26 Dec 2022
This tour was the perfect intro to Cartagena. It originates by the landmark clock tower and after a short primer on Cartagena and the Walled City you leave through the portico, cross through centennial park which is at the intersection of so much Colombian history. Ten minutes of walking and you’re in Getsemani, a bohemian and colorful neighborhood where real people live among vast murals, art galleries, happening squares, lively bars and cafes. A visit to the rooftop of a strategically positioned hotel gives you a unique perspective on the bay of Cartagena, how it was defended and a panoramic view from Bocagrande to the San Felipe fortress and Convento La Popa. A nice walk back through Getsemani leads you back to the edge of the walled city with a few key stops along the way. We were fortunate to catch the sunset from the wall. Angel is a very knowledgeable and friendly guide, mixing history, legends and culture to provide a well rounded perspective. He realized I was keen on history and current affairs and clearly adapted to those interests with many engaging anecdotes and explanations of the meaning and significance of the different things we saw along the way. He set a high bar for my future tours in Colombia.