Private City Tour Cartagena: Walled City, San Felipe & La Popa

Our private city tour Cartagena experience shows you three essentials of Colombia’s Caribbean coast in one relaxed half day: the Convent of La Popa, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the colorful streets of the Walled City. You travel in your own air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual guide, so the pace, the photo stops and the questions are all yours.

It is an easy introduction on your first day in town and a favorite shore excursion for cruise passengers, with pickup at your hotel, vacation rental or the Cartagena cruise terminal. The whole outing takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.

How the private city tour Cartagena day works

We meet you at your hotel, rental or the cruise terminal at the time we confirm the day before. The first stop is La Popa Convent, on the highest point in the city, for a panoramic view over the bay, the old town and Bocagrande.

Next comes San Felipe Castle, the largest fortress Spain built in the Americas. You walk its ramparts and duck into the tunnels that helped defend the city during the siege of 1741. From there you head into the Walled City through the Clock Tower and stroll past Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Santo Domingo and Botero’s reclining “Gertrudis,” with flower-draped balconies and shaded plazas along the way. After about 3.5 to 4 hours, we drop you back at your hotel or ship.

Want the full story of the walls, the pirates and the sieges before you go? Read our complete guide to the Cartagena Walled City.

Why go private with us

There is no waiting for a big group, so your guide adapts the route to your interests and energy. Entrance tickets for La Popa and San Felipe Castle are included, which means no lines to buy them on the day. Air-conditioned transport between the sights is a real relief in the heat, and bottled water is on board. Because the tour is private, the price per person goes down as your group grows, which makes it good value for families and friends traveling together.

Cruise passengers appreciate the timing too, with pickup and drop-off right at the terminal. Because it is a half day, you still have time afterward for lunch in the old town, a swim or a rest at your hotel.

Good to know

Cartagena is hot and humid all year, so wear light, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are a must, since the streets are uneven stone and the castle has ramps and steps. Carry some cash in small bills for fruit sellers, sweets at the Portal de los Dulces or photos with the palenqueras. Food, drinks and tips are not included.

Loved the old town? Go deeper into Afro-Colombian culture on our San Basilio de Palenque tour or taste the city’s everyday food on the Bazurto Market food tour. You can also browse all our day tours from Cartagena. Choose your date and group size and book a private city tour Cartagena visitors can enjoy at their own pace.