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Cartagena Sightseeing Excursions
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City Drive, Shopping and La Popa
Experience the magic of Cartagena during a sightseeing tour of the Convento de la Popa and the Bocagrande, and shop till you drop in Las Bovedas and the Pierino Gallo Mall.
Surrender to a spectacular backdrop of sweeping countryside as you embark on a relaxing, air-conditioned motor coach drive from the pier to the historic city center of Cartagena. During your trip, discover the fascinating history and culture of this picturesque seaport from your friendly guide and marvel at the ornate mansions at buildings of the famous "Manga" residential district. Following your 15-minute drive, arrive at the Convento de la Popa, situated high on the hillside overlooking the city and harbor, and marvel at the breathtaking views that surround you in every direction. Over 400 years old, the Convento de la Popa is a monastery that was built on the age-old grounds where local Indians and fugitive black slaves used to meet, and is arguably Cartagena's top scenic destination. Following your 20-minute visit, journey to the famous dungeons of Las Bovedas, which were originally built in the late 18th century as a means for storage despite the name, and sightsee and shop amidst the many handcraft boutiques and stores that now fill the area.
After your 20-minute shopping spree, embark on a 15-minute drive to the famed walled city and marvel at the plethora of colonial buildings and age-old fortifications around every corner. Make your way to the modern residential area known as Bocagrande, home to vast array of hotels, shops, eateries, night clubs and art galleries, and snap a picture of the long stretch of sun-kissed sand and breathtaking blue water in the distance. Finally, travel to the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center, and soak up the local flavor as you indulge in a bit of shopping amidst some of the finest gold, emerald and handcraft retailers in the city. After your hour-long visit, sit back and relax as you begin your 30-minute return trip back the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: Adult: $49 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $24 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- Food is available for purchase.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- The stop at the Convento de la Popa is an outside visit only.
- This excursion includes walking across approximately 150 yards of occasionally uneven terrain.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Deluxe Cartagena & Fortress with Folklore Show
Uncover the mysteries of the Convento de la Popa and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, spend time at the Navy Museum of the Caribbean, and shop for souvenirs at Las Bovedas and Pierino Gallo Shopping Center.
Abandon all worries as you gaze out upon the spectacular unspoiled grandeur of Colombia's captivating shoreline during a scenic 20-minute drive to the historic Convento de la Popa. Over 400 years old, the Convento de la Popa is a monastery that was built on the age-old grounds where local Indians and fugitive black slaves used to meet on La Popa hill, and is today one of Cartagena's top tourist destinations. During your journey, pass through the wealthy "Manga" residential district, home to some of the most ornate mansions and beautifully sculpted buildings in the city, and discover Cartagena's storied history from your friendly guide. Upon your arrival at Convento de la Popa, lose yourself to the breathtaking views of the city and harbor that surround you in every direction. Stroll the tranquil grounds, behold the many treasures in the monastery and onsite museum, and marvel at the majestic Virgin of Candelaria statue celebrating Cartagena's patron saint. After your 25-minute visit, continue your journey to the largest Spanish fort in the New World — Fort of San Felipe de Barajas — and snap a picture of the famous towering walls and main entrance. Venture inside the ancient fort and explore the age-old grounds, which were built in the 17th century, and experience the magic of a different time, when the strength and prosperity of a city depended on its ability to defend itself.
Following your 30-minute visit of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, make your way to the dungeons of Las Bovedas, which were originally built in the late 18th century as means for storage, despite the name. Once there, soak up the sights as you sightsee and shop amidst the many handcraft boutiques and stores that now fill the area. Then, travel to the majestic San Pedro Claver Church, built in the 17th century, and venture inside to discover a plethora of exquisite statues and old-world furnishings honoring the missionary Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves. After your 30-minute visit, wander the narrow cobblestone streets and serene city squares inside the walled city and travel to the Navy Museum of the Caribbean, located behind the church, to discover the historic military efforts of Cartagena. Wander the 17th-century "Colonial Wing" and 20th-century "Republican Wing," and enjoy the wealth of historical artifacts on display. Then, take in a delightful celebration of Columbia's history and culture during a folklore show featuring traditional songs and dances. After your 20-minute visit, travel to the Pierino Gallo Shopping Mall, and indulge in a bit of shopping amidst some of the finest gold, emerald and handcraft retailers in the city. Following your 45-minute visit, embark on a 15-minute trip back the ship, passing through the picturesque Bocagrande and Castillogrande residential areas along the way.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 4.5-5 hours
Price: Adult: $49 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $32 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- Beverages (sparkling sodas, beers, or bottled water) are included.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- The stop at Las Bovedas is approximately 15 minutes.
- This excursion includes walking across approximately 450 yards of occasionally uneven terrain. Additionally, Guests will traverse approximately 12 stairs at the Convento de la Popa and 15 stairs at the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center. Guests will also partake in a steep walk up to the San Felipe Fortress.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Best of Cartagena
Travel through time — and explore a city as timeless as it is unique — during a tour of historic Cartagena.
Lose yourself to the captivating coastal views of Colombia as you journey — past verdant tropical vegetation and sprawling hillside climbs — to the historic city center of Cartagena aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach. As you listen to your guide relay the history and culture of this picturesque seaport, take in a glimpse of the famous "Manga" residential district, home to some of the most ornate mansions and beautifully sculpted buildings in the city. Following your 20-minute drive, arrive at the Convento de la Popa, situated on the hillside overlooking the city and harbor, and marvel at the breathtaking views that surround you in every direction. Over 400 years old, the Convento de la Popa is a monastery that was built on the age-old grounds where local Indians and fugitive black slaves used to meet, and is today one of Cartagena's top tourist destinations. Wander the tranquil grounds, explore the onsite museum, and marvel at the majestic Virgin of Candelaria statue celebrating Cartagena's patron saint. Following your 25-minute visit, continue on with your journey to the largest Spanish fort in the New World — Fort of San Felipe de Barajas — and snap a picture of the ancient towering walls and main entrance. Originally built in the 17th century, the magnificent Fort of San Felipe de Barajas stands as a symbol to a different time, when the strength and prosperity of a city depended on its ability to defend itself.
Following your 10-minute visit of the ancient fortress, journey to the dungeons of Las Bovedas, which were originally built in the late 18th century as a means for storage, and sightsee and shop amidst the many handcraft boutiques and stores that now fill the area. Then, make your way to majestic San Pedro Claver Church, built in the 17th century, and venture inside to discover a plethora of exquisite statues and ornate old-world furnishings honoring the missionary Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves. After your 15-minute visit, stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and serene city squares inside the walled city and travel to the Navy Museum of the Caribbean — located behind the church — to discover the historic military efforts of Cartagena. Wander the 17th-century "Colonial Wing" and 20th-century "Republican Wing," and enjoy the wealth of historical artifacts on display. Then, take in a delightful celebration of Colombia's history and culture during a folklore show featuring traditional songs and dances. Finally, travel to the Pierino Gallo Mall, and indulge in a bit of shopping amidst some of the finest gold, emerald and handcraft retailers in the city. After your 30-minute visit, embark on a 15-minute trip back the ship, passing through the Bocagrande and Castillogrande residential areas along the way.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 4-4.5 hours
Price: Adult: $42 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $29 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- Beverages (sparkling sodas, beers, or bottled water) are included.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- The stop at Las Bovedas is approximately 20 minutes.
- The stop at the Naval Museum is approximately 20 minutes.
- This excursion includes walking across approximately 450 yards of occasionally uneven terrain.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Historic Cartagena Old City Walking Tour
Stroll through the streets of downtown Cartagena and lose yourself to a timeless city brimming with history and culture.
Behold the panoramic grandeur of Cartagena during an approximate 20-minute, air-conditioned motor coach drive from the pier through the elegant "Manga" residential district to the Bastion of Santa Domingo. Upon your arrival, step back in time as you embark on a walking tour through Cartagena's historic downtown district. Begin your tour with a stop at the Plaza de Bolivar, a picturesque tree-lined square adorned with statues saluting the city's illustrious past. Originally known as the Plaza de la Inquisición, this historic park was once a site used for bullfighting before it was renamed in 1896. Soak up the serene surroundings and snap a picture of the statue honoring Simón Bolivar before making your way to the baroque Palacio de la Inquisición, home to a plethora of torture chambers and jails that were used during the 17th century Spanish Inquisition. After your 25-minute visit, continue on to the Museo de Oro, or the Gold Museum, and revel in the more than 600 pre-Colombian gold treasures — including jewelry and ceramic pieces — of Cartagena's ancient ancestors, the Zenú people. Explore the three wings of the museum, which trace the history and traditions of this fascinating culture, and marvel at the exquisite artwork that surrounds you at every turn.
After your 20-minute museum visit, make your way to the oldest church in the city: the Church of Santo Domingo. Stand in the shadow of this magnificent structure, which was built in the late 16th century, and venture inside to marvel at the 19th-century, wood-carved image of Christ and the image of the Virgin Mary bedecked in a golden crown. Following your 30-minute stop, walk to nearby Plaza de la Aduana, which was the commercial center of the city during the colonial times, and glimpse the nearby office of the mayor. Then, continue your afternoon walking tour to the early 19th-century Plaza de la Proclamación, adjacent to the Palacio de la Proclamación, which was inaugurated in 1811 in honor of Cartagena's declaration of independence. After your 20-minute plaza visit, journey to the Plaza de la San Pedro Claver and experience the solemnity of the shrine, museum and Church honoring the missionary Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves. Following your 20-minute stop, soak up the local flavor as you continue your guided walk across cobblestones amidst towering colonial, republican and Italian-style buildings, and surrender to the majesty of this historic city.
After your walking tour of the old town, sit back and relax as you travel by air-conditioned motor coach once again to the dungeons of Las Bovedas, which, despite the name, were originally built in the late 18th century as a munitions storage depot and military barracks. Once there, sightsee and shop amidst the many handcraft boutiques and stores that now fill the area. Following your 10-minute shopping stop, board your motor coach and begin your 15-minute journey back to the ship, passing the largest Spanish fort in the New World — the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas — along the way.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Active
Duration: 4.5 hours
Price: Adult: $39 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $24 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- A beverage (bottled water) is included.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are required to walk across approximatley 2,000 yards of uneven and uphill terrain.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
- For safety reasons, expectant mothers are not permitted to participate.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Spanish History & Fort of San Jose de Bocachica
Cast off on an adventure through history as you set sail for a fascinating guided tour of the 18th-century Fort of San Jose de Bocachica.
Surrender to the seaside breezes and endless coastal views of Colombia during a 15-minute walk through the port of Cartagena, and make your way to a tour boat ready and waiting to take you to your day's destination: the Fort of San Jose de Bocachica. Dating as far back as 1730, the Fort of San Jose de Bocachica was once the main fortress of San Jose, which worked in conjunction with the nearby Castle of San Fernando de Bocachica to help defend the city and bay from marauding pirates. Board the boat, meet your guide and then take off on a 45-minute narrated sightseeing journey through the crystal blue water as you travel back to a time when the strength and prosperity of a city depended on its ability to defend itself.
Upon your arrival at the fort, take in a guided tour of the historic structure. Explore the barracks where the soldiers once lived and stored their ammunition, and visit the once shark-infested moat, used as a source of discipline among the ranks. Stand in the shadow of the main stone tower, silently standing guard for over 200 years, and snap a picture of the bay shimmering in the distance. Following your one-hour visit, journey back across the sea and make your way to old Cartagena harbor, passing a plethora of picturesque mangrove canals and quaint fishing villages along the way. Glimpse in the distance the largest Spanish fort in the New World — the 17th-century Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas — and marvel from your ocean spot the walled city as it rests against the brilliant backdrop of blue sky. After your 45-minute return trip, arrive back at the port and begin your scenic 15-minute walk back to the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Moderate
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Price: Adult: $52 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $45 (ages 5-9)
Ages: 5 And Up
Additional Information
- Beverages (sparkling sodas and bottled water) and a light snack (chips) are included.
- Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted.
- This excursion is not stroller accessible.
- Guests are required to walk across 500 yards of uneven terrain.
- Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes.
- For safety reasons, expectant mothers are not permitted to participate.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
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