TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA

How to see the best of Cartagena when only 5 hours available We chose Marelvy because of the many excellent reviews on TA and all 9 in our group were delighted with... read moreWe chose Marelvy because of the many excellent reviews on TA and all 9 in our group were delighted with both the reception she gave us at the pier and the way in which she guided us through the highlights of Cartagena. We felt that in the small air conditioned mini bus we were able to visit the old neighborhoods where large tourist buses could not go.

Our tour began with Marelvy presenting each couple with a print of a painting which her husband had done for the Bicentennial of the independence of Cartagena. The painting was titled "A Touch ( or drumbeat ) of the Caribbean" oil painting by John Timothy Hall.

We then went to the summit of La Popa to both see the former convent and the magnificent views over the city and coast.

Another highlight was an extended walk of the Old City where we saw the main plazas old cloisters and lots of Spanish architecture.

Marelvy knew just the right shops where we could buy beautiful dresses for our grand daughters and of course emeralds for loved ones!!!

We were so pleased we chose Marelvy. read less

Highly Recommended Guide We used Trip Advisor to find this wonderful guide. She promptly met us at the cruise dock with a... read moreWe used Trip Advisor to find this wonderful guide. She promptly met us at the cruise dock with a smile on her face. Our two couples joined another two couples for a wonderful city tour. We highly recommend her. read less

Highlights of the City tour We were on the Celebrity Reflection in Cartagena on November 11th and 12th Because of the fact that... read moreWe were on the Celebrity Reflection in Cartagena on November 11th and 12th Because of the fact that November 11th was Cartagena's Independence Day, we did our tour the next day. Marelvy had two tours organized that day because of it, so we were on the tour run by one of her associates. There was a nice view of the city from La Popa. I have issues walking too far and from the description we had been given, there would only be one time we'd be walking. It turned out that after we toured Getsemani, there was still another long walking tour. Fortunately I was able to wait in the air-conditioned bus and then met up with the group for lunch, missing the Emerald Museum and Old City. The lunch could have been organized better. I mentioned to the guide that I had health issues that didn't allow me to eat fried foods but I ended up getting a fried fish. We had ordered fish in marinara sauce which in North America means cooked in marinara sauce, not fried - but somehow their version was fried. We were all given a poster of Marelvy dancing. Otherwise, our guide was well-informed and pleasant. read less

The BEST Way to Experience Cartagena! Instead of choosing the standard cruise-ship excursion, we opted to see Cartagena with Marelvy. An excellent move! ... read moreInstead of choosing the standard cruise-ship excursion, we opted to see Cartagena with Marelvy. An excellent move! Marelvy is a native who truly loves her city and makes it her mission to assure that those touring with her see as much as possible and learn the story of this beautiful old city. We spent a very special April 1st with her. She met us at our dock and took us to a very comfortable, air conditioned van. From our first stop high above the city at La Popa with its gorgeous views, to the old city with it's great shopping and beautiful narrow streets she showed us her world. A history and current events lesson, shopping (and negotiating) advice, and the opportunity to meet the "real" people of the city (who all seem to know her)...these are the reasons to see Cartagena with Marelvy. We are very grateful to her for a terrific day! read less

Great Excursion in Cartagena We chose Marelvy for our guide in Cartagena and it was great !

She and her driver took us to see... read moreWe chose Marelvy for our guide in Cartagena and it was great !

She and her driver took us to see the highlights of the old and the new and the half day we spent was one of the best tours of our holiday . Marelvy is relaxed and friendly but also very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the city and country she chooses to live in. Cartagena was more interesting,secure and stable than we had expected and was made easy for us by having Marelvy to guide us ! read less

Fabulous.... We booked Marelvy using her website and e-mail address before we arrived at the Occidential Grand in February. We... read moreWe booked Marelvy using her website and e-mail address before we arrived at the Occidential Grand in February. We corresponded several times prior to arriving. My girlfriend and I had the best time, lots of laughs including a great recommendation for lunch. All the reviews that you have read contained within TA are plus positive. I have added a couple of pictures of Marelvy with my bff. read less

A wonderful guide in Cartagena We thoroughly enjoyed Marelvy's wonderful review of Cartagena. She is extremely knowledgeable of the city. We hadn't really done a... read moreWe thoroughly enjoyed Marelvy's wonderful review of Cartagena. She is extremely knowledgeable of the city. We hadn't really done a tour before and it was well worth the investment. Marelvy was able to talk not only about the history of the town but also the current situation and reality of what is developing in the place. That to us is something we couldn't find in reading books of any sort. It was also so helpful to hear about some of the key homes of the city and the history behind them. We would highly recommend a tour with her. Thank you Marelvy. read less

Wonderful, Personal Tour with Marelvy Marelvy is an absolutely lovely guide to the city of Cartagena. She is warm, personable, and very kind. She has... read moreMarelvy is an absolutely lovely guide to the city of Cartagena. She is warm, personable, and very kind. She has an extensive knowledge of the city history and architecture. We spent a morning walking with Marelvy throughout the old city. She knows all the best places to stop (timing a pit stop for ice-cold coco juice perfectly) and being with her allowed us to visit one of the universities, the theatre (even when closed), and the lobbies of some beautiful old hotels that give you an idea of the original architecture and layout of the old city. There is much more to the tour as well, and she'll cater to your interests.

It was very easy to book the tour - we did so via email - and Marelvy even helped us arrange a tour of a mangrove swamp with a separate operator. When there was a mix-up with that tour operator, Marelvy personally corrected the issue. She really went above and beyond for us. We would be delighted to do another tour with her during another visit! read less

Day out in Cartagena My partner and I had booked for a Panama Canal cruise with Holland America and had looked at tripadvisor for... read moreMy partner and I had booked for a Panama Canal cruise with Holland America and had looked at tripadvisor for some information on the ports we were visiting. We found Marelvy Pena-Hall mentioned, several times, for seeing the sights in Cartagena Colombia, so we booked before leaving home.

Marelvy confirmed all details by e mail and we followed her instructions and everything went as planned, Marelvy was waiting for us with an air conditioned bus (which was wonderful as it was so hot).

We has a great afternoon, Marelvy gave us a good insight into Cartagen, she was funny as well as so full of information about the history and the people living in her city. We were able to leave the bus for a walking tour of the old city which gave us a closer look at our surroundings, we also had time on our own to wander round at leisure and we could leave belongings on the bus.

So glad we took the chance and went with Marelvy rather than the ship's excursion. read less

Beautiful Easter Sunday!!! Unfortunately, Marelvy was already booked but she very graciously arranged for a tour with the wonderful Katty. This tour was... read moreUnfortunately, Marelvy was already booked but she very graciously arranged for a tour with the wonderful Katty. This tour was better than any cruise tour could be! Katty helped us make the most of our few hours in Cartagena. Marelvy and Katty are both so warm, accommodating and knowledgeable. You couldn't ask for better hosts. read less

She knows it all Takes you to all the important sites and many insider locations as well

So smart. So warm and friendly.

Wish she... read moreTakes you to all the important sites and many insider locations as well

So smart. So warm and friendly.

Wish she was my history teacher

Made at all so interesting

Highly recommend her read less

Excellent day with Marelvy Pena-Hall's tour in Cartagena Traveling the first time to Cartagena we were uncertain as to what to do. After researching different... read moreTraveling the first time to Cartagena we were uncertain as to what to do. After researching different options and the reviewing Marelvy Pena-Hall webite we decided to send Marelvy an email. She confirmed our reservations and did not require payment until date of the tour. She recommended the Highpoints of the City tour which lasted four and a half hours where we explored and learned about her city and country. We began with a visit to the summit of La Popa - a beautiful old convent and church with its magnificent full circle panoramic view of the entire city. Before we went onto the Fortress of San Feliph to learn about its history we spent some time at a local market to shop for souvenirs. After cruising some of the local neighborhoods we enjoyed a nice walk through the Old City, visiting the Gold Museum, the main plazas and some cloisters. We ended with a short drive thru the new part of the city. Marelvy speaks excellent English, is very knowledgeable about her city and country and its history, addresses everyone's interests, and engages with each person in the group. This was a great day and a great way to experience one's first visit to Cartegena. She left us with a gift of a poster that she and her husband designed regarding the becentennial of the independence of Cartagena - it has found a special spot to be displayed at our home. IF you visit Cartagena - book with Marelvy - you will have a wonderful and informative day with a wonderful lady. read less

Outstanding guide for Cartagena! Thankfully a friend recommended Marelvy to me. My friends and I enjoyed our 4 hours with her as she... read moreThankfully a friend recommended Marelvy to me. My friends and I enjoyed our 4 hours with her as she took us on a historical tour in Cartagena. Her ease with the historical knowledge and perspectives was fabulous and I cannot imagine anyone would have made those four hours more interesting. read less

Best time possible in Cartegna We contacted Marelvy via email only days before our ship arrived in Cartegna. But everything went well- saw the... read moreWe contacted Marelvy via email only days before our ship arrived in Cartegna. But everything went well- saw the Gold Museum, "emerald mine" walk thru and major squares in the old town before a visit to the Convent and Church for a visit and the panoramic view of Cartegna. We felt we learned a lot about the city and country.in a few hours. Too bad we didn't have more time. read less

Very Good Tour We took a tour in Cartagena at the end of June 2012. Marelvy was a wonderful guide. She was... read moreWe took a tour in Cartagena at the end of June 2012. Marelvy was a wonderful guide. She was able to give us a tour that was interesting to a 12 year old, 15 year old a 2 adults. She also worked with us to adapt the tour for the best time for the kids. Her English is very good and she gave us great commentary on the culture and background of Colombia as well as the history surrounding the tour. She gave us very good restaurant recommendations as well! I have taken tours in many other cities and for me Marevly's tour was of the highest quality. read less

You Won't Find a More Knowledgeable Tour Guide Wife and I booked a private tour during our Disney Cruise Line Panama Canal cruise with Marelvy Pena-Hall based on... read moreWife and I booked a private tour during our Disney Cruise Line Panama Canal cruise with Marelvy Pena-Hall based on the excellent reviews we read on Tripadvisior and once again the reviews were right on! Marelvy is intelligent, very personable, has a great sense of humor and is extremely knowledgeable about Cartagena. We thoroughly enjoyed our City Tour, including the walking tour of the Old City. When we return to Cartagena, we will definitely book again with Marelvy. When we compared notes with our dinner mates back on the cruise ship their Disney tours were not generally given favorable reviews. read less

A Gem Of An Excursion My husband and I just returned home from a Panama Canal cruise. Many months before the trip I contacted... read moreMy husband and I just returned home from a Panama Canal cruise. Many months before the trip I contacted Marelvy Pena for a private tour of toursincartagens.com after reading the reviews on Cruise Critic. Now it is time for me to join the reviewers who were so enthusiastic after their tours.

I was very disappointed when I found out that Marelvy was already booked for the date that we would be in Cartagena, but she recommended Katty as a tour guide. I trusted her and she arranged our tour with Katty . I guess gems hang out with gems, because Katty gave us a wonderful tour. She is very knowledgeable about the history and geography of Cartagena and covered a diverse selection of the city's highlights. I don't know how she did it in the limited time we had, but we felt we had a very good overview of Cartagena past and present. Time on the van was well utilized as she prepared us for each place we visited. Her sense of humor and quick wit made time with her delightful. If only we could have spent more time...

Towards the end of the tour, Marelvy and her lovely daughter Sheila surprised us by boarding the bus.

Thank you Marelvy for making the connection, and thank you Katty for giving us such a great tour. We would recommend you to anyone who is looking for a wonderful visit to Cartagena (which we loved)! read less

The Best of Cartegena I traveled to Cartegena, Colombia in Jan 2012 for my birhday. I happened to find Marelvy Tours online. I had... read moreI traveled to Cartegena, Colombia in Jan 2012 for my birhday. I happened to find Marelvy Tours online. I had hoped that this tour would be decent but it actually turned out to be one of the best tours I have ever taken. Marelvy has a night time tour of Cartegena and it was the best!!! We missed all the day time tours and she provided the highlights of the city without all the daytime hustle. Marelvy offered great history of the city, great humor, and is a wonderful person. She has such a warm personality and her hospitality to both myself and my mother was memorable. Thanks Marelvy......I pray much success for you and your family. read less

We loved the "Highlights of the City" tour in Cartagena! Marelvy showed us a wonderful time in Cartagena, giving us a taste of the city that she loves and making... read moreMarelvy showed us a wonderful time in Cartagena, giving us a taste of the city that she loves and making us want to return and spend more time there. Starting with spectacular views of the city from La Popa, then on to the Fortress, and through a walking tour of the Old City, we were treated to her enthusiasm, insights, and thorough knowledge of everything she was showing us. There were 9 in our group, which was fine, as we all benefited from her personal attention and responses to our questions. Marelvy was a delight to be with, and I highly recommend this tour! read less

Frendly, personal, and professional! Marelvy provided us a wonderful personal tour "Hidden treasures of Cartegana". Her driver Horsta (sorry - probably wrong spelling) drove... read moreMarelvy provided us a wonderful personal tour "Hidden treasures of Cartegana". Her driver Horsta (sorry - probably wrong spelling) drove us all safely in an air-conditioned vehicle. And Marelvy herself gave us a very informative and interesting tour. She's fluent in english, french, and spanish. We definitely recommend her for a tour! read less

Historical Highlight Marelvy was a highlight of our trip. There were four of us and one of our group wasn't feeling too... read moreMarelvy was a highlight of our trip. There were four of us and one of our group wasn't feeling too well. Marelvy was so cognizant of this and she slowed down the tour so as our companion could rest along the way.

That being said, the tour of Marquez was full of color and history. Marelvy is very well informed on the history of Columbia (as well as many parts of the world). She spent way more time with us than the stated frame and we were so appreciative of her personalized service. read less

Outstanding tour guide Marelvy lived up to her reputation. We were met at the pier as promised. Our group was small and the... read moreMarelvy lived up to her reputation. We were met at the pier as promised. Our group was small and the charge was lower than quoted because she had ten people. Her English is excellent and her knowledge of the city was terrific. She tried to find cool and shady places as often as possible and was able to guide us through the crowds.

We thoroughly ernjoyed the tour. read less

An Outstanding Tour of Cartagena Wow, what a fabulous 4.5 hour tour we had of Cartagena. Got to go up to the Convento de la... read moreWow, what a fabulous 4.5 hour tour we had of Cartagena. Got to go up to the Convento de la Popa where the big busses can't go, beautiful views of the city and wonderful tour of the convent. Did a bit of shopping, a museum tour, a walking tour of the Old Town and sightseeing of the old fort and Manza area before returning to the ship. Marelvy is very knowledgable of the history and very proud of her country.

This tour is a must for those who want an in depth overview of Cartagena. Definitely a 5 star recommendation. read less

Very Interesting; Efficient, and Safe We booked our tour in advance of our Celebrity Equinox cruise. Marelvy met us at the cruise port where... read moreWe booked our tour in advance of our Celebrity Equinox cruise. Marelvy met us at the cruise port where we boarded the mid sized tour bus. Our first stop was the monastery on the top of the hill overlooking Cartagena. The views of the city were fantastic and the restored monastery was very interesting and beautiful with very clean restrooms. Our next stop was the Spanish fort for which Cartagena is known. We only stayed at the fort long enough to take a couple of pictures. I was under the impression that we would be able to climb to top of the fort and see it up close but that was not the case. We proceeded to the old walled city with its many Spanish colonial era buildings. Our first stop in the old town was a bunch of souvenir shops which all contained more or less the same touristy stuff which were of little interest. The next stop in the old city was an old church built out of coral which we entered and spent a little time in. We crossed the town square and went to gold museum which is a local tourist attraction. We walked around the old town a little longer and visited another church. I asked Marelvy if we could stop at a local supermarket to buy some coffee and beer and she accommodated my request.

In summary, Marelvy is a very good tour guide with great English speaking skills. Her bus driver knew how to efficiently maneuver through the city of Cartagena without getting stuck in traffic. Marelvy answered a lot of questions and demonstrated her knowledge and love of Columbia and its people and culture.

I would definitely recommend this tour. read less

Day tour of Cartagena ( After finding that we were unable to secure the services of Marelvy when booking a Cartagena tour for six people... read moreAfter finding that we were unable to secure the services of Marelvy when booking a Cartagena tour for six people in March, we were pleased that she was able to arrange for her daughter, Sheila, to meet us at the port and take us to a very competent guide (Sylvia) and driver (Bernarda), who made us all very comfortable in a spacious, air-conditioned van, and provided an excellent overview of the city. We found Sylvia to be very passionate about her country and willing to answer all the questions we put to her. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and were impressed by the professionalism and friendliness of both our driver and guide. We couldn't have been more pleased with the personalized tour, which we would not have received had we chosen the cruise ship's excursion, and would highly recommend Marelvy's services. read less

Great Tour with Marelvy..... Great walking tour......... my husband has Parkinsons but she was always looking for a place for him to rest. ... read moreGreat walking tour......... my husband has Parkinsons but she was always looking for a place for him to rest. Highlights of the City tour was well worth it. She knows her stuff. read less

Wonderful tour experience We were traveling on the Coral Princess March 6-16 and chose this private tour over those offered by the cruise... read moreWe were traveling on the Coral Princess March 6-16 and chose this private tour over those offered by the cruise line. My sister, who was also traveling with us, had gotten this recommendation from a friend that had gone on the tour before. It was a great choice as we all enjoyed it. We were picked up in a smaller bus (14 people as we requested) right as we came off the ship. Marelvy was very informative & easy to understand (often not the norm in foreign locations). We traveled by bus through a large part of the city and then met up with another guide, Cathy, who took us on a walking tour of the Old City before meeting back up with Marelvy. She was also very informative....a side note.....Cathy was on the Amazing Race when one of the teams asked her a question on a certain location. Are favorite place was the first stop at La Popa which was fantastic. A must if you stop here. read less

A perfect tour guide if you want to know about the city. Marelvy has a good knowledge about the history and places of the city of Cartagena. It is worthy to hire... read moreMarelvy has a good knowledge about the history and places of the city of Cartagena. It is worthy to hire her for a tour if you have the interest to know more things than the usual typical stuff. She will explain you all you want and will give you good tips about where to eat good and cheap meals of traditional colombian food and many other things. Gracias Marelvy. I enjoyed a lot in the tour and learnt many things. All the best!! Fran. read less

A "Must Do" Tour There is more to see in Cartagena than can be achieved over several days, let alone a few hours. ... read moreThere is more to see in Cartagena than can be achieved over several days, let alone a few hours. However, Marelvy Pena-Hall's guided small group tours of the city's highlights was extraordinary. Her knowledge of the city and its culture supported a very comprehensive tour at a very comfortable pace. Her personable manner and casual interaction with both the tour guests and the locals created a very positive comfort level not always found in larger travel groups. I strongly recommend Marelvy to anyone wishing to get the most out of their visit in the time limited by most cruise ship schedules. I came away from the tour with a real appreciation for the people and history of Cartagena. read less

A splendid day with Marelvy On 11/15/13, a group of 16, joined Marelvy for a guided tour of Cartagena. From her website we had... read moreOn 11/15/13, a group of 16, joined Marelvy for a guided tour of Cartagena. From her website we had chosen the city tour. We were met at the pier by Marelvy and boarded a comfortable mini bus that was our transportation for the day.

From the onset of our tour Marelvy provided a detailed description and historical data regarding Cartagena. At the request of one of our group members, Marelvy made an in scheduled stop at a restaurant so that his family could taste arepas. Of course most of the group took advantage of the opportunity to try one of the many kind offered.

From there we proceeded to La Popa to get a panoramic view of the city with a great description of the various parts of the city by Marelvy. From this vantage point we saw the Old Walled City the port and the new areas of development. We then proceeded to the Fortress of San Felipe, and the Old Walled City with Marelvy providing a detailed description of these sites as we walked around. Our group declined shopping opportunities to have more time touring with Marelvy. We then toured the Bocagrande area.

Throughout our tour Marelvy continued to provide the background information with a wealth of historical data to enrich our experience.

Upon our return to the port Marelvy gave each of us a poster of Cartagena as a souvenir of our tour. It was a generous gift that we all appreciated as we did our time spent with her.

From read less

Amazing! Marelvy was wonderful! We took two tours with her. One on Friday night in the Walled City and the other... read moreMarelvy was wonderful! We took two tours with her. One on Friday night in the Walled City and the other the wonders of Cartegena. I can't say enough about her knowledge of this amazing city. She answered every question we put to her with a description and information. We saw things that I know most tours don't do. Churches, even some homes that were being rebuilt. She seems to know everyone in town and they all acknowledge her with a smile. Do not hesitate to go on a tour with the lively woman and her love of Cartegena. read less

High Points of the City Tour.....Excellent!! We visited Cartegena on the Celebrity Equinox. We actually had an overnight stop. Our tour with Marelvy was fantastic!... read moreWe visited Cartegena on the Celebrity Equinox. We actually had an overnight stop. Our tour with Marelvy was fantastic! She met us on the pier at 2:00 for a 4-5 hr tour. We were a group of 16 from the ship. All of us made our reservations independently on line. We boarded a very comfy air conditioned bus, which was wonderful because it was very hot outside! Our first stop would be LaPopa. Marelvy was very informative and gave us a lot of local history and information throughout the tour. She gave us each a poster that had artwork done by her husband. Beautiful!

The view from LaPopa was gorgeous and the monastery was very interesting. We were there about 30 minutes and then boarded the bus and headed to the Fortress of San Felipe for a few photos. We did not enter the fort....which was good because it was so hot! Next we entered the Old Walled City! What a wonderful place. Beautiful! We walked around the Walled City for about an hour or so. Marelvy continually gave us great information and history. We entered several churches, which were amazing. We passed a lot of street vendors who had lovely items for sale and who were not overly aggressive.

We also, toured an Emerald museum.

We then boarded the bus and toured through some of the more modern areas.

My husband and I wanted to stay in the Walled City and not return to the ship because we wanted to have dinner off of the ship. Marelvy was so helpful giving us a great recommendation for dinner.

Our tour with Marelvy was fantastic and we would definitely do again. We loved Cartegena!! read less

Wondeful tour of Cartegena Marelvy came highly recommended and she did not disappoint. She gave us an excellent tour of Cartegena. She has... read moreMarelvy came highly recommended and she did not disappoint. She gave us an excellent tour of Cartegena. She has extensive knowledge of the Colombian culture and it was a pleasure to spend the day with her. She was also very responsive and easy to work with in booking and making arrangements for our tour. read less

Great Memories of Cartagena! The Highlights of the City Tour is the best way to see Cartagena! Our tour guide was Ester and... read moreThe Highlights of the City Tour is the best way to see Cartagena! Our tour guide was Ester and she was amazing! She shared her culture, her love of Cartagena and her beautiful city with us.

Our tour began with an opportunity to snap pictures of the Fortress of San Felipe, the Old Shoes Monument and the breathtaking views from La Popa Monastery. Ester then took us shopping for emeralds and Colombian coffee before continuing to Walled City of Cartagena. We toured the San Pedro Claver Cathedral, the Santo Domingo Plaza and the San Diego Plaza.

It was an excellent tour of Cartagena and we have great memories of our time in Colombia. read less

A high point of our Panama Canal cruise We contacted MareIvy by email several months before our cruise and knew by her responsiveness we were in good hands.... read moreWe contacted MareIvy by email several months before our cruise and knew by her responsiveness we were in good hands. She was already booked for our day in port but kindly arranged for another tour guide, Silvia, to meet us. We were met at the harbor entrance by Silvia and driver Luis. They gave us a most wonderful tour of the Old Walled City and nearby sights by private car, which was important because my husband has some mobility issues. We also got to see a lot more than we would have on foot. We did make several stops to get out and move around, including at San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Las Bovedas for souvenir shopping, Plaza Santa Domingo (got a delicious fruit salad cut on the spot by vendor Angelica), and La Popa Monastery for panoramic views of the city.

Silvia is a Cartagena native. She spoke great English and was interesting, knowledgeable and a very nice person to spend time with. Luis did a marvelous job of navigating hectic traffic. We enjoyed our day with both of them. They also knew about the Independence Day parade later that day and reversed their normal pattern so that we could see the parade area early in the day before the crowds and traffic became more intense. We would contact either of them again if we were to revisit Colombia read less

Great tour! We were a small group from a cruise ship, only in Cartagena for the afternoon. We were well-managed from... read moreWe were a small group from a cruise ship, only in Cartagena for the afternoon. We were well-managed from the start and had a wonderful tour of so many sights! We also got a sense of its cultural and political history. It was excellent and made us want to return! read less

One of the best tours you’ll ever take! I went on Marelvys tour a year ago and had a wonderful experience. I suggested this tour to my brother... read moreI went on Marelvys tour a year ago and had a wonderful experience. I suggested this tour to my brother and he said it was the best tour of their whole 14 day cruise! This tour guide is great! Very knowledgeable about the history of Cartagena. Very interesting and personable. She will also customize the tour to what your interests are. read less

Wonderful guide and Intro to Cartagena I booked this tour cold with the help of fellow Tripadvisor travelers. Thank you. Marelvy was booked so... read moreI booked this tour cold with the help of fellow Tripadvisor travelers. Thank you. Marelvy was booked so we had Katty for our tour guide. She was absolutely wonderful. Intelligent, knowledgeable, and caring about us as a group. I make it a point and try to support women owned businesses as well. Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It was 90+ degrees and very hot. The company supplies water so there was no need to buy any and they even gave us a gift for using their company. I would not hesitate to recommend this company. Try it, you'll like it.... read less

Cartagena Shore Excursion Hi Marelvy,

It was a pleasure meeting you, Marcela and the driver. Thank you very much Marelvy for arranging the... read moreHi Marelvy,

It was a pleasure meeting you, Marcela and the driver. Thank you very much Marelvy for arranging the best itinerary and fantastic fruits and juice tasting. We all had a great time in Cartagena. We felt safe and secure at all time. People there are very friendly. Cartagena is a beautiful city and we loved the architectures. Definitely, we will return to Cartagena .

Marcela is a wonderful tour guide. She is friendly, knowledgeable and kind. We were very pleased with her, great job.

We were happy with the driver. She is nice, friendly and funny.



Lastly, we cannot forget Lucho. He made our visit to Cartagena unforgettable. He is such a wonderful man, so friendly, kind and accommodating. He talked highly about Columbia that we thought he was the Mayor/ Tourism or President of Columbia. He and his staffs treated us like Kings and Queens. We felt very welcome here. We enjoyed tasting and drinking the exotic fruits. Please let Lucho know we said " Hi. and thanks for the warm welcome.

We are so glad that we booked our shore excursion with you.

Marelvy, thank you very much for arranging all this and made our visit memorable.

Best regards,

Angela read less

Great tourof Cartagena I cannot say enogh positive things about our tour with Marelvy of Caragena. We had a group of 6... read moreI cannot say enogh positive things about our tour with Marelvy of Caragena. We had a group of 6 and Marelvy and our fantastic lady driver. She took us to things that we were interested in and was a wealth of knowledge. It was so much fun, it felt like a girls day out with a bunch of good friends. Much better than a packed bus without knee room. We were able to zoom into places ahead of the big tours and Marelvy's knowledge of all the places was very thorough and interesting. If I ever get to go to Caragena again, I would definitely book with Marelvy. read less

Fabulous Tour Guide We were in Cartagena for the day on a cruise ship and pre booked Marelvy for a 4.5 hour tour.... read moreWe were in Cartagena for the day on a cruise ship and pre booked Marelvy for a 4.5 hour tour. Communication leading up to the tour was great and we knew exactly where to meet and at what time. We were met at the cruise port as arranged and then led to the mini bus and we set off for our tour. We visited La Popa, then the fortress of San Felipe, then a tour of the town including a couple of museums. Traffic was very heavy due to Columbia's Independence Day celebrations, so we ended the tour with a walking tour of the old town, which was great. So much to see. It is a beautiful city and much more than we expected.

We had a great day and would highly recommend Marelvy. read less

Fantastic tour of Cartegena We were a group of 6 travelling on the Island Princess with 1 day to see the sights of Cartegena.... read moreWe were a group of 6 travelling on the Island Princess with 1 day to see the sights of Cartegena. Marelvy was not available to tour us herself so she had arranged for Ester to be our guide. Ester proved to be a first rate guide. Knowledgeable, pleasant and sensitive to the interests of our group. Now that we have been introduced to Columbia, our appetites have been whetted for further exploration of the country . I highly recommend this company for a tour of beautiful and historic Cartegena. read less

Delightful tour On our HAL cruise, Nov. 17-28th, we decided to do a tour with Marelvy. Directions on e-mail on where... read moreOn our HAL cruise, Nov. 17-28th, we decided to do a tour with Marelvy. Directions on e-mail on where to meet were not right in my opinion (I was expecting to find our guide right off the ship - very close), but a ship tour director told us to go down toward some containers and turn right and all independent tours would be there. They do not let independent tours be next to ship. Sheila was there, with paper with our names in red (as stated) to greet us. She's such a nice young lady. We were told to meet at 7:30 a.m. and we were there. We had to wait more than 30 minutes for the other group of people to show up so that wasted 1/2 hour of our time.

We had to walk out of the dock area through a little flamingo area so it was fun to see those. Then through the obligatory gift shop (a beautiful one for sure) to our waiting transportation. We had 8 people I think, plus Marelvy and Sheila and driver too. It was very crowded, I had to get on the seat and scoot my butt over the seat and then carefully put my feet down in between the other persons feet (her foot, my foot, etc). Some people might not be fit enough to do this. It was hard not to step on toes and people were literally knee to knee. The van was barely cool and it was a hot day. In other words we were pretty much stuffed in. My seat leaned back and was not comfortable. I was just glad this was a short 4 hour tour. I don't think I could have made it all day in there.

That all being said, discomfort for a spoiled American, the rest was stunning. There is not a prettier city than Cartagena. Just when we pulled into port it took my breath away. When you see the city from the top it is spectacular.

We did all the typical things inside the wall. Walked around a bit and Marelvy explained everything to us and answered all our questions.

Our main goal was to see the small Gold Museum which is why we took this tour and had requested that. The Museum was wonderful. We walked some city streets, had a little time for shopping, saw neighborhoods, parks, views. A very good taste of the city. It is a place you could stay for a month as just a tourist to discover. I think our tour touched all necessary sights in the limited time we had.

So great guide, driver, sights. My only caution would be if you have handicapped or disabled this would be hard for you to get in and out of the van. Definitely worth the price and I'd go again.

Oh yes, can't forget this. Marelvy answered my e-mails with lightening speed, being responsive and I really appreciated that. She's a super nice lady. read less

Very good personal tour We booked the tour with several others from our cruise critic roll call. Having a van for our 14... read moreWe booked the tour with several others from our cruise critic roll call. Having a van for our 14 person group allowed us to go on streets where the big ship excursion buses couldn't go. It also allowed us to get to Popa faster than most other groups so we had some quiet time in the chapel. We appreciated the details we got along the way. Although we switched tour guides mid-way, we didn't miss out on anything. read less

Amazing Marelvy in Cartagena! My friend and I were on a Panama Canal cruise. We only had a 5-hour stop in Cartagena, Columbia.... read moreMy friend and I were on a Panama Canal cruise. We only had a 5-hour stop in Cartagena, Columbia. Marelvy Peña-Hall made every moment of that visit a treasured memory. She is extremely well-informed and totally tuned-in to the history and culture of the city and it’s people. Her tour was an enthralling crash course in the political and cultural history of Cartagena. Both of us wished we could have spent more time with Marelvy. She is absolutely delightful! Her van was comfortable and her driver was extremely cordial and considerate. So if you are searching for the perfect way to spend a few hours (or days) in Cartagena and want to learn how much it has to offer, you should search no further — Marelvy Peña-Hall is your answer! read less

Fantastic day in Cartagena I honestly cannot speak highly enough of our tour with Marelvy. We were a little apprehensive about our shore... read moreI honestly cannot speak highly enough of our tour with Marelvy. We were a little apprehensive about our shore excursion in Cartagena but were instantly put at ease when we met her at the docks and were welcomed with a warm hug.

Marelvy looked after us as if we were members of her own family. We visited La Popa, then stopped at some souvenir shops and for pictures at San Felipe fortress. We then went on a walking tour to see the beautiful old city and then stopped for lunch before returning to the cruise ship. Marelvy kept the tour at a pace that suited everyone and was a wealth of information. Her english is perfect and she has a great sense of humour. At the end of the tour she even gave us all a gift of a print of a painting by her husband, which was lovely.

We never felt unsafe the whole time we were there and really felt we had left a friend behind when we said goodbye to Marelvy. read less

Great overview of Cartegna Four of us were picked up at the cruise port by staff and escorted to the small, air conditioned van.... read moreFour of us were picked up at the cruise port by staff and escorted to the small, air conditioned van. We were in port with a lot of other ships and on New Year's Eve so it was very crowded. Marelvy was able to flex the order of sights and we beat the crowds to La Popa and were leaving as it got jam packed. We had a wonderful walking tour of the incredibly beautiful old town. Marelvy shared lots of information, kept close track of everyone in the crowds and gave us free time in the plaza to try some local foods and look around on our own. She answered questions and got us back with a little time to spare to our ship. This could have been a hard day with the holiday crowds but Marelvy delivered the tour and minimized the impact of the crowds. Would recommend her for sure. read less

An excellent tour of Cartagena with Marelvy! Deciding to settle in Cartagena for a few days we realised we know nothing about it, so decided to have... read moreDeciding to settle in Cartagena for a few days we realised we know nothing about it, so decided to have a walking tour with Marelvy. What a great decision this was - we loved every minute. Marelvy met us right on time outside our hotel and we spent a wonderful few hours visiting the many highlights and hidden secrets of old Cartagena.

We started with the old theatre where Marelvy gave us good background of the history, settlement and culture of the old city...she has a great ability to bring her city alive and she is rightfully proud of this beautiful place.

We visited several fascinating churches, squares and museums along the way, including an excellent photo exhibition of recent historical events in Colombia. We looked into many courtyards, houses and other buildings en route and gained new insight into how the old walls protected the buildings. Marelvy showed us the best streetscapes and beautiful houses and tailored the tour to our particular interests of history and architecture.

The time seemed to fly by and we were sorry to part from this delightful lady who brought wonderful Cartagena alive for us. Over the following days, we explored many of the places Marelvy had shown us. I would thoroughly recommend Marelvy's tour - it is magic! read less

Marelvy Pena-Hall What a wonderful guide. We took two tours with Marelvy. One was a walking tour of the old... read moreWhat a wonderful guide. We took two tours with Marelvy. One was a walking tour of the old city; the second was a combination auto-walking tour of Cartagena. Both were terrific. Marelvy's charm and easygoing personality made for lovely excursions. Her knowledge of the history of Cartagena, as well as a thorough knowledge of relevant literature, was impressive. She made the pirates come to life for us! I highly recommend Marelvy to show you her beautiful city. read less

Great tour with MareIvy As others have said, MareIvy is a wonderful tour guide for Cartagena. We were in town on a cruise... read moreAs others have said, MareIvy is a wonderful tour guide for Cartagena. We were in town on a cruise and none of ship's excursions included the La Popa site in their city tours which is why I booked with MareIvy. We had the added pleasure of her 18 yr old daughter's company for part of the tour. She too has a wealth of knowledge about her home town. read less

The best tour in Cartagena On November 7th, my wife, 2 friends and I took the city tour with Sylvia. She was very nice and... read moreOn November 7th, my wife, 2 friends and I took the city tour with Sylvia. She was very nice and informative. We came in by cruise she and pre-booked this tour 6 months in advance. Finding Sylvia at first on the dock pier was stressful. She was late by 15 minutes. NOTE: be very careful who you ask or go with on tours. Their are numerous carnival hawkers, aka aggressive vendors coming at you from all directions wanting you to go with them. Once we finally found Sylvia, we had here verify our parties name to us first. The tour is done by private van and she took us to the church on top the mountain which over looks the entire city. Then we went to the old fort. After that was a tour of the old city. Again, there is not much else to do in this port if you are in by cruise ship for the day. I would recommend the tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall and Sylvia. Only complaint is no refreshments on the tour, so make sure you bring some bottle water with you! read less

Best tour guide in Cartagena! I was lucky enough to get a personal tour with Marelvy and it was fantastic. I didn't know Cartagena well... read moreI was lucky enough to get a personal tour with Marelvy and it was fantastic. I didn't know Cartagena well and she took me around and gave me the rich history of everything, from La Popa hill and convent to the stunning architecture inside the walled city. For someone who doesn't know Spanish, it was a godsend to find someone with such perfect English. I highly recommend her if this is your first trip to Cartagena. You won't be disappointed! read less

Two Thumbs Up!! Only way to tour Cartagena!

We were in Cartagena for 6 days and couldn't book our tour with Marelvy... read moreOnly way to tour Cartagena!

We were in Cartagena for 6 days and couldn't book our tour with Marelvy until day 4. So I would recommend booking early with her!! So we toured the city on our own for the first few days plus we went to beaches in playa blanco. Our 1/2 day tour with Marelvy was the most productive part of the trip. She took us not to just the tourist places but the local areas too. Plus shared tons of colombian history.

Personally, I love private tour guides in cities, where they can cater to your needs and take to places off the beaten path. We were so blessed to have Marelvy as she recommended amazing resturants, record shops, boats rides back to playa blanco ( for 1/2 the cost we paid when booking our tickets on our own).



Hands down the best way to see all of Cartegena!! read less

Marelvy Made It Magical We greeted her as many did with a warm hug at the end of our cruise dock. We had a... read moreWe greeted her as many did with a warm hug at the end of our cruise dock. We had a delightful tour as described below, but what was so fantastic about her tour is that we felt like we were just exploring the old city in a spontaneous way, poking our heads into shops and inns, as well as learning about the big sights. It felt so unrushed and serendipitous, and Cartegena is so beautiful and magical, especially with the Christmas decorations we saw.

She was so special, especially with our two hungry teenagers. We sampled street fare (to keep them satisfied) and wandered through a quiet street with local vendors (to keep me satisfied!) She steered us toward the shops we never would have found, and opened doors to some wonderful tranquil courtyards and inns we would have passed by without seeing!

We are definitely returning here. It blew all of my preconceived notions about Colombia away.....don't miss the city, and don't miss Marelvy! read less

Highlight of Vacation This was the highlight of our vacation. Marelvy was booked and scheduled us with a partner of hers, Katty, for... read moreThis was the highlight of our vacation. Marelvy was booked and scheduled us with a partner of hers, Katty, for a private guided tour of Cartagena. Wow, this was fantastic. We were on a Panama Canal cruise and Cartagena was not the reason for our vacation. Instead of being an “extra” it was the highlight of our vacation. Katty was wonderful, smart and knew exactly how to adjust to our personal pace. She picked us up at the dock, welcomed us with open arms and we were on our way. Marelvy and her daughter were also there to say hello and make sure we had everything we needed. This was fantastic customer service and exactly what to expect from a private tour guide.

We visited La Popa, San Felipe, Getsemani, Bocagrande, and the Old City. As to be expected from private tours, Katty made adjustments per our request and we had a full day. I will review each venue separately, but Marelvy and Katty definitely get a huge thumbs up from me. In the Old City, we were interested in Emerald shopping, trying local foods and seeing churches. As if custom designed, Katty checked each box perfectly and without feeling rushed. Considering we had not planned to visit Cartagena, originally, we now are eager to go back for a longer stay.

My only suggestion is to offer clients the option to get a nicer car. For a fee, obviously. Katty’s car was too small and the AC did not work well. Besides that, all was fantastic! And, she provided a wonderful surprise at the end. THANK YOU! read less

Book it, especially if on a cruise! Excellent information during the booking process. We were met punctually off the ship by MarelIvy, a delightful, informative lady who... read moreExcellent information during the booking process. We were met punctually off the ship by MarelIvy, a delightful, informative lady who gave us a good insight into living in Cartagena and its architecture. Her enthusiasm for the city and what she does is infectious, and the time flew by! It's a great trip so don't hesitate to book. read less

Cartagena tapas tour Lucky us! We got a great tour. ..only 2 of us and Jordi's sister, Ana , and Jordi who... read moreLucky us! We got a great tour. ..only 2 of us and Jordi's sister, Ana , and Jordi who treated us to a history / tapas tour.

We went to 4 tapas spots drank beer and lemonade with Spanish Jambon and omelette followed by local wine from hundred year old vines with fried cheese topped with red pepper jelly then Russian salad topped with anchovie (yum) ...and to top it off we were allowed to sport a conquistador helmet and brandish a for real Spanish sword whilst drinking award winning coffee dessert!

Great tour great day...thank you Ana and Jordi from the Canadian cruisers. read less

Excellent! Marelvy is a wonderful tour guide. So knowledgeable and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Would highly recommend it.

The... read moreMarelvy is a wonderful tour guide. So knowledgeable and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Would highly recommend it.

The tour was exactly as promised and far exceeded our expectations. read less

Wonderful day! My wife and I, along with 3 other couples, set up a 4 1/2 hour tour of Cartagena with Marelvy... read moreMy wife and I, along with 3 other couples, set up a 4 1/2 hour tour of Cartagena with Marelvy for January 4, 2015. She was very responsive to our e-mails while arranging this tour which was very helpful since we were forming our group through the Cruise Critic Roll Call board. Everything worked as planned. We were met at the specified time and location and escorted to a clean, well maintained and air-conditioned van. The driver was a seasoned local who knew how to squeeze through the tightest of spots. Marelvy and her charming daughter Sheila, both of whom are very knowledgeable, were on hand to answer any questions during our tour, which was very flexible according to the interests of our group. This flexibility, the small size of our group, and the good weather made for a wonderful day!



The fact that we able to pay, in US dollars, at the end of the tour was very convenient for the eight of us.

Cartagena is a beautiful city and I highly recommend Marelvy as the tour guide to choose in order to explore all that it has to offer. read less

One of our favorite cities and guides in all our travels! My husband and I sailed on the Celebrity Equinox in March. When we first booked the cruise I wasn't... read moreMy husband and I sailed on the Celebrity Equinox in March. When we first booked the cruise I wasn't enthusiastic about Cartagena at all. Colombia is not found on many garden-variety Caribbean itineraries, and information about Cartagena was not easy to find on Cruise Critic. Once I looked at Trip Advisor I started getting a little bit more excited. I found several reputable guides and sent inquiries. I heard back from Marelvy Pena-Hall almost immediately, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I ended up communicating with Marelvy for over a year and booked two separate tours with her. I shared both tours on my Cruise Critic Roll Call, and they were very well received. We ended up with 21 people on a Sunday evening tour, and more than 40 in several groups on a customized Monday Tour. I can’t recommend Marelvy highly enough! She was very easy to work with and provided one of the best experiences we have ever had in a port.

I'm not sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant, clean, and beautiful city I found. My husband and I both thought Cartagena bore a lot of resemblance to the French Quarter of New Orleans. The main difference was that Cartagena was absolutely immaculate.

Marelvy's attention to detail was impressive. From a celebratory toast with local wine on the ancient city walls in the evening, to the local dance troupe secured to entertain us, to the excellent choice of local restaurant, everything went flawlessly and everyone enjoyed their tour, even those who explored with Marelvy's associates.

One of the highlights of the two days for me was our walking tour of Getsemani, an eclectic, authentic area of the old city that isn't overrun with tourists. I had asked early in the planning stages to include such a stop, and the request wasn't a problem at all.

I highly recommend Marelvy Pena-Hall when you visit Cartagena. She is professional, entertaining, and responsible. I can't imagine a better Cartagena experience! read less

Good experience Knowledgable. Good English. Warm and friendly.

We did the 4 hour tour of the fortress, monestaries, and... read moreKnowledgable. Good English. Warm and friendly.

We did the 4 hour tour of the fortress, monestaries, and the old city. $195 included private car from our hotel, entrance fees and explanations.

She is from Cartagena but spent time in the USA and France. I think her favorite subject in school must have been history as she tells it with excitement. read less

Cartagena Columbia This was a new destination for us and of course we were very excited to dimiss some of the myths... read moreThis was a new destination for us and of course we were very excited to dimiss some of the myths that are associated with Columbia. Once known as the drug capital of the world a day experience and tour with Marelvy shows what Cartagena has to offer. She is so very efficient, professional informative, courteous and generous. Our day started at the cruise terminal with a very efficient pickup we met Marelvy early in the morning as she had a jam packed day planned for us. The weather was bright sunny and very warm even by local standards we saw some amazing sights, sampled local food and drink. Marelvy is the go to tour guide in Cartegena her services are the best. Thank you Marelvy for showing us what a beautiful city you have and we will no doubt return someday. read less

See Cartagena with Marelvy Love our tour with Marelvy ! We cruised into Cartagena for just a few hours. Marelvyreally make sure... read moreLove our tour with Marelvy ! We cruised into Cartagena for just a few hours. Marelvyreally make sure we hit the high points..la pompa was closed much to our disappointment and through no fault of hers, but we saw the old city and had a wonderful walking tour. Make sure you have good shoes on. The sights and smells was absolutely gorgeous. The city was not what I was expecting you enjoyed every minute of it. Marelvy gave us a poster made from a painting her husband had painted. See Cartagena with Marelvy! You won't be disappointed. read less

Cartagena highlights with Marelvy What more can I add to the positive reviews for Marelvy Pena-Hall than what is already said about her? I... read moreWhat more can I add to the positive reviews for Marelvy Pena-Hall than what is already said about her? I arranged a tour of Cartagena city highlights with Marelvy prior to our Panama Canal cruise with a stop in Cartagena after reading the rave reviews on Tripadvisor.com.

Marelvy is a very well educated and friendly guide knowledgeable with lots of history and information on Cartagena. We only had a very limited sightseeing time allowed by the cruise ship. Marelvy did not disappoint and was able to sqeeze lots of highlights and information into a few hours with much enthusiasm. We were very impressed with her tour and would recommend her highly. read less

A great day with a knowledable friendly guide Thanks Marelvy for a great day (1st APRIL) in Cartagena old city, which we loved and your knowledge brought the... read moreThanks Marelvy for a great day (1st APRIL) in Cartagena old city, which we loved and your knowledge brought the old city alive. THANK YOU for a great day to remember. Catriona & Andy read less

Marelvy "A perfect Cartegena tour guide" Marelvy met our group of 10 at the cruise dock early and with a great air conditioned van.

We enjoyed a... read moreMarelvy met our group of 10 at the cruise dock early and with a great air conditioned van.

We enjoyed a very special day touring and learning about the history of Cartagena. Her love of her country was evident thru all her knowledge and wonderful personality. We were all so glad we had this terrific tour guide to introduce us to Cartagena. We all left only hoping to return again. read less

excellent private tour opened our eyes The tour was excellent. We came to understand how the Od City functioned in its heyday, how it entered... read moreThe tour was excellent. We came to understand how the Od City functioned in its heyday, how it entered into decay in the 20th century, and how it came to be treasured, restored, and rejuvenated as a tourist mecca in the last couple of decades. We learned of the different neighborhoods and how the city was built to defend primarily against pirates. It was chilling to imagine the arrival of slaves through the main gates.

Marelvy described what a terrible state of decay the city was in prior to the 1990's and showed us an unrestored building so we could get some feel for what it would have been like. And we heard stories of people of vision who valued the dilapidated Old City and were the first to invest in its restoration.

Marelvy showed us shopping opportunities we likely would not have found without her assistance. She got us into historical buildings through her connections that we would have been unable to enter let alone appreciate without her guidance. Marelvy got us a good spot to watch an authentic local dance troupe in one of the main squares.

Marelvy speaks English very well and I had no trouble understanding her. My wife and I ended up feeling very happy that we had made this investment toward our appreciation of Cartagena.

Marelvy was very generous with her time. We booked on short notice over the phone and then through email. Marelvy said we were lucky she wasn't busy. Booking well in advance is advisable. read less

Lovely informative tour - excellent guide We had a lovely morning with Marelvy. There was group of us from the cruise ship - we all had... read moreWe had a lovely morning with Marelvy. There was group of us from the cruise ship - we all had booked privately. We were able to see both the old and new city of Cartagena and visit some very interesting places. Whilst it was very hot Marelvy kept our busy with all the interesting facts and she was good at finding places with shade at just the right time.

We were not rushed at all and even had time to look at some shops. (be prepared to barter for the goods)

Would highly recommend. We also witnessed for the first time a circular halo around the sun! read less

Highpoints of Cartagena- Just what we needed My family and I had an awesome tour of Cartagena through the great service by MareIvy. We were on the... read moreMy family and I had an awesome tour of Cartagena through the great service by MareIvy. We were on the Pullmantur-Monarch Cruise making a port of call at Cartagena and wanted a tour on our own time rather than book with the ship excursion which used big buses.

I contacted MareIvy via email and our tour was set up a few days in advance. We were greeted by Katty at the port, who from the beginning was a breath of fresh air and had us excited for the tour. She gave us some history on the way to La Popa, which I enjoyed thoroughly, the view from la Popa is breathtaking. Then we went to Old shoes monument (one of my favourite pics of my whole cruise vacation was took there), Fortress of San Felipe, drove through some of the neighbors, walked the Old City, and stopped for a little shopping. Katty even took us to this little cafe when we told her we were hungry which had the best emapanadas and arepas in the Old city. Tours by MareIvy was very professional and Katty was such an excellent tour guide. I totally recommend them for a day in Cartagena. read less

An excellent cruise excursion. Marelvy was a wonderful tour guide. She was polite, knowledgeable, and spoke good English. The itinerary provided excellent coverage of... read moreMarelvy was a wonderful tour guide. She was polite, knowledgeable, and spoke good English. The itinerary provided excellent coverage of Cartegena within the allotted time available. The tour arrangement with Marelvy was easily made via email. Marelvy met us with a van as we disembarked from the cruise ship and returned us to the ship as well. The van and the small tour group made the excursion enjoyable, flexible, and intimate.. read less

Fabulous! If you book one tour book with Marelvy Based on other Trip Advisor reviews I reached out to Marelvy to check the feasibility of a private tour when... read moreBased on other Trip Advisor reviews I reached out to Marelvy to check the feasibility of a private tour when our cruise ship was in port. I detailed our interests...off the beaten path walk about. And am I glad I did. Her response provide explicit details and a map of where to meet up once our ship docked. We were met by her associate who walked us to the meeting place. And there was Marelvy who greeted us with the warmest of hugs. And we were off. First up was a stop at the Fortress of San Felipe and a brief history. On to La Popa Monastery and a view of Cartagena. We then wandered the back streets of the Old walled city away from the tourists

and admired the fabulous street art. Through the Plaza Bolivar and a view of St Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral.

All the while Marelvy was enchanting us with information, answering our questions and gently guiding us about. Next thing I knew our time was up and back to the dock with time to spare before our ship sailed. You cannot go wrong. Highly recommend a tour with this lovely lady. Next time? Cartagena at night. I think it would be magical. read less

Wonderful My second visit to Cartagena while on a cruise ship and Marelvy's tour was by far superior to the first... read moreMy second visit to Cartagena while on a cruise ship and Marelvy's tour was by far superior to the first tour and port visit. Her knowledge of the city and history was just so informative. Her excellent manner of blending humor and history brought you back in time and you felt like you were really there living it all. Our tour took us to La Popa, the gold museum, a brief stop at the Fortress, a little shopping time, a photography exhibit and of course an Old City tour. It was just such a relaxful and enjoyable tour we didn't want the day to end. A wonderful tour! read less

Wonderful and imformative tour! My husband and I took MareIvy's tour while in port on a 15 day cruise. She is very knowlegdable... read moreMy husband and I took MareIvy's tour while in port on a 15 day cruise. She is very knowlegdable and took us to places that give a good idea of what Cartagena is about. I would like to go back one day and explore more of her lovely city. If you are going to Cartagena on a cruise ship, skip the ship tour and take MareIvy's! read less

A tour with our new found friend Marelvy We arrived on a Princess Cruise Nov. 15. Since we were the only ship in port that day, we... read moreWe arrived on a Princess Cruise Nov. 15. Since we were the only ship in port that day, we received a wonderful, personal tour. What other reviewers say is true, don't look any further for your tour guide. Marelvy does a great job of showing you her city. She lets you move slowly & enjoy the atmosphere. Ship tours spend their time getting people off and on the bus. The rest of the time goes to rounding up lost souls. Since our time in port was short, this was the only way to go.

I would recommend Marelvy for her friendly personality & knowledge of the city. We truly enjoyed our adventure in Catagena. read less

"Awesome guide and city... Just returned from Panama Cruise January 2015 with last stop in Cartagena. We had arranged a old city tour with... read moreJust returned from Panama Cruise January 2015 with last stop in Cartagena. We had arranged a old city tour with Marelvy online with recommendations on Tripadvisor. All our expectations were surpassed with the informative narrative about the history, culture, people and architecture from Marelvy. Her pleasant and warm personality made us feel like family. Our arrival time in Cartagena was much earlier than planned the very morning we arrived. We had concern that we would miss her, but her daughter Sheila was there at the pier to greet us. Our nice air conditioned minivan took us places in the old city that the big tour buses would not have fit. I highly recommend Marelvy as tour guide in this beautiful historic city. Thank you, again...... read less