This is not just a food tour—it’s a journey into the heart of Cartagena’s culture. Guided by locals who know the city’s hidden corners and culinary secrets, you’ll taste authentic flavors that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Our small groups ensure a more personal and immersive experience, allowing you to interact closely with the guides and truly connect with the city. From the influence of Chinese cuisine on traditional dishes to the sweetest guava pastries and freshly made cheese arepas, every stop is a story, every flavor a memory. You’ll explore bustling streets, learn about history, and connect with the people who make Cartagena so unique. It’s an experience that engages all your senses and leaves you with more than just a full stomach—you’ll take home unforgettable memories.
Cartagena’s Chinese Culinary Legacy:
We will meet at Lonchería Polo Norte, a Chinese bakery—the oldest restaurant in the city and the only one that has been run by three generations. Here, we will learn about the Chinese influence on Cartagena’s cuisine. Then, we will pass in front of Plaza de Bolívar, which is considered the most important square in the city.
Taste the Local Fruits:
Get ready to explore the vibrant flavors of Cartagena through its fresh, tropical fruits! On this stop, you’ll taste a wide variety of fruits that locals enjoy daily—some familiar, like mango and pineapple and others more exotic. Each fruit has its unique flavor, aroma, and story, reflecting the rich agricultural diversity of Colombia’s Caribbean region.
Crispy Patacón with Fresh Cheese:
At this stop, you’ll enjoy crispy, twice-fried green plantains soaked in garlicky water and topped with fresh costeño cheese and suero. This is a true street food classic in Cartagena, loved by locals for its crunchy texture and savory flavor.
Shrimp Cocktail ( guiness record) and Chorizo Tasting:
In the La Matuna neighborhood, we’ll taste a delicious shrimp cocktail and visit the place where they made the world’s largest shrimp cocktail in 2015, weighing 1,300 kilos. You’ll learn how this Guinness World Record was achieved!
Next, we’ll try the famous chorizos , known for their bright color and amazing flavor—a true local street food favorite.
Portal de los Dulces – Sweet Treats Stop
At this stop, you’ll enter the heart of Cartagena’s traditional sweets market. The Portal de los Dulces is famous for its colorful stalls filled with local candies, tropical treats, and hand-made delights. Taste coconut sweets, coconut rolls, traditional jams, and other Colombian confections, all made with authentic recipes passed down through generations. This is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth and experience a true taste of Cartagena’s culinary culture.
Cheese Arepas Delight
Get ready to taste authentic Colombian cheese arepas, made with white corn and fresh costeño cheese, then stuffed with rich, creamy butter. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, each bite is a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors. Loved by locals, these arepas are a true street food treasure in Cartagena—simple, delicious, and impossible to resist!
Final Stop: Local Beer Experience
We will finish at a famous spot where locals go to enjoy local beer. Here, we’ll take a few minutes to get to know each other and wrap up our experience like true Cartageneros.
Taste the World’s Most Delicious Bread:
Next, we will move on to try Colombian bread, awarded as the most delicious bread in the world according to Atlas gastronomic magazine. We will also taste a delicious guava and cheese pastry and dive into a world of sweet and savory flavors. We will pass in front of the most beautiful church in the city, the Cathedral
Meeting Point: On Sundays and holidays, we meet at Mr. Bono bakery, located on the corner of Santos de Piedra Street. The bakery is in a blue and yellow house on the same sidewalk as the Cathedral.
Cartagena, a vibrant city on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is renowned for its colonial architecture, rich history, and stunning beaches. Known as the 'Pearl of the Caribbean,' it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and tropical charm.
The historic center of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful buildings.
A 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
A beautiful white-sand beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Shrimp ceviche made with fresh shrimp, lime juice, and various spices.
Cornmeal patties that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.
A hearty platter with rice, beans, meat, plantains, avocado, and more.
The dry season offers sunny skies and lower humidity, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the city.
Colombian Peso (COP)
UTC-5
110VV, 60HzHz
Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Stay vigilant and take precautions.
Terminal de Transporte Terrestre
A modern bus rapid transit system with air-conditioned buses and dedicated lanes.
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Car, Bike, Scooter
A beautiful island with stunning beaches and clear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation and water activities.
A unique natural phenomenon where mud volcanoes can be climbed for therapeutic mud baths.
A beautiful nature reserve with mangrove forests and a variety of wildlife.
Price varies by option