Colombia · HISTORICAL TOURS IN CARTAGENA
Good historical tours in Cartagena fill up in high season and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they actually differ.
Shared walking tour through Cartagena’s Walled City and Getsemaní, with conquest, slavery, dance, and local tips for $12.
“Dani was a great guide! She knew so much information on all the places we went to. She was so fun and gave us amazing treats along the way. Highly recommend because she also gives you pointers on where to eat and visit while you are in Cartagena!”
Walk Cartagena’s walled historic core and Getsemaní in 2-3 hours, with key slave-era sites, art stops, and lively street culture.
“Our guide, Legaxy, had a great vibe. His English was excellent, he has a great sense of humor, and his dancing was a fun bonus. We really enjoyed both the information he shared and the way the tour was structured. Overall, it was a very enjoyable walking tour.”
A morning trip from Cartagena to San Basilio de Palenque for music, language, drums, and a standout regional lunch with native hosts.
“Wonderful experience learning about the culture and being able to participate. Our tour guide Victor was amazing! Very knowledgeable, intentional and patient with all the questions we asked. I highly recommend.”
A private Cartagena Bazurto Market tour with Getsemani murals, Champeta music, art stops, tastings, and optional Cecilia’s lunch.
“Alvaro was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and took us to areas that showcased Cartagena's history. He cares about his community and enjoys what he does. We had a unique experience because of him, and I don't feel we would have the same appreciation for the city without him. Eternally grateful for his time and care.”
Small-group Cartagena bike tour linking film spots and colonial sites. Safety-first riding, coffee and juice, plus a local guide.
“Una experiencia maravillosa a lado un personaje lleno de historia y calidez humana... Gracias tocayo, mi apreciado Gera!”
San Basilio de Palenque with local guides: Benkos Bioho, ancestral medicine, music, murals, boxing, and lunch for $102.
“This was such a great informative experience. It was very interesting to learn about the history of Palenque and learn more about the people and their culture. 10/10 would recommend!!”
A 3-hour Cartagena mangroves tour with boat rides, traditional fishing in La Boquilla, Afro-Caribbean stories, and a beach lunch of local seafood.
“We loved everything the guide was so nice the food it’s included all perfect”
Cartagena Instagrammable history walk with a local guide, photo coaching at secret corners, San Pedro Claver stories, and animal sightings.
“My personal experience with Mr. Garcia was Second-to-None. This gentleman truly defines the meaning of Quality and Service. He knows how to show a Great Time to visitors in Cartagena, and how to cater for his customers. If necessary, he would go out of his way to make any one person feel his/her absolute best while visiting the city. My wife and I booked a few tours with his company: Playa Blanca, Cartagena City Tour, and the Emerald Tour. Without any hesitation, I would recommend Guianza Express to any one person wanting to visit Cartagena.”
Walk Cartagena’s historic center and Getsemani on a 2.5-hour tour with an accredited guide, free stops, and standout plazas.
“This was a great tour. Alvarito is a great guide. His English is good and his knowledge of the history and things to see was great. We saw many interesting and historic places. I highly recommend this guide and tour.”
A 2-3 hour walking tour through Cartagena’s old port and Getsemani, with free-entry stops and a guide who connects culture to place.
“Nancy is an excellent tour guide! Her passion for history and the nature of Colombia is infectious. She does a great job at pointing out details in Cartagena’s architecture, explaining their significance, and weaving together a story of the city’s colonial past that incorporates hierarchical class divisions, war and conquest, and ghosts rising from the Caribbean Sea. She also touches on the importance of Colombia’s biodiversity to the future of the country, and the world as a whole, as we passed by gardens and palm trees.”
Palenque de San Basilio day trip from Cartagena with UNESCO heritage, music, dance, and cultural stops, plus lunch and show.
“This was perhaps one of the most memorable tours I have ever taken. Eric the guide was so knowledgeable as he came from the town. The cultural show was mind blowing, the food excellent also. In my opinion this is a must for anyone staying in Cartagena. John from Ireland”
A 2-hour private photo walk through Cartagena, mixing Getsemaní street art, colonial landmarks, and 10 edited photos to take home.
“Charlie is amazing, if you are thinking about booking this experience DO IT! It was a once of a lifetime experience, we got the pictures back while we were still in Cartagena and they are amazing. It was great, to not only get amazing pictures, but also learn the history behind the places visited. Thank you Charlie!!!”
A 2-hour Cartagena walking food tour through the Walled City and Getsemaní, with 8+ tastings and a hands-on Colombian coffee stop.
“Our tour guide Mafe was extremely friendly, she gave some details about the different streets we would pass by. The coffee class was very informative and the presenter was knowledgeable and charismatic, definitely recommend it!”
Private walking tour in Cartagena’s UNESCO walled city, led by a local guide, ending at the Torre del Reloj. Learn colonial history.
“If you decide to go on this tour, make sure you contact the tour guide well in advance. In my experience, I never got a response from the tour guide and when I got in contact with Viator, they tried there best to help me out, but with no success. I didn't get a set location nor a start time. So I ended up touring the city of Cartagena on my own. The city is beautiful. I just wish I could have had a tour guide. The reason for the 1 star is because I had to give one, otherwise I would have not given a star at all”
A 4-hour private Cartagena historical tour with Julie Munera, covering La Popa, Castillo de San Felipe, key plazas, and Getsemani.
“Julie was an excellent tour guide. We had a private tour and she took us to all the highlights of the city. She was very informative while we were driving around. We had a great time. I would highly recommend her.”
Pick a hillside, a coastline or a coffee farm.
