Walled City & Getsemaní Private Walking Tour in Cartagena
2:30 hrs.
The best Private Walking Tour in Cartagena, Colombia. Discover the Walled City & the beautiful Getsemaní!
Starting at $190.000 COP (price varies by group size)
Few cities in the Americas reward slow exploration the way Cartagena does. On this 2.5-hour Walled City and Getsemaní Private Walking Tour, your personal guide will take you through the cobblestone streets, hidden plazas, and centuries-old fortifications of two of the most historically rich neighborhoods in Colombia — the Walled City and the vibrant Getsemaní district — at your own pace, with the full story behind every corner.
Where History Begins: The Walled City
Your journey starts at the iconic Torre del Reloj — the Clock Tower that has marked the entrance to Cartagena’s historic center since the 17th century and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. From there, you’ll step into the Plaza de los Coches, once the largest slave market in the Americas, and pass through the arcades of the Portal de los Dulces, where the same families have been selling traditional Afro-Caribbean sweets for generations.
This Walled City and Getsemaní Tour continues to the Plaza de la Aduana — the largest square in the Walled City and the former center of Spanish colonial administration — before reaching the Plaza San Pedro Claver, home to the sanctuary dedicated to the Spanish Jesuit priest who devoted his life to the dignity of enslaved Africans arriving in Cartagena. A figure of extraordinary moral courage, Pedro Claver was the first person canonized in the New World.
From there, your guide leads you to the Plaza de Bolívar, Cartagena’s most elegant square, flanked by two of the city’s most important institutions: the Palacio de la Inquisición — where the Spanish Inquisition tried and sentenced hundreds of people between the 17th and 19th centuries, its façade one of the finest examples of colonial Baroque architecture in Latin America — and the Museo del Oro Zenú, home to one of the most remarkable collections of pre-Colombian goldwork in Colombia.
Just steps away stands the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, one of the oldest churches in the Americas, whose construction began in 1575 and whose walls bear the scars of Francis Drake’s cannons from his 1586 raid on the city. Your guide will walk you along the Baluarte de San Ignacio and the Baluarte de Santo Domingo — two of the most intact sections of the defensive wall system that made Cartagena virtually impenetrable for centuries — before arriving at the Plaza de Santo Domingo, the oldest square in the city and home to the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, where locals and visitors have gathered for over four hundred years beneath the shadow of its asymmetrical bell tower.
A stroll through the Calle Román — one of the most beautiful and photographed streets in Cartagena, lined with bougainvillea-draped colonial facades in every shade of yellow, orange, and blue — leads you toward the Parque Centenario, the green boundary between the Walled City and the neighborhood that waits just beyond it.
Where the City Gets Real: Getsemaní
In this Walled City and Getsemaní Private Walking Tour Crossing into Getsemaní feels like turning a page. Once the working-class neighborhood that housed the sailors, craftsmen, and freed slaves who built and sustained colonial Cartagena, Getsemaní has emerged in recent decades as one of the most culturally vibrant and visually striking barrios in all of Latin America — a living canvas of street art, community pride, and authentic local life that exists entirely on its own terms.
Your guide will walk you through Calle Larga and Calle de la Magdalena — the neighborhood’s main arteries, lined with corner stores, local restaurants, and murals that tell the story of a community that has refused to be erased by gentrification. From there, the narrow Calle de la Sierpe leads you to the heart of Getsemaní: the Plaza de la Trinidad, where the neighborhood’s social life has played out for centuries, from independence conspiracies in the early 19th century to the evening gatherings of locals that still fill the square every night.
This Walled City and Getsemaní Private Walking Tour concludes at the Plaza del Pozo — one of Getsemaní’s most intimate and storied corners, named after the well that once supplied water to the entire neighborhood, and today a quiet, beautiful space that feels completely removed from the tourist trail despite being steps from the Walled City. What Makes This Tour Different This is a private experience — meaning the pace, the focus, and the depth of the stories are entirely yours to shape. Whether you want to linger at the Plaza de Bolívar, go deeper into the history of the Inquisition, or spend extra time photographing the street art of Getsemaní, your guide adapts to what matters most to you. No large groups. No rushed stops. Just Cartagena, your guide, and 2.5 hours of stories that most visitors never get to hear.
📍 Starting point: Torre del Reloj, Walled City of Cartagena
🏁 Ending point: Plaza del Pozo, Getsemaní
⏱ Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
👥 Group size: Private — exclusive for your group
🗣 Available in: English and Spanish
What is included?
- Refreshing drink.
- Pick-up (only Centro Historic Center, Getsemaní, Bocagrande, Castillo Grande, Laguito, Manga, Pie de Popa, Marsella, Cielo Mar, Morros).
- Tour Guide.
Exclusions
Anything not specified above is not included un the price!
Book in advance
Close time for reservations: 4 hours
Languages
English or spanish
What to bring?
Sunscreen, weather appropriate clothes, water.
Cancellation policy
Reservations are fully refundable up to 24 hours before the tour starts!
Clock Tower
We start this Private Walking Tour in Cartagena in the “Camellón de los Mártires – Plaza Cervantes” where we will learn about the indigenous people who inhabited this lands before the spanih conquest. We move to the “Golden Key of Cartagena” or the Clock Tower, entering “Plaza de los Coches” where the founder of the city, Pedro de Heredia welcome us.
Sweets Portal
In this Private Tour of Cartagena we continue to the Sweets Portal, a living symbol of the female activities during the slavery times and the traditions that their descendants continue. We will look into the slavery history and its influence in Cartagena.
Plaza de la Aduana
The commercialization process of merchandise, including the enslaved, took place in this plaza. Here we will see the Municipal Hall and other importante buildings.
Modern Art Museum
Of course, art is no stranger to this Private Walking Tour in Cartagena. The Museum of Modern Art, an exponent of Caribbean and Latin American art from the 50´s. In other hand, the Gold Museum open its doors with samples of indigenous pieces from the colombian caribbean.
Plaza San Pedro Claver
Religion is present in this Private Tour with San Pedro Claver, slave of the slaves. In this square we´ll see the architecture of the chuch and monastery that bears his name an is the deadquarters of Human Rights.
Bastión San Ignacio & Plaza Simón Bolívar
Do you like the feats of pirates and corsairs? We count them when visiting San Ignacio bastion, a sample of spanish military constructions and strategies. We continue to Plaza Bolívar, in homage to the precursor of independence, a place to refresh ourselves.
Calle Román
We link Plaza Bolívar, in homage to the precursor of independence, and the Plaza de la Proclamación – Old Goverment Palace, with the Centennial Park as scenarios of the Independence of Cartagena and Colombia. In this Private Walking Tour in Cartagena, in Román Street we´ll recommend you different places to eat or drink something!
Centennial Park
Do you know the sloths, squirrels and iguanas? In this Private Tour you will see them in one of the most important lungs of Cartagena.
Show location
Callejón Ancho – Getsemaní
We will enjoy one of the most important and colorful cultural corridors of Getesemaní, due to the umbrellas, the graffiti and the unique architecture in this Private Tour.
Plaza de la Trinidad – Getsemaní
Finally, we enter the Callejón Ancho, to reach the endo of the route along Calle San Juan to the sound of salsa and the African champeta. In this Private Walking Tour in Cartagena, we´ll finish visiting the Holy Trinity square and the Plaza del Pazo.
If you do not select a pickup location, you can start the experience at any of the locations below.
Plaza de Cervantes – Camellón de Los Mártires
Calle 32, 130001 Cartagena de Indias, CO
- Hotel Bantu By Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals
- Centro Hotel Cartagena
- Hotel Cabrero Mar
- Hotel Barlovento
- Hotel Costa Del Sol
- NH Collection Cartagena La Merced Royal
- Casa La Cartujita
- Hotel Buenos Aires Avenida
- Hotel la Magdalena
- Hotel Casa Tere
- Hotel Golin San Agustin
- Hotel Regatta Cartagena
- Hotel Quadrifolio
- Hernandez Suite
- Santa Alejandria Hotel
- Eurostars Marques de Villalta
- Arsenal Hotel
- Hotel Santa Cruz
- San Lazaro Art Style
- Hotel Don Pedro De Heredia
- Hotel Casa Gloria
- Ganem Suites Cartagena
- Hotel Estrella del Mar
- ibis Cartagena Marbella
- Dhi Palmetto
- Hotel Summer
- Decameron Cartagena
- Hotel Las Americas Casa de Playa
- Hotel Arizona
- Hotel Casa del mango
- GHL Armeria Real
- Hotel Restaurante Boyaca
- Mar De Indias House
- Andagi Hotel
- 868 Mikaili Spot
- HOTEL GOLIN San Diego
- Akel House Hotel
- Sophia Hotel
- Hostal Fareb
- Varanasi Hotel Boutique
- Casa Franco Hotel
- Hotel Casa la Fe
- Hotel Casa del Arzobispado
- Hotel Barahona 446
- Hotel Colombia Real – Cartagena
- Hostel Getsemani
- Hotel LM
- Hotel Toledo
- Casa Santa Rita Hostel
- Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
- Hotel Monterrey
- Hotel Casa San Agustin
- Hotel Stil Cartagena
- Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena
- Hotel Ibatama Real
- El Mirador
- Candil De Los Santos
- NH Cartagena Urban Royal
- Hotel Aixo Suites
- Hotel 3 Banderas
- Hotel Crisor
- Hostal El Amparo
- Hotel Blue Concept
- InterContinental Cartagena de Indias, an IHG Hotel
- Hotel Virrey Cartagena
- Hotel Bahia
- Atlantic Lux Hotel
- GIO hotel Cartagena Tama
- San Lazaro Art Hotel
- Casa Belle Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Capilla del Mar
- Hotel Las Americas Torre del Mar
- Casa Don Sancho By Mustique
- Hilton Cartagena Hotel
- Hotel Casona del Colegio
- Hotel La Naval
- Zalmedina Hotel
- Madisson Boutique Hotel
- Casa Hostal Bahia
- Hotel Leyendas del Mar
- Casa Boutique Veranera
- Hotel Simon Bolivar
- Casa Cordoba Estrella
- Hotel Casa Garces Cartagena
- Casa Blue Business & Hotel
- Hotel Casa Salome
- Hotel Amoek
- OZ Hotel Luxury
- Charleston Santa Teresa Cartagena
- Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Bocagrande
- Hotel Casa India Catalina
- Ayenda 1801 El Oceano
- Hotel Aguamarina
- Hotel Cartagena Real
- Hotel Casa La Factoria By Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals
- El Marques Hotel Boutique
- Cartagena de Indias – Barrio Crespo
- Hyatt Regency Cartagena
- Hotel Marina Suites
- Juna Hotel Boutique
- Casa Cochera del Gobernador
- Casa de Alba Hotel Boutique
- Hotel Casa de las Palmas
- Alojamiento Cerca al Mar
- Casa Hostal Bahia
- Hotel Pueblito Playa
- Hotel Boutique At The Park
- Hotel-Hostal Santo Domingo
- Casa El Carretero
- San Pedro Hotel Spa
- Hotel Casa Del Arsenal
- Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo
- Hampton by Hilton Cartagena
- Hotel Casa del Curato
- Hotel Casa Lourdes
- Hostal Casa Lopez Cartagena
- Hotel Boutique las Carretas
- Mucura Hotel & Spa
- Casa Las Indias Hotel Boutique
- Casa Santa Ana Hotel Boutique Spa
- Hotel Casa Rosada
- Urbanreal Hotel Puerta del Reloj
- Hotel Almirante
- ESTELAR Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Convention Centre
- Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Be Live Experience Cartagena Dubai
- Ethnic Thematic Hotel
- Hotel Avexi Suites
- Casa Gastelbondo
- Casa De La Tablada Hotel Boutique By Hmc
- Hotel Or Cartagena
- Santa Catalina Hotel
- Leones de Alba Hotel Boutique
- GHL Relax Corales de Indias
- Hotel La Esperanza Cartagena
- Delirio Hotel
- Oz Hotel
- Hotel Boutique Del Mar
- Casa C2 Bed And Breakfast
- Hotel Boutique Bovedas by Santa Clara
- Hotel Dann Cartagena
- Hotel Santo Toribio
- Casa Bustamante Hotel Boutique
- Hotel Ejecutivo Juna Aeropuerto
- Ermita, Cartagena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Hotel Casa Pestagua
- Casa La Merced Cartagena
- Playa Club Hotel
- Bastion Luxury Hotel
- Astrasuite 427
- Hotel Amarla
- Paraiso Secreto
- Agua Hotel
- Jungle by Ofihotel
- Casa BuGo
- Hotel Valmar
- Hotel San Martin
- Casa Pombo
- Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand, A Member of Radisson Individuals
- Hotel Boutique La Artilleria
- Hotel Boutique Casa Heredia
- Le Marie B&B
- Cartagena Premium Hotel
- Hospedaje Portal Del Virrey
- Hotel Dorado Plaza
- Casa Amanzi Hotel Cartagena
- Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
- Hotel Azuan Suites
- Boutique Hotel swissResidial
- Casa 954
- Hotel Dorado Plaza Centro Historico
- Hotel CASA LOLA Deluxe Gallery
- La Passion Hotel Lounge
- Ananda Hotel Boutique
- Holiday Inn Express Cartagena Manga, An IHG Hotel
- Hotel Cartagena Plaza
- Hotel Boutique Casa Isabel
- Alfiz Hotel
- Movich Hotels Cartagena de Indias
- Hotel Casa Acqua San Diego
- Casa San Juan
- Baluarte Cartagena Hotel Boutique
- Hotel Casa Canabal by Faranda Boutique
- Hotel Kristal Tower
- Hospedaje Patricia
- Casa Villa Colonial
- Los Balcones de Badillo Hotel
- Hotel Gabino de Balboa