock Tower, the main entrance to the neighborhood where the wealthiest residents lived during Spanish rule. You'll stand in the square where Pedro Claver, known as the father of human rights during the colonial period, is honored, and pass the Inquisition Palace, where the guide explains that darker chapter of the Catholic Church's history. The itinerary includes a stop at Portal de los Dulces, the city's sweet shop square, though tasting the typical coastal sweets is a separate purchase.

The guide speaks your choice of language (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, or others), and the private vehicle means the pace and commentary are yours alone. Water is provided to keep you hydrated through the three to four hours, and pickup is arranged from your location.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or additional languages.
• pickup from your location.
• bottle of water during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by WeTrip Colombia

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks the language you choose, so the commentary and pace follow your comfort level. The private vehicle means no group schedule to match: the three to four hours move at your rhythm through the fortress, street art, and colonial squares.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 is San Felipe de Barajas fortress and why is it part of this tour?

San Felipe de Barajas is the iconic fortress that protected Cartagena during the colonial era, showcasing the architectural and defensive strategies of the time. You explore its tunnels and ramparts to understand the city's strategic past and the era of conquest that shaped it.

Is the street art in Getsemaní really as colorful as the description says?

Getsemaní is known as one of Cartagena's most colorful neighborhoods, with streets filled with graffiti, street art, and the Magic Realism corner featuring yellow butterfly murals. The guide helps you find the best spots for photographs during the walking portion.

What will I learn at the Emerald Museum?

The Emerald Museum covers the history of Colombian emeralds, including the fact that Colombia leads global production at 60 percent of the world's supply. You'll learn about the three main mining regions (Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor), and what makes emeralds from each unique.

Do I need to pay extra to enter the monuments and museums?

Yes, entrance fees to San Felipe fortress, the Cathedral, the Emerald Museum, and other monuments are not included in the tour price and are paid separately. The guide will direct you through each site and explain what you're seeing.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the price?

The tour runs three to four hours and includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide in your chosen language, and a bottle of water. Pickup from your location is arranged as part of the booking.