Highlights of Cartagena, Fortress & Las Bovedas

4.5 hours | Cartagena | CTG-100
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Points of Interest

  • Cartagena's Cathedral
  • Old City
  • Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
  • Historical Museum of Cartagena
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your tour begins as you board your transportation for a scenic 15-minute drive through the Manga residential area to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (Fort of San Felipe). En route, you'll witness "Republican" architecture and several mansions restored to their original splendor.

Upon arriving at the magnificent fortress, you'll quickly see why Cartagena was the most impenetrable city of the Spanish Main. This 17th-century construction is the largest Spanish fort in the New World, representing the most important work of Spanish military engineering in South America. A must see is the tunnel system meant to facilitate supply and evacuation of the fortress.

Your next stop is Las BĂłvedas, where you will learn about the dungeons and slave prisons. Afterwards, visit Baluarte Santa Catalina atop Las BĂłvedas for a unique view of the Caribbean.

Next you'll visit the famed Old City, a walled city with narrow streets and well-tended Spanish Colonial buildings. The city is connected by a series of bridges and divided by 17th-century walls into an "historic old city" and a cosmopolitan "modern city." Many local bars and restaurants in the old walled city's compact historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remain its shining centerpiece. You'll stroll to the 18th century Historical Museum of Cartagena, a fine example of colonial architecture, yet an eerie reminder of "dark" days gone by. The museum façade features grilles and balcony, colonial-style, and a gate reflective of the baroque style. Behind the charming façade, a museum displays instruments of torture from the Spanish Inquisition, pre-Columbian, colonial and independence era art.

You'll wander the narrow cobblestone streets and city squares of the Old City, including Plaza de San Pedro. Within sight is San Pedro Claver Church. Built in the 17th century, the church displays exquisite statues and old-world furnishings honoring the missionary Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves and the first saint canonized in the Western Hemisphere.
Continue your journey to the Navy Museum, established in 1986, restored ruins of the Jesuits school, discover the historic military efforts of Cartagena, enjoy the wealth of historical artifacts, maritime life and naval history of Colombia, enjoy a local show and a refreshing soft drink.

You will have approximately 30 minutes to explore by your own & shop into the Old City, where you will be able to find many boutique and jewelry shops, before returning to the ship.

Special Notes:

There is a paved, fairly steep incline that must be negotiated to reach the interior of the fortress. A complimentary beverage is included in the tour. The name of the Inquisition Palace has changed to the Historical Museum of Cartagena.

Child Price:

12 & under reduced

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for inside visit of San Felipe Fortress

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
20
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
00:40
Free time at site:
10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
400
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Re-board your transportation and return to the ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
20
Travel time:
00:10

Depart from San Felipe Fortress for shopping stop at Las Bovedas Artisan Center

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
20
Travel time:
00:10
Time at site:
00:15
Free time at site:
15
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
30
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
No

Depart from Las Bovedas and visit the top of the wall at Santa Catalina's Bastion

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Transport Capacity:
20
Travel time:
00:10
Time at site:
00:15
Free time at site:
15
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
30
Steps:
20
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Transfer to the Old City

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Transportation
Travel time:
00:10
Free time at site:
20
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
300
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Inside visit of the Historical Museum of Cartagena

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
00:30
Free time at site:
10
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
50
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Explore Old Plazas and streets

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
00:30
Free time at site:
25
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
25
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
No

Visit San Pedro Claver Sanctuary

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
00:25

Visit the Navy Museum and attend a local Show

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
00:30

Explore the city on your own

Transport type:
Walking
Time at site:
00:30