Cartagena: Walled City & Getsemani Walking Tour with Pickup

Summary

Cartagena’s old walls, street art in Getsemani, pirate legends, local flavors

You’ll walk Cartagena’s walled city & Getsemani with a local guide, hearing pirate legends and stories of independence as you wander colorful streets and plazas. Taste fried snacks at Plaza de la Trinidad, see sloths in Centennial Park, and feel the pulse of street art and music echoing through every block.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the sudden shift stepping through Cartagena’s old city gates — one minute it’s noisy taxis and heat, then you’re inside these thick stone walls and everything feels older, slower. Our guide Camila waved us over by a statue of Los Pegasos (the horses), grinning like she’d been waiting all morning just for us. She pointed out the busts and statues I’d probably have missed if I was wandering alone. The air smelled faintly of sea and fried plantains, which is kind of how Cartagena always smells if you ask me.

We wandered past painted balconies and bougainvillea so bright it almost hurt my eyes. Camila told stories about pirates and corsairs attacking the city — apparently that’s why these massive walls exist at all. I tried to picture cannonballs flying overhead while we stood in Plaza Bolívar listening to her talk about independence and San Pedro Claver’s fight against slavery. There were schoolkids chasing pigeons around us, which made it hard not to smile.

Getsemani hit different — louder, messier in the best way. Graffiti everywhere: faces, birds, slogans I couldn’t quite translate (Li laughed when I tried to say one out loud). The Museum of Modern Art looked small from outside but Camila said it’s a big deal for local artists. We ducked into a side street where the scent of soap drifted from Lemaitre’s old shop — apparently this place used to be an industrial hub? That part surprised me.

By Plaza de la Trinidad we stopped for fried snacks (can’t remember what they were called but they tasted like home somehow) while Camila explained who Pedro Romero was and pointed out a mural of Maria Mulata. People danced champeta on the corner; someone handed me bottled water with a nod. We ended up in Centennial Park watching sloths move so slowly they barely seemed real, while Camila talked about mulattoes and independence. I keep thinking about that light in the late afternoon — gold on graffiti, breeze off the sea — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cartagena's history and culture

• Meet and introduction at statues
• Learn about indigenous people and Spanish conquest
• Discuss conquest, slavery, and San Basilio de Palenque
• Visit Museum of Modern Art and its history
• Learn about San Pedro Claver's fight against slavery
• Hear about pirate battles and city walls
• Explore Colombia and Cartagena independence
• Talk about art, champeta, salsa, and graffiti
• Walk famous street with legends and graffiti
• Taste fried foods at Plaza de la Trinidad
• Discuss trades and customs of Cartagena
• Enter Centennial Park and observe local animals
• Visit alley of umbrellas for photos
• Learn about Getsemaní anthem and pirate history

Top questions

How long is the walking tour of Cartagena’s walled city & Getsemani?

The tour lasts approximately half a day with stops at key sites in both neighborhoods.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cartagena walking tour?

Yes, pickup is included but only at the start of the tour.

Are food tastings part of this Cartagena day trip?

Yes, there is a tasting of local fried foods at Plaza de la Trinidad.

Is this private walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout both neighborhoods.

Will we visit any museums during this Cartagena tour?

You’ll stop outside the Museum of Modern Art for context about its role in local culture.

Are animals or wildlife seen during this walking tour?

You may spot sloths, iguanas, monkeys, and birds in Centennial Park if you’re lucky.

Can infants join this Cartagena walking tour?

Infants are welcome; prams or strollers can be used along most routes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at your hotel or meeting point in Cartagena before setting off on foot with your guide through both the historic center and Getsemani. Bottled water is provided along the way, plus a stop for local fried snacks at Plaza de la Trinidad before finishing up near Centennial Park.