New cartagena Chiva Party bus

Cartagena Chiva Party Bus: 5 Things You Must Know Before You Go7 min read

PorGilberto Leon

The Cartagena chiva party bus is one of those experiences you can only have here. In two hours you dance on a colorful Colombian bus, sing with strangers who become friends, take night photos at the city’s landmarks and, if you want, end the night at a club with the crowd from the other chivas. Before you climb aboard, here are the five things you should know.

Chiva party bus in Cartagena at night with travelers dancing
A chiva party bus ready to roll in Cartagena.

1. What a chiva is, and where it comes from

In Colombian Spanish, chiva means goat, and it is also the name of the country’s most iconic bus. In the early 20th century, chivas were the buses that connected towns and villages. They had a wooden body built over a truck chassis, open sides instead of windows and a ladder at the back, so passengers could load merchandise, groceries and even animals on the roof, and ride up there themselves when the bus was full.

They were also impossible to miss. Chivas were painted in bright colors, often the yellow, blue and red of the Colombian flag, and they were loud: from the engine, and from the music the driver played for everyone on board.

Traditional Colombian chiva bus painted in bright colors
A traditional chiva, the classic country bus of Colombia.

2. Why the chivas became party buses

In the 21st century, modern air-conditioned buses and new transport rules took the chivas off the regular routes. Carrying passengers, goods or food on the roof was no longer allowed. But the same colors and music that made them famous also made them a tourist favorite, and visitors wanted to ride a chiva like the locals once did.

That is how the chiva found a second life as the party bus of Cartagena: same spirit, now with a sound system, lights and an entertainer who turns the ride into a moving party.

Modern chiva party buses lined up in Cartagena
Today the chivas are newer, safer party buses.

3. The rules that changed the route

Because chivas are large and loud, they are not allowed inside the walled city or the historic center. They ride around the walls instead, through the bay, Bocagrande and the main avenues. This also means pickup inside the walled city or Getsemaní is not possible; the bus meets you at a nearby point.

The other important rule: alcohol cannot be sold or served on board. We explain what that means in point 5.

Cartagena walled city seen from outside the walls
The chiva rides around the walled city, not inside it.

4. Why the chiva is still worth it

The new rules were not all bad news. Today’s chivas are better built and safer, and the night still delivers what made them famous. A typical ride goes like this:

  • Music and an entertainer on board who gets everyone singing and dancing from the first minute.
  • A ride along the walls and Bocagrande, with the sea breeze coming through the open sides.
  • Night photo stops at San Felipe Castle, beautifully lit after dark, the Zapatos Viejos monument and the colorful Cartagena letters.
  • Meeting the other chivas on the road, with a friendly competition to see which bus has the best party.
  • An optional end at a club in Getsemaní, where the groups from different chivas come together. It is a great way to meet people, and who knows, maybe someone special.
Travelers on a Cartagena chiva party bus
On board, the entertainer keeps the party going.
Chiva party bus photo stop in Cartagena at night
Night photo stops are part of the ride.

5. What to know about drinks

Alcohol cannot be sold or handed out to passengers on the bus. At the stops you will find vendors selling drinks, so you can buy them there. Bringing your own is not prohibited, but it is your responsibility and depends on what the entertainer and the bus operator allow. Our advice: drink water between stops, keep your belongings close and enjoy the night.

Drinks during a chiva party bus stop in Cartagena
Drinks are bought at the stops, not sold on the bus.

Practical tips for your chiva night

  • Departures: the chiva usually leaves at 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM, and the ride lasts about two hours.
  • Pickup: included in the Bocagrande, Castillogrande and El Laguito area. If you stay in the walled city or Getsemaní, we send you the closest meeting point.
  • What to bring: a copy of your passport, cash in Colombian pesos for drinks and the club, and shoes you can dance in.
  • San Felipe Castle: the stop is outside the fortress for photos; the entrance is not included at night.
  • Solo travelers: the chiva is a shared bus, so it is one of the easiest ways to make friends in Cartagena.
Group of friends enjoying the chiva party bus in Cartagena
A shared bus means new friends by the end of the night.

Book the Cartagena chiva party bus

Ready to dance on wheels? You can check dates, times and prices and book online on our Chiva Party Bus Cartagena night tour page. Tickets are per person, and pickup in the Bocagrande area is included.

Want to fill your days too? Explore the old town with our guide to the Cartagena walled city, see all our Cartagena day tours, or spend a day at sea on the Rosario Islands.

Frequently asked questions about the chiva party bus

How long is the chiva party bus in Cartagena?

About two hours, with departures around 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. If you continue to the club, the night can go on as long as you like.

Can the chiva pick me up in the walled city?

No. City rules keep the chivas outside the walled city and Getsemaní, so the bus meets you at a nearby point.

Can I drink on the chiva?

Alcohol cannot be sold or served on board. You can buy drinks at the stops. Bringing your own depends on the bus operator and is your responsibility.

Is the chiva party bus good for solo travelers?

Yes. It is a shared bus full of travelers and locals in a party mood, so it is easy to meet people.

How do I book?

Book online on the chiva party bus tour page or write to us on WhatsApp and we help you choose the best time.

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