Cartagena: Walled City, San Felipe Castle & Popa Convent Tour

Summary

Colonial streets, fortress walls and caribbean flavors in cartagena

You’ll walk centuries-old streets in Cartagena’s Walled City with a local guide who brings stories to life, climb San Felipe Castle for sweeping city views, taste Caribbean snacks you probably can’t pronounce (yet), and—if you choose—catch your breath high above it all at La Popa Convent. Expect laughter, real moments with locals, and plenty of color around every corner.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how cool the air felt stepping from Cartagena’s sticky streets into the shade of those old stone walls. Our guide, Camilo, waved us over by the Clock Tower and grinned like he’d been waiting for this all morning. He started with a story about pirates (he called them “corsarios,” which sounded way better), and suddenly I was paying more attention than I expected to be at 9am. The city’s colors — turquoise doors, faded yellow balconies — looked even brighter after that.

We wandered through Getsemaní where music spilled out of open windows and an old man tried to sell us coconut water (I caved — it was cold and sweet). Camilo pointed out murals I would’ve missed, little details like a painted crab above a doorway or laundry flapping in the breeze. At San Felipe Castle, climbing those uneven stones under the sun made me realize why everyone here moves slow. My legs still remember those steps but honestly, the view at the top was worth every one. You could see all of Cartagena stretched out below — tangled streets, blue sea beyond.

I picked the longer version of this day trip from Cartagena so we could make it up to La Popa Convent. The drive wound up a hill with wildflowers poking through cracked concrete; up there it smelled like dust and incense. A nun smiled at me when I almost tripped on my own feet (classic). Lunch was arepas stuffed with egg — messy but perfect after all that walking. There was a moment in Plaza Santo Domingo when I just sat back and watched people drifting past: vendors calling out, kids chasing pigeons, sunlight bouncing off church stones. I didn’t expect to feel so much just sitting there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cartagena's historic landmarks

• Walk through Old Town Cartagena
• Visit Getsemani neighborhood
• Tour San Felipe Castle fortress
• Walk past Portal de los dulces
• Visit Las Bovedas
• Stop at La Trinidad Square
• Visit Plaza Santo Domingo
• Visit Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver
• Optional visit to La Popa Convent viewpoint

Top questions

How long is the Cartagena Walled City & San Felipe Castle tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours without La Popa Convent or 6.5 hours if you include it.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cartagena city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What food is included during the Cartagena day trip?

You’ll try corn cakes stuffed with egg and fresh coconut water as part of the experience.

Does this tour visit Getsemani neighborhood?

Yes, there’s a walking tour through Getsemani included in the itinerary.

Can I book this Cartagena city tour if arriving by cruise ship?

Yes, select the cruise ship terminal as your pickup point when booking; note that option excludes La Popa Convent.

Are entry fees included for San Felipe Castle?

The tour includes entry fees for all listed attractions.

Is this Cartagena city tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The walking portions are suitable for most fitness levels but expect some stairs at San Felipe Castle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (or port/airport if needed), guided walks through Cartagena’s Walled City and Getsemani neighborhood, entry to San Felipe Castle (with stories thrown in), stops at plazas and churches along the way, fresh coconut water plus corn cakes stuffed with egg for lunch, and—if you want—the drive up to La Popa Convent for panoramic views before heading back down to street level again.