TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA

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

Charming, Knowledgable and Fun Besides We spent three days with Marelvy in Cartagena and found her delightful. She is adaptable and intuitive always making... read moreWe spent three days with Marelvy in Cartagena and found her delightful. She is adaptable and intuitive always making sure that you get the information you need but not giving way more than you want (a fault we often find with tour guides). She has a nice easy manner which provides flow to the day consistent with the city. Her ability to put all Columbian events into a global historical context is a pleasure and gives real value added. We can not recommend her highly enough and are thankful to have found her. read less

Fantastic Walking Tour of the Old City of Cartagena I highly recommend Marelvy's walking tour of old Cartagena! My husband, adult son and I have just returned from a... read moreI highly recommend Marelvy's walking tour of old Cartagena! My husband, adult son and I have just returned from a week in Cartagena and one of the highlights of this trip was our tour with Marelvy. Her historical and political knowledge is astounding and yet it is all presented in a very down to earth manner. My husband and I had lived in Colombia 25 years ago and we had a lot of questions about the positive changes we saw throughout the country- Marelvy was so patient about answering all of these questions. She also gave us very practical advice about where to eat, where to get the best juice, the best coffee etc. I can't say enough positive things about our experience with her and should we return to Cartagena we will definitely contact her again! thank you Marelvy for making our trip to Cartagena so memorable! read less

The best tour on our trip We took a tour with two other guests, the price worked out cheaper than the ship’s tour which had about... read moreWe took a tour with two other guests, the price worked out cheaper than the ship’s tour which had about 40 in each group!

An excellent tour from start to finish. Loved walking through the narrow streets. Lots of variety in what we saw. Marelvy was a great guide. Highly recommended. read less

Trip with parents We contacted Marelvy, who emailed us promptly with tour information they were there to pick us up and she is... read moreWe contacted Marelvy, who emailed us promptly with tour information they were there to pick us up and she is an amazing tour guide. The places she took us to and the explanation of the history was amazing. Do not miss the excursion. She was prompt reasonable, informative and very flexible with older parents. I am a travel agent from Calgary and would recommend to all my clients, please make sure to email her and take her tour. She even gave us a gift after the tour, . When we go back I will be contacting her again read less

Informative, personal and fun tour Marelvy is so personable that we felt very comfortable with our surroundings, and learnt a great deal about the society,... read moreMarelvy is so personable that we felt very comfortable with our surroundings, and learnt a great deal about the society, language, history and customs of Cartagena. It was as easy as having coffee with a good friend. read less

Excellent guide We had booked a private tour which was just excellent. Marelvy know what she is talking about. We learned and... read moreWe had booked a private tour which was just excellent. Marelvy know what she is talking about. We learned and enjoyed it a lot. read less

Very knowledgable and terrific English We took a group to Cartagena and were lucky to have Marly guide us through the walled city. she... read moreWe took a group to Cartagena and were lucky to have Marly guide us through the walled city. she was very knowledgable and patient with all of our questions. The streets of the walled city are narrow so she used headsets so that everyone could hear her--it was a great idea. read less

Best Tour of Our Cruise She was terrifically flexible, cheerful and knowledgeable. You could not ask for more! Book her if you want... read moreShe was terrifically flexible, cheerful and knowledgeable. You could not ask for more! Book her if you want to see Cartegena's Old Town, El Popa (Jesuit monastery with incredible views), and other places. She is very, very good. read less

Perfect Marelvy was everything we wanted and more. Arrives on time - charges very reasonable price. She is a fluent in... read moreMarelvy was everything we wanted and more. Arrives on time - charges very reasonable price. She is a fluent in English, has a complete and total knowledge of all things Cartagena and is also great fun to be with. She is obviously passionate about her home town and this enthusiasm made us want to experience everything and more. We are here on a long term basis and Marelvy easily rose to the challenge of helping us with all the things needed to set us up for our stay. We strongly recommend her to you. Great tour guide - really great lady! read less

Absolutely Fabulous Time Visited Cartagena for an overnight stop during our Celebrity cruise in March. Contacted Marelvy months prior and through a... read moreVisited Cartagena for an overnight stop during our Celebrity cruise in March. Contacted Marelvy months prior and through a series of emails we arranged a night tour and a day tour with her for our group. Everyone had a great time and had nothing but good things to say about Marelvy and the tour she provided. She is a great ambassador of this very beautiful city. We learned so much of the history and saw everything we had hoped to, including an awesome night time performance from a local dance group. Some of us even joined in the dance fun. Truly a cool experience. I can not recommend Marelvy enough. You will not be disappointed with her, her stories or the sites of Cartagena. Many in our group, including me and my wife, would very much love to return to this beautiful city and see even more with her. Thanks Marelvy for one of the best tour/experiences we've ever had. Hope to see you again. Gary 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

Walking with a friend We were met off our HAL cruise as arranged, and taken to meet Marelvy aboard the small air conditioned coach.... read moreWe were met off our HAL cruise as arranged, and taken to meet Marelvy aboard the small air conditioned coach. Immediately there was a rapport with her, Marelvy is warm and friendly , she made us all feel very welcome. The tour was comprehensive yet we never felt rushed or under pressure to be somewhere. At one point we stopped at some shops, but for those who weren't interested Marelvy gave directions to a beautiful little square. The rest of the time was spent strolling through Cartagena, looking at the gorgeous flower filled streets, beautiful buildings, and for those curious enough, sampling local food. I'd read many reports about safety and how dangerous Cartagena is, yet at no time did we feel in danger, I've felt more uneasy in some European countries! All too soon one of the best private tours I've experienced was over. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. 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

Outstanding tour guide at a very reasonable price Marelvy is so knowledgeable about Cartagena. My husband and I booked a tour of Cartagena with her instead of... read moreMarelvy is so knowledgeable about Cartagena. My husband and I booked a tour of Cartagena with her instead of taking the cruise ship tour excursion. Boy, are we glad we did. A lovely, intelligent lady with an interesting background. Hint: ask her how she met her husband! We learned a great deal about the city that she so loves in a very brief time. I cannot praise her enough. read less

Marelvy is a Tour Guide in Love with Cartegena My wife and I were also on the customized tour that MIGomes arranged for a Cruise Critic group on the... read moreMy wife and I were also on the customized tour that MIGomes arranged for a Cruise Critic group on the Celebrity Equinox (thanks again Barbara). Hers is a perfect brief description of our tour. I would like to add that what really made this tour perfect was the timing. Yes, it was 6 hours but because it started at 3:00pm we had the advantage of seeing La Popa in the afternoon for the most spectacular view, from all directions, of the city below. When we started our leisurely walk through the old city it was dusk and that added to the beauty of it and then after nightfall we were entertained by the dance troupe in a most picturesque square. Throughout our tour, Marelvy wove stories together of both the historical and modern day Cartagena. Her love of the city and its people was apparent from beginning to end. It is a truly beautiful and safe jewel of a city. We hope to return...sooner rather than later. Thanks again, Marelvy. read less

A Brief But Thoroughly Satisfactory Visit in Cartagena Thanks to a cruise mate who had arranged a tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall in advance through tripadvisor.com, my wife and... read moreThanks to a cruise mate who had arranged a tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall in advance through tripadvisor.com, my wife and I enjoyed about five hours in both of Cartagena's new and old cities. The experience was most pleasurable, thanks in large part to Marelvy's observations and comments, in flawless English, about Cartagena and Colombia. read less

Excellent Tour in Cartagena We chose “Tour in Cartagena with Marelvy” based on a recommendation on Cruise Critic and after reading reviews on Trip... read moreWe chose “Tour in Cartagena with Marelvy” based on a recommendation on Cruise Critic and after reading reviews on Trip Advisor. We contacted her by e-mail to arrange a tour from our cruise ship and she quickly responded, answering all of our questions, so we booked our tour. During the months after booking, we kept up an e-mail correspondence and she was always prompt to respond to any e-mails that I sent. As promised, she was waiting for us at the foot of the gangway as soon as the ship docked. In all, there were 10 of us from the ship on the tour. We chose the “Highpoints of the City” tour which included visits to La Popa, and the Fortress of San Felipe, and a walk around the Old City. She also took us to a shopping area for souvenirs and offered assistance with bartering with some of the shopkeepers. We felt completely safe during our tour – her driver was a lovely lady who was amazing at navigating the crazy traffic of the city! Marelvy speaks impeccable English and is passionate and knowledgeable about her city and country. Her style is very relaxed and conversational, so it is like touring with a friend. She has a wonderful sense of humour and our group shared lots of laughs along the way! At the end of the tour, she presented each couple with a print of a painting which her husband had done for the Bicentennial of the independence of Cartagena de Indias, which is a wonderful souvenir of our visit and tour! We left with a favourable impression of Columbia and hope to return someday soon and do more touring with Marelvy. We would highly recommend booking a tour with Marelvy to anyone travelling to Cartagena! read less

Beautiful Cartagena with Marelvy Found Marelvy's name on Tripadvisor and nervously booked the city tour (well this was to see a city in... read moreFound Marelvy's name on Tripadvisor and nervously booked the city tour (well this was to see a city in Columbia with a stranger!). It turned out to be the best tour of the cruise for my sister and me. Marelvy made sure we saw the most important and impressive areas of Cartagena. La Popa offers wonderful views of the city and the convent has an interesting history. When we arrived at the old part of the city there was a little time to shop or wander off which we did (it feels completely safe). We bought hot food from a street vendor (with help from Marelvy) as well as coconut water...delicious! Had a guided walk through the old city with its beautiful architecture. The whole tour was well paced and relaxed. Marelvy is delightful, funny, extremely informative and she got us back to the ship in good time. I highly recommend her as a guide. 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

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

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

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

A Wonderful Set of Tours; A+ Marelvy was so helpful in working with us leading up to our vacation to finalize our itinerary. And then during... read moreMarelvy was so helpful in working with us leading up to our vacation to finalize our itinerary. And then during our wonderful week in Cartagena she was very attentive to us to ensure we were connecting to our daily guides. We did a tour of Cartagena (van then walking) that was perfect for our first day. Next day was a high quality boat trip to Islas Rosarios. The following day was a very fun and educational tour of mangroves, along with a class in local music percussion and dancing. Afterward was a great local meal in a beachside cabana. I HIGHLY recommend her business and would certainly go with her on our next visit. She came recommended by word of mouth, I'm so grateful; Marelyv's tours were the highlights of our vacation. read less

Great Intro to a beautiful city Marelvy was the perfect host to introduce us to the beauty and history of Cartagena. She was intune to our... read moreMarelvy was the perfect host to introduce us to the beauty and history of Cartagena. She was intune to our interest in art, and the literature of GG Marquez and did a wonderful job of sprinkling many aspects of her tour with stories and facts related to these topics. She was a delight to spend time with and we finished the afternoon feeling like we were well poised to continue in more depth on our own. I would highly recommend Marelvy for anyone! 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

Touring with MareIvy Pena-Hall We (4 adults) recently toured Cartagena with MareIvy. Sheila (daughter) met us just off the dock and took us out... read moreWe (4 adults) recently toured Cartagena with MareIvy. Sheila (daughter) met us just off the dock and took us out to the tour van.Both women speak very clear English, have lots of knowledge and are eager to share. MareIvy is flexible. There was a group of 8 in total. MareIvy was responsive to our questions and requests. We went to get Columbian coffee on warm day. Cartagena is a beautiful city with an interesting past - even on a warm, humid day. Do contact MareIvy if you want to be part of a small tour in the city. She is well worth the money - and was less than the cruise ship excursion. She offers other tours of different lengths, but we were confined by the ship's schedule so chose a city tour that was about 5 hours long. read less

Great Guide Marelvy was a wonderful guide for our cruise group in Cartagena. We were met at the pier just as promised.... read moreMarelvy was a wonderful guide for our cruise group in Cartagena. We were met at the pier just as promised. We toured in a lovely, 17 passenger van. Our group of twelve was convenient, as it was so much quicker than the large tours from the cruise line. We learned so much about the city, saw all the must-see spots and did it all in comfort. Cartagena is very hot, so I was glad I chose this tour over a hop on, hop off bus. We learned more and did not bake in the heat all day. Marelvy also walked my husband and I to a coffee shop during our free time. Absolutely the best coffee in Columbia. Awesome baked goods, too. read less

An Evening in Cartagena In Cartagena, Columbia, SA, I arranged for a private tour for our group of 27 people with Marelvy Pena-Hall. We... read moreIn Cartagena, Columbia, SA, I arranged for a private tour for our group of 27 people with Marelvy Pena-Hall. We were on a Celebrity cruise with an overnight stay in Cartegena. Most cruise excursions begin early in the morning but because we were over night in Cartagena I arranged for an evening tour. We met Marelvy’s daughter on the dock at 3:30 PM. Our group was very comfortably accommodated in two mini buses. Each bus could hold 20 people so having 2 buses allowed us more than comfortable transportation. Marelvy was the tour guide on one bus and her very capable side kick named Katty was the tour guide on the second bus. Both Marelvy and Katty pointed out the historic sights of the city as we drove along. Our first stop was La Popa (the highest hill in Cartagena) with its 360 degree views of the city. While there we toured the Convento de la Popa. Next stop was the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. If we had a younger group we would have walked up to the top of the fort. However, walking to the top of the fort did not interest anyone in our group of retirees. We then ventured into the old walled city. Leaving our buses behind we walked to the park that had a statue of Simon Bolivar. While there Marelvy arranged for a street dancing troupe to dance for our group. The troupe entertained our group with 5 or 6 very energetic dances. Marelvy has all the good contacts. We again boarded our buses for a short ride to our pre-arranged restaurant for dinner. Marelvy’s recommendation was a restaurant called La Cucina de Cartagena. Another excellent recommendation! Our group truly enjoyed the dining experience. After dinner we were driven back to the cruise pier where we rejoined our ship. Marelvy’s evening tour was a huge success and everyone of our group agreed that this Cartagena tour was the highlight of our cruise. read less

Fantastic Tour with Marelvy This tour was everything we expected and MORE. Marelvy is not only a lovely person, but she is extremely... read moreThis tour was everything we expected and MORE. Marelvy is not only a lovely person, but she is extremely knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful feel for beautiful Cartegena. This was one of our favorite excursions on our Panama Canal Cruise. We booked it independently after looking at her website and I'm so glad we did. It was fantastic. Rather than describe our visit, I recommend you look at her website for details about the tour - it was just as described - tourincartagena.com read less

excellent tour of the city highlights on a short visit A group booked a tour with Marelvy for several hours in an afternoon. She is very easy to contact... read moreA group booked a tour with Marelvy for several hours in an afternoon. She is very easy to contact via e-mail with prompt replies and attention to detail. This warm lady planned a wonderful afternoon to enjoy the views, learn about the people of the area, the of the highlights its history and visit the historic sights. Old town was a favorite of mine with interesting people and sights. As a group we decided that seeing the town was more important to us than shopping. Great place for photography. Beautiful beaches.

Overall a great day!!! 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

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 Must Do List!!! We utilized the fabulous reviews provided by TripAdvisor customers to select Touring Cartagena with Marelvy. The reviews were 100%... read moreWe utilized the fabulous reviews provided by TripAdvisor customers to select Touring Cartagena with Marelvy. The reviews were 100% correct. She is an amazing person with incredible knowledge of Cartagena and its long history. Our vacation began with a private walking tour of the Walled City to provide the history, architecture, recommendations for dining, shopping, and dancing (great fun) for the rest of your vacation. We also ventured to the emerald museum and ending with a drive La Popa for an amazing view of the city. We would not have enjoyed Cartagena as much as we did on vacation without the knowledge Marelvy provided. She also booked our trip to the mud bath at Totumo Volcano which was also an adventure....another must do while in Cartagena. Thanks Marelvy!!! read less

The best in Cartagena Thanks Mareivy, we had a great time in Cartagena. She is knowledge and she told us a lot about Cartagena,... read moreThanks Mareivy, we had a great time in Cartagena. She is knowledge and she told us a lot about Cartagena, its history and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. She also bought us to a very nice local restaurant.

Also, thanks for her poster, a great painting drawn by her husband. We found the poster posted in other restaurants and we then realized her husband is a famous painter. It is the best souvenir I've got innColumbia. read less

Great program in Cartagena with Marelvy Our group of 34 people had a wonderful program in Cartagena. We were on the Celebrity Equinox and we... read moreOur group of 34 people had a wonderful program in Cartagena. We were on the Celebrity Equinox and we arranged for a specific cultural program including, folk dance and music performance, tour of the Old City, typical lunch and crafts shopping. Marelvy is fluent in English and has a vast knowledge of her city, its history and culture. She works hard at tailoring a program just right for you and she has a very nice and outgoing personality. You will love her. read less

City tour in Cartagena The tour guide, Katty, was very personable and knowledgeable. She was able to answer easily the many questions we... read moreThe tour guide, Katty, was very personable and knowledgeable. She was able to answer easily the many questions we had for her. We learned a great deal from her about the history of the old and new Cartagena. It was very interesting to learn about the various areas of the city, the buildings and homes in each, and the people and culture. We recommend highly the City Tour of Marelvy. 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

Outstanding tour in Cartagena There is a reason Marelvy Pena-Hall is the top rated tour guide in Cartagena: she is outstanding. I... read moreThere is a reason Marelvy Pena-Hall is the top rated tour guide in Cartagena: she is outstanding. I booked a tour with Marelvy, and posted it on a cruise website in order to get others to join us. Join they did and we ended up with 45 people wanting to do this tour. Marelvy was fantastic in organizing everything. We had three vans and two additional tour guides, Katty and Sylvia. For the most part, we toured separately, but the feedback from the participants was positive, regardless of the van they were in. All guides were knowledgeable and spoke perfect English. My husband had back surgery three weeks prior to the cruise, and Marelvy was very considerate in making sure he was comfortable by keeping him informed of how far we were walking and where he could sit and rest. These breaks were seamless to the rest of the group. At the end of the tour, every couple was presented with a souvenir poster which was painted by her husband. I would not hesitate to recommend Marelvy if you are visiting Cartagena. In a country of brilliant emeralds, Marelvy is the best gem that Cartagena has to offer. read less

Outstanding tour of Cartagena with Marelvy Pena-Hall A wonderful experience...great tour, outstanding tour guide. Based on glowing reviews from TripAdvisor, I contacted Marelvy by email and... read moreA wonderful experience...great tour, outstanding tour guide. Based on glowing reviews from TripAdvisor, I contacted Marelvy by email and easily set up a tour of the city while our ship was docked in Cartagena. My wife and I met Marelvy and her driver at the dock as promised and off we went in an air conditioned minivan. The itinerary she set up was perfect in accommodating our short time in port and some minor mobility problems.. Even though our time was short, we covered a great many of the city highlights and never felt rushed at any time. It was wonderful walking through town with her as she talked about the history of the city. Because of Marelvy, we came away with a very good appreciation of Cartagena's history, culture and people. An enthusiastic thumbs up on Touring Cartagena with Marelvy Pena-Hall. 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

Wonderful tour! We visited Cartagena in early June, 2017 and had Marelvy as our tour guide. We asked her to combine two... read moreWe visited Cartagena in early June, 2017 and had Marelvy as our tour guide. We asked her to combine two tours so we could maximize our time. She was absolutely wonderful, very knowledgeable, funny, witty and full of incredible stories. She gave us a very personal view of her own city and her undivided attention. I would highly recommend Marelvy to any one traveling to Cartagena! 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

MareIvy tour in Cartegena On a Panama Canal cruise, our stop in Cartegena provided many tour options. We rely heavily on cruise board... read moreOn a Panama Canal cruise, our stop in Cartegena provided many tour options. We rely heavily on cruise board reviews as well as TripAdvisor to help choose non-cruise sponsored tours.

A wonderful way to experience our first visit to South America..Cartegena is a richly historical city and Mare Ivy was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and intuitive to needs of the group. Highly recommend! read less

Faboulous tour of Cartagena Marelvy Pena-Hall is a national treasure! She is extremely knowlegable, welcoming, interesting, and fun! I took a van-tour... read moreMarelvy Pena-Hall is a national treasure! She is extremely knowlegable, welcoming, interesting, and fun! I took a van-tour with her in February (my mother had mobility issues). It was like being with a very interesting old friend! She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Colombia's history and culture. I highly recommend taking a tour with her! read less

Cartagena "A-la-Carte!" Best Way to Go Two years ago, we greatly enjoyed a small group tour with TripAdvisor-recommended Marelvy Pena. This time we were driven around... read moreTwo years ago, we greatly enjoyed a small group tour with TripAdvisor-recommended Marelvy Pena. This time we were driven around town by her young colleague Katty, a charming and competent, bilingual guide.

We started off up the hill at La Popa, where Cartagena, old and new, is spread out before you: an amazing view.

Then we dropped down to circle the huge and ancient fort San Felipe, from which the Spanish forces successfully warded off invading Brits in the 1700s. Not far from there is the home of Colombia’s 4-term president in the late 1800s, Rafael Nunez. It’s a charming, tranquil Caribbean-style building off the usual tourist beat.

Katty knew where to take us in the old city to buy linen guayabera shirts and blouses. We ambled along old streets to end up at an air-conditioned restaurant where the locals eat: the 3-course “Executive Lunch” was an economical and tasty introduction to Cartagena cuisine.

More expensive than a typical group tour, of course, but going private means freedom to do whatever the spirit moves you to do. read less

Excellent day with Marelvy We really enjoyed our day with Marelvy. She is an excellent guide.

The only issue we had was that we... read moreWe really enjoyed our day with Marelvy. She is an excellent guide.

The only issue we had was that we were told not to take the ship's shuttle and we would be met and escorted to her van. While not an issue for us, it is quite a walk (pretty) to the meeting point and for those with mobility issues, I think they would have been better off in the shuttle. (this is why it gets 4* instead of 5*)

Other than that our day was fabulous. Marelvy did a great job of avoiding the big tours. We had a short time in this lovely port and she made sure that we maximized our time without rushing us at any point.

A beautiful city, surprising and enchanting.

Great day! read less

Exceptional, informative, enlightening portrait of an ancient, yet vibrant metropolis - Cartagena. I was truly fortunate having delved into Tripadvisor before visiting Cartagena. I was more fortunate to have discovered the fascinating... read moreI was truly fortunate having delved into Tripadvisor before visiting Cartagena. I was more fortunate to have discovered the fascinating "Marelvy" Although she was highly recommended I never expected to fall in love with a culture as quickly as I did. She brought the sights, the sounds, and the colors alive with her factual and often humorous tales of lively Colombian characters- political and religious. Marelvy's knowledge of past, present and future Colombia is incredible. She made you feel as if you were part of the country's history. The architecture, the stoned-walled city, the Spanish speaking remarkable people have made a lasting impression on me. Because of Marelvy's passion, her pride for her country and her story telling abilities I will someday return to the charm of old Cartagena. I encourage you to visit her website and become absorbed in the information she has to offer. An incredible lady with an infectious "joi de vivre". She deserves a 5+++. 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

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

Excellent tour guide and so much more! I was in Cartagena last September, and booked a tour with MareIvy. What I got was a Cartagenan family... read moreI was in Cartagena last September, and booked a tour with MareIvy. What I got was a Cartagenan family experience that will stay with me the rest of my life. First, MareIvy is a solid professional who was able to answer my ample and complex questions about her amazing city. She is fluent in many languages, she is patient, flexible and will adjust to whatever your interests are. You will not be disappointed with her guiding skills and knowledge. As others have noted however, you will get much more than simply a tour with MareIvy.

For example, I expressed interest in learning more about the history of emeralds, so we visited a factory and did a bit of shopping. Also, I am a dancer, and said that I wanted to take some salsa lessons. Her daughter is a professional dancer, starring in a daily show about traditional dance customs in Colombia. They arranged for me to watch the show, and then her daughter organized private salsa lessons for me with one of the performers.

I was traveling alone, and at the show I met the rest of her family. They kindly adopted me, and I had the great fortune to get to spend some time with a lovely, warm, interesting group of folks while I was in the city. Booking the tour with MareIvy was the smartest decision I made, because in addition to the history I learned, I had one of those amazing travel experiences that impact your life. MareIvey is simply one of those people who want to share her city (and in my very lucky case, her family) with foreigners to make sure they fall in love with Cartagena. read less

Exceptional tour!!! There were 4 of us off the Azamara Journey. We were fortunate enough to have Marelvy as our guide.... read moreThere were 4 of us off the Azamara Journey. We were fortunate enough to have Marelvy as our guide. She was truly exceptional. She knew everything there was to know about the city of Cartagena and the country of Columbia; and presented the information in an easy thorough manner. We spent quite a bit of the time on a walking tour of the old city soaking up its amazing history. Marelvy made us feel comfortable and right at home. She is a wonderful human being. read less

A walking tour of Cartagena Marelvy is an elegant, sophisticated, knowledgeable and well spoked (English and Spanish) woman. She gave my husband and I,... read moreMarelvy is an elegant, sophisticated, knowledgeable and well spoked (English and Spanish) woman. She gave my husband and I, and our two friends, a wonderful customized walking tour of the old city of Cartagena. She listens carefully to what her clients are interested in and then delivers perfectly. She was equally adept at covering the history of Cartagena and Columbia as she was reporting on the current state of affairs and new things to do in town. She even made herself available after our tour via email in case we had questions! Marelvy set us up for a great experience in Cartagena and followed up to make sure we were having a great time! read less

Excellent tour in Cartagena We were so fortunate to have Marelvy as our tour guide in Cartagena, she really made the day special. ... read moreWe were so fortunate to have Marelvy as our tour guide in Cartagena, she really made the day special. She was very easy to communicate with by email in advance, suggesting an excellent tour for our time available in Cartagena. She was there waiting as we got off the ship, we were a group of six and the minivan was perfect for us, with air conditioning and an exceptional driver. Marelvy is a wealth of information on culture, history and current issues. She was attentive to the interests of the group and even gave us the opportunity to shop for fabric. We were returned to the cruise ship with perfect timing and we felt as though we were leaving new-found friends in Marelvy and her driver. Highly recommend without any reservations at all. She is the best. read less

Walking thru the districts in the wall city of Cartegena The walking tour is a great way to learn your way around the old city of Cartegena. Marelvy Pena-Hall... read moreThe walking tour is a great way to learn your way around the old city of Cartegena. Marelvy Pena-Hall tours could not have been better at responding to my inquiries and arranging a tour that met our needs. Eyster was our tour quide and provided a 3 hour tour of the city - she was a native of Cartagena, very knowledgeable, very friendly and spoke fluent English. We would have like just a bit more about the history of the city. read less

Great Tour with Marelvy We booked this tour when we were going on a Panama Canal cruise in November 2014. Marelvy responded quickly... read moreWe booked this tour when we were going on a Panama Canal cruise in November 2014. Marelvy responded quickly to all my emails and gave me all the information we needed to meet up with her. Two other couples joined us from our ship as I had posted on the roll call about this tour. Marelvy is very passionate about her city and it showed through. She took us to all the "highlight" areas and I especially loved La Popa and the old city. She was very informative, relaxed and friendly (she greeted us with a hug). I would recommend going with a tour because the city is very busy and hard to get around. We had an air conditioned van which was very welcome because of the high temperatures. Marelvy made the tour very personal and we felt like "old friends" by the end. She gave us tips on dealing with the street vendors (there were more here than any place I've been and all selling the same things) and advice about the best stores for particular items and what would be the best dessert from the local bakery, etc Paying with US cash at the end was a bonus.It was a great tour! I highly recommend Marelvy! 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

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

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

Excellent tour, person and city We rarely, if ever, go on guided tours of the cities we visit but we read such great things about... read moreWe rarely, if ever, go on guided tours of the cities we visit but we read such great things about Marelvy that we decided to try the City tour she offers. We were not disappointed. This 2.5 hour walking tour of Cartagena was an excellent way to become situated with the city, learn its history, culture and also interact with Marelvy who is a wonderful person. She also does these walking tours in the late afternoon, when the heat is diminishing, which is very accommodating.

We really enjoyed this highly personal, private tour and would definitely advise others visiting Cartagena to get a tour from Marelvy! read less

Excellent Tour MareIvy and her daughter did a wonderful job showing us the best sites in Caratagena. Their genuine love and pride... read moreMareIvy and her daughter did a wonderful job showing us the best sites in Caratagena. Their genuine love and pride for their town shows in the personal connections they make with each of their clients. We were thrilled to have spent a day with them, and not only did we see so much more than the cruise ship excursions, but we also saw better sites in an intimate very small group setting, which enabled to personalize our tour to our likings. Thank you for a wonderful visit, and thank you for the beautiful commerative poster from your husband. Book with MareIvy and you will see Cartagena like no other. read less

Day Excursion with MareIvy Pena Our day tour of Cartagena, Columbia with MareIvy Pena was wonderful. From the planning, MareIvy immediately responded to my emails... read moreOur day tour of Cartagena, Columbia with MareIvy Pena was wonderful. From the planning, MareIvy immediately responded to my emails with answers to all my questions. We were on a Celebrity Cruise with a port visit in Cartegena. MareIvy met us right on the dock with a big warm smile and the rest of the day just got better. Everything previously written I confirm. Additionally, she addressed personal requests and our entire group of 12 were thrilled with the individual and group attention we received from MareIvy. I highly recommend her services! read less

Marelvy Pena-hall is wonderful Did this tour from our cruise ship we were only in the Port for 5 hours by doing this tour... read moreDid this tour from our cruise ship we were only in the Port for 5 hours by doing this tour with Marelvy we saw a lot of the things. Had time in the town centre to have Columbia coffee which was very good, she is a delight to be with loves her country and the poster we got was just wonderful i also would highly recommend this tour. read less

The very best way to experience this city Marelvy and her daughter provided a tailored, fascinating, and highly varied look at Cartegena in just a little over a... read moreMarelvy and her daughter provided a tailored, fascinating, and highly varied look at Cartegena in just a little over a half day. Her historical knowledge sets her apart, and she adapted the itinerary to our artistic interests, showing us street sculptures and a gold museum as well as the expected forts, churches, gardens, and shopping stops. The tour started at La Popa, a historical and religious site with sweeping city views. We visited two lovely churches, strolled through a city neighborhood with marvelous shops, cafes, artwork, and cheerful vendors. We saw tropical birds near the pier at the end of our tour, a nice "extra". There were six of us, two with some mobility issues, and we all were well served and delighted by the experience. read less

Great tour by MareIvy We were recently visited Cartagena with the Coral Princess.

I made arrangements online with MareIvy for a general overview tour of... read moreWe were recently visited Cartagena with the Coral Princess.

I made arrangements online with MareIvy for a general overview tour of the city.

It was great--we started at La Popa that has great views and an interesting history. Then on for a quick stop of the fort to hear about the history--but we did not go into the fort. Based on a past visit, you really need two hours or more to see everything there. We then did a walking tour of the old walled city and a brief shopping stop a Pierino Gallo (sp?). Feedback from the other 8 couples on this tour said that this was one of the best of the cruise.

MareIvy has excellent command of English with almost no accent. Very knowledgeable of her city and its history. Highly recommended.

There were 3 ships in port the day we were there. Our table mates at dinner who used ship's excursions, said their tour guides (they were all on 3 different tours) had poor command of the English language and very heavy accents which made it very difficult to understand on the poor speaker system on their bus.

People seem to be concerned about safety--I saw no reason to be concerned. Unlike a past visit in the mid-90s, there were no "federales" standing around through out the city with AK-47s. I didn't think the vendors were overly aggressive either--but perhaps with the 3 ships in port, the tourists significantly outnumbered the vendors. read less

Cartegena highlights Earlier this month I booked a tour of Cartegena through Marelvy Peña-Hall. Since she was already going to be... read moreEarlier this month I booked a tour of Cartegena through Marelvy Peña-Hall. Since she was already going to be leading another tour she scheduled her colleague Ben Torres to our group of 17. Ben was an incredible, charming and knowledgeable tour guide and historian, and our driver was skilled, friendly and took great care of us.

Cartegena is a charming jewel of a city! Ben took us to the highlights of this stunning place including La Popa and several other stops including the old walled city.

Ben is an incredibly passionate historian with a deep knowledge and love for his country which was contagious. I love Colombia and I hope I can return someday.

Thank you to Ben and company for a wonderful day,

I highly recommend booking your Cartegena tour through this company. read less

Small Group Experience As the owner of a boutique tour company, we travel all over the world and experience dozens of guides on... read moreAs the owner of a boutique tour company, we travel all over the world and experience dozens of guides on a single tour. Marelvy is in the 1% club, the type of guide that is everything you want from a guide. Knowledgeable, warm, enthusiastic and tireless in her effort to make it a great tour. We started communication almost 12 months out as with most tours, she always responded quickly and with suggestions and guidance where needed. We had 25 with us on this visit and she made an impression with everyone over the course of the 4 hour tour. If you are visiting Cartagena whether with a group or just a couple, have no worries, you will be in great hand! read less

No Better Way To Experience Cartagena in a Short Time 02 DEC 16. Ship arrived at 7a.m. Departed at 2 p.m. It is difficult to believe we saw so much... read more02 DEC 16. Ship arrived at 7a.m. Departed at 2 p.m. It is difficult to believe we saw so much and was told so much of Cartagena by someone who made it seem that we were just visiting about interesting things and taking in the high-lights while on leisurely walks and van rides.

We were greeted promptly at the appointed place and time. There were 4 of us. Somehow always we were ahead of the 50 passenger tour busses or arriving right after the busses cleared the parking lots. We never felt hurried. There was always time for another question. Never a rush to beat the next mob of 50 chasing an umbrella.

We said we were not shoppers, so we got no shopping stops and more time and details of statutes, churches, gardens, plazas, food, etc.

The amount of time for touring and cost depends on how long your ship is in port, how much time you want to tour and the number of people in the tour. I think Marelvy said she limits the group size to 16 or fewer. She had no problem with us being a group of 4.

What makes this tour 5 stars is Marelvy.

The ship had a shuttle from the gangway to the end of the pier. For the less mobile, the shuttle is valuable. However, some of the tours not associated with the ship's excursion offerings may have greeters on the pier close to the ship. Look for your greeter before using the shuttle. read less

Highpoints of the City Tour We booked the Highpoints of the City Tour in Cartagena with Marelvy through Tour in Cartagena. We were met... read moreWe booked the Highpoints of the City Tour in Cartagena with Marelvy through Tour in Cartagena. We were met at the pier and directed to a van for the four in my group. Our tour guide was Alex Rocha. He was absolutely wonderful. We visited La Popa, Fortress of San Felipe, drove through some of the neighbors, walked the Old City, and stopped for a little shopping. We had a great day with a great guide. I would highly recommend booking with them. read less

Great tour! On a Monday morning outside our apartment building, Marelvy greeted me and my two girlfriends with warm hugs, immediately setting... read moreOn a Monday morning outside our apartment building, Marelvy greeted me and my two girlfriends with warm hugs, immediately setting the tone of our delightful tour of Cartagena. Marlevy's commentary and tips were delivered in an educational, conversational format. She responded to our off-the-cuff questions and was genuinely curious about us and our travels. It was a wonderful private tour in a nicely air-conditioned van. I highly recommend! read less

The best of the best Marelvy is a professional indeed. Intelligent, vey well educated, she showed us many interesting places and gave us precious information... read moreMarelvy is a professional indeed. Intelligent, vey well educated, she showed us many interesting places and gave us precious information about the city and its surroundings. We spent a very good day with her! And on top of it she was very helpful in organizing for us activities for next days. read less

Believe it - she is fabulous! I can't say enough about MareIvy. She gives a great tour; her English is outstanding; her knowledge is broad;... read moreI can't say enough about MareIvy. She gives a great tour; her English is outstanding; her knowledge is broad; the van is nicely air conditioned; she responds promptly to emails and keeps in touch; she's got a great sense of humor and is very friendly. We all got a poster designed by her husband at the end of the tour; ours is out being framed as I write this. read less

Awesome tour Arrived by cruise ship, island princess. 12 were in our group. Lovely air conditioned van. Great driver. Marelvy was just... read moreArrived by cruise ship, island princess. 12 were in our group. Lovely air conditioned van. Great driver. Marelvy was just amazing. Great English, very knowledgeable about history, explained every site we visited. Would definitely recommend this tour. Very personalized experience with an awesome kind person. read less

Best Guide in Cartagena. Dear Marelvy, There are barely words to tell you how much we enjoyed our time with you and seeing... read moreDear Marelvy, There are barely words to tell you how much we enjoyed our time with you and seeing Cartagena through your eyes. Being with you was like being with an old friend, and we fell in love with Cartagena because of you and your magnificent way of expressing the history, culture, and life of this wonderful city. We thank you for the gifts of your husband's poster, which we will always treasure. We would so like to meet him someday and see more of his work. He is greatly talented. In the meantime, thank you again for a most wonderful day, and we so hope we meet again.

Affectionately,

Keith and Brian 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