Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Cartagena , Colombia

Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

40m - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour goes back through time into the legendary walled city of Cartagena de Indias. Hear stories about ancient fortresses, pirate attacks and what made Cartagena the wealthiest port the colonial world. Discover what inspired the magical realism in the novels of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Journey along the stone walls and cobbled streets of this world heritage site. Our trip begins at the India Catalina monument and then goes into the city via the San Diego neighborhood entrance.

We'll get a perfect view of how the defenders of Cartagena warded off attackers. We'll then enter the heart of the walled city, making our way to Plaza de Santo Domingo.We'll take in the beautiful architecture, magical atmosphere and sultry characters that make Cartagena one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

Available options

Cartagena de Indias: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to Cartagena de Indias: India Catalina to Plaza Santo Domingo tour

Detailed itinerary

The park called “El Espíritu del Manglár” is a lovely place to relax in and get a different view of the city. The entrance is near the India Catalina statue and it’s free to enter the park.

Stop 2 Pass by

Las Bovedas is a good place to buy some handcrafts and memorabilia. The prices are fair and there’s a huge variety of products and stores. La Bovedas was built in 1798 by Don Antonio Arévalo. The building was made to resist bombs and explosives. It housed troops and was also deposit for weapons and ammunitions.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Teatro opened its stage on November 11th 1911, to celebrate the independence of Cartagena from Spain. It went through a restoration in 1988 and is considered the classical theatre of Cartagena. It’s also the main stage for the Hay festival and the Cartagena music festival.

Stop 4 Pass by

The walled city of Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533. This tour goes back through time into the legendary walled city of Cartagena de Indias. From conquistadores and pirates, to gold and silver to Cumbia and Champeta. Hear stories about ancient fortresses, pirate attacks and what made Cartagena the wealthiest port in the colonial world.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

[REMOVE FOR DRIVING TOURS]This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.[REMOVE FOR DRIVING TOURS]

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Cartagena

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.

Top Attractions

Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)

The historic center of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and colorful buildings.

Historical Half day to full day Free to enter, individual attractions may charge admission

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

A 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Playa Blanca

A beautiful white-sand beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Full day Budget to moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche de Camarones

Shrimp ceviche made with fresh shrimp, lime juice, and various spices.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Arepas

Cornmeal patties that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter with rice, beans, meat, plantains, avocado, and more.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Sunset watching Exploring historic sites Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers sunny skies and lower humidity, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the city.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

UTC-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cartagena is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Stay vigilant and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Rafael Núñez International Airport • 3 km from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transporte Terrestre

Getting around

Public transport

A modern bus rapid transit system with air-conditioned buses and dedicated lanes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) Getsemani Bocagrande

Day trips

Isla Barú

15 km from Cartagena • Full day

A beautiful island with stunning beaches and clear waters, perfect for a day of relaxation and water activities.

Mud Volcanoes (Volcanes de Lodo)

45 km from Cartagena • Half day

A unique natural phenomenon where mud volcanoes can be climbed for therapeutic mud baths.

Palmar

20 km from Cartagena • Half day

A beautiful nature reserve with mangrove forests and a variety of wildlife.

Festivals

Hay Festival Cartagena • January Carnaval de Barranquilla • February/March

Pro tips

Visit the Walled City early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the neighborhoods of Getsemani and Bocagrande for a mix of history and modern luxury.
Use the Transcaribe bus system for affordable and convenient transportation.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water for exploring the city.