Cartagena Old Town Private Guided Tour with Cruise Tickets
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Walk through Cartagena’s colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with vibrant history and charm. Then sail across the bay on a scenic cruise, capturing skyline views and pirate tales in the Caribbean breeze. A storybook journey awaits!
Highlights:
• Discover the best of Cartagena with a 5-Star Private Licensed Guide
• Glide across Cartagena Bay on a scenic cruise with Caribbean skyline views
• Explore a UNESCO-listed Old Town filled with colonial charm and pirate tales
• Learn how Cartagena became the jewel of the Spanish Empire
• Capture unforgettable moments in plazas, cathedrals and harbor sunsets
Experience the heart of Cartagena with Rosotravel on a private tour combining an immersive exploration of the Old Town with a scenic harbor cruise. Enjoy stories of pirates, colonial power, and cultural gems with a Licensed Guide, then relax on a narrated cruise across the bay. Book your unforgettable escape today!
Available options
Cartagena Old Town Private Guided Tour with Cruise Tickets
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes: Visit Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, from Torre del Reloj to Plaza de Bolívar. Admire colonial facades, lively plazas<br/>,: and historic landmarks, then enjoy a scenic 1,5-hour cruise with bay views. <br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language - COCA002.
What's included
Insider’s tips on the best local attractions, restaurants, and cafes
Private Walking Tour of Cartagena’s Old Town with highlights and hidden gems
Historical facts and local legends about colonial Cartagena and its past
Tickets for a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise with live commentary
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your guide In Front of La Palettería, Cl. 35 #03-86 local 2, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. Please do not enter the shop, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
2
Stop 2
Begin with a 2-hour walking tour through the fortified Old Town, led by your Private Guide who will share insights on the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Marvel at Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, a stunning 16th-century landmark admired for its soaring bell tower and mix of Spanish and Caribbean influences.
3
Stop 3
Stroll through the tranquil Plaza de Bolívar, shaded by trees and surrounded by architectural treasures, including the elegant Palace of the Inquisition. Your Expert Guide will share tales of revolution, resistance, and Simón Bolívar’s enduring impact on Colombia’s independence.
4
Step through the iconic Torre del Reloj, the gateway to the historic center, and wander along vibrant streets lined with colorful colonial facades and bougainvillaea-draped balconies.
As you make your way to the Plaza de la Aduana, learn about Cartagena’s rise as a vital port during the Spanish Empire. This elegant square, once the heart of trade and administration, still echoes the legacy of gold, goods, and gallows. Step through the iconic Torre del Reloj, the gateway to the historic center, and wander along vibrant streets lined with colorful colonial facades and bougainvillaea-draped balconies.
5
Admire the nearby Muelle de los Pegasos with its striking Pegasus statues—guardians of the harbor and symbols of Cartagena’s maritime spirit.
After the walking tour of the Old Town, head to the dock and set sail on a relaxing harbor cruise. Glide across the sparkling waters of Cartagena Bay aboard a comfortable boat, listening to engaging commentary from the captain in English and Spanish. The skyline unfolds before you—fortresses, domes, and distant islands telling the story of a city shaped by conquest, commerce, and the sea.
Whether you're soaking in panoramic views or capturing the golden hour over the Caribbean, this intimate combination of history and horizon is the perfect way to see Cartagena from every angle.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour for important details from Rosotravel, your tour operator.
This tour includes a 1.5-hour cruise of Cartagena Bay. Please arrive on time for smooth boarding.
Your Private Guide will escort you to the dock and provide all necessary information but will not join the cruise. Live commentary will be available in English and Spanish from the captain.
Please bring your passport or a photo ID.
To ensure a great experience, we provide 1 Licensed Guide per 25 guests. Groups of 26–50 will have 2 Guides for clear communication and a personalized tour.
This is a moderate 1.5–2 km walking tour with some uneven surfaces or steps. Your guide will adjust the pace to your group. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather—the tour runs rain or shine!
Have a special request or need assistance for individuals with disabilities? Let us know in advance - we're happy to help!
Meeting point
Meet your guide In Front of La Palettería, Cl. 35 #03-86 local 2, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. Please do not enter the shop, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.
Important notes
Information for the customer (Know before you go)
Please check your email the day before the tour
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
