Category: Cartagena (Colombia)

CARTAGENA CITY TOUR

Excursion details

On this excursion of around four hours, view the sights of Cartagena’s Walled City – a maze of cobblestone streets, colourful colonial buildings and leafy plazas.

It’s an approximately 20-minute journey from the port to your first stop – Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, widely regarded as one of the greatest fortresses built by the Spanish in any of their colonies.

You’ll have 15 minutes or so to admire the fortress from the outside and take photographs before your next stop, which takes you into Las Bóvedas (‘The Vaults’). Built in the late 18th century as storerooms for munitions and later used as dungeons, Las Bóvedas are now home to a craft market, where you can browse for souvenirs over approximately 15 minutes.

Next up is a sightseeing tour of approximately 55 minutes through the UNESCO-recognised Walled City, including a visit inside the church of San Pedro Claver – named after the Spanish-born monk who spent his life ministering to enslaved people – the Plaza de la Aduana (the largest and oldest square in the Old Town) and an exterior viewing of the cathedral.

Afterwards you’ll spend around 40 minutes exploring the surrounds of Plaza de Bolívar, a leafy square housing a statue of the revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar. Across the street is the Palace of the Inquisition, established in Cartagena in 1610 to prosecute crimes against the Catholic faith.

Next is an approximately 30-minute exploration of the Museo Naval del Caribe, a naval museum occupying a colonial building. After a local folkloric performance and a refreshing drink, you’ll have around 30 minutes of free time to explore the Walled City on your own, which could include shopping or simply relaxing. The return transfer to the port then lasts around 20 minutes, travelling through the Castillogrande and Bocagrande districts along the way.

Important Information: The sightseeing portion in the old town requires extended periods of walking and standing.

CARTAGENA WALKING TOUR

Get to know Cartagena on this guided walking tour lasting around three hours. Points of interest include the 17th-century military base Entrada de Santiago and the Palace of the Inquisition.

Excursion details

Learn more about Cartagena’s past and present during this approximately three-hour excursion. Board your bus at the port and drive to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, around 20 minutes away, passing the traditional district of Manga on the way. Spend 15 minutes or so at this imposing limestone structure on San Lázaro hill, taking photos of the once impregnable fortress and sweeping views across the city.

Board the bus once again for a short transfer to the historic military base Entrada de Santiago and the Bastion of Santo Domingo, where the walking tour begins. After about 30 minutes here, continue on to reach the nearby Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Built in the 1530s, it’s thought to be the oldest in the city. Following a short panoramic visit, you’ll head to Plaza de Bolívar and the colonial Palace of the Inquisition for about 35 minutes. Today it’s a museum, but in the 1600s and beyond it held the Sentencing Tribunal of the Holy Office, which judged heresy and other offenses against the faith.

For the next approximately 60 minutes, follow your guide through the area’s narrow streets, stopping off at interesting old plazas, colonial mansions and other landmarks. You’ll then board your bus for a brief transfer to Las Bóvedas (‘The Vaults’), the former dungeons of Cartagena, now transformed into shops. There’s a short time to browse for souvenirs before an approximately 20-minute transfer back to the port.

Important Information: Not designed for wheelchair bound guests and walking problems at all. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

ECOLOGICAL TOUR and MANGROVES SWAMP TUNNELS

Excursion details

This roughly four-hour excursion begins with a transfer of 15 minutes or so from the port to your first stop, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, where you’ll have around 15 minutes to admire and photograph this imposing and impressive Spanish fortress. Originally constructed in the mid-17th century on San Lázaro hill, the fortress was later expanded throughout the 18th century to cover the entire hilltop.

From the fortress, it’s an approximately 30-minute transfer to La Cueva del Manglar, located in La Boquilla, a fishing village just outside Cartagena’s historic centre. This eco-tourism experience takes visitors by canoe into the mangrove tunnels of the Ciénaga de la Virgen, a coastal lagoon rich in biodiversity.

You’ll spend about 15 minutes getting settled into your canoe, before a local guide paddles you through a network of mangrove-lined channels. The ride lasts about one hour and offers a chance to admire the rich local plant life and potentially some wildlife, too, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

To round off the visit, enjoy a refreshing drink of coconut water and a folkloric performance of around 30 minutes, before your return journey to the ship, which takes about 35 minutes.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 7 years old to participate. Each canoe can hold 4 guests. The maximum weight to participate is 200 lbs. Guests will travel in traditional wooden canoes. While these vessels provide a unique experience, seating may not offer the same comfort as modern boats.

CARTAGENA HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR AND SHOPPING

Cartagena is a UNESCO World heritage site and a living breathing city that has been remarkably well preserved. Departing from the pier and accompanied by expert local guides, your first stop will be a panoramic view of the imposing military fort of San Felipe de Barajas, which is situated outside the walled city.

This immense building is considered the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World with its construction beginning in 1536 and lasting for 121 years. Move on to Getsemani, one of the city’s historical and most storied neighbourhoods, home to lovely colonial architecture and an authentic Colombian vibe that have made it such a popular spot in recent years. You will then continue to historic colonial city.

The walls took 194 years to be completed and enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the numerous attacks of English pirates and other would-be invaders. The Spanish colonial architecture is some of the most impressive and best preserved in South America, with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches.

During your walk in the old city, you will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful world of emeralds in Caribe Jewelry and their Emerald Museum, before returning to the port.
Please note: Guests using a wheelchair are welcome to participate on this tour but should be aware that it includes long periods of walking

OLD CARTAGENA, FOLKLORIC SHOW & SHOPPING

This fascinating tour of the city of Cartagena de Indias, includes a tour of the historic colonial city and a beautiful show of Colombian music and dance at La Caja auditorium. Your tour starts with a panoramic view of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city. This monumental fort is considered the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the new world.

Crossing the street in front of San Felipe Fortress you arrive at La Caja Auditorium. Here a folk show of music and dance will be presented by local artists in the main auditorium. The show consists of 5 beautiful dances of three important regions of Colombia such as the Atlantic Coast (Cumbia), the Pacific Coast (Currulao and Abosao), and from Los Andes region (the Market Place and the Indian Legend). On entering the walled city, you will have a 10-minute stop for photographs at the San Francisco Gun Battery and encounter the 16th Century first hand with the city’s beautifully preserved colonial Houses, Churches, Plazas and Museums.

A visit to San Pedro Claver Cloister and Monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves, serves as a reminder of the turbulent past of Cartagena. During your walk in the old city, you will have the opportunity to visit the wonderful world of emeralds in Caribe Jewelry and their Emerald Museum, before returning to the port

CHIVA PARTY BUS

This entertaining party-and-sightseeing tour begins as soon as you board the chiva bus at the pier and continues until the moment you return. Chiva buses open-sided vehicles painted every colour under the sun were once used to provide public transport in rural areas, but have since been given a new lease on life. An open bar on board the bus and non-stop local papayera and vallenato music ensure the mood is relaxed throughout as you make your way around the major sights. Brief photo stops are scheduled at San Felipe Fortress, the bay of Manga, , the districts of El Centro, Bocagrande and El Laguito, the 16th-century Castillo San Felipe de Barajas as well as Cartagena’s old quarter with the vaults of Las Bóvedas. A longer stop, with time for you to stretch your legs, enjoy refreshments and local entertainment or dance to the music, is also planned at the historical Fortress of Santa Catalina.

A final break is then included at the Las Bóvedas Artisan Centre, where you can browse the handicrafts and shop for a souvenir before the chiva takes you back to the pier. By the way, each bus has its own peculiar nickname so be sure to find out what yours is called before you re-board your ship.
Please note: guests must be at least 8 years of age to take part. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult throughout the tour and under their constant supervision at all times.

Guests wishing to drink alcohol must be at least 21 years of age. Guests are recommended to wear light, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes or sandals.

DISCOVER CARTAGENA: YOUR WAY

Excursion details

Begin your adventure by boarding a comfortable, air-conditioned coach at the port. With over eight stops, you can tailor your journey to suit your interests.

Pause at landmarks like San Felipe Castle, the Historic District, the Clock Tower, and the Modern City, each offering its own story and atmosphere.

Buses come by each stop about every 35-40 minutes, so you can explore at your own pace. An optional guided walk through the Walled City is included at the start of your tour—an invitation to wander its storied streets with expert insights

At the end of your excursion, buses will depart from Stop 11 (Convention Center) to bring you back to the cruise port parking lot. From there, it ‘s a pleasant 10-minute stroll (about 580 meters) to the pier. The full loop takes about 90 minutes if you stay onboard throughout, not including the guided walking tour.

Important Information: The length of the entire loop is approximately 90 minutes if you decide not to hop off at any of the stops (not including the guided walking tour). If you do choose to hop off at any of the stops, please ensure you allow ample time to return to the port. The optional guided walking tour is given in English only.

Audio commentaries are available on the bus in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and English. The price of this tour includes an Emerald exhibition, rum, and chocolate tasting. The Emerald exhibition is located at the Emerald Museum during the optional walking tour available at stop 1. The rum and chocolate tastings are offered at Stop 11. At the scheduled time, buses will depart from Stop 11 (Convention Center) to take guests back to the cruise port parking lot.

Guests will disembark at the port parking lot and will need to walk back to the pier (approximately 580 meters/ Around 10 minutes), The scheduled return time will be communicated on the day of the call. Guided (optional) walk through the Walled City is included at the beginning of the tour and is the only opportunity for guests to join the optional walking tour

COLOMBIAN COFFEE EXPERIENCE

This is an opportunity to experience the uniquely magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias from the comfort of your air-conditioned motor coach. Cartagena is a UNESCO World heritage site and a living breathing city that has been remarkably well preserved. You’ll first be able to savour views of the 16th-/17th-century San Felipe de Barajas, a huge fort that took more than 100 years to build and is considered to be an outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World.

You will continue to a traditional Café’ in the old city, where you’ll partake in a coffee immersion into Colombia’s most awarded coffee. A delight for your palate that will present a new array of surprising new flavors. You’ll receive a brief overview of the stages of how to make coffee from bean to roast, followed by a coffee flight prepared by 3 alternative brewing methods which will give you the opportunity to taste 3 unique coffee profiles. You will then continue to the historic colonial city.

The immense walls took 194 years to be completed and enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the numerous attacks of English pirates and other would-be invaders. The Spanish colonial architecture is some of the most impressive and best preserved in South America with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. The city is dotted with many squares and public spaces which are now are home to sidewalk cafés and restaurants with the opportunity to stop for shopping before return to the pier.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with high blood pressure or who are sensitive to caffeine. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call.

SEA RUMBA & OLD CITY

Excursion details

In this tour of around four hours, you’ll have the chance to explore the historic city of Cartagena both on foot, via a walking tour, and from the water, on a boat ride. Begin with a transfer journey of approximately 20 minutes to the Old Town, taking place either by bus.

Once arrived, a guided walking tour of around one hour will take you to important sites, including Plaza de Bolívar, Plaza de San Pedro Claver and other highlights. Your guide will provide insights and orientation to help you make the most of your visit to this historic city. Afterwards, you’ll have approximately one hour of free time, which could be used to shop, explore further or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Next, you’ll have about 20 minutes to walk to and then board your boat, before enjoying a welcome show onboard. Then it’s time to sit back and admire the views during a cruise around Cartagena’s inner bay, lasting approximately 60 minutes. Your guide will point out landmarks from the city’s colonial past, as well as the modern-day landscape.

But your boat ride isn’t just a history lesson – it’s also about having fun. As you sail, there’ll be onboard entertainment, including live music, dancers and an open bar serving rum punch and sodas. At the end of the 60 minute boat experience, a bus will take you to the cruise terminal.

Important Information: At the end of the 60 minute boat experience, a bus will take you to the cruise terminal

WORLD CULINARY DISCOVERIES IN CARTAGENA

Discover the beauty of Cartagena while learning (and tasting!) her culinary traditions. Your tour will begin with a panoramic view of the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside of the walled city.

This monumental fort is known to be the most outstanding accomplishment of Spanish military engineering in the new world. The tour continues to the old city, where your first stop will include an arepa con huevo, which consists of fried corn with eggs, carimañola and queso accompanied by natural juice or Colombian coffee. Take a walk in the historic colonial city of Cartagena, surrounded by 9 miles of ramparts which took 194 years to build and enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the attacks of marauding English pirates.

During your guided walk, you will see some impressive and preserved colonial Spanish architecture, with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. As you reach your next stop, you will enjoy a delicious Cartagena main dish, consisting of meat, fried coconut rice, avocado salad and temptation plantains made with a sweet soda called “Kola Roman”. Continue on with a visit to “The Dungeons” within the walled city ramparts, built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high-quality handicrafts market. Once here, you can enjoy some typical candies, with an assortment of coconut, pineapple, cinnamon and panela flavors, offered by famous Palenqueras, women in colorful dresses expertly balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads, who became the symbol of Cartagena. Your tour ends as your return to your ship at the pier.

Please note: it is recommended that guests wear sunblock and comfortable shoes as this tour consists of a good amount of walking. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it to the Shore Excursions Office at least two days before the call