Off the Beaten Track: Cartagena's Special Secrets
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Port
Cartagena, Colombia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Here's a special-access visit to some of Cartagena's most remarkable landmarks to see what lies behind closed doors. Discover concealed tunnels, gain insights into the private life of author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and go behind the scenes to learn how coffee roasting is part of the city's rich heritage.
The 16th-century San Felipe Fortress once protected the city from pirates. Step into its tunnels and once secret passageways with a knowledgeable guide. Enhance your exploration with stories of the fortress' numerous victories and occasional challenges.
In the Old Town, the Cloister of La Merced is a concealed courtyard hidden in plain sight. Not open to the public, it is the final resting place for the ashes of Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This hidden gem is so intertwined with the renowned writer whose shared history is woven into the very walls, and you will view some of Marquez's personal effects in a dedicated room.
Delve into the sights and tastes of the Old Town on a sensory adventure. Cartagena's first City Hall is now home to the distinct flavors and aromas of an exquisite Colombian staple -- coffee. Experienced baristas expound on the intricate art of sublime coffee roasting.
You'll have a few minutes to shop for Emeralds and to glimpse at La Serrezuela -- the city's former bullring transformed into a stunning shopping mall. The Vaults (Las Bovedas) was once a dungeon and prison but is now a lively marketplace seamlessly integrated into Cartagena's UNESCO World Heritage Site City Walls. Adventurous participants can climb atop the walls and catch a glimpse of one of its "lost" secret passageways.
Notes:
Active participation is required. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Tour sequence may vary. Venues may be subject to change for operational reasons. Terrain includes cobblestones and uneven surfaces in Cartagena's Old Town and at San Felipe Fortress. Tour requires approximately one mile of walking. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Tour does not operate on the last Sunday of every month.