Cartagena, the vibrant coastal city in Colombia, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy its rich history and captivating culture. The Bilingual City Tour + San Felipe Castle & Old City experience promises an engaging exploration of the Walled City, showcasing its impressive fortifications, colonial architecture, and enduring spirit. With a certified bilingual guide leading the way, travelers can explore Cartagena‘s past and connect with its present, creating an unforgettable experience. But what makes this tour truly remarkable?
Key Points
- A 4-hour bilingual city tour of Cartagena, exploring top sights like the Castle of San Felipe and the historic Walled City.
- Tour conducted in a traditional chiva bus, providing panoramic views and immersion in the city’s vibrant culture and architecture.
- Guided tour of the Castle of San Felipe, offering insights into Cartagena’s rich history and strategic importance.
- Opportunity to marvel at the impressive fortifications, discover hidden courtyards, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Walled City.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off service from select districts, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive tour experience.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Details
This 4-hour bilingual city tour of Cartagena allows visitors to explore the top sights, including the Castle of San Felipe, the historic walls, and the charming Old Town.
The tour is conducted in a colorful and traditional chiva bus, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich history and culture from a certified guide.
The tour includes an entry to the Castle of San Felipe, a visit to the India Catalina and Zapatos Viejos monuments, and a walking tour of the Walled City of Cartagena.
With pickup and drop-off from select districts, this comprehensive tour is an excellent way to discover the highlights of this captivating Colombian city.
Pickup and Drop-off
The tour offers pickup and drop-off services from select districts in Cartagena, including Centro, Bocagrande, Castillogrande, and El Laguito. Guests will be picked up from their hotel or a designated meeting point in these areas, ensuring a hassle-free start to the tour.
At the end of the tour, visitors will be dropped off at the same location as the pickup, making for a seamless experience.
The key benefits of the pickup and drop-off service include:
- Convenient transportation to and from the tour
- No need to worry about finding the meeting point
- Direct transfer to your hotel or designated location after the tour
Highlights
A highlight of the tour is the entrance and guided tour of the Castle of San Felipe, a 17th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of Cartagena’s historic city center. Visitors also get to see the iconic India Catalina and Zapatos Viejos monuments during the walking tour of the Walled City.
| Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Castle of San Felipe | 17th-century fortress with panoramic views |
| India Catalina Monument | Iconic statue in the Walled City |
| Zapatos Viejos Monument | Historic monument in the Old Town |
The tour’s highlights provide a comprehensive introduction to Cartagena’s rich history and architecture, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture.
Inclusions
The tour includes a certified guide to lead the experience, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in the city. Visitors also gain entry to the Castle of San Felipe, and the tour takes place in a traditional Chiva bus with a walking component through the Old Town.
The tour’s inclusions offer:
- A knowledgeable, bilingual guide to provide insights throughout the experience
- Convenient transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
- Access to the iconic Castle of San Felipe, a must-see landmark in Cartagena
- The opportunity to explore the charming Old Town on foot, complementing the Chiva bus ride.
This comprehensive package ensures a well-rounded and immersive tour of Cartagena’s top sights and attractions.
Important Information
Guests should arrive at the meeting point 1 hour before the scheduled start of the activity to ensure a smooth check-in process.
For hotels located in Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande, pickup will be at the designated meeting points.
The tour operator will confirm the pickup time via WhatsApp or a phone call. This allows them to provide accurate information and ensure a seamless experience for guests.
It’s important that guests arrive on time, as the tour operates on a fixed schedule.
Following these simple guidelines will help make the tour as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Meeting Point
Typically, guests meet at the designated pickup locations in Centro, Bocagrande, Castillogrande, or El Laguito districts, ensuring a seamless start to the tour.
Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least 1 hour before the scheduled start time to allow for smooth coordination.
The meeting point details are as follows:
- For hotels in Bocagrande, Laguito, and Castillogrande, pickup will be at the designated meeting points.
- Confirmation of the pickup time will be provided via WhatsApp or phone call prior to the tour.
Guests are encouraged to be punctual, as the tour will depart on time to maximize the sightseeing experience.
Chiva Bus Tour
On the Chiva bus tour, guests enjoy Cartagena’s vibrant cultural heritage, exploring the city’s top sights aboard a traditional, colorfully-decorated bus.
The iconic chiva, with its bright colors and unique design, provides a fun and authentic way to discover the historic Walled City and the iconic Castle of San Felipe.
Throughout the 4-hour tour, the bilingual guide shares captivating stories and insights, bringing the city’s rich history to life.
Travelers will marvel at the impressive fortifications, monuments, and charming colonial architecture as they journey through the picturesque streets.
This immersive experience offers an unforgettable glimpse into Cartagena’s remarkable past and present, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural treasures.
Walled City Exploration
The Walled City of Cartagena beckons visitors to explore its rich history and captivating architecture. Guests can marvel at the impressive fortifications that have protected the city for centuries, tracing the meandering paths along the well-preserved walls.
Within the historic center, they’ll discover a diverse array of colonial structures, from grand plazas to charming boutiques and cafes. This walking tour offers an immersive glimpse into Cartagena’s vibrant past, allowing travelers to connect with the city’s enduring spirit.
Some highlights of the Walled City exploration include:
- Discovering hidden courtyards and picturesque balconies adorned with bougainvillea
- Admiring the intricate colonial architecture, including baroque and neoclassical influences
- Experiencing the lively atmosphere of the bustling plazas, where local vendors and street performers gather
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy typically allows for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Shorter notice may incur fees or be non-refundable. It’s best to check the specific policy when booking this tour.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. Most of the main sights and the historic city center can be navigated with a wheelchair, though some cobblestone streets and stairs may present challenges. Participants should consult the tour operator for any specific accessibility needs.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions regarding outside food and beverages.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is required. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection. The tour provider will handle all necessary arrangements, including transportation and admission to the attractions.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Cartagena Sightseeing Tour Historic Center Starting at the Port
- Sport Boat: Rosario Island, Lunch on Private Island, Cholon & Baru
- Eco-Tour on Horseback
- Private Dinner at a Local Chefs House in Cartagena
- Private History Photography Tour
- Bike City Tour Cartagena
- Private Cartagena Sightseeing
- Tour in Chiva for 5 Hours Through the City of Cartagena
- Diving Trip for Certified Divers.
- Cartagena City Shore Excursion
- DayTrip To San Bernardo Island Up To 8 People
- Private Walking Tour of the Magical City of Cartagena.
- Cartagena Photoshoot
- Private 8-Hour Boat Tour to the Rosario and Barú Islands
- Totumo Volcano and Pink Sea
Recap
This immersive Cartagena tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Visitors can explore the impressive San Felipe Castle, wander through the picturesque Walled City, and enjoy a ride on a traditional Chiva bus.
With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Cartagena’s enduring spirit and leave with an unforgettable experience.