5 History Tours in Cartagena Worth Booking

1.Historic Center and Getsemaní Shared Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,716 reviews · 2h 30m · from $12Our pick

Explore Cartagena’s Walled City and Getsemaní on a lively 150-minute tour covering history, slavery, music, culture, and local tips.

“Our guide was Rebeca, we did the tour in Spanish and she was amazing. Very nice, kind and attentive all the time. She has a huge knowledge about Cartagena and Colombia’s history, and shared it with us in a really funny and light way Highly recommend to anyone who is going to visit Cartagena.”

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2.Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 620 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $11Best value

Explore Cartagena’s walled city and Getsemaní on a lively walking tour covering history, culture, legends, and practical local tips.

“Legacy was brilliant at bringing the history and culture of Cartagena to life! A great first activity if you have just arrived in the city and want to find your feet. One minor suggestion would be to update the location pin on Google Maps; it took us a few minutes of confusion to find the meeting point as the pin is not quite accurate :)”

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3.San Basilio de Palenque History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $88

Visit San Basilio de Palenque from Cartagena for Afro-Colombian history, music, food, language, dancing, and a memorable local welcome.

“Sofia was an excellent host. She speaks English and I appreciated her willingness to translate during the tour. She taught us a lot about the history of palenque. We experienced drums, dance, and tour which included viewing a historical home, Candy making, natural medicine & more. The lunch was DELICIOUS! While optional, you are asked to tip at each stop so just be prepared for that and bring pesos if you’d like to buy souvenirs.”

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4.Cultural tour Bazurto Market Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Explore Cartagena’s Bazurto Market with a private guide, tasting fruit, hearing champeta, meeting artisans, and seeing daily local life.

“I must admit, I did think this tour was a bit pricey at first, but you really do get your money’s worth! Not only was Álvaro a knowledgeable guide, he also made sure I left with a full belly and even some souvenirs! I had no idea the amount of historical significance this market holds for the Afro-Caribbean population in Colombia! It also inspired me to change my plans and take a day trip to Palenque!”

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5.Historic and Movie Bike or Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $45

Explore Cartagena by bike or on foot with local guide Gerardo, visiting historic squares, film sites, Getsemani, and the bay for $45.

“The host of this tour was fantastic and he spoke very clear english and showed me things that I would have never found on my own. A great three hours learning and see much of Cartagena. This is something to add to you list for sure.”

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