We’ve been anxious to visit Cartagena. On this trip we really began craving its beaches and historic walled city about a month ago. If you go back further though, we’ve had Cartagena on our bucket list since we were living in Panama 12 years ago. I am so happy to report that it has far exceeded the lofty expectations we had for it! When we arrived we set up a tour of the walled city so we could learn more about the city. It turned out to be fantastic. Here is what you can expect from a walking tour of Cartagena, Colombia with kids.
You May Also Like: The Ultimate Cartagena Family Itinerary (3 to 5 Days)
Walking Tour of Cartagena Details
In order to make the absolute most of our time here, we set up a walking tour through airbnb experiences. Our thought was to explore the walled city this way, and understand which spots we should revisit. The tour had incredible ratings and reviews, an approachable price ($44-47/person), and an intimate group setting. We are so glad we did this! Anita was the best host too! You will really enjoy her. Here’s a link to her walking tour.
Parque Centenario
We met in Parque Centenario which is a shaded park (shade can be vital to find here) right across the street from the main entrance into the walled city. If you look closely there are some fun monkeys, large iguanas and active sloths. It was an unexpected treat to see some really great wildlife here, and well worth a stop in the park!
You May Also Like: Cartagena Costs Broken Down: Is It Expensive to Visit This Beautiful City?
Getsemani
The first neighborhood we entered is Getsemani. Historically this was one of the poorest and roughest parts of the walled city. Back in the day, this was closest to the docks where sailors would be eager to find a drink and more. Today, this neighborhood remains full of life, but without the rough edges. It is a must experience spot. This neighborhood is known for its graffiti and vibrant art scene. Honestly it has some of the best art we’ve seen in all of our travels to date. It is also where many of the hostels, bars and nightclubs are located. During the day the area is fairly quiet, but in the evenings folks pack the streets. At every turn we saw a new beautiful view of a charming, narrow painted street.
You May Also Like: Cartagena Travel Guide: Recommendations from a Local Expert
La Matuna
Following Getsemani, we entered the neighborhood of La Matuna. This area is the business center of the downtown Cartagena area. It is not beautiful unless you like 1970’s commercial building architecture. If so, you might be the only one. Congratulations! Cartagena became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and this piece of the historic downtown was updated just prior to that, so its modern touches don’t align with the historic charm of the rest of the walled city. Interesting to see the impacts of the UNESCO designation, but a spot you can definitely avoid… especially in the evenings.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
You May Also Like: The Best Sunset Cruise for Families in Cartagena
San Diego
After a quick snack of an arepa and a delicious juice we came to the gorgeous neighborhood of San Diego. Here is where middle class people lived and many of the homes have been restored. This neighborhood is much quieter and more peaceful than the rest of the walled city. Come here if you enjoy aimlessly wandering streets lined with bright homes, fun doors, and flowers growing overhead. Another feature of this area is a recently renovated bullfighting arena, which has been turned into an events center and upscale mall. Even if you are uninterested in shopping there, the arena is so well done and is a must see!
You May Also Like: Journey to the Beautiful Rosario Islands: An Honest Review
El Centro
The final destination on the tour was El Centro. It is the most popular of the walled city neighborhoods. This is where many of the very rich families used to live in the city. The majority of these homes have been turned into upscale hotels, shops and restaurants. It is a beautiful spot and very lively in the evenings. You can even be whisked down the narrow streets by a horse drawn carriage. If you want to experience walking on top of the city’s wall, this is a great spot to do so. Our recommendation is to wander over there just before sunset so you can snap some incredible photos. Then just grab a couple “wall beers” from one of the many vendors that you’ll encounter and enjoy the view!
Walking Tour of Cartagena, Colombia With Kids Summary
I would highly recommend taking a tour with our local guide, Anita. Her tour is phenomenal! She is a book of knowledge and her English is great. She tells about the history of Cartagena but also gives amazing recommendations on restaurants and other local attractions in the area that only a local will know. This tour made our stay in Cartagena much better than it would have been if we planned things on our own.
Leave a Reply