TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA

Great walking tours You can see so much more of the area by walking rather than by bus. Go inside the buildings,... read moreYou can see so much more of the area by walking rather than by bus. Go inside the buildings, see the local artists and performers. Just so much better feel of the local life by foot. Highly receommended. Go at your own pace or get a tour. Great for little ones. 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

What a fantastic host Our trip with Marelvy (Pronounced.... Mar-el-v) was fantastic. We traveled with my Mobility challenged folks (one stayed on the... read moreOur trip with Marelvy (Pronounced.... Mar-el-v) was fantastic. We traveled with my Mobility challenged folks (one stayed on the bus and states she really enjoyed the drive through town) and she did everything to accommodate without detracting from the rest of the tour.

We visited some great sites and never felt rushed at any point. As I had arranged tours in the past and have had some bad experiences with others I was very apprehensive, Marelvy did not disappoint in any way. She sent us a map of where we would and met us as we got off the cruise ship at the exact spot. The Driver was friendly and helpful.

We had more people sign up for this tour than the bus would hold and Marelvy arraigned for another bus instead of packing us like sardines. As Cartagena is hot and humid, the buses were a great relief between sites.

Lastly, her English is fantastic, please enjoy. read less

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

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

We also, toured an Emerald museum.

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

Private Tour in Port with the Celebrity Infinity We book a private tour with Marelvy's company for six people. Two had walking difficulties and they were able... read moreWe book a private tour with Marelvy's company for six people. Two had walking difficulties and they were able to provide a tour with allowances to their difficulties. Silvia met us after about a hundred yard walk off of the cruise ship.

Our tour guide was Ester and we can't say enough on how happy we all were with her. She has a lot of pride of her city, answered all of our questions with great answers, and changed the itinerary on the fly to accommodate the needs of our groups walking difficulties. Also would like to comment on how professional our driver was on the tour, driving is very difficult and she made it look easy!

It was a tour that we could of never had through the cruise lines, working with us on every detail to our specific needs.

If you use them, you will been extremely satisfied.

The only comment I have is to make sure you walk to the end of the pier to find Silvia (About 100 to 150 yards) since they are not on the pier itself. She'll be standing there with a sign.

Hope everyone enjoys their tour as much as well did! Thanks Esther for a memorable day we will never forget! read less

Fantastic Private Tour We were met at the dock by a representative exactly as described by Marelvy. We were escorted outside the... read moreWe were met at the dock by a representative exactly as described by Marelvy. We were escorted outside the Cruise dock to Katty our tour guide waiting in her car. We toured all the normal tourist sites, skipped lines at the fortress and spent lots of time in the old city. We highly recommend doing a twilight tour to see the lights come up in the old city. Katty was fantastic as a guide and her English is perfect. Sometimes it is difficult to understand guides where English is a second or third language. Totally worth every penny for a private tour. We travel extensively throughout the world and this was one of the best experiences on tours ever! read less

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

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

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

Wonderful Gide and Cartagena Touring Companion Last week my wife and I spent two thoroughly enjoyable and educational half days touring beautiful Cartagena with Marelvy. The... read moreLast week my wife and I spent two thoroughly enjoyable and educational half days touring beautiful Cartagena with Marelvy. The first was an afternoon walking tour of the old city followed on the second day by a more expansive city tour covered by car and, of course, walking. Marelvy is thoroughly knowledgeable and fun to spend time with. She was open to tailoring our time together to make sure that we were seeing and doing what was important to us. And, to be honest, this included a bit of shopping along the way. She's highly recommended for private touring. read less

Cartagena with Marelvy Marelvy met our group with a warm smile and hug. We travelled in a very new bus and visited amazing... read moreMarelvy met our group with a warm smile and hug. We travelled in a very new bus and visited amazing sights which included the fort and old town with church. We stopped for refreshments in the heat between the great information, history and question answering. Nothing was a problem for Marelvy. We had two children and Marelvy made it interesting and fun for them and included Sloth cuddles. read less

Great Tour MareIvy is a wonderful person who knows a lot about her city and its people. Contacting her was easy: she... read moreMareIvy is a wonderful person who knows a lot about her city and its people. Contacting her was easy: she was very responsive to email. Our afternoon with her was delightful. She took us to many of the main sites in the walled city as well as a few hidden gems. Would highly recommend. 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

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

Loved Marelvy! I found Marelvy while searching for a tour for our party of four during a cruise stop in Cartagena. She... read moreI found Marelvy while searching for a tour for our party of four during a cruise stop in Cartagena. She was prompt to respond to my emails and even managed to add two more travelers to our group so the cost was a little more to my liking. She was ready for us as we disembarked and the van (air conditioned) and the driver were awesome. We did the Highpoints of the City Tour, where she took us to La Popa first and then to several other stops, including a walking tour in the old city. The whole time traveling and walking, she explained everything about her country. Her english is great and it was so evident she loves her country - she answered every question we asked and was so pleasant and kind. At every stop, she got off with us and told us all the high points of each destination. When I told her we wanted to be 'hooked up' with some yummy pineapple, she bought us some right off the street from a vendor. We also got to try some new fruits we had never tasted. She got us back to the ship with time to spare and even gave us a very sweet parting gift. I would use her again in a heartbeat! 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

Cartegena Tour off Cruise Ship In November, 2016 our tour ship was going to be in Cartagena for only 6 hours. We didn't like... read moreIn November, 2016 our tour ship was going to be in Cartagena for only 6 hours. We didn't like any of the ship's excursions and got Marelvy's name from Trip Advisor and the high ratings. We were looking for a customized tour of Cartagena that maximized our short time in the city. We also wanted more control over our itinerary than a structured tour. This was for 4 people. Marelvy arranged us to meet her associate, Ester and her driver after we got off the ship. Ester was perfect, getting us to all the attractions, listening to what we wanted to do and making it happen. We finished up the day being brought to the roof of a boutique hotel in the middle of the Old City. Drinks, appetizer and a killer view was a great way to finish up the day. This company is highly recommended and Marelvy is very responsive to email inquiries. 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

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

THE BEST YOU COULD ASK FOR Hi Marelvy, I just wanted to say thank you for such a great tour on November 17th, 2012 with... read moreHi Marelvy, I just wanted to say thank you for such a great tour on November 17th, 2012 with the cruise critic group with RON. Before your tour was mentioned to us we were not going to do anything in Cartagena due to being worried about safety. Well If anyone is ready this I felt safe the entrie time and She sure puts on a great tour,. You will not be disapointed. Thanks again for the memorable time i will never forget!

Steve read less

Highly Recommeded We were part of a group of ten arranged through a Cruise Critic dot com roll call.

We spent a great... read moreWe were part of a group of ten arranged through a Cruise Critic dot com roll call.

We spent a great day with Marelvy.

As my students might say, "I learned a lot". read less

Cartagena Tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall We thoroughly enjoyed a one day tour of Cartagena with Marelvy. Her English is excellent, her knowledge of the... read moreWe thoroughly enjoyed a one day tour of Cartagena with Marelvy. Her English is excellent, her knowledge of the city extensive, her sensitivity to her customers impressive. We were part of a diverse group of six (including my 12 year old daughter) who had made arrangements individually, on line, with Marelvy. She managed to keep a good pace, addressing everyone's interests, engaging each person in her group. The itinerary was well thought out, taking in to consideration avoiding crowds and the heat! Marelvy is one of the finest guides I have met. I will highly recommend her to friends traveling to Colombia. read less

Marelvy is fantastic and interesting Marely is very intelligent ,full of info and makes the tour very interesting. She also gave us the names of3... read moreMarely is very intelligent ,full of info and makes the tour very interesting. She also gave us the names of3 restaurants and each was excellent. Also told us about a free concert that nite. Sheila dotan 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

Fantastic Cartagena Tour with Marelvy We recently toured the city with Marelvy, & it was a great experience! She is a well-educated, well-informed native... read moreWe recently toured the city with Marelvy, & it was a great experience! She is a well-educated, well-informed native with an excellent knowledge of the area. We had only a few hours as we were on a cruise. She covered all the bases. Highly recommended. read less

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

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

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

A great introduction to the city We had booked this tour (very efficiently) by email well ahead of our visit and were really pleased that we... read moreWe had booked this tour (very efficiently) by email well ahead of our visit and were really pleased that we had. There is nothing like being introduced to a new city by a local resident who loves their home and is both very knowledgable about it and able to communicate their enthusiasm. Unfortunately, quite often the experience can fall short. This certainly was not the case with Marelvy, who takes pains to find out your interests and adapt the tour accordingly and both has the knowledge, whether historical, literary, architectural, political or artistic to answer all questions and can also convey information in an enthusiastic and accessible way (in perfect English). In short, the tour was eye opening and great fun. It was a little expensive, as there were just 2 of us - but if you are in a larger group it would be very good value. It helped that we loved Colombia and Cartagena and were lucky that we had several days afterwards to continue exploring Cartagena on the great base that Marelvy gave us. Highly recommended. 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

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

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

Fun, warm and informative My wife and I were greeted with a warm smile and hug from Marelvy She shared with us both... read moreMy wife and I were greeted with a warm smile and hug from Marelvy She shared with us both the history of Cartagena and present day life. We were impressed with her deep knowlege and enthusiasm as she unfolded the tales, facts and observations of this unique city. And we laughed together a lot. It will be one of the special memories we keep of this place. My wife and I highly recommend touring Cartegena with Marelvy. 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

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

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

Great tour in Cartagena... What more can I say that hasn't already been said about the tour operator.....she deserves all the wonderful comments that... read moreWhat more can I say that hasn't already been said about the tour operator.....she deserves all the wonderful comments that are posted on this thread and I agree with every one of them.

Marelvy's daughter was with us the entire day and we enjoyed sharing great conversation with her....she could easily follow in her mother's footsteps. 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

Perfect Cartagena Guide My friend and I recently hired Marelvy to take us on a city tour of Cartagena. She was fantastic.... read moreMy friend and I recently hired Marelvy to take us on a city tour of Cartagena. She was fantastic. Her English was superb and she knew everything that needed to be known about the city. She has a great disposition. She welcomed us with a hug and presented us with these fantastic posters from her husbands art collection! Don't forget to ask her for a restaurant recommendation! 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

Cartagena, what a beautiful city, Marelvy, what a marvelous guide! We were 1 day in Cartagena with a cruise ship and didn't know really what to expect from this city.

It... read moreWe were 1 day in Cartagena with a cruise ship and didn't know really what to expect from this city.

It was a pleasant surprise in a very nice city. Also our tour guide Marelvy was extremely good and informative.

We've booked this trip online (no need for deposit) and she always responded very fast to our questions. One week prior to our cruise she mailed us the final arrangements for the tour.

When we got of the ship Marelvy was there to point us to the brand new mini bus she was using and off we went to La Poppa.

There you have a magnificent sight of Cartagena. The drive is narrated so you learn a lot about the city.

After La Poppa we visited the Fortress (from the outside), went to a local place where we could buy souvenirs and emeralds and than did a nice walk to the old city.

The old city is a treasure. Very nice city with a lot of nice houses and squares to be seen!

This tour was a very nice surprise, Cartagena is really a nice destination and also the tour guide was extremely good. A+++ 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

Marelvy is it! If you want a great 3 hour walking tour of the old walled city, Marelvy is your woman! She... read moreIf you want a great 3 hour walking tour of the old walled city, Marelvy is your woman! She met us at our condo and traveled with us, getting to know us already. With our 2 teenagers, she customized the tour with just the right amount of history, literature and political info. She recommended restaurants and sights that were worth coming back to, giving us a great preview of the city highlights. I'd highly recommend her. She's worth the money! read less

Knowledgeable, Warm, A Wonderful Tour After a lot of research we chose to go with Marlevy and we were so glad we did. Marlevy has... read moreAfter a lot of research we chose to go with Marlevy and we were so glad we did. Marlevy has a passion for her city that shows throughout the tour. We were on a cruise ship with two teenaged sons; while my wife and were eagerly looking forward to the trip we were worried that our sons who had not had great experiences on earlier and soppusedly similar tours would be less than thrilled. However we all agreed it was our favorite stop. In part because the city is so beautiful and in equal measure because of Marlevy.

She took us to places others didn't go and while our time was much too short (the cruise ship curse) every minute was well spent.

We look forward to returning something I can't say about all our other stops. read less

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

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

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

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

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

Great 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

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

Marelvy: A MUST DO in Cartagena Spending the day with Marelvy was one of the smartest things we did in Cartagena. She is incredibly intelligent,... read moreSpending the day with Marelvy was one of the smartest things we did in Cartagena. She is incredibly intelligent, articulate, and a wealth of information about the city, the country, and the people. As if that's not enough, she has an amazing heart and a beautiful smile. We learned more about Cartagena and Colombia in a few hours with her than we ever could from a guidebook. She took us on a walk around the city while it was still morning-cool, and then took us to the old Fort and La Popa. She had answers to all our questions and happily changed the tour when we expressed an interest in seeing a few other areas and activities. She's wonderful. Really, really wonderful. If you don't do anything else in Cartagena, do a tour with the charming and lovely Marelvy. (And ask about her husband's artwork; so beautiful!) Thank you, Marelvy, for such a wonderful day. read less

Sightseeing in Cartagena de los Indias -answers Sightseeing in Cartagena de los Indias with Marelvy was excellent in any cases for viewing, questions -answers and very friendships... read moreSightseeing in Cartagena de los Indias with Marelvy was excellent in any cases for viewing, questions -answers and very friendships - quality prices very good too 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

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

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

For the best tour of Cartagena, go with Marelvy Pena-Hall We were on the Coral Princess cruise through the Panama canal with an all day stop in Cartagena. We... read moreWe were on the Coral Princess cruise through the Panama canal with an all day stop in Cartagena. We did a walking tour of old Cartagena, a visit to La Popa, the fortress of San Felipe and an air conditioned cruise through some of the neighbourhoods.

It was evident that Marelvy is knowledgeable and passionate about her city. She shared information in an articulate and intelligent fashion. Her warmth and friendliness made this tour a memorable experience for my wife and I. In fact, it was our favourite tour of the cruise. read less

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

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

Beautiful Cartagena Four of scheduled a private tour and were met at the ship by our tour guide. Cartagena has a very... read moreFour of scheduled a private tour and were met at the ship by our tour guide. Cartagena has a very lovely welcoming center with tropical trees and birds and good shopping. Our first stop was the San Felipe fortress. We then started our Route of Garcia Marquez. We had read his books some years ago. It helps to read them right before your visit. We visited many of the sites referred to in his books. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the city and the author. Although Marelvy was not available that day, our guide was excellent. It is such a lovely and welcoming city, we would like to return. read less

The lovely discovery of a friendship in the delightful city of Cartegena de Indias, Colombia Excellent, the friendly approach of the lovely city of Cartagena in its historical and cultural review makes unforgettable souvenirs !... read moreExcellent, the friendly approach of the lovely city of Cartagena in its historical and cultural review makes unforgettable souvenirs !

thanks Marelvy for your company and sharing your knowlegde !

Danielle read less

Amazing Day in a Stunning City We had a one day cruise ship stop in Cartagena. We arranged a private tour with Marelvy's company. The initial... read moreWe had a one day cruise ship stop in Cartagena. We arranged a private tour with Marelvy's company. The initial plan was that Marelvy herself was to be our guide, and that there would be another couple with my husband and me. Shortly before we arrived I received an email from Marelvy explaining that she was ill and one of her associates would be our guide - and that the other couple had cancelled so it would be just my husband and me. Marelvy was very apologetic and concerned that we might not receive her email in time, as we were already on the boat. In fact, I didn't. More on that later.

We were met at the pier by a young woman carrying a sign w/ our names on it, exactly as promised. We were among the very first off the boat and she was already there waiting for us. She led us through the port to meet our guide. Getting to the parking lot was a bit complicated, actually, so I can see the importance of this role.

Our guide was a lovely woman named Katty. Her husband, Rafael, was our driver. I was a bit surprised not to see Marelvy at this point (remember, I'd not had a chance to check my email on the ship) but I'd read other reviews that mentioned other guides by name, so I wasn't particularly concerned.

Katty turned out to be WONDERFUL. She took us to La Popa, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Las Bovedas shopping area and then into the walled city. She possessed a seemingly endless knowledge of local history. I mentioned my interest in the author Gabriel Garcia Marquez and she positively lit up. It turned out she is a big fan as well. For the rest of the trip she made a special effort to point out anything related to the author or his novels.

She led us all through the walled city, pointing out many important buildings and plazas. When we'd seen it all, we then went climbed back into the car and drove through some of the less touristy parts of the walled city, for a quick view of the new city, called Boca Grande, and then through some of the historic neighborhoods outside the walled city.

Katty was a warm and wonderful guide. She took care to accommodate our interests and check along the way that we were seeing what we'd hoped to see. At the end of the tour, she presented us with a gift, a beautiful poster celebrating the 100th anniversary of the city.

I didn't open Marelvy's email explaining the switch until a few days later - but it didn't matter at all. I can't imagine anyone doing a better job than Katty. She was delightful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. In our limited time in the city I feel as though we saw as much as we could possibly see, without ever feeling rushed. The cost, $95 per person for about 5.5 hours, was also very reasonable, for all that we did, particularly that we had a private guide and driver.

I can't recommend Marelvy's service, and Katty, enough. If you're planning a trip to Cartagena, schedule a tour with them. read less

Very informative walking tour of Cartagena Our guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the history of the city and buildings. He also pointed out lots... read moreOur guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the history of the city and buildings. He also pointed out lots of good bars and salsa joints. read less

Delightful tour We were able to join a late afternoon walking tour that had been organized by one of the participants on... read moreWe were able to join a late afternoon walking tour that had been organized by one of the participants on the Celebrity Cruise Critic message board. Ester was our informative guide. She insured that we saw many areas of the old city, and was able to arrange our entry into unexpected sites as well. Ester provided us with history that truly enriched our visit to her beautiful city. She arranged for a rooftop bar/restaurant visit timed perfectly for the sunset. read less

What a pleasant surprise We took this tour while in port on our cruise. What a pleasant surprise! I think that our... read moreWe took this tour while in port on our cruise. What a pleasant surprise! I think that our perception of Columbia did a 180 degree turn for the better. Marelvy met us at the gangway and we waited for a extra few minutes as one couple did not show. The vehicle she uses is new, air conditioned and very comfortable. Our tour started with The Poppa. It was very helpful to have her explain to us how to deal with the vendors prior to getting off at this stop. After walking through the Poppa and seeing the views we were back on the road. We did a quick stop at the fort but did not enter as it was not part of our tour. Then we headed for some shopping and then off to the old town for a walking tour. Marelvy was an excellent guide and we had no language issues as her command of English is excellent. This was our highlight of our cruise and we will likely go back to Cartegena as it is safe and beautiful. 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

Had a great time I usually do not use guides but decided to take the plunge given that I had two short days in... read moreI usually do not use guides but decided to take the plunge given that I had two short days in Cartagena and wanted to see as much as possible. The walled city is relatively small and safe to walk around, so it would have been possible to do without. However, I am very happy with the outcome of engaging Marelvy. She is highly fluent in English, knew many people and was extremely knowledgeable about Cartagena (and Marquez, for those who are fans) which made many of the sights more interesting. I was a little concerned that a 1 - 1 tour may be awkward, but Marelvy was very warm and chatty so my concerns were completely unfounded in the end. read less

Everything you ever wanted to know about Cartagena Marelvy has an excellent website and I read every word. Not only was Cartagena well described in history, customs... read moreMarelvy has an excellent website and I read every word. Not only was Cartagena well described in history, customs and sites to see, but through the readings, I also got to know Marelvy. I felt that by knowing her, I would know the human side of Cartagena. This made the tour much more interesting and satisfying. With the study of the webpages completed, Sandra and I met Marelvy and her driver at our hotel at 9:00 AM. I recommend the early time for two reasons. The streets were not very crowded and the temperatures were cooler. We went to the old city and Marelvy offered the tour in English or Spanish. Sandra is from Medellin and wanted Marelvy to speak in English, so she could practice her English skills. I am from Alaska and wanted her to speak in Spanish so I could practice my Spanish skills. During the tour, Marelvy went back and forth between the languages and spoke slowly and Sandra and I were both pleased. You can visit Marelvy's website and it will describe the tour in detail. It is better than you could imagine. Marelvy is well know by the locals and we were allowed into places like beautiful hotel courtyards, that we normally would not be welcomed in. The best things about Marelvy is her charm, her smile, her energy and enthusiasm. At the end of the three hours, we felt like we really knew Cartagena. We also made a good friend in Marelvy. We had laughs and jokes and shared stories with each other. Marelvy put a human face on Cartagena and shared a warm heart. Sandra and I will always remember Marelvy when we think of Cartagena and will want to tour again with her when we return. One last thing to know about Marelvy. She used our camera and took great photos of us. Sandra and I had a perfect trip to Cartagena and very happy to have met Marelvy. It was very hot for us around noon and we welcomed the air conditioning during the last part of touring outside the old city by car. Marelvy adjusted her tour to our interests. Sandra and I were very please with our experience with Marelvy. read less

Fantastic experience Four of us toured with Marelvy and were amazed by the breath and depth of her knowledge. Her friendly manner... read moreFour of us toured with Marelvy and were amazed by the breath and depth of her knowledge. Her friendly manner just added to our enjoyment. You can't go wrong with Marelvy. 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

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

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

Splendid morning Marvelvy greeted our party with her signature bright smiles and heart-felt hugs. I knew instantly we were going to... read moreMarvelvy greeted our party with her signature bright smiles and heart-felt hugs. I knew instantly we were going to have a good time with her. She guided us carefully and thoughtfully through the streets of the city sharing stories and histories.

Someday, we hope to return and take a different tour with her of Cartagena. She is a gem of her city, a true treasure.

Thanks to her and her most excellent driver for such a splendid morning. 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

Marelvy made Cartagena come alive Marelvy is a bright, intelligent, and enthusiastic guide. Her love of her country and its history shone through during our... read moreMarelvy is a bright, intelligent, and enthusiastic guide. Her love of her country and its history shone through during our tour. She greeted us with a warm smile and asked pertinent questions in order to customize our day so we could have the best experience possible. The day felt more like a visit with a friend in her hometown. She has an amazing ability to discuss history, people, and political events in detail in an interesting conversational manner. No long rote lectures here. I only wish we could have taken Marelvy with us for the rest of our trip. Ann Madison 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

Excellent experience with Silvia Marelvy was unavailable for our desired date, so she kindly arranged for her colleague Silvia to give us a city... read moreMarelvy was unavailable for our desired date, so she kindly arranged for her colleague Silvia to give us a city tour. It was a wonderful experience. Siliva was knowledgeable and pleasant to spend the day with. She even helped us get prescriptions we needed from the pharmacy. Thank you! 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

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