Looking for the best way to visit Cartagena in 1 day? So, I offer you my walking tour with the Google Maps route that you can follow in pedestrian GPS mode.
Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena de Indias is a colorful city that is a mix of Spanish colonial and Caribbean styles.
In fact, the city was colonized in 1533 by the Spanish. The city was a crucial port for trade between Europe and the Spanish colonies in South America. Due to its strategic position, Cartagena was continually attacked by pirates and other colonial forces. However, it also flourished as a cultural and economic center.
Its historic center has preserved the vestiges of this era. Known as Old Town, this neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets, colonial buildings and a vibrant atmosphere that I invite you to discover on foot.
In this article, I offer you a detailed itinerary for a walking tour of the city's historic districts, emblematic squares and its most beautiful monuments.
How to visit Cartagena de Indias in 1 day?
Here are the different options you have to visit Cartagena in 1 day:
- La panoramic bus tour with free ascent and descent all day. In addition, with the Cartagena tourist bus you will have included a guided walking tour of the historic center. The visit lasts 1h30 and takes place every day from the Clock Tower (stop number 4) at 16:00 p.m.
- Discover the city by taking a bicycle ride ;
- A private tour of Cartagena de Indias with a guide just for you;
- Or visit Cartagena on foot at your own pace by following my self-guided tour (see itinerary below).
Itinerary to visit Cartagena in 1 day
By following my optimized walking tour because it is a loop, in 1 day you can discover the 10 must-see places in Cartagena:
- Morning:
- Getsemani neighborhood (Sierpe, San Juan Street, Callejón Ancho, Plaza de la Trinidad).
- Plaza del Reloj (Clock Square)
- Aduana's Place
- Cars Square
- San Pedro Clave Square
- Afternoon :
- House of the Inquisition
- Santa Catalina Cathedral of Alexandria
- Santo Domingo Square
- Heredia Theater
- The walls (Murallas of Cartagena)
These tourist attractions are the stops on my self-guided walking tour (see itinerary below).
Tour to visit Cartagena on foot
Here is the Google Maps route that you can download in advance to follow in pedestrian GPS mode:
Self-guided walking tour of Cartagena
Because I didn't have much time during my circuit in Colombia in 2018, I thought it would be best to visit Cartagena on a walking tour.
The circuit that I had prepared allows you to visit Cartagena in 1 day because it only represents 3 kilometers or around 40 minutes of walking.
It starts from the Getsemani district and ends at the city walls. This is a sightseeing tour of Cartagena Old Town only.
Here are the stages of this circuit that you can do by following the Google Maps route above:
Cartagena walking tour departure
Our walking tour begins in the bustling Getsemani district. It is indeed my favorite area where I recommend you choose your hotel (see at the end of the article).
You can walk along the Sierpe and discover the graffiti on San Juan Street. Then you will continue along Callejón Ancho to the viewpoint overlooking the San Felipe de Barajas castle.
Once a marginalized neighborhood, Getsemani is now a must-see place. You can discover the famous Plaza de la Trinidad, a central square where locals gather to chat and enjoy local life.
The Clock Gate
Following the Google Maps route you will arrive at the famous Clock Gate, also known as La Torre del Reloj. This beautiful yellow gate is located in the stone walls that separate the old city from Parque Centenario and the modern part of Cartagena. This tower, built in the XNUMXth century, once served as the main entrance to the walled city.
Once you have passed the Clock Gate, turn left and walk approximately 300 meters to the Plaza de La Aduana where Pedro de Heredia lived.
Aduana's Place
This square was once the administrative center of the colonial city, housing the old customs building.
Today, Plaza de la Aduana is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings, some of which are now museums and art galleries. Take time to stroll around the square and admire the architecture and history that surrounds it.
The Plaza de los Coches
Continuing our walking tour, we arrive at Plaza de los Coches, an iconic square in Cartagena with many cafes, shops and restaurants. There you will see the statue of Pedro de Heredia, the founder of Cartagena de Indias.
This square was once where slaves were sold and bought, but today it is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists.
San Pedro Claver Square
San Pedro Claver Square is another architectural gem of Cartagena. It pays homage to San Pedro Claver, a XNUMXth-century Spanish priest who dedicated his life to defending human rights.
As you stroll through the plaza, take time to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the legacy of San Pedro Claver.
In the square you will find a statue of San Pedro Claver, as well as the church that bears his name. The church is an impressive example of Spanish Baroque architecture and is definitely worth a visit.
The House of the Inquisition
The Cartagena walking tour takes you to one of the city's most famous museums: The House of the Inquisition. Once used as a court of the Spanish Inquisition, the house now houses a museum that tells the story of religious persecution and torture.
The Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría
Bypassing Bolivar Square, you will arrive in 1 minute at Cartagena Cathedral.
The Alexandria Cathedral is another highlight of our Cartagena walking tour. This cathedral, built in the XNUMXth century, is an impressive example of Spanish colonial architecture.
It is one of the oldest churches in South America. Built in the XNUMXth century, this cathedral combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The dome, the colors that cover it and the details of its frontispiece are one of the emblems of Cartagena.
Santo Domingo Square
Santo Domingo Square, the next stop on the tour to visit Cartagena in 1 day. The square is surrounded by colorful colonial buildings, restaurants and bustling shops. In the center of the square you will find a statue of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero from Medellin.
The Heredia Theater
To continue the walking tour of Cartagena, you will stop at the Heredia Theater. Built in the XNUMXth century, the theater is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture. While visiting the theater, you can admire the magnificent frescoes that adorn the walls, the crystal chandeliers and the finely carved wooden balconies. If you are lucky enough to attend a performance, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a unique theatrical experience in this magnificent building.
The walls to end the walking tour of Cartagena
To end our walking tour of Cartagena, my route takes us to the city walls. These walls, built in the XNUMXth century, are a defensive masterpiece that surrounds the old city of Cartagena.
As you stroll along the walls, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the historic city. Take the time to walk along the ramparts, stop at the different viewpoints and soak up the history and beauty of this place.
Where to stay to visit Cartagena on foot?
Far from neighborhoods to avoid in Cartagena, I recommend that you choose your hotel inside the walls of the old city.
For my part, when I visited Colombia in 3 weeks, I chose my hotel in the pretty district of Getsemani.
Pictures by Makalu from Pixabay