TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA

Great city Tour Marelvy was an excellent guide who had a great historical knowledge of her city. The tour was promoted... read moreMarelvy was an excellent guide who had a great historical knowledge of her city. The tour was promoted as being 4 1/2 hours but actually extended to six, which was great for our one day stop on the Equinox. read less

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

My kind of tour I was traveling to Cartagena on vacation and found Marelvy on TripAdvisor when looking into tour options. After doing... read moreI was traveling to Cartagena on vacation and found Marelvy on TripAdvisor when looking into tour options. After doing two tours with her--one was a Gabriel García Márquez themed tour of the city (I enjoy his writing and some of his books are based in the city) and the other was a tour of the San Felipe fort, La Popa and La Manga--I can confirm that her high rating here is well-deserved. She is responsive, punctual, professional and very knowledgeable about the city's long history. Marelvy is also very personable and she clearly enjoys sharing her knowledge with others which makes the time spent with her very worthwhile and enjoyable. 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

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

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

Best tour guide ever! Booked the tour in advance on line on a cruise critic suggestion. Marelvy was waiting for us with a... read moreBooked the tour in advance on line on a cruise critic suggestion. Marelvy was waiting for us with a new air conditioned bus-lots of room for our group of about 18. She was a lovely person and she treated us like her old friends from school visiting her country. Her choice of places to visit was perfect- The Poppa, the outside of the fort, the old town, and a shopping area that was once a barracks. Having her guide us through Cartagena was such a good decision. We learned alot and took lots of beautiful photos of the old town. I will definitely be back and will likely book another tour with the charming Marelvy. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So smart. So warm and friendly.

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

So smart. So warm and friendly.

Wish she was my history teacher

Made at all so interesting

Highly recommend her read less

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

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

Terrific day in Cartagena with Marelvy This was our third visit to Cartagena and we enjoyed Marelvy's tour as well, or better than the first! ... read moreThis was our third visit to Cartagena and we enjoyed Marelvy's tour as well, or better than the first! We had no problems meeting up with the tour and the day was very, very pleasant. Marelvy is a very experienced and kind tour guide and she is very well known in Caragena. We highly recommend Marelvy. read less

Cartagena tour with Marelvy My husband and I, along with three other couples, took Marelvy's tour of Cartagena in February. We sailed on the... read moreMy husband and I, along with three other couples, took Marelvy's tour of Cartagena in February. We sailed on the Celebrity Equinox, disembarked, and were met immediately by Marelvy's tour assistant who brought us over to her van. The tour was excellent, especially her knowledge of the old city. She answered everyone's questions enthusiastically and we gained a great appreciation of this interesting city. We were happy that she gave us a very short time to venture into one or two stores, especially one that had beautiful trays and vases made out of wood and painted wheat. She was professional but a lot of fun throughout the tour. You could tell that she had a great love for her city. We would absolutely recommend her tour to anyone who is planning to visit Cartagena. --Phyllis and Jeff, New York read less

Perfect city tour Marelvy was our guide, not only is she very enthusiastic about her work, she cares that the people she is... read moreMarelvy was our guide, not only is she very enthusiastic about her work, she cares that the people she is with enjoy every part of the tour. She was responsive to our needs and seemed only happy to oblige. The overall experience was very satisfying, we leaned A LOT! me and my family will be happily recommending her to all our friends! Thanks read less

Marquez Tour with Marelvy Marelvy is great; very knowledgable, warm and caring. She was flexible when we asked to change our tour time.... read moreMarelvy is great; very knowledgable, warm and caring. She was flexible when we asked to change our tour time. She knows all about Marquez, as well as the history of Cartagena. Very interesting tour and she gave us lots of good recommendations. read less

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

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

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

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

She is fabulous! Wow, thank you trip advisor for letting us know about Marely Penna-Hall. She was wonderful. Loved Cartegena too.... read moreWow, thank you trip advisor for letting us know about Marely Penna-Hall. She was wonderful. Loved Cartegena too. She was so informative, welcoming, and a wonderful guide. Her daughter met us off the cruise ship and guided us to Marelvy. Everything worked out in a lovely way. I highly recommend. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Superior over the top, above and beyond I first contacted Marelvy via email. Knew right away I had made good choice. Knowledgeable, helpful and a sense of... read moreI first contacted Marelvy via email. Knew right away I had made good choice. Knowledgeable, helpful and a sense of humor. Answered all my email questions (and I had a lot). She met us at the bottom of the gang way dressed in white. Smile, warm welcome hug. There were 12 of us. The tour was fantastic. She is very knowledgeable, pleasant, communicates well and relates to her guests. Catered the tour to our interests and at our pace.Talking to fellow cruisers upon return to ship, feel we had BEST tour and great price/value ratio. Her fee includes all admissions. There is none better. AND, she had a surprise for each of us. Won't tell, but was a very nice memory of her and of Cartagena. Book early, as our tour was sold out. Bob R, Rule 240 read less

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

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

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

Tour in Cartagena with Marelvy We were a group of 20 traveling on the Coral Princess which stopped in Cartagena. I had booked Marelvy... read moreWe were a group of 20 traveling on the Coral Princess which stopped in Cartagena. I had booked Marelvy as a guide for our group for the day. Her tour of the area was great. Marelvy is very knowledgeable and provided us with a great overview of the area as well as a walking tour of the Old City. She was always prompt with answering any questions via email prior to our tour, and had great instructions for finding her as we got off the ship to begin our tour. I would highly recommend her as a guide for anyone interested in an interesting and informative tour of the area.

Thanks Marelvy for a great day! 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

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

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

Perfect day in Cartagena I had contacted Marelvy many months before our visit to Cartagena to set up a tour for our group. ... read moreI had contacted Marelvy many months before our visit to Cartagena to set up a tour for our group. She was outstanding with her responses! She met us at the dock right on time and gave us very clear directions where we were to meet.

Marelvy is an outstanding guide and answered all the questions easily. We learned so much about the history of Cartagena and loved our time with her.

We would highly recommend Marelvy for anyone looking for a tour in Cartagena. She is outstanding - you will love her! read less

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

Great Tour Our friends and I booked a last minute tour with Marelvy. She picked us up on time, had private transportation... read moreOur friends and I booked a last minute tour with Marelvy. She picked us up on time, had private transportation with a driver, she is very knowledgable and absolutely the nicest person ever.

We really enjoyed our tour and learning about the country! Thanks again, Marelvy! read less

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

Excellent walking tour My friend And I visited Cartagena in August and the first thing we did was take a walking tour with... read moreMy friend And I visited Cartagena in August and the first thing we did was take a walking tour with Marelvy. This was an amazing introduction to the old city. Marelvy is well versed and loves her city which only made us fall in love with it as well. The tour was the right amount of time. Marelvy made sure that we were fine throughout the entire time. Honestly, it felt like we were walking with a good friend showing us her city. This is a must do! read less

Fantastic tour, excellent guide! In Cartagena mid-November 2013. Arrived late Saturday night, called Marelvy Sunday morning and able to arrange a tour for... read moreIn Cartagena mid-November 2013. Arrived late Saturday night, called Marelvy Sunday morning and able to arrange a tour for that afternoon/evening. Marelvy was on time for meeting and met us where we were staying. She is knowledgeable, funny, tireless, and engaging. She was responsive to all of our questions, modified the tour to accommodate our needs (we were traveling with an infant), and did everything with a smile and a great sense of humor. Her English is excellent. We were in Cartagena for four more days and our trip was made that much more enjoyable because of the excellent introduction we had with Marelvy. Recommend her highly, and would suggest scheduling a tour at the beginning of your trip if possible! read less

Excellent We don't really like tours and would never normally choose to go on one, but Marelvy's Gabriel Garcia Marquez tour... read moreWe don't really like tours and would never normally choose to go on one, but Marelvy's Gabriel Garcia Marquez tour around Cartagena caught our eye. We were in luck, we emailed her at short notice and she managed to fit us in the following day. Marelvy is intelligent, charming and extremely knowledgeable as well as passionate about the city and Gabo. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and her company. I can not recommend Marelvy highly enough and her Marquez tour. 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

Great Job, Show us a great amount of the city, had us back to the ship on time! We had a wonderful time our our shore excursion we booked with Marelvy Pena-Hall. She had an young man... read moreWe had a wonderful time our our shore excursion we booked with Marelvy Pena-Hall. She had an young man greet us by the boat, holding up a sigh so we would find him. He escorted us to our van where we met Marelvy. We did the City Tour in Cartagena. The tour was exactly as described, and we saw quite a bit. We especially enjoyed the La Popa convent built on the top of the highest hill in the city, and the views from there. The old town was wonderful! She was very helpful in finding a vendor selling Colombian coffee and we were able to purchase it at a reasonable price. We were returned to the port in plenty of time to get back on the ship without rushing. As the tour ended, she gave us all a copy of a poster painted by her husband about Colombia. read less

Wonderful day in Cartegena We were a group of 14 arriving by cruise ship. Marelvy met us at the port with a lovely... read moreWe were a group of 14 arriving by cruise ship. Marelvy met us at the port with a lovely air conditioned van. We took the City Highlights tour and it was a great day. We started at La Popa summit where Marelvy provided a very interesting overview of the history of the City and the views we were enjoying. We then did a drive around the City and walked through the Old Town where we enjoyed the best pineapple and papaya we had ever tasted. We did some souvenir shopping, took lots of photos and were back at the ship on time. Everyone agreed this was an excellent day; Marelvy is articulate, knowledgeable and a wonderful representative of her City and Country. We would all highly recommend Marelvy for tours in Cartagena. 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

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

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

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

Trust your time with Marelvy to be Fullfilling and Enjoyable We only had 7 hours to Cartagena to see what the city had to offer. Marelvy and her daughter,... read moreWe only had 7 hours to Cartagena to see what the city had to offer. Marelvy and her daughter, Sheila, provided a great tour and fulfilled all our needs and wishes. My wife ask about visiting a fabric shop and Marelvy took us to an outstanding place willed with the work of local craftsmen. She is extremely knowledgeable about the history and the future of her country and speaks English with great ease. We wished that we could have spent more time with her. Her tour is not offered by our cruise line(Carnival) which is a real shame and you must contact her directly. She is excellent with responding to E-mails and providing exact info on how to connect from the pier area. If you go to Cartagena, don't miss this tour. read less

Great tour guide I decided to book our tour of the city with Marelvy based on TripAdvisor reviews and what a great idea.... read moreI decided to book our tour of the city with Marelvy based on TripAdvisor reviews and what a great idea. She was on time and very friendly. Her knowledge of Colombia history, culture and overall general knowledge is outstanding. We are originally from Cuba and she was able to make association between our colonial history and Colombia. The tour was an old day. We never felt rushed and it was pretty complete. We had 2 kids (5 and 10) and they were both entertained. Highly recommend Marelvy to really get to know the city of Cartagena. read less

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

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

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

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

Great GGM Tour Katty led our tour and was awesome! We went our first day in Cartagena, which ended up being a great... read moreKatty led our tour and was awesome! We went our first day in Cartagena, which ended up being a great idea because in addition to the GGM references and Cartagena history lessons, Katty pointed out food and other recommendations. It was the perfect introduction to the city. read less

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

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

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

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

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

Great way to see the city We did the Highpoints of the City tour and it was perfect. Marelvy not only showed us around the walled... read moreWe did the Highpoints of the City tour and it was perfect. Marelvy not only showed us around the walled city but took us up to La Popa for the amazing view of all of Cartagena. Marelvy had a driver who took us all around so the tour was very efficient and for $195 I would definitely recommend this nearly 5 hour tour. read less

Fabuloso! The tour with Marelvy was perfect. In a few short hours we saw the old architecture, side streets with... read moreThe tour with Marelvy was perfect. In a few short hours we saw the old architecture, side streets with cafes & musicians and artists' work. La Popa was a very special place to see the city from up high and inside were amazing artifacts. Marelvy is so knowledgeable, outgoing and patient. Would love to do it again! read less

Wonderful tour on a day in port We prefer booking tours on our own vs with the cruise ship and this one did not disappoint! Our... read moreWe prefer booking tours on our own vs with the cruise ship and this one did not disappoint! Our guide, Esther, was friendly, informative and lively as she showed us the city of Cartagena! There were only two of us on the tour with Esther and we felt like we were walking the city with a friend. The tour was the perfect mix of time in an air conditioned van and walking the old city. We were very impressed with the old city, it's history, architecture, the homes and the cleanliness of the city. We stopped in a few shops, bought some delicious fruit along the way. We had expressed an interest in getting some empanadas and Esther made a special stop for us to try some of her favorites. It was a wonderful tour and comes highly recommended. Booking was easy on line and communication with Marelvy was excellent from start to finish. Try to book several months in advance, as this tour is popular! read less

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Enjoyable trip to Cartagena We had a very interesting tour of the city. Everything went very smoothly from the pick up at the... read moreWe had a very interesting tour of the city. Everything went very smoothly from the pick up at the port (which by the way is very nice) to the relaxing way Marelvy showed us round the city. Although it was a hot day we did not feet tired at the end of a very good tour. read less

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Only Way to Experience Cartagena, Colombia We've been to Cartagena before but always have taken the ship's tour, no matter the cruise line. This time,... read moreWe've been to Cartagena before but always have taken the ship's tour, no matter the cruise line. This time, thanks to Trip Advisor reviews, we booked with Marelvy. We were fortunate to have booked in April for a November tour! Getting off the ship there were other couples who wanted to tour with her but I booked her first!

Marelvy was very accomodating for our group of seven, adjusting her tour schedule to satisfy our particular interests and capabilities. I can't imagine another tour operator with as much knowledge, patience, and capability than Marelvy.

She does dockside pickup in Cartagena, unlike some of the other tour operators you need to meet outside the gate.

You can't go wrong with Marelvy and i should mention that her driver was also one of the best we have ever had. read less

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

A personalized tour par excellence We visited Cartagena while on a cruise so had only a short time. Because I was so interested in... read moreWe visited Cartagena while on a cruise so had only a short time. Because I was so interested in Cartagena, particularly because of the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I decided to splurge on a private tour with Marelvy. She was easy to contact by email and very accommodating in arranging a tour that focused on the Old City and the buildings and plazas in Marquez' books, but we also saw the major sites and viewpoints. Marelvy was professional but friendly and, indeed, seemed to know half of the people we passed on the streets of the Old Town. We did a lot of walking which is what we wanted and were very satisfied with the tour. She picked us up at the cruise ship dock and got us back to the ship in plenty of time. Highly recommended. read less

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