Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5
(59)

Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

Wander at your own rhythm through tucked-away streets and calm courtyards with a local who shares what most travelers miss.

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 invites you into Cartagena’s more intimate spaces, lived-in streets, creative corners, and moments shaped by your own pace. It’s the city locals know, unfolding out of the spotlight.

Key highlights

  • Ease into Getsemaní’s calm corners, shaped by what draws your eye
  • Explore quiet studios or alleyways depending on your pace and preferences
  • Follow your host into Manga’s breezy patios or linger in a moment of stillness
  • Choose to engage with San Roque’s daily rhythm, or drift toward the next scene
  • If the mood fits, end with a soft rooftop view or an unhurried nearby stop
  • Your host adapts in real time, each choice shaped around your curiosity

What to know before you go

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

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

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

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

Meeting point

Café San Alberto (inside the Museo del Oro Zenú courtyard)

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

Café San Alberto (inside the Museo del Oro Zenú courtyard)

Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

Calle de la Sierpe’s Artisan Backstreets

Quiet walls, open doors, and stories passed through hands

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Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

You’ll ease into Getsemaní through calm lanes locals quietly cherish. Past murals and stoops, you might glimpse a tiny workshop mid-project or pause where creative energy lingers behind open doors, your host will follow what draws your eye and let the moment shape itself.

Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

A Secret Courtyard Garden in Manga

Leafy stillness, personal sketches, and local voices

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Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

You might step into a leafy courtyard where sculptures mingle with orchids, or pause nearby as the area’s calm rhythm unfolds. Your host could suggest where to linger; some guests enjoy the quiet, others feel drawn toward sketches or an open staircase.

Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

San Roque’s Everyday Rituals

Drumbeats, card games, and the rhythm of a lived-in block

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Secret Cartagena: Backstreets, Courtyards & Quiet Rituals

Back near Getsemaní, San Roque hums with daily life. You might hear music from behind a doorway or pass neighbors mid-conversation. Some guests pause to soak it in, others wander on, your host moves with you, tuned into whatever’s unfolding in the moment.

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 Hidden Gems experiences in South America

Robert Jun 2025

This is a walking tour which is tailored to your needs and interests. Monika has varied technological interests, which extend far beyond Sweden.

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Ricky Jun 2025

Our guide (Daniela) was extremely knowledgeable about the sights and historical places of Naples. She was accommodating to our interests- best place for gelato and pastries the shopping area, the Spanish quarter. It was an extremely hot day but we weren’t rushed, it was our tour and Dan was so accommodating. On reflection it was great value for money as we saw lots and learnt lots about the fantastic Naples, the culture and history. Truly fascinating city.

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Barbara Jun 2025

Our guide, Martina, was extremely knowledgeable and gave us just the right amount of history/facts about all the sites we were seeing. Loved that she tailored the tour exactly to our needs and wants. Great experience. Thank you Martina!

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David Jun 2025

Serena was our guide and she made the tour fantastic from beginning to end. She tailored it to our needs and was so knowledgeable. We sample the local food, heard about local culture and history. Serena’s passion for Napoli was infectious. We would highly recommend, even to teeenagers..our 14 and 16 year old loved it.

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Gillian Jun 2025

We had a wonderful morning with Kento! He was so knowledgeable and we learnt so much - every question we asked Kento had the answer! He took us to the most beautiful place, it was a real highlight of our holiday. Thank you Kento!

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Tim Jun 2025

I had an incredible experience with our guide Shin in Japan! Shin’s off-the-beaten-track tour was a perfect blend of adventure and insight, keeping both adults and children thoroughly engaged. His deep knowledge of the area shone through in every detail, from hidden gems to fascinating local stories, making the journey unforgettable for all of us. Highly recommend Shin for an authentic and captivating exploration!

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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.

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 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!

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.

How much walking is involved?

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

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

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.