City Tour of Cartagena

History, Culture and City Tour in a Chiva Bus through Cartagena

The San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the City Tour in a Chiva boat through Cartagena these tours offer one of the most comprehensive experiences for those who wish to discover the historical, cultural, and architectural essence of the city. This tour combines tradition, fun, and knowledge as we explore the most emblematic and representative tourist sites of Cartagena. Lasting approximately three hours, this tour becomes a perfect opportunity to see Cartagena from a different perspective: aboard an authentic, colorful, and charming Colombian "chiva" (a traditional open-air bus).

A panoramic tour of the modern and old areas of Cartagena

We begin our tour by visiting the most outstanding areas of the modern city: Bocagrande, Laguito and Castillo Grande. These areas, known for their skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and bay views, offer a fascinating contrast to colonial Cartagena. From the chiva (a colorful, open-air bus), we enjoyed a vibrant panorama of beaches, shops, cafes, and contemporary architecture that coexists harmoniously with the historical legacy.

During the journey, you can also see some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Clock Tower, gateway to the walled city; the India Catalina, a symbol of freedom; and the colorful murals of the Getsemaní neighborhood, one of the most cultural and artistic areas of Cartagena.

Visit to the Monument to Old Shoes and a must-see photo stop

One of the memorable moments of the tour is the stop at the Monument to Old Shoes, a sculpture inspired by Luis Carlos López's poem "To My Native City." This work is a tribute to Cartagena and has become a must-see spot for taking photographs. From here, you can also enjoy a privileged view of San Felipe Castle.

Entrance to the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Castle

The tour continues with entry to San Felipe de Barajas Castle, one of the most important military fortifications built during the Spanish colonial period, this monument was erected in honor of King Philip IV of Spain and served both as a defensive bastion and a strategic point to protect the city from invaders and pirates who plagued the Caribbean.

A historical tour full of fascinating details

Upon entering the castle, we explored tunnels, secret passageways, walls, and viewpoints that tell centuries of history. During the colonial era, this structure served not only as a military defense but also as a safe haven for valuable objects and, tragically, as a place of confinement for enslaved Africans. From its summit, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Cartagena: the Caribbean Sea, the bay, the historic center, and the modern buildings merge into an unparalleled vista.

Stop in the Marbella area: Welcome to Cartagena

Later we come to Marbella, this area, famous for its giant "Cartagena" letters, is an ideal spot for photos and enjoying the sea breeze. It has become a warm symbol of welcome for visitors and an essential stop on any city tour.

Guided walk through the Walled City: living heritage of humanity

The chiva tour ends at the monumental Walled City, a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, centuries-old churches, and squares steeped in history. Accompanied by a professional bilingual guide, we embark on a walking tour to discover the most representative corners of the historic center.

Highlights of the historic center

• St. Peter Claver Church, dedicated to the “slave of slaves”, a religious and cultural icon.

• Walls of Cartagena, where we walked on the original structure used for the defense of the city.

• Antique cannons of the Spanish artillery, which are still preserved in excellent condition.

• Surveillance booths, historical spaces that allow you to learn about the military strategy of the 17th century.

During this walk we not only appreciate the majesty of the colonial architecture, but we also relive key moments in Cartagena's history.

Pick-up service and meeting points

Pick-up is only available at specific points, strategically selected for the convenience of travelers:

🔹 Bocagrande area

• 🏦 Itaú Bank

• 🍔 McDonald’s

• ☕ Juan Valdez Café

• 🌳 Flanagan Park

🔹 Other areas (Center, Getsemaní, North Zone)

• ⏰ 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – Clock Tower
  (In front of the clock, assigned point for those staying outside of Bocagrande)

Includes