Experiences
Hidden Treasures of Cartagena Experience.
This tour begins with a spectacular 360º view of Cartagena and its surroundings from the summit of La Popa. From there we do some sightseeing at the Fortress of San Felipe, stopping for photos and to talk about its history but not taking the arduous trek up to the top which is anti-climactic anyhow after having been to La Popa. From there it is just a few minutes to the area of Getsemai, the coolest area in the Old City , where lots of locals are still living and you will see plenty of street galleries and street art. Then you will for a relaxing stroll in the rest of the Old City through its narrow streets and open plazas and winding up some shopping.
Crepuscule
As you are going to see, Cartagena can be swelteringly hot. This walking tour begins in the late afternoon and continuing on into the cool of dusk and evening time. Marelvy will take you on a walking tour of the city’s always active main plazas, each one with its own particular character and history. From the Plaza of San Diego located between the University of Fine Arts and the building that was once the famous Convent of Santa Clara you’ll stroll through the park of Fernandez Madrid and then proceed on to the Plaza of the Coaches, alongside of the city’s watchtower, which is connected in turn to the broad Customs Plaza and the Plaza de Armas followed by the venerable Plaza of the Church of San Pedro Claver.
The Route of Gabriel García Márquez.
A walk in the old city to see some of the principle places that Gabriel García Márquez mentions in those of his works which are set in Cartagena, especially those places that figure prominently in his novels Love in the Time of Cholera, Of Love and other Demons, and The General in his Labyrinth, his autobiography Living to Tell the Tale but also some places related to Gabo’s life like his present-day house in Cartagena or the university where his studies to be a lawyer were shed like dead skin or the old offices of the newspaper where he commenced his career as a journalist.
Architecture Tour in Cartagena
Each one of the different styles of architecture seen in and around Cartagena was used and promoted by groups throughout the long history of the city who had the power and the money to carry out construction. This makes for the fascinating bit of history you’ll listen to during this tour of houses and other buildings which are representative of the various styles: Colonial, French Neoclassic, Republican, Moorish, military, Baroque, and Neogothic, as well as Caribbean.
Literary Tour with Coffee and Author Talk in Cartagena
Enjoy a unique cultural experience in Cartagena: a walking tour that blends history, literature, and local flavors. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center and end the tour at a cozy café, where a local writer awaits for an intimate conversation. As you sip Colombian coffee, you’ll learn about their work, creative process, and how the city inspires literature. Perfect for book lovers, culture seekers, and curious minds.
Master Key to Spanish
Learn Spanish Naturally Through Cognates – Your Gateway to Self-Guided Learning
Start with what you know and speak Spanish with confidence.
Start your Spanish journey with an immersive experience designed for English speakers. By using cognates—words that are similar in English and Spanish—you’ll quickly build confidence and understanding. After the initial immersion, continue learning independently with a specially designed text that includes pronunciation support, helping you deepen your skills at your own pace.
Turn familiar words into lasting language knowledge—and unlock your ability to keep learning on your own.
Boxing and History in Cartagena
Train Like a Champ in Cartagena + Photo Stop at San Felipe Fortress!
Put on your gloves and feel the rush of real boxing in Cartagena! This one-of-a-kind experience combines a 90-minute boxing session with a professional local coach and a photo stop at the iconic San Felipe Fortress, one of the city’s most stunning historic landmarks.
Learn technique, build strength, and train your mind — then pause to capture the beauty of Cartagena at the most important military fort built by the Spanish in the Americas.
Drumming and Dancing Workshop.
In this venture, we explore the village of La Boquilla, where people live off the sea. Once you have immersed yourselves in the community, you get a chance not only to be witness, but active participant of the rich and powerful music and dance of our land. You take a starters class in percussion and cumbia and other dances of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. After the workshop you can always take a deep in the sea.
Optional: Lunch at la Boquilla
Cooking in Cartagena: Where Every Flavor Tells a Story
Discover the heart of Cartagena through a cooking experience that’s more than just a class. This immersive journey invites you to explore the richness of Colombian Caribbean cuisine by preparing traditional recipes using fresh, local ingredients.
Led by local chefs, you’ll learn time-honored techniques, uncover the stories behind each dish, and share authentic moments around the kitchen. This isn’t just about food—it’s about culture, memory, and the soulful flavors of a city that cooks with heart.
Perfect for curious travelers, food lovers, and those seeking a deeper connection with local identity.
Rum Tasting Experience in Cartagena
Discover the rich history and bold flavors of Caribbean rum in the heart of Cartagena. Guided by local experts, you’ll sample a curated selection of artisanal rums — from smooth aged varieties to spiced blends — all while learning about the traditions and culture behind Colombia’s favorite spirit. An unforgettable sensory journey for rum lovers and curious travelers alike!
Street Food Tour in Cartagena
Savor the vibrant flavors of Cartagena on a guided street food tour through the city’s colorful streets and lively plazas.
Taste authentic Caribbean bites like arepas, empanadas, fresh tropical fruit, and exotic local treats while learning about the history, culture, and people behind each dish. Perfect for foodies and curious explorers who want to eat like a local!
Palenque de San Basilio Excursion
An authentic journey into Afro-Colombian history, culture, and resistance
Experience a transformative visit to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, birthplace of African resistance, and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Just a few hours from Cartagena, this tour connects you with the strength, music, stories, and living traditions of a community that never gave up.
Enjoy ancestral flavors with a traditional lunch prepared by Palenque’s own cooks — recipes passed down through generations, made with local ingredients and seasoned with history. A meal crafted with love, pride, and cultural roots.
This is not just a visit — it’s a deep encounter with the soul of a living culture.
Full Moon in the Mangroves
The full moon over the mangroves of La Boquilla, a coastal area near Cartagena, Colombia, is a mesmerizing spectacle that blends natural beauty with a mystical ambiance. Under the silvery glow of the moon, the winding water channels among the mangroves reflect its light, creating a shimmering interplay that illuminates the dense, twisted vegetation. The air is filled with the sound of a gentle breeze, the calls of nocturnal birds, and the soft lapping of water, as the mangroves seem to come alive under the lunar glow. The atmosphere is serene, almost ethereal, inviting quiet contemplation during a canoe ride, where you can soak in the unique biodiversity of this coastal ecosystem bathed in moonlight. It’s an experience that deeply connects you with nature and the tranquility of the night.
Mangrove Tour in La Boquilla – Nature, Culture & Local Flavor
Discover the hidden magic of La Boquilla's mangroves on a peaceful and authentic canoe ride. Just minutes from Cartagena, this experience connects you to the natural beauty and Afro-Caribbean culture of the region.
Guided by local fishermen, you’ll explore natural green tunnels, spot exotic birds, and learn the secrets of this rich ecosystem.
End your journey with a refreshing coconut water, served straight from the fruit – a true local treat.
Reconnect with nature. Experience La Boquilla
The Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden isn’t just a visit—it’s a journey into the living soul of Colombia’s biodiversity.
Just 30 minutes from Cartagena, trade the city’s buzz for birdsong in one of the Caribbean’s best-kept natural secrets. The Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden is a peaceful ecological haven, nestled just outside Cartagena, offering a breathtaking immersion into Colombia’s native and exotic plant life.
With more than 300 species of tropical plants, including rare orchids, palms, and medicinal flora; a 2 km network of serene trails winding through lush jungle and vibrant gardens; and a natural spring—a rarity in this region—flowing year-round and sustaining a rich diversity of wildlife like butterflies, mushrooms, monkeys, and birds in their natural habitat, the Botanical Garden is the perfect destination for nature lovers, families with children, photographers, botany enthusiasts, and curious minds.