Cartagena: Walled City, Getsemaní and San Felipe Castle Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

   Explore the legendary San Felipe de Barajas Castle, one of Cartagena’s must-see landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With skip-the-line tickets included, venture inside the most iconic fortress in the Americas. Wander through its secret tunnels, ancient stone walls, and strategic lookout points. Discover the captivating history of Cartagena’s fierce battles against pirates, British, and French invaders while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the city’s colonial skyline. A perfect experience for history lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to witness the monumental legacy of Cartagena’s past.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

2. Walled City of Cartagena

   Step into the enchanting Walled City of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the city’s colonial history. Wander through its cobblestone streets, colorful plazas, and beautifully preserved colonial mansions with flower-filled balconies. Discover centuries of fascinating stories about pirates, independence heroes, and local legends as you explore iconic landmarks like the Clock Tower, Plaza de Bolívar, and Santo Domingo Church. Along the way, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, street art, and lively culture that make the Walled City one of the most captivating destinations in the Caribbean. A must-visit for history lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking authentic local charm.

   10 minutes here

3. Torre del Reloj

   Meet your certified local guide at the iconic Camellón de Los Mártires – Plaza de Cervantes to kick off your private Cartagena journey. Following a brief welcome and orientation to help you navigate the walled city, we’ll dive straight into history. Right where native heritage meets the Spanish conquest, you’ll discover how indigenous roots shaped Cartagena’s multicultural identity—setting the perfect backdrop for the adventure ahead.

   10 minutes here

4. Plaza De Los Coches

   Step into Plaza de Los Coches, a vibrant space defined by striking historical contrast. Today, its colorful facades, historic arcades, and horse-drawn carriages make it one of Cartagena’s most photographed spots. Yet, beneath its charm lies a heavy legacy: this ground once served as the largest slave market in the Americas, where thousands of displaced Africans were brought and auctioned upon arriving in the New World.

   10 minutes here

5. Portal de Los Dulces

   Step under the arches of the Portal de Los Dulces, an iconic space driven by three centuries of living history and female resilience. Born from the struggle of enslaved African women who sold traditional sweets to forge a path toward economic freedom, this tradition lives on today. Their descendants continue to anchor this historical corner, preserving both ancestral recipes and an unbroken legacy of independence.

   10 minutes here

6. Plaza de la Aduana

   At the height of the Spanish Empire, Plaza de La Aduana was the undeniable seat of colonial power. As Cartagena’s administrative engine, this square saw royal decrees proclaimed, taxes collected, and immense wealth funneled back to Spain. Yet, this prosperity rested on a devastating truth: the square was also a primary hub for human trafficking, where the forced labor of enslaved Africans generated the very fortunes managed within these walls.

   10 minutes here

7. Museo de Arte Moderno Cartagena

   Tucked away in one of the Walled City’s most picturesque squares, the Cartagena Museum of Modern Art offers a powerful lens into Caribbean and Latin American creativity. Housed within a beautifully restored colonial customs warehouse, this space showcases remarkable works from the 1950s to the present—capturing the beauty, tension, and vibrant spirit of the region through the eyes of its most compelling artists.

   10 minutes here · Admission not included

8. Plaza de San Pedro Claver

   In a city forged by the brutal mechanics of the transatlantic slave trade, one figure stood in defiance of the status quo. Dedicated to the human dignity of thousands brought to Cartagena in chains, Pedro Claver—a 17th-century Spanish Jesuit—spent four decades attending to the arriving enslaved population, choosing a title that defined his life’s work: ‘The Slave of the Slaves.

   10 minutes here

9. Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria

   Next, we stop at the Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría, one of Colombia’s oldest and most iconic spiritual landmarks. Built between 1577 and 1612, this architectural masterpiece features a striking bell tower and stone facade that define Cartagena’s skyline. Beyond its photo-worthy exterior, the cathedral houses centuries of sacred art and original altars, serving as a silent witness to the city's transition from Spanish rule to independence.

   10 minutes here

10. Museo del Oro Zenu

    Opened in 1982, Cartagena's Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu is dedicated to Colombia's indigenous Zenu people. The collection, displayed in a colonial mansion in Plaza de Bolivar, includes more than 530 gold pieces (including a pre-Hispanic golden jaguar, as well as bone carvings and textiles from Colombia’s indigenous peoples.

    10 minutes here

11. Plaza Santo Domingo

    Founded in 1534, Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia Santo Domingo) is the oldest church in Cartagena. As well as being notable for its marble altar and imposing central nave, the church boasts a prime location on Plaza Santo Domingo, where street vendors and al fresco cafes create a vibrant atmosphere.

    10 minutes here

12. Baluarte de Santo Domingo

    Standing at the foot of the Baluarte de Santo Domingo, you are face-to-face with the impenetrable defense system that thwarted the Caribbean's most feared pirates and corsairs. Engineered by the Spanish in the 17th century, this massive stone bastion was a cornerstone of Cartagena’s military strategy—transforming the Walled City into an invincible fortress along the Spanish Main.

    5 minutes here

13. Baluarte de San Ignacio

    This bastion was built to defend the "Bay of Souls" from any pirate attack. On this tour you will see the history behind the walls of Cartagena.

    5 minutes here

14. Plaza de la Proclamacion

    Welcome to Plaza de la Proclamación, the birthplace of Colombian liberty. On November 11, 1811, a courageous crowd gathered in this very square as Cartagena boldly declared absolute independence from Spanish rule—becoming the first city in Colombia to break colonial chains. Framed by the historic Archbishop’s Palace, this square remains a living monument to the city's revolutionary spirit.

    5 minutes here

15. Parque centenario

    Step into Centennial Park, a green oasis in the heart of Cartagena and a rare relic of the region's native Tropical Dry Forest. Once the site of the city’s historic railway station, these lush gardens offer shade beneath ancient trees—and a unique chance to spot wild sloths, iguanas, and playful squirrels thriving in their natural urban sanctuary.

    10 minutes here

16. Barrio Getsemani

    Discover the vibrant soul of Cartagena in Getsemaní, the city’s most colorful and bohemian neighborhood. Once a hub for revolutionaries and free thinkers, today its lively streets are filled with striking street art, colonial houses painted in bold colors, and cozy plazas where locals gather to chat, play music, and dance. Explore murals that tell the story of Cartagena’s people, admire the charm of Plaza de la Trinidad, and uncover hidden corners bursting with Caribbean flavor and culture. Getsemaní is a must-see for art lovers, culture seekers, and travelers eager to experience Cartagena’s authentic, creative spirit.

    10 minutes here

17. Enjoy this colorful and iconic street of Getsemaní in this City Tour

    5 minutes here

18. From large-scale political murals on Calle Larga to the intimate, intricate work tucked into doorways and stairwells, Getsemaní's street art is impossible to walk past without stopping. Your guide will point out the details most visitors miss entirely.

    Pass by without stopping

19. Discover the iconic Plaza del Pozo in the Getsemaní neighborhood.

    5 minutes here

20. Plaza de La Trinidad

    Finally, we enter the Callejón Ancho, to reach the end of the route along Calle San Juan to the sound of salsa and the African champeta; previously passing by the church and square of the Holy Trinity.

    5 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Arriving to the meeting spot

• With Hotel Pick Up

  Hotel Pick Up Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 12 travelers per booking

Operated by

NEXPERIENCE

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Traveler reviews

17 verified traveler reviews for Cartagena: Walled City, Getsemaní and San Felipe Castle Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.