Chiva Party Bus Cartagena Night Tour

The chiva party bus in Cartagena is a night out on wheels. You ride a colorful open-sided chiva, the traditional Colombian country bus, with an entertainer who keeps the music and the dancing going while the bus rolls past the city walls, along Bocagrande and up to the city’s most famous night views.

It is a shared tour, so it is a fun way to meet other travelers. Along the route your chiva often meets other chivas, and the friendly competition between buses is part of the show.

What you see on the chiva party bus

The ride lasts about two hours. The bus stops for photos at San Felipe Castle, lit up at night, at the Zapatos Viejos monument (the Old Shoes) and at the colorful Cartagena letters. After the last stop you can stay with the group and continue to a club in Getsemaní, or ride back toward your hotel area.

Chivas are large and loud, so city rules keep them outside the walled city. They ride around it, through Bocagrande and the bay, which is why pickup inside the walled city or Getsemaní is not possible. Selling or serving alcohol on the bus is also not allowed; you can buy drinks at the stops.

Departures and pickup

The chiva leaves at 8:00 PM and at 10:00 PM. Pickup is included in the Bocagrande, Castillogrande and Laguito bay area, with some restrictions. If you stay elsewhere, we tell you the closest meeting point or add a transfer for COP 40,000.

Want to know more about the history of the chivas and how the night works? Read our guide: Cartagena chiva party bus: 5 things you must know. For daytime plans, see our Cartagena day tours.