Shopping in Cartagena’s markets lets you experience the real Colombia away from tourist zones. The standout excursion is the Bazurto Market Adventure Tour – a 3-hour private journey through one of the city’s most authentic local markets. You’ll weave through busy aisles filled with tropical fruits, fresh fish, and local specialties while getting the inside scoop from expert guides.
The market’s cooking tour deserves special praise, combining shopping with hands-on Colombian cooking instruction. Both tours offer small groups and include transportation from your hotel.
These market visits showcase the genuine Afro-Caribbean culture that makes Cartagena unique. For a closer look at our favorite market tours, check out the detailed listings below.
Key Points
- Bazurto Market Tours offer a variety of cultural experiences, including a 3-hour private tour with a 95% recommendation rate and a behind-the-scenes cooking class.
- Cartagena Traditional Market Tour and Tasting provides a 2-hour private experience exploring traditional shops and tasting local delicacies in the historic city center.
- Culinary and Cultural Experiences focus on traditional Colombian dishes and regional specialties, with opportunities to engage with vendors and learn about African influences on local cuisine.
- Some tours, such as the Historical and Shopping Tours for Cruisers, combine exploration of Cartagena’s historic sites with shopping opportunities in the Old Town.
- Tour options cater to different group sizes and accessibility needs, with most offering high recommendation rates and ranging in price from approximately €63.47 to $67 per person.
Bazurto Market Adventure Tour in Cartagena
The Bazurto Market Adventure Tour in Cartagena offers travelers an immersive exploration of the city’s bustling central market.
With 188 reviews and a 95% recommendation rate, this 3-hour private tour takes visitors through the colorful stalls, introducing them to vendors and artisans.
Guests can sample local fruits, enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch, and even create a personalized handmade poster.
The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and unique cultural experiences like music, art, and healing potions.
While a moderate fitness level is recommended, the tour provides an authentic look into Cartagena’s vibrant community life and isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Bazurto Market Adventure Tour in Cartagena Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagena: Traditional Market Tour and Tasting
Although Cartagena is renowned for its vibrant colonial architecture, the city’s traditional markets offer travelers a unique glimpse into the local culture.
The Cartagena Traditional Market Tour and Tasting is a 2-hour private experience that immerses visitors in the bustling atmosphere of the Santa Florentina marketplace.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour allows participants to explore traditional shops, taste fresh produce, and browse an array of local delicacies, including cheeses, cold cuts, smoked and fresh fish, and spices.
The tour also includes a leisurely walk through Cartagena’s historic city center.
With a 5/5 rating and positive feedback, this tour provides a tailored and authentic experience for those seeking to discover the culinary traditions of this vibrant Colombian destination.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Traditional Market Tour and Tasting Review
Book now: Check availability
Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena
Travelers seeking a deeper immersion into Cartagena’s vibrant culinary culture can embark on the Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class.
This highly-rated experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at local shopping and cooking practices. Guests visit the lively Bazurto open-air market to select fresh ingredients, then head to a family kitchen outside the historic center to prepare traditional Colombian dishes like empanadas, coconut rice, and stuffed fish.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the hands-on cooking class provides an intimate learning experience. Roundtrip transportation and a tasty lunch are included, making this a convenient and immersive exploration of Cartagena’s vibrant food scene.
Read our full review: Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena Review
Book now: Check availability
Authentic Bazurto: a Cultural Trip to the Most Famous Market
Embark on an authentic culture at Bazurto, Cartagena’s most famous and vibrant marketplace.
This 4-hour tour takes you on a fascinating journey through the bustling stalls, offering a glimpse into the heart of local life. Guided by an English or Spanish-speaking expert, you’ll navigate the whirlwind of colors, aromas, and sounds, sampling local flavors and interacting with vendors.
Discover traditional ingredients, cooking techniques, and the rhythm that defines Cartagenera culture. The tour includes transportation, a fruit tasting, lunch, and local drinks.
With flexible booking options and free cancellation, this is an unmissable opportunity to learn about Cartagena’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Authentic Bazurto: a Cultural Trip to the Most Famous Market Review
Book now: Check availability
Bazuro Public Market
The Bazuro Public Market in Cartagena is a vibrant, bustling hub that offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of local life.
With 62 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, this half-day tour is a must-do for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, you’ll explore the market via public transportation, enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors of the local cuisine.
The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the tour includes snacks, native fruit samples, and a delicious lunch at the renowned Donde Cecilia Restaurant.
Whether you’re interested in shopping, learning about the market’s history, or simply experiencing the energy of the local community, the Bazuro Public Market promises an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Bazuro Public Market Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagena: Bazuro Local Food Market Walking Tour
Explore the vibrant Bazurto Market, a 40-year-old cultural hub in Cartagena, on this immersive walking tour.
Over 3 hours, you’ll taste native fruits, local beverages, and an authentic lunch, while learning about the city’s local culture and daily life.
Interact with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and fish, and experience the lively dance and music, including champeta.
Visit Cecilia’s renowned restaurant to sample its recipes.
This small-group tour, limited to 10 participants, is led by a bilingual guide and includes public transportation, fruit samples, and bottled water.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 22 reviews, it’s a unique way to explore Cartagena’s vibrant marketplace.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Bazuro Local Food Market Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagena Local Market Tour and Cooking Class
For those seeking a deeper culture in Cartagena, the Local Market Tour and Cooking Class offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant food scene firsthand.
The tour takes guests to the bustling Bazurto market, where they’ll explore regional produce and purchase ingredients. Accompanied by a local chef, participants then head to a family home to prepare and enjoy a traditional Colombian meal.
Priced from $130 per person, the private tour lasts as long as your group desires. With an average rating of 4.4/5 from 17 reviews, the experience provides an authentic and delicious glimpse into Cartagena’s culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Cartagena Local Market Tour and Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagena: Full-Day Coffee & Cocoa Farm Tour
Though coffee and cocoa are two of Colombia’s most celebrated exports, few visitors to Cartagena get the chance to experience these crops firsthand.
The full-day Coffee & Cocoa Farm Tour offers an immersive experience, taking travelers to a working farm where they can learn about the cultivation and processing of these valuable beans. Guests will explore the lush plantations, observe traditional harvesting methods, and participate in hands-on activities like roasting and grinding.
The tour also includes a delicious lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Colombia’s rich agricultural heritage, this tour provides an authentic and enlightening glimpse into the country’s thriving coffee and cocoa industries.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Full-Day Coffee & Cocoa Farm Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
5-Hour Cooking and Tasting Class With Market Small Group Tour
Visitors seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Cartagena can embark on a 5-hour Cooking and Tasting Class with a Market Small Group Tour. Priced from $170 per person, this activity takes participants on a journey through Cartagena’s vibrant markets to discover local ingredients before heading to a cooking school for hands-on preparation of classic Colombian dishes.
The menu highlights include arepitas rellenas, patacones rellenos, fish in bijao, and platano picaro. Accommodating a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guides.
Highly rated by previous participants, this experience offers an authentic taste of Cartagena’s rich culinary heritage.
Read our full review: 5-Hour Cooking and Tasting Class With Market Small Group Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagena: Bazurto Market & La Popa Convent Tour With Lunch
This tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors through the vibrant Bazurto Market and the historic La Popa Monastery in Cartagena.
Priced at $69.03 per person, the 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a guided visit to La Popa with its panoramic views, and an in-depth exploration of the bustling Bazurto Market.
Guests will savor an authentic local lunch featuring fried fish, yuca, and coconut rice.
While some customers have reported minor logistical issues, the overall experience is praised for its organization and the knowledgeable guides.
Those interested in contrasting Cartagena’s historic and local aspects will find this tour a compelling option.
Read our full review: Cartagena: Bazurto Market & La Popa Convent Tour With Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Local Immersion in the Bazurto Market
Cartagena’s Bazurto Market offers an unparalleled immersion into the city’s vibrant working-class culture. This market tour isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s an amazing experience that showcases authentic local shopping and cuisine.
Visitors can expect unique sights, crowds, and smells reminiscent of a third-world wet market. The tour is priced at $67 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and flexible cancellation policy. It starts at 10 am, but the meeting point details aren’t specified.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. With 11 reviews and a 4.9 rating, this market tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Cartagena’s working-class life.
Read our full review: Local Immersion in the Bazurto Market Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagena: 3-Hour Bazurto Market Tour
The 3-hour Bazurto Market tour offers travelers an immersive journey into Cartagena’s vibrant working-class culture.
At $122 per person, the tour takes visitors through the bustling Bazurto Market, a hub of traditional Colombian cuisine and artisanal goods.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, participants can expect to sample regional fare, visit various market sections, and even purchase ingredients for a traditional meal.
While the tour’s transportation and souvenirs are included, personal expenses and tips are not.
Reviewers praise the authentic experience and knowledgeable guides, though some note inconsistencies in service reliability.
Read our full review: Cartagena: 3-Hour Bazurto Market Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Is Not Just a Market.
Beyond the bustling stalls and vibrant energy, Bazurto Market in Cartagena is a dynamic hub that offers visitors a multifaceted glimpse into the city’s cultural tapestry.
This isn’t just a place to shop – it’s where the local community gathers to experience traditional Colombian cuisine, explore African influences, and enjoy the daily life of the city.
Through this market tour, travelers can engage with locals, sample regional specialties like Guarapo and Costenita beer, and uncover the economic significance of this hub to the city of Cartagena.
It’s an authentic, non-touristy experience that provides a deeper understanding of the city’s vibrant culture.
Read our full review: Is Not Just a Market. Review
Book now: Check availability
Cartagenas Bazurto Local Market Experience
A vibrant local market in Cartagena, Bazurto Market offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s cultural tapestry.
Set out on a guided tour to experience the market’s lively atmosphere, tasting exotic tropical fruits and indulging in an authentic Cartagena lunch.
Learn about the rich Afro-Caribbean heritage through the champeta music genre.
The tour includes transportation via public transit and a Spanish or English-speaking guide.
Comfortable clothing and cash for personal expenses are recommended.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, this market experience promises an intimate and immersive exploration of Cartagena’s local traditions.
Read our full review: Cartagenas Bazurto Local Market Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Salsa and Champeta Classes, Sightseeing and Shopping
Explore Cartagena’s vibrant dance scene with a private tour that immerses you in the rhythms of salsa and champeta.
The tour includes professional dance instruction, a sightseeing experience, and convenient pickup and drop-off from the cruise ship terminal. You’ll learn the basic steps of these lively Colombian dances, then showcase your new skills.
The tour is available year-round, with a minimum of 2 people required. Wheelchair-accessible, and children are welcome when accompanied by adults.
With 5-star reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable experience, this is a must-do activity for dance and culture enthusiasts visiting Cartagena.
Read our full review: Salsa and Champeta Classes, Sightseeing and Shopping Review
Book now: Check availability
Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers )
This guided tour takes cruisers through Cartagena’s historic Fortress and Old Town, followed by an opportunity to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Priced at €63.47 per person, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and provides an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, professional guide, and snacks.
Pickup is at the Sociedad Portuaria de Cartagena, and drop-off is at the Port of Cartagena.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers.
With a 4.0 rating based on one review, this experience offers a chance to explore Cartagena’s rich history and culture while indulging in some shopping.
Read our full review: Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers ) Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
When it comes to shopping in Cartagena, there’s no shortage of options. From the lively Bazurto Market to the historic Old Town, the city offers a diverse range of shopping experiences. Whether you’re looking for local crafts, traditional Colombian fare, or just a fun day of exploration, Cartagena’s shopping tours have something for all. The key is to dive in with an open mind and embrace the vibrant local culture.