Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers )

Cartagena, the captivating city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, offers a unique experience tailored exclusively for cruisers. This specialized tour promises to unveil the fortress, the historic old town, and the vibrant shopping opportunities that have enchanted visitors for centuries. From the UNESCO-listed Castillo San Felipe de Barajas to the charming colonial streets and the bustling local markets, this immersive journey will transport you through Cartagena‘s rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you’re searching for authentic souvenirs or captivating architectural gems, this tour ensures you’ll uncover the essence of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Shopping Tours In Cartagena.

Good To Know

• This comprehensive Cartagena tour covers the city’s fortress, historic old town, and shopping opportunities, catering specifically to cruisers with convenient pickup and drop-off locations.

• The tour includes an immersive journey through the UNESCO-listed Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress, showcasing its impressive architecture and rich history.

• Participants can enjoy a delightful stroll through Cartagena’s vibrant old town, exploring its colorful colonial streets and notable landmarks like the Cathedral and Palace of the Inquisition.

• The tour offers exciting shopping opportunities, including visits to the Getsemani Neighborhood, Bazurto Market, and the iconic Las Bóvedas, known for their artisan shops and local goods.

• The tour provides a comfortable and hassle-free experience, with an air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, bottled water, and snacks, as well as a 24-hour free cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later option.

Tour Overview

What can travelers expect from the "Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers)" tour?

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Cartagena’s highlights, including its historic fortress, charming old town, and shopping opportunities. Priced from $65 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 participants and boasts a 4.0 rating based on one review.

Included in the package are an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional tour guide, bottled water, and snacks. Pickup and drop-off locations are clearly specified, and the tour provider offers 24-hour free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option for added convenience.

Inclusions

Included in the "Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers)" tour are an air-conditioned vehicle to ensure a comfortable journey, a professional tour guide to provide insightful commentary, bottled water to stay hydrated, and snacks to sustain energy levels throughout the experience.

Gratuities are also included, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience, allowing for more interaction with the guide and fellow participants.

This comprehensive package ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable exploration of Cartagena’s historic sites and shopping.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour’s meeting and pickup location is at the Sociedad Portuaria de Cartagena in Manga, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia.

For Pier #1, the staff is located at Zone 1, right corner upon exiting the gangway.

For Pier #2, the staff is at Zone 1, left corner upon exiting the gangway.

Travelers from Piers #3 or #4 should walk to Pier #1 to meet the staff at Zone 1.

If assistance is needed, travelers can contact +573162434542.

After the tour, drop-off is at the parking area, followed by a walk through the zoo area to access the free shuttle bus.

End Point

At the end of the tour, travelers are dropped off at the parking area of the Port of Cartagena, located at Cl. 28 #24-39, Manga, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

From there, they’ll walk through the zoo area to access the free shuttle bus that will take them back to their cruise ship.

The return instructions are straightforward, ensuring a seamless end to the Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena tour.

With the professional tour guide’s assistance, cruisers can easily navigate the end point and make their way back to the port without any confusion.

Additional Information

Travelers can expect to receive confirmation of their booking immediately after reserving the Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation. No serious medical conditions are required to participate.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Plus, a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

Exploring Cartagena’s Fortress

Cruisers embark on an immersive journey through the iconic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress that stands as a testament to Cartagena’s storied past.

This 17th-century masterpiece boasts:

1. Sprawling underground tunnels that were engineered for strategic purposes.
2. Panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea from the fortress’ lofty vantage points.
3. Impressive architecture and engineering that served to repel invaders over the centuries.
4. A rich history that includes tales of sieges, battles, and the fortress’ role in defending the city.

Exploring the fortress offers cruisers a captivating glimpse into Cartagena’s military heritage and the enduring spirit of this vibrant coastal city.

Historic Old Town Strolling

Next, the tour takes guests on a delightful stroll through Cartagena’s historic Old Town.

They’ll wander the colorful colonial streets, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant plazas. The guide will provide insights into the city’s rich history and point out notable landmarks like the Plaza de Bolívar, the Cathedral of Cartagena, and the Palace of the Inquisition.

Visitors can browse local artisan shops, sample traditional Colombian snacks, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Old Town exploration offers a glimpse into Cartagena’s captivating past and serves as the perfect complement to the earlier fortress visit.

Exciting Shopping Opportunities

After exploring the historic charm of Cartagena’s Old Town, the tour now takes guests to some of the city’s most enticing shopping destinations.

Visitors can expect to find a diverse array of local handicrafts, artisan goods, and Colombian specialties. The tour highlights the following must-visit shopping spots:

1. Getsemani Neighborhood: A vibrant, bohemian district known for its colorful murals, street art, and local artisanal shops.

2. Bazurto Market: A bustling marketplace offering a wide range of fresh produce, spices, traditional textiles, and handmade souvenirs.

3. Las Bóvedas: A series of vaulted archways that house charming local shops selling leather goods, jewelry, and Colombian coffee.

4. Jewelry Shops: Cartagena is renowned for its exquisite emerald and gold jewelry, which can be found in the city’s high-end boutiques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it does not mention any specific child-friendly activities or accommodations. Families with young children may want to consider a tour that is more geared towards their needs.

Can We Customize the Tour Schedule?

The tour’s itinerary can be customized, but it’s best to check with the tour provider directly. They may be able to accommodate special requests or modifications, subject to availability and any additional fees. Flexibility is key in arranging a personalized experience.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour has no specific dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to ensure a pleasant experience during the activity.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Snacks?

The tour does not specify any special dietary requirements for the snacks. Standard snacks are likely provided, but participants should notify the tour operator in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration cannot be extended. It is a fixed-length tour with a specific itinerary. However, if travelers need to modify or end the tour early, they should contact the tour provider for assistance.

The Sum Up

Cruisers can experience Cartagena’s rich heritage and vibrant culture on this specialized tour. Visitors will explore the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, stroll through the charming historic Old Town, and shop for unique artisan goods and local delicacies. With its combination of historic landmarks, colorful colonial architecture, and lively markets, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating city of Cartagena.