Cartagena City Guided Tour and San Felipe Castle

Cartagena , Colombia

Cartagena City Guided Tour and San Felipe Castle

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About this experience

This tour is designed for those who want to know the most representative of Cartagena in a comfortable, safe and enriching way, combining culture, photography, history and unforgettable landscapes in one tour. Upon completion, you will return quietly to your pickup location, with a complete experience that makes the most of your visit.

Discover the modern area of Bocagrande, with its beaches, hotels and views of one of the most beautiful natural bays in the Caribbean. Feel the rhythm as you walk past the monument of India Catherine and stop for photos at the famous Old Shoes.

Admire the imposing Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, where you can enter, tour its tunnels or simply capture its colonial architecture in photos. Then, we get to the letters of Cartagena, where you can take photos with the sea in the background. Continue in the walled city to start a walking tour of the historic center, walk alongside your guide through streets full of history and charm.

Available options

Cartagena City Guided Tour and San Felipe Castle

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

When booking a guided tour of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, travelers immerse themselves in a unique historical experience, touring the imposing tunnels and walls of this colonial fortress that protected Cartagena from invasions for centuries. Accompanied by expert guides, you will discover military secrets, defense strategies and architectural curiosities while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. This experience combines history, culture and adventure, offering a deep connection with Colombia’s heroic past in an environment full of charm and mystery.

Stop 2

Monument to the Old Shoes in Cartagena, you will live a brief but symbolic experience, perfect to capture the cultural essence of the city. Located at the foot of San Felipe Castle, this pair of huge bronze boots pays tribute to the Carthagenian poet Luis Carlos López and his famous poem “To my native city”. Travelers often stop here to take fun photos inside their shoes, making it a must-see on guided city tours. Although the visit is short, the monument represents the popular soul of Cartagena and is perfectly complemented by historical tours of the castle and other nearby landmarks.

A walking tour of Cartagena’s historic center is an enveloping experience that takes you through the cobblestone streets, colonial squares and iconic monuments of the walled city. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll start at the Clock Tower, the main entrance to the ancient city, and tour places like the Church of San Pedro Claver, the monument to Don Pedro de Heredia, and the walls that protected Cartagena from pirates.

What's not included

Lunch

Breakfast

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

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

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

The Clock Tower in the historic center, is a place well recognized by all locals. When you arrive, you will see a yellow colonial structure with a clock on top, right in front of the Plaza de los Carcas.

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.