City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5
(65)

Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Ease into Cartagena with a flexible introduction led by a local, part orientation, part discovery, shaped around you.

Escape the scorching heat by planning an early start each day and visiting museums during the hottest times of the day

What makes this experience special

This experience helps you feel settled fast, mixing essential sights with quiet moments, guest-led pacing, and real local rhythm.

Key highlights

  • Begin at the city’s symbolic entryway and set the tone for your day
  • Sample traditional sweets or hear stories of colonial and cultural contrast
  • Follow colorful streets to artisan courtyards just off the main path
  • Browse handmade goods or pause for rooftop views, your host adjusts to your pace
  • Reflect in a quiet plaza and learn about Cartagena’s cultural and spiritual legacy
  • Walk along the city walls or relax by the sea, it’s your choice
  • Leave with local tips and the confidence to explore Cartagena on your own

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

2 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Transport fares or attraction entry fees
Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Meeting point

Plaza de los Coches, Carrera 7, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Plaza de los Coches, Carrera 7, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia

Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Plaza de los Coches & Portal de los Dulces

Start where the city’s story begins

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Step through the Clock Tower Gate into a lively plaza where history and daily life mingle. Your host might point out colonial contrasts or invite you to try traditional coconut sweets before uncovering the stories behind this city gateway.

Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Calle de los Santos de Piedra

A street of color, craft, and calm

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Wander a pastel-hued street lined with bougainvillea and quiet courtyards. You could pause at a leather workshop or hat atelier tucked behind old wooden doors, your host senses the right moment to stop or carry on toward the next view.

Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

San Pedro Claver Square & Cultural Pause

A quiet plaza to reflect or roam

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

This stone-paved square invites a slower pace. You might sit by the church steps as your host shares the story of San Pedro Claver or simply listen to street music mingling with the rustle of trees. It’s a moment to recharge, reflect, or ask what’s next.

Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Optional Seaside Stroll to Baluarte de San Ignacio

Breeze, views, and an open horizon

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

If you feel like walking farther, the nearby ramparts offer ocean views and a quiet change of pace. You might take in the breeze, chat about Cartagena’s layout, or ask your host for suggestions on where to eat later that day.

Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Café-lined corner near Plaza Santo Domingo

A natural place to linger or say goodbye

See More
Your Perfect First Day in Cartagena: Icons, Courtyards & Local Rhythm

Optional Close: Café-lined corner near Plaza Santo Domingo

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

A colorful embrace against iconic tiles

City strolls and bright conversations

City strolls and bright conversations

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Tasting local flavors, one bite at a time

Relaxing on the water with friends

Relaxing on the water with friends

Exploring grand architecture together

Exploring grand architecture together

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Balcony views and happy family vibes

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Capturing memories inside a stunning landmark

Immersed in Latin America's Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Immersed in Latin America's Colorful Fiesta Spirit

Laughs on the move

Laughs on the move

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Latin America

Sun-Soaked Stroll Through Historic Latin America

Exploring Latin America's Bustling Streets with New Friends

Exploring Latin America's Bustling Streets with New Friends

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Capturing Moments by the Iconic Talavera Tiles

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Toasting to Authentic Cantina Vibes

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Taco Time and Local Flavors Shared Around the Table

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Good Company, Great Tacos, and Cold Cervezas

Smiles Over the Street Market

Smiles Over the Street Market

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our City Essentials: First Day experiences in South America

Jennifer Aug 2025

Our guide (Donatella) was absolutely amazing. We had people between the ages of 60 and 16 and everyone loved our tour. We experienced the local food as well as saw really cool sites. Would recommend this tour to anyone.

Show more
Jessica Aug 2025

Darryl was absolutely amazing! So knowledgeable but not boring. We were traveling with our 3 daughters (ages 13, 11, 9), our nephew (16) and my mother (70). He never rushed us and was also a phenomenal photographer! He knew all the best places to get perfect angles for views! We even saw the changing of the guard!

Show more
Anthony Aug 2025

Donatella was incredible! She made us feel like home in Naples. She showed us so much of the city, gave us fascinating history and we had great conversation!

Show more
Monica Aug 2025

Reza was amazing! He was very knowledgeable and professional, we had a great time with him in Milan. He also had some really good recommendations for us.

Show more
Elizabeth Aug 2025

We had a fantastic experience with Marisol. She really went above and beyond to create a thorough but brief tour tailored to our interests with a cool mix of classic must-sees and some off the beaten path too. Her historical knowledge was exceptional and I could not recommend this experience enough!

Show more
Joey Aug 2025

We had a fantastic and unique experience with Diego. First of all, he met with us personally at our hotel and provided a thoughtful gift in celebration of our vacation and honeymoon. Diego took us to museums, churches, and local food venues which we would not have known about otherwise as people new to the city. We enjoyed getting to know Diego and learning about the culture of Italy. Not only this, but he took a sincere interest in learning about us. We did not only leave Bologna knowing more about the city and culture, but we made a new friend which is more invaluable to our experience here.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Of course! Your experience is flexible, so you can explore at your own pace and make changes along the way.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.