Cartagena still bears many vestiges of its time as a Spanish colony in the 16th century. Its historic walled center, full of peaceful plazas, stone churches, and colorful mansions, transports us back to the Spanish conquest, where the Catholic Church, the indigenous, African slaves, and even pirates played a role in the city's evolution. Cartagena is now a diverse seaside city acclaimed for its street art, tropical beaches, and prominent residents, including the Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Discover the appeal of Cartagena with Context's private tours.

We offer a wide range of Cartagena private tours, all of which are led by local historians, musicians, foodies and other insiders. For a good overview, try our Introduction to Cartagena tour, which cuts through the center of the historic district. Or, for something more in-depth, take a look at our Cartagena Old Town Tour, in which we examine the intersection of gold and the Church in Cartagena's history. Both tours are led by local Cartagena private guides, historians with deep expertise in the topic. One of our most popular Cartagena tours is our Cartagena City Tour in the Evening, which visits the lively district of Getsemani and includes a rum tasting. Those with a literary bent may want to try our Gabriel Garcia Marquez in Cartagena tour. Or, if you're looking for something more experiential, take a look at our Cartagena Barrio Tour, which visits an Afro-Caribbean neighborhood and includes an opportunity to volunteer with local kids.