TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA

Historic colonial city tour and Gabriel García Márquez We had two exciting tours conducted by Marelvy Peña-Hall. She was knowledgeable, personable and engaging. We visited highlights of... read moreWe had two exciting tours conducted by Marelvy Peña-Hall. She was knowledgeable, personable and engaging. We visited highlights of the old walled city with excellent historic and architectural commentary by Marelvy. The Route of García Márquez en Cartagena tour was outstanding. Marelvy is an expert on the life and literary works of Márquez. She vividly described his fictional characters in novels set in places in Cartegena, and also showed us significant venues in the life of Márquez, including his house. Marelvy was warm, charming and vivacious -muy simpática!

Madeline and Jeff Brown

Canada read less

Amazing Day with Marelvy Last October, we spent the most grand day touring Cartagena with this articulate & charming woman. Not only does... read moreLast October, we spent the most grand day touring Cartagena with this articulate & charming woman. Not only does she know the city but she makes you love it. Marelvy shared stories & histories yet never bored us. I urge anyone to connect with her to enjoy this city & her wonderful hugs. 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

Tour with the best Cartegena Guide MareIvy is the best in Cartegena! She loves her job and Cartegena, and it shows in her tours. ... read moreMareIvy is the best in Cartegena! She loves her job and Cartegena, and it shows in her tours. We were on a cruise ship with very limited time in Cartegena, and she did a wonderful job in introducing us to the City in four hours.

Besides her great personality and knowledge, one of the things you will get from her tour that you will not get off of one of the cruise ship arranged tours is a visit to La Popa which is a an ancient Catholic religious site that is still active today. At the summit of La Popa one can take in a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the entire city and its environs. From this wonderful location MareIvy gives you an overview of her City and then takes you to various important sites.

One of the highlights was walking through old town with her and getting a feel of the culture and people.

You will come away from a MareIvy tour feeling blessed to have spent a few hours being educated and with a new understanding of Cartegena. 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

to good to belive or was it On October 30 we visited Cartagena Columbia, originally we had reserved the standard trip offered by Royal Caribbean. We where... read moreOn October 30 we visited Cartagena Columbia, originally we had reserved the standard trip offered by Royal Caribbean. We where informed by them a few weeks after that this particular tour was no longer offered. We then started to look on Tripadviser to see if the was anything available.

We came across “Tour in Cartagena with Marelvy Pena-Hall”. Reading the reviews we saw noting but 5 stars, we have traveled before to many parts of the world and are very sceptical of perfect reviews. I personally jump over them and go to the lesser one and see what people have to complain about. I used Tripadviser to contact Marelvy Pena-Hall directly to try and arrange a tour.

We got a quick response and were very please at the possibility of customising a tour to what interest us the most. After a few e-mail we booked her services for a half day. As agreed a pond she meet us at the gang way of the ship. We soon found out that the person with whom we had been exchanging e-mails with was a very gracious host. We had the luxury of a private vehicle that was clean and very comfortable. The head rest from the passenger seat had even been removed so that Marelvy could look at us face to face when explaining the different areas of the city and tour. The driver was also very polite and knows the city inside out, we did not waist or time in traffic jams.

Being a very experienced guide Marelvy took us to the most popular tourist spot first, this avoided the crowds from the tour buss that where arriving as we where departing. Being the type of people that are not into buying all the standard souvenir such as tee shirts and hats we had asked no to be taken to any such place. We did drive pass a building that was full of vendor but Marelvy explained to us the historical significance of this building but we did not stop and walk trough the wall of vendor, that was greatly appreciated and proved to us that she had listen to what we had said and in fact was giving us the tour we wanted.

We where very impressed with her knowledge of Cartagena and all of Columbia. There was not a question she did not answer to our full satisfaction. The nice thing is that since Marelvy had taken the time to find out our interest she also did not overload us with so much that everything became a burr.

I had also expressed my desire to maybe purchase a set of cuff links with Columbian emeralds. In the tour of the old town she pointed out a couple of jewellery store that maybe of interest to me. There was nothing that caught my eye and I could see Marelvy access my tastes. On the way back to the ship we stopped at a jewellery store that she said may have what I was looking for, she was right. I can tell you one thing unlike the stores recommended by the cruise line Marelvy was not on the take and she did not care if I bought or not just that I was happy with my visit.

What can I say more, this is a class operation and yes the 5 starts are all real….. I am a believer read less

Cartagena City Highlights Marelvy was not able to accompany us but set us up with an associate or friend, Katty Sarmiento.

The tour was... read moreMarelvy was not able to accompany us but set us up with an associate or friend, Katty Sarmiento.

The tour was 4 hours.

We visited a lot of places and covered a lot of ground: beautiful architectural homes in La Manga and Pie de La Popa, Convento de la Popa, "Old Boots" Park, Castillo de San Felipe, Boca Grande and ended with a walking tour of the Walled City.

All phenomenal sights and recommended, perhaps skip BocaGrande ( the Miami Beach of Cartagena).

Katy's command of english, city's history and other fun facts was outstanding. She was a delightful and sweet woman , who never seemed to get tired! She was also very accommodating and agree to a few changes we requested.

Overall very happy with the tour and highly recommend. 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

Just one of the best tours - We loved Esther We had private booked a tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall Cartagena Tours whom we found on Trip Advisor. She arranged... read moreWe had private booked a tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall Cartagena Tours whom we found on Trip Advisor. She arranged to have six of us guided by her associate Esther.

As soon as we disembarked, the tour company had signs with our names and escorted us through the port entrance. Talk about your port entrance! It had a large outside pen with tons of peacocks, pink flamingos and black swans. We then wound our way through the gift shop, to enter into another tropical park with toucans and more peacocks.

At the exit, we met Esther and the other five folks on our tour. We got into a nice air conditioned van driven by Fregas, an independent hired by Esther's group. Traffic was horrible throughout the CIty, but Fregas handled it perfectly.

We first drove to the fort in the middle of the City. Esther explained about the fort and why the Spaniards built it (to fight off the French pirates). As we would come to expect later on the trip, we were hoarded tenaciously by vendors selling hats, trinkets, sodas, silver, etc. They were very persistent and annoying, but if you ignored them they soon went away. We took photographs then left and headed up the hill to the highest point in Cartagena - a restored monastery on top of a mountain overlooking the entire City. The views were spectacular although it was a little hazy from the humidity. We saw all of the new skyscrapers. - mostly hotels - built after the past president offered an incentive to revitalize the area. At the time before the incentive, the unemployment rate was over 40 percent. After the basically 30 year tax incentive to hotels, numerous companies came and constructed huge and beautiful buildings. Esther said now the unemployment rate is 8 percent.

Afterwards, we drove down the mountain to the old town section of Cartagena. A quaint area that reminded us a lot of the layout of the towns in Spain and Italy. We stopped at a local restaurant and had Epenanas for lunch. Bill was nice enough to treat us all. We then drove down by the fortress wall that surrounded the old town section and that had been built way back when to hoard off invaders.

We then drove a little more and stopped to walk around the old town. Esther was very informative about the various buildings and culture of Cartagena. She would point out styles of buildings, types of buildings and their uses, the government buildings and the various monuments scattered throughout this section. The group decided to stop for some gelato at a cute little ice cream shop, and they all enjoyed home made ice cream on old fashioned waffle cones.

We continued to walk through old town and stopped at a local jeweler who sold emeralds. Everyone looked but no one buyed. However the shop owner was very friendly and gave us all cold water bottles. We eventually found our way down to some old-time sailing vessels where we met Fregas and headed back to the ship.

We met Marelvy at the beginning and ending of the tour and she is a wonderful lady. She had already booked another group before we found her on Trip Advisor, but she hooked us up with Esther....I couldn't say more about Esther. Wonderful lady and guide.

Definitely go for this excursion if you are visiting this beautiful city. What a surprise! read less

Marelvy is a great ambassador for Cartagena, Colombia We took a tour with Marelvy in January, during a one day stop at the cruise port. She was... read moreWe took a tour with Marelvy in January, during a one day stop at the cruise port. She was waiting for us on the pier as we came off the ship and very cheerfully led us through a detailed and entertaining tour of the old and new city of Cartagena de Indias. Marelvy was a french teacher and learned English for her new career, and her English is impeccable. She is a very talented and personable tour guide and we highly recommend a tour with her. She covered a lot of history and areas of the city and kept everyone entertained. My only recommendation would be for her to have bottled water in a cooler in the bus for visitors, and/or a light snack, or to let visitors know to bring that with you. It was very hot and humid in Cartagena and although some of us brought water, it would be a nice for those that didn't. The tour lasted almost 5 hours. The bus was modern and air-conditioned and dropped us off and picked us up very conveniently. One of our group was using a walker and some parts of the old city made it difficult for her but other than there, she was able to join us for the rest of the tour. We stopped for a short time to shop but it wasn't long enough to really shop, about a half hour. The sites, especially La Popa, were great for photos, and she gave us lots of background info to go along with them. A beautiful city and a great tour guide! read less

Private day tour around Cartagena - Group of 6 We had a great time in Cartagena on our tour with Marelvy

She is really a great guide that puts everything... read moreWe had a great time in Cartagena on our tour with Marelvy

She is really a great guide that puts everything into a job she really loves.

We wanted to adapt the tour to our rythm, preferences etc and she got the idea right away. There is no doubt about her great knowledge of the history and all kind of places. And you can right away see how people greet her at every single corner. The car and the driver were perfect as well

Highly recommended read less

Great Port Day in Cartagena We were a small, self-formed group from a cruise ship in town for one day, and we were delighted with... read moreWe were a small, self-formed group from a cruise ship in town for one day, and we were delighted with Marelvy Pena Hall's tour. From being greeted with a big hug, to riding in a comfortable mini-bus, to the variety of stops and activities, everything was perfect. We spent just the right amount of time at the fort and the monastery, before heading to the old town for a nice walk through the city. We stopped at three museums, though one is really an emerald store posing as a museum, and each was interesting and informative. Upon our departure, Marelvy gave us each a commemorative poster of the city, which had been designed by her husband. We loved Cartagena, and hope to return one day soon. 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

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

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

Higlight of our Cruise We traveled to Cartagena on a cruise and I had contacted Marelvy about a tour. We were a self formed... read moreWe traveled to Cartagena on a cruise and I had contacted Marelvy about a tour. We were a self formed small group of 12 and the tour started with friendly greetings and hugs- I knew it would be great! Her plan to visit La Popa first, before the crowds, gave us plenty of time to view Cartagena from its highest point and also saved us the need to climb the Fortress of San Felipe for the view. The itinerary also included a walk along the sea wall, various sights in the Old Walled City including the main Plaza, historic buildings, quaint alleyways and ending with shopping.

Truly a memorable experience- Gracias Marelvy!

Her personality, kind nature and vast knowledge of HER Cartagena gave us an amazing view of the old and new City. Everywhere we went, she greeted people and was greeted by people- which to he she is well respected in this City. read less

Fantastic Cartagena Experience! My husband and I had a wonderful 4 hour+ tour with Marelvy. We felt an immediate connection with her.... read moreMy husband and I had a wonderful 4 hour+ tour with Marelvy. We felt an immediate connection with her. She gave us a fascinating overview of Cartagena's history, architecture and culture peppered with anecdotes. Her warmth and great, friendly manner added to our special day with her. It was a great learning experience and she gave us a great feel for this beautiful city. She was highly recommended by friends and now we will do the same! 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

Marvelous Marelvy Many guides promise to show you Cartagena, and most of them include the obvious spots --La Popa, the Old Town,... read moreMany guides promise to show you Cartagena, and most of them include the obvious spots --La Popa, the Old Town, the port, the fort, etc. But it's rare to find a guide who combines extensive knowledge with unbridled enthusiasm for her city and her work. Marelvy is a former ballerina whose grace is both physical and psychological. She reads her clients well and adjusts what might be a standard tour into something focused and personal. She brings a rich store of history to the sites she visits, and one comes away with a greater understanding of the city and the country. Recommended without reservation (but DO make reservations with her well in advance). read less

Great guide that shows you the true culture of the city! We did a walking tour through the old city of Cartagena with Marelvy and she was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed... read moreWe did a walking tour through the old city of Cartagena with Marelvy and she was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through this beautiful city and learning about the history and current events. This was like no other walking tour I have experienced; Marelvy took us to different areas of Cartagena we may have not ventured into on our own. She is very knowledgeable of the city and the culture.

Marelvy met us at our hotel located near city center and off we went. We walked through the city center and headed to Getsemani. There we watched the locals play bingo and have a game of rag ball. There were a ton of festivities going on since it was a Sunday afternoon. We looped back through and headed up through San Diego. Marelvy shared a lot of valuable information on this tour that I definitely wouldn’t be able to read in any books. She’s also incredibly friendly and just fun to talk too and get to know! We enjoyed walking through this wonderful city for around 3.5hrs with a great guide! I’d highly suggest taking a tour with Marelvy as you’ll get a different perspective on Cartagena history then and now.

I also scheduled our trip to the mud volcano through Marelvy and she handled scheduling our pick up time and trip to the volcano. I highly suggest booking this tour as well as the walking tour! What a great country! read less

Great day with Catty our guide. We booked this tour in advance for our family of 4 to get a good feel for the city of... read moreWe booked this tour in advance for our family of 4 to get a good feel for the city of Cartagena. The tour was a solid 4+ hours and we did the afternoon option starting at 2 pm. It is a mixture of both walking and driving in an a/c van. Our guide Catty was very informative and we really enjoyed learning about the history of the this city. You drive around to see the various neighborhoods as well as a trip up to La Pulpo with an amazing view of all of Cartagena. The only reason we gave a 4 instead of a 5 is for the price. It's on the expensive side for what you get--might be able to find it cheaper but if you want to guarantee an organized, well informative tour this is your place. read less

Amazing tour by a true professional I contacted MareIvy about organizing a tour during a stop in Cartagena on a cruise. She responded promptly to... read moreI contacted MareIvy about organizing a tour during a stop in Cartagena on a cruise. She responded promptly to each email and always answered questions clearly. The tour she provided was the Highlights tour and it was definitely a big hit. MareIvy went above and beyond in providing a quality tour that adapted to the needs of the tour group. We were met at the port exactly as we had been directed to. The bus was comfortable and nicely air conditioned. The driver was excellent and I felt relaxed during the drive. Cartagena is a beautiful city with a rich history. I could not have chosen a better way to explore the area. Thanks to MareIvy I hope to return to Cartagena again one day, and when I do I will again contact her. 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

City Highlights tour Rather than take a less personal cruise sponsored tour, we joined 10 others for an excellent and informative city highlights... read moreRather than take a less personal cruise sponsored tour, we joined 10 others for an excellent and informative city highlights tour of Cartagena with Marelvy Tours. What others have said about this tour and Marelvy are postively true! Marelvy was an engaging,friendly and knowledgeable guide, delivering exactly what was proposed in very understandable English. I'm sure being married to an American artist has helped her English fluency. We were met at the gangway and taken around the city in an air conditioned van and then for a most interesting walking tour of the old city core, including a tour of a pre-Columbian gold museum. Customized stops were welcomed which the flexibility a private tour allows. Knowing we wanted to take advantage of the lower price offered for 10+ group, Marelvy kept in constant touch with us via email, informing us when the required number was reached to get the lower fee which was very competitive with the cruise sponsored tour. In response to our request, Marelvy also made sure we stopped at a local coffee vendor to get the best prices for Colombian coffee even though she does not drink the beverage. What also distinguished this tour from the larger cruise tour was a visit to the La Popa former convent for an impressive panarama view of the city and tour of this special religious institution. There was also a photo op there with a sloth. Marelvy also gave us a welcoming gift to take home which was a lovely poster print by her husband commemorating Cartagena's independence bicentennial. A memorable touch indeed! 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

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

Great and Highly Recommended Guide Marelvy was a fantastic guide. I was traveling solo thru Colombia and booked her for a tour to gain an... read moreMarelvy was a fantastic guide. I was traveling solo thru Colombia and booked her for a tour to gain an overview of Cartagena. It was an engaging few hours wandering thru Cartagena gaining an overview of the history both past and current of Cartagena.

She also arranged for the mangrove tour on my behalf and went above and beyond providing me with contact information on transportation for my Mompos trip.

She is extremely knowledgeable of the history of Cartagena. read less

An inside look at Cartagena We had such a nice time with Marelvy. My wife and I booked an afternoon old city tour with... read moreWe had such a nice time with Marelvy. My wife and I booked an afternoon old city tour with Marelvy. She was waiting at our hotel lobby right on time. She even brought us a thoughtful gift.

We had a wonderful time walking all over the city, learning about Cartagena's history. It seems like she knows just about everyone, random people greeting her as we walk by. It's obvious she enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. We talked about everything - history, daily life, politics, family.

At one point we stopped for some fresh coconut, which she bought for us. Just what we needed on a hot humid day. After talking about emeralds, we asked her for a reputable jeweler and she brought us to someone she knows. However before going in, she gave us advice on negotiating and pricing.

It was sad to say goodbye, and she really made Cartagena more than just a tourist destination for us. Definitely recommend a tour with her to gain a richer experience in Cartagena. read less

Ben Torres - Numero Uno Tour Guide for Cartagena Not a criticism as we were able to find her, but it would be more helpful if the tour company... read moreNot a criticism as we were able to find her, but it would be more helpful if the tour company could have a large sign so they stand out more on the dock as there are lots of tours being picked up at the same time. We were a group of 10 and we ordered a private tour which was well worth it. From the minute we met, Ben was very friendly and we quickly were able to joke around with him. The tour was organized in advance but because there were 4 ships in port that day, he reorganized the stops to avoid the mass of tourists arriving at the same time to the same destination which was a huge benefit for us. The stops were great (traveller's FYI if you take pictures of the ladies in costume at the fort you must pay them $1 which I didn't realize when I took her picture). Loved old town and we had the opportunity to sneak a peak in Donde Fedel for a quick salsa which really was a highlight for us as we all belong to a dance studio. Another FYI is there is lots of the same merchandise for sale by the streets vendors so if you can't get the price you want to pay keep looking. Ben was very knowledgeable and answered our questions easily. Unfortunately we were only in town for the day so there is so much more we would like to explore. We felt completely safe and in fact, Ben put such a good spin on the tour and the City that if the opportunity arises, we would most definitely go back to Cartagena which I would not say about the some of other stops on our cruise. read less

Great lady and great city tour From the moment she greeted us, Marelvy Pena-Hall was gracious, kind, interesting and fun to be with. She gave... read moreFrom the moment she greeted us, Marelvy Pena-Hall was gracious, kind, interesting and fun to be with. She gave us a very nice "highpoints" of Cartagena tour that all 6 of us enjoyed and would highly recommend. Because the King of Spain was in town, everything was crowded, but Marelvy guided thru it all, adapted when we couldn't get into one museum because the King was on a private tour and just made the entire day special. read less

At Home with MareIvy and Ester..............They are GREAT!!! I did two half day tours, one of Cartagena and the other of Palenque. I witness two women, MareIvy and... read moreI did two half day tours, one of Cartagena and the other of Palenque. I witness two women, MareIvy and Ester, that have such a love of culture and people when describing either the Old City of Cartagena, which is rich in culture and magnifest colors or Palenque, a village that was formed by free slaves with tons of untold stories of hertiage. You can't help but to fall in love! I truly appreciated the time they spent with me on such short notice and I know this experience has greatly enriched my life. I can't wait to see and do more here in Cartagena! I HIGHLY recommend their services and I will use them again on my next trip to Colombia. read less

What a Surprise . . . I had arranged for Marelvy to do a special tour for my group before leaving on our cruise. We... read moreI had arranged for Marelvy to do a special tour for my group before leaving on our cruise. We had a very short stop in Cartagena and needed a specialize tour for the group. I arranged it all via Email after reading the reviews on Tripadvisor from previous travelers. We were met at the port and escorted through the visitors center to our awaiting minicoach by Marelvy's daughter. Marelvy was very welcoming to a distance land I had never visited before. Off we went for the sightseeing tour of historic Cartagena and the surrounding areas. We stopped for shopping in a wonderful marketplace, I never would have found. We did a short walking tour of the historic district, visiting several of the beautiful courtyards. She gave us time to rest along the way. Marelvy is very informed and can easily project her love for Cartagena and Columbia. Everyone on our tour thought she was great, and easily heard on a moving coach. If you are looking for a great personal tour of this wonderful city, don't look anywhere else . . . you have found the best. Marelvy . . . . Thank You 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

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

Great tour and fantastic knowledge of Old Cartagena Four of us took a walking tour of Old Cartagena today. Marelevy is a great tour guide and extremely... read moreFour of us took a walking tour of Old Cartagena today. Marelevy is a great tour guide and extremely knowledgable of Cartagena's history and its architectural history. Lots of good information about the impact of the Spanish and even some fun pirate history. My Mum who is 78 was with us and Marelevy was very patient with getting her to places to sit here and there and have a cold drink. I highly recommend Marelevy especially if you are interested in history and historic architecture. ..and one more thing..if you have read Love in the Time of Cholera Marelevy will point out all the places in the novel. Very fun morning tour!!! read less

Highly recommend Marelvy!! We were in Cartagena for 2 days and did an evening tour one day and a full day tour the... read moreWe were in Cartagena for 2 days and did an evening tour one day and a full day tour the next with Marelvy. It is obvious that she loves her city and is so happy to share it with you. She is a wealth of knowledge and takes you to some out of the way places you would not otherwise see. Cartagena is a beautiful city...thank you Marelvy for being such an amazing tour guide. read less

A wonderful experience As we arrived on a cruise ship, the initial tour with Marelvy filled up. It didn't take long for... read moreAs we arrived on a cruise ship, the initial tour with Marelvy filled up. It didn't take long for a second tour to be prepared and we were very lucky to have Katty as our guide. Pre-tour arrangements were handled very efficiently and replies were always prompt.

Our tour guide Katty was lovely - so engaging and entertaining, Our afternoon overview of Cartagena was in-depth and so interesting. We can't wait to revisit some time in the future. Our tour took us to the popa viewpoint and then on to the fort and the old town. I can't believe how quickly our 4+ hours passed by.

highly recommended. 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

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

Best way to see Cartagena - a personal tour guide Thanks to the reviews on tripadvisor we booked a city walking tour with Marelvy. Right from the beginning she... read moreThanks to the reviews on tripadvisor we booked a city walking tour with Marelvy. Right from the beginning she was extremely friendly welcoming us with a poster of Cartagena that her husband painted and hugs all round. She has a deep passion and knowledge for the city and answered every question we had regarding Cartegena and Colombia. We walked for 4 hours throughout the city and learnt a great deal about the local traditions, history, tourism sites, architecture, local restaurants and even where to buy good emeralds. Great value for money and a much better way to see the city than on a City Tour bus. She was a wonderful tour guide and we would not hesitate in recommending her to other visitors. read less

Outstanding tour of Cartagena As others, we booked this tour from previous reviews. We contacted Marelvy on the internet. She responded quickly from each... read moreAs others, we booked this tour from previous reviews. We contacted Marelvy on the internet. She responded quickly from each email we sent. When we got off the ship, she was right where she told us. The tour was "OUTSTANDING." She showed us different parts of Cartagena and gave us the history of the city and each stop. She was very watchful of everyone on her tour. When we got to "Old Cartagena," we started the walking part of the tour. Again she was very watchful over her group. Any and every question we, the group, asked her, she was able to answer. Myself, I have problems with my knees and she was very sure we didn't walk too fast. She was very good and I would definitely use her again. 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

WOW - what a wonderful tour guide, perfect English! Marelvy is in and of herself, a "must see" attraction in Cartagena. Aside from her deep knowledge and love... read moreMarelvy is in and of herself, a "must see" attraction in Cartagena. Aside from her deep knowledge and love for the city, this woman knows EVERYONE...when you tour with her you get to meet many people who highly regard her, this woman was warm, friendly, and evokes the spirit and love of Cartagena. read less

Hi lites of Cartegena This was an excellent tour. Timely pickup from the cruise dock, moved thru the city at a reasonable pace, and... read moreThis was an excellent tour. Timely pickup from the cruise dock, moved thru the city at a reasonable pace, and visited interesting locations. Marelevy is very knowledgeable about the City and its history. Personable and easy to understand. Will answer questions on many topics. We had limited time from the Cruise ship so were unable to go inside the fort, museums, or any buildings. For a quick, hit it over the head quickly tour, this one was excellent. If you have more time, she will provide a more in-depth tour. read less

The Best Marelvy We went on a cruise to the Panama Canal and booked a private tour with Marelvy for Cartagena (22nd Jan... read moreWe went on a cruise to the Panama Canal and booked a private tour with Marelvy for Cartagena (22nd Jan 2014) what a wonderful time we had. Not only was it cheaper than the cruise ship excursion but we went to places that the cruise trip didn't. We were met by Marelvy's daughter who escorted us to our mini bus. This was great as there was only 10 of us and we left two hours before the cruise tour so had a head start. The places Marelvy took us to was great and her knowledge does her proud. We were taken inside a vault that houses old pieces of gold and a wonderful art exhibition which was amazing. I cannot tell you enough about Marelvy and agree with everyone else's comments. If you go please try to book her as I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. We are going back to Cartagena for a holiday and would book Marelvy for another tour of places we didn't get to visit due to the time the ship was in port.

Marlvy will contact you soon for this best wishes to you and your family. read less

An nformative and enlightening tour with a very knowledgable guide. While on vacation in Cartagena, my companion asked me to inquire about a tour given by local resident, Marelvy Peña-... read moreWhile on vacation in Cartagena, my companion asked me to inquire about a tour given by local resident, Marelvy Peña- Hall. Since I speak fluent Spanish, I was a bit nonchalant about someone taking me around and explaining the nuances of Cartagena, which I thought I could get just by walking around this historic walled-in city. I was pleasantly surprised when I spoke to Marelvy and she expressed a desire to show us the real Cartagena, from the monastery at the highest point in the city (La Popa) to a unique area consisting of former slaves who escaped the Spanish traders and form their own indigenous African community. The name escapes me, but Marelvy will provide the historical background. Of course, the usual tour of Boca Grande, San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, Las Bovedas (the dungeons) and other prominent destinations are also included in this tour. Yet, Marelvy adds that special perspective (both from a personal and factual point-of-view) to what you are seeing. She definitely enhances your experience through bringing out the humanity of the places your touring. If I'm ever in Cartagena again, I would take this tour again. By the way, Marelvy is fluent in English, which was a big help to my companion as she doesn't speak Spanish. read less

Best money spent in Cartagena Marelvy took us to a magical trip in the walled city. We walked around 4 hours and we learned so... read moreMarelvy took us to a magical trip in the walled city. We walked around 4 hours and we learned so much about the city and García Márquez. This is the best investment we made in our trip to Cartagena. The tour was a mixed of English, Spanish and some French. She is simply awesome. Do not hesitate in doing this. It could also be a great surprise gift for your trip! read less

Cartagena tour with Marelvy Pina-Hall We were a cruise critic self formed group of 14 and I had contacted Marelvy by email weeks before the... read moreWe were a cruise critic self formed group of 14 and I had contacted Marelvy by email weeks before the New Years cruise on Norwegian Pearl. All communications were promptly responded to and Marelvy rep was there to meet us from the ship.

Catagena is very busy at that time of year so lots of traffic. We started at the top the highest point of Catagena for the tour of La Popa. Very informative. Marelvy clearly knows her country's history. Next we went to Castille San Filipe for a photo op. Finally we visited the old walled city, historical buildings and churches before having 1 hour free time to wonder the Plazas and grab a local beer and some empanadas in Plaza San Domingo. This lady goes above and beyond for her guests. She gave each of us a souvenir painting by her husband and after mentioning I wanted to pick up some special coffee brand my daughter in law had told me about I had ran out of time, I got back to the bus and this sweet lady had picked me up a large jar of it. Bless you Marelvy! A very well respected lady in Cartagena. 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

“Marelvy Pena conducts a n excellent tour tour Beginning with quick emails and clear communication.. I KNEW this would be a wonderful experience. We had 8 of us... read moreBeginning with quick emails and clear communication.. I KNEW this would be a wonderful experience. We had 8 of us on tour. W were met outside the ship exactly where she said to meet. quick walk thru an unexpected walk past thru an animal sanctuary and we were leaded on the new and air conditioned bus. Marelvy greeted us with a hug and a promise to make sure we enjoyed the day. We took the city tour. By the end of our 6 hour day I felt we were informed and enthralled with her beautiful city. She did not have us pay until the tour was completed..."to make sure we were happy." and of course we were. She sent us home with a beautiful poster that was a copy of one her husband was commissioned to make a coupe years ago for a local event. She was easy to understand end was a wealth of knowledge. I can understand why she comes so highly recommended. She encouraged us to purchase local and I watched her invest in her community as well. She let us know when she felt something was a good price or let us know to wait. read less

Tour of Cartagena de Indias with Marelvy Pena-Hall My family and I had a wonderful experience with Marelvy on a recent trip to Cartagena. We know the... read moreMy family and I had a wonderful experience with Marelvy on a recent trip to Cartagena. We know the city well, however, she was able to point out many helpful hints (ie: where to eat, reputable tours, tipping guidelines, etc). She was warm, funny, and patient with a large family of all ages. She is also extraordinarily well versed on the cities culture, history, and contemporary trends. Her bus was comfortable, safe, and well equipped with A/C, and the driver was very pleasant. If you are considering a city tour in Cartagena, and have a real thirst for knowledge, you will be very pleased with Marelvy. read less

A Tour of Cartagena with Marelvy and Katty If you are going to Cartagena, make sure you take a tour with Marelvy's company. Although she personally was... read moreIf you are going to Cartagena, make sure you take a tour with Marelvy's company. Although she personally was not available for our tour, her daughter, Sheila, met us at the ship, and Marelvy greeted us before we had the all-inclusive trip with our very knowledgeable and gracious guide, Katty.

I have been on hundreds of tours all over the world. This was indeed one of the very best! read less

Wonderfull city tour The nicest way to get to know the city. Marelvy caters to your own interests in a very flexible manner.... read moreThe nicest way to get to know the city. Marelvy caters to your own interests in a very flexible manner. She shows you around in a beautifull city in a wonderfull country in a very personal and natural way. A must do!! read less

Excellent in Every Respect! My friend met me and my girlfriend in Cartagena for a few days and this was certainly a highlight. ... read moreMy friend met me and my girlfriend in Cartagena for a few days and this was certainly a highlight. Marelvy's is an awesome tour guide. She knows everything about Cartagena and we saw a tremendous amount of the city in a relatively short period of time. She's relatable and smart and tailored the tour around our plans.

Her ridiculously positive reviews say it all - choose Marelvy! read less

Tour from Cruise Ship Was Great We went on a Holland America Panama Canal cruise, and were interested in a smaller tour than the large bus... read moreWe went on a Holland America Panama Canal cruise, and were interested in a smaller tour than the large bus tours offered by ship excursions. I contacted Marelvy via email after seeing good reviews on TA. She suggested I post a notice on Cruise Critic roll-call looking for other cruisers interested in this, as tour prices come down as more people sign up. That worked well, and we ended up with about 18.

Marelvy met us at the port and we boarded a comfortable air conditioned bus, getting away promptly, ahead of the crowds. The tour was comprehensive, as described in the offering, and Marelvy provided excellent commentary both in the bus and as we walked about. The city has an interesting history, and we felt like we saw a lot in our one day in port. A couple of cautions; we were there in early May and it was very hot and extremely humid, too much so for us. We were definitely ready to get back on the a/c bus after the walking tour. Take lots of water, a hat, and wear light clothing. Secondly, be prepared for lots of pressure to buy souvenirs, and to help unfortunate beggars. read less

Great tour We had a great tour. Marelvy was the guide on the tour and she was friendly and very knowledgeable.... read moreWe had a great tour. Marelvy was the guide on the tour and she was friendly and very knowledgeable. City was lovely and we also had some time to be on our own. We were on a small bus of 18 and we were very pleased. Would highly recommend. read less

Tour_in_Cartagena_with_Marelvy_Pena_Hall-Cartagena.html our tour with Julio. All 9 of us had a great time. I just wish we had more time off... read moreour tour with Julio. All 9 of us had a great time. I just wish we had more time off the ship. It was easy to meet Berina. We visited La Popa first and then the fortress. Being the only cruise ship in port and one of the first groups to get to La Popa was an added benefit. Julio was an engaging fellow and shared so much information with us about the sights, history, customs, religion, home life, vegetation, famous people, neighborhoods. He made me yearn to come back for the procession of the Virgin. We then went to Las Bovedas ( which I personally could have done without as all of the merchandise could have been bought in the walled city which was our next stop). The walled city was beautiful and so many people knew Julio and he them as we walked through. Made a stop at the chocolate museum shop, saw many sights, art and sculptures, local craft vendors,churches, learned local history of men and the church. It was nice being able to tie in historic things Julio told us at La Popa with the city as well. After the city we stopped at the Emerald museum which for me was another highlight as I wanted to purchase a Columbian emerald for my daughter who has a May birthday. Seeing the jewelers working and the large sample emeralds was another plus.

Julio's knowledge and enthusiasm made for a really good day. I would recommend this tour to anyone I know going to Cartagena 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 More than a Tour Guide My wife and I just returned from Cartagena and had the pleasure of spending some time with Marelvy. Last fall... read moreMy wife and I just returned from Cartagena and had the pleasure of spending some time with Marelvy. Last fall I booked her private city tour and I couldn't have picked a better guide. When she first met us, she presented us with a gift - a poster that her husband created celebrating the city's bicentennial. The tour started with a driving tour of the city showing a few highlights , including a stop at La Popa (a convent on the highest point of the city - with an amazing view). After the driving portion of the excursion, we continued with a walking tour of the Old City. Marelvy is not only knowledgeable of the city, its architecture, and history; she displays a passion and pride in her city that second to none. During our walking tour, we mentioned that we were going to do some shopping in the old city and asked if she could provide some ideas where we could purchase some specific items (leather goods, emeralds, good coffee, rum). Not only did she give give us some ideas, she volunteered to take us to the suggested locations the following afternoon. In addition to to providing the city tour and shopping excursion, she arranged a couple other excursions for us - Totumo mud volcano, Rosario islands, and an evening Chiva tour.

In conclusion "Marelvy is More than a Tour Guide - She is a Friend!" read less

super guide She has been a fantastic guide and made us love this beautiful city. She took us along the beautiful streets... read moreShe has been a fantastic guide and made us love this beautiful city. She took us along the beautiful streets of this historic place. and made us so interested read less

Great tour of city Marelvy is a jewal! Very knowledgeable, excellent command of English and a really nice person. The transportation was comfortable and... read moreMarelvy is a jewal! Very knowledgeable, excellent command of English and a really nice person. The transportation was comfortable and safe. Don't book through the cruise line, book with Marelvy, you won't be sorry! 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

Awesome Tour! We found Marelvy on the internet and contacted her (a bit last minute) for a tour of the city. ... read moreWe found Marelvy on the internet and contacted her (a bit last minute) for a tour of the city. She took us all over part walking and part riding in a very nice air conditioned van - perfect for a visit to CT given it is STEAMY! There were 5 of us and we actually were a bit rowdy, but she took it all in stride. She was very patient and SUPER knowledgeable. She's from the city and knows everything. Also everyone knew her everywhere we went. We had a great time with her. I highly recommend using Marelvy if you visit Cartagena. read less

Three hours of delight! The time we spent touring Cartagena's walled city with Marelvy was absolutely wonderful. Not only did she satiate my craving... read moreThe time we spent touring Cartagena's walled city with Marelvy was absolutely wonderful. Not only did she satiate my craving for Gabo trivia, but she also brought the city to life so vividly. From the very first email correspondence with her to the goodbye hug, it was a real pleasure to interact with Marelvy. She was a wealth of knowledge, full of helpful tips, and even gifted us a poster depicting Cartagena that her husband had designed (he is an artist). I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone! 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

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

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 - knowledgeable and fun We went on the Highpoints of the City tour with MareIvy today. She was very friendly and incredibly full... read moreWe went on the Highpoints of the City tour with MareIvy today. She was very friendly and incredibly full of knowledge about history and culture, and well, _everything_! We enjoyed our time with her immensely and would highly recommend her to others. We particularly appreciated the opportunity to meet a real person, and have to have discussions with her about her perspective on Cartagena, Colombia, and the surrounding region. We learned a lot!! read less

Cartagena with Marelvy is THE BEST! We researched Cartagena to book a private tour using TripAdvisor. We would have a day there while on a two... read moreWe researched Cartagena to book a private tour using TripAdvisor. We would have a day there while on a two week Panama Canal Cruise on the Coral Princess. Marelvy had excellent reviews and was so highly rated, that I decided to contact her to set up a tour. We usually like to book private tours verses the ship tours because you see more, have a smaller group and get much more of a personal touch. Marelvy lived up to all of her high ratings and more! She was quick to respond to emails and gave great instructions. Her daughter, Sheila, met us just outside the dock wearing a navy vest and holidng a sign with our names in red letters, just like Marelvy told us. We had a group of 8 couples from the ship that had joined on through cruisecritic.com role call for this ship. We walked together and warmly greeted by Marelvy at the mini-bus. She gave us all a warm hug and big smile. We toured Cartagena and fell in love with the city. We toured La Popa, had a stop at the Fortress, walked the Walled City, shopped a bit and got a taste of Cartagena! Marelvy's english was very good and it was wonderful to hear her stories and history of Cartagena. The vendors are very aggressive, but she said to just say "No, thank you" to them and keep walking. I had asked Marelvy if we could stop for Tarapas, which is a local food, and we did. We were going to stop for some of the great Columbia coffee, but it was a little too warm that day for a cup of hot coffee, but we had a little extra time and all decided to stop for a local cold beer and we sat outside and enjoyed the views and people of Cartagena. The tour and wealth of information was fabulous. Marelvy was a pleasure and we had so many great laughs during the tour with her. We were met on time and arrived back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. She paid attention to the time and made sure we all got back to the ship on time. I would highly recommend you to schedule a tour of Cartagena with her. This was one of the best tours we had on this cruise! Thanks Marelvy for a wonderful time and for showing us the beauty of Cartagena! And thanks for the beautiful poster that you gave us that your husband created! We wish the best to your daughter Sheila in her endeavors and college! read less

A tour of Cartagena with Marelvy Peña-Hall We booked Marelvy solely on the basis of the many positive reviews on TripAdvisor. The reviews were absolute right. She... read moreWe booked Marelvy solely on the basis of the many positive reviews on TripAdvisor. The reviews were absolute right. She is outstanding and a delightful lady.

She met us on time, together with an air-conditioned car (so useful on such a hot day )and very polite driver. We began by walking around the Old Town. Marelvy has a deep love of Cartagena which shows in the knowledge both historical and political that she shared with us. All along the way people stopped to greet her- she is a very popular figure. We saw all the expected sites and drove up to La Popa as well as stopping at the Emerald Factory which is on everyone’s recommended list to visit and not a typical tour-guide tourist trap. The 4 hours overran but she didn’t mind at all. In our view the fee of $180 dollars (to include car , driver and entrance fees) was perfectly reasonable and well-earned. Highly recommended. 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

The best tour ever! I found Marelvy through other trip advisor reviews (thank you!!) and truly words are not enough to describe her personality,... read moreI found Marelvy through other trip advisor reviews (thank you!!) and truly words are not enough to describe her personality, knowledge and professionalism. Marelvy is fluent in several languages and it was incredible how she could switch between them and pick up where she left off in the other language! Her knowledge of the city, the history and the story behind every nook and cranny of Cartagena is beyond anything I have ever read. Listening to Marelvy is the condensed version of 100 history books put together. Her smile is something that stays with you for weeks and her kindness and patience were just what we needed in our first visit to such a beautiful city! Marelvy is a very loved person by the locals and there was no place we didn't go where people did not know her!

If you are interested in knowing Cartagena (the real Cartagena) book with Marelvy, you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to go back and take another tour with her!

Thank you Marelvy!!! read less

Marelvy met my expectations and more. I thought would have to go all the way to the visitor's center, but Marelvy and her driver met us... read moreI thought would have to go all the way to the visitor's center, but Marelvy and her driver met us at the foot of the gangplank. I was traveling with a couple who are both physically handicapped and unable to do any excursions by foot. Marelvy custom designed our tour of Cartagena so that the only stop we made was directly in front of Adriana's so we could shop for emeralds. The city was preparing for bicentennial festival that would be starting that afternoon with a huge parade. We drove part of the parade route until the police stopped us. We saw the vendors setting up, the audience getting their spots, and heard the music.

Marelvy took us down streets in the old city to see the architecture. We saw street dancers and descendants of a pure tribe from the local mountains. We learned something of American history from her.

Marelvy designed a tour especially for our group's needs. She speaks excellent English. She enjoys doing the tours so she made it a joyous morning for us. read less

Enlightening experience of old Cartegena Marelvy,

What a wonderful experience of exploring Cartegena with you! Herb and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see the sights... read moreMarelvy,

What a wonderful experience of exploring Cartegena with you! Herb and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see the sights with the advantage of your knowledge of the area, history, and architecture of the old city, La Popa, and surrounding neighborhoods. Like many other first time visitors, we were concerned about taking a non-cruise-sponsored tour and had considered attempting to do this ourselves, but happily for us, we found you. We could never have learned or seen as much as we did without your guidance and Luis' expert driving! Thank you again for the lovely tour. And thanks to your husband for the bicentennial prints as well. It, along with our many photos, will be a great reminder of our short time together.

Mary Schmidt

Phoenix, AZ read less

Great off the beaten track tour We booked last minute but they were able to accommodate us which was nice. Our tour guide Esther was... read moreWe booked last minute but they were able to accommodate us which was nice. Our tour guide Esther was great! She gave a very informative tour of the city sharing with us stories of her childhood there and taking us to places that only locals would know such as seeing the nice view from a hotel terrace and showing us the beautiful courtyard of the university. It was a wonderful way to get aquatinted with the city and I would highly recommend it. read less