Cartagena has one of the richest free tour scenes in South America: more than ten walking tours in the Free Tour model, most of them in the walled city and the Gethsemane neighborhood, alongside street food tours, a local market, and Colombian coffee. There is no upfront fee to join - at the end of the tour, each participant gives the guide a tip of their choice, based on their satisfaction.
The old city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved colonial cities on the continent: stone walls erected against pirates, wooden terraces laden with bougainvillea, shady squares, and Caribbean music that can be heard from every corner. All of this is pleasant to discover on foot, at a slow pace, with a local who knows every alley.
Most tours are advertised on the GuruWalk platform, where you can see the departure point, times, and languages of each tour and register in advance for free. The most common languages are English and Spanish, and it is worth checking the language on the tour page before registering.
Recommended free tours in Cartagena
A selection of free walking tours of the Walled City and Gethsemane, along with street food tours, a market in Assortment, and Colombian coffee tastings - all on a tip-based model.
Free Tour Historic Center and Gethsemane (Walled City)
★ 4.9 · 1,859 reviews
A classic route that connects the historic center within the walls with the colorful Gethsemane neighborhood. An excellent starting point for a first introduction to the city, from the colonial squares to the street art.
Free Tour of the Old Town of Cartagena! Colombia
★ 4.8 · 749 reviews
A walking tour through the alleys of Cartagena's old city, among flowering wooden balconies, shady squares and colonial churches, with stories of the Caribbean port city's past.
Free Walking Tour Cartagena: History & Culture of the Walled City and Getsemaní
★ 4.8 · 211 reviews
Emphasis on the history and culture of the Walled City and Gethsemane - from the days of the Spanish Empire and pirate attacks to the vibrant Caribbean culture of today.
Most Complete Cartagena Old Town Walk: Secrets, Culture & the Best of the Walled City
★ 4.5 · 205 reviews
An expanded version that aims to cover the best of the Old City: hidden corners, local secrets, and the stories behind the familiar sites within the walls.
Old City & Gethsemane Free Tour. Discover the history of Cartagena from a different perspective.
★ 4.8 · 137 reviews
A different look at the Old City and Gethsemane - less a list of sites and more context: how Cartagena was built, who lived there, and how the neighborhoods changed over the generations.
Cartagena Contrast Tour: Colonial Old City Wonders & Rebel Spirit of Getsemaní
★ 4.5 · 42 reviews
A tour built on the contrast between the colonial splendor of the city within the walls and the rebellious spirit of Gethsemane, the working-class neighborhood that became a center for street art and nightlife.
Discover the Magic of the Fantastic City of Colombia.
★ 4.7 · 36 reviews
An experiential walk that focuses on the magic of Cartagena - the Caribbean atmosphere, colors, music, and stories that have made it one of the most beloved cities in Colombia.
Food Tour Cartagena de Indias, street food with a local
★ 4.6 · 25 reviews
Street food tasting with local accompaniment: Caribbean and Colombian dishes such as arepas and tropical fruits, alongside the cultural story behind every bite.
Free tour old city and Gethsemane
★ 4.4 · 21 reviews
A classic combination of the two most sought-after areas of the city - the Old City between the walls and the Gethsemane neighborhood - at a leisurely pace and with explanations of local history.
Bazurto, the melting pot of Cartagena.
Leaving the tourist trail to the Basorto Market, Cartagena's large popular market - a true melting pot of flavors, colors and people outside the walls.
Experience Cartagena like a local on a free food tour
An eye-level culinary experience: tastings in places where the locals themselves eat, with explanations about the raw ingredients and Caribbean-Colombian cuisine.
Premium tasting of high-specialty Colombian coffees - Free tour
Tasting quality Colombian coffee - an introduction to the world of Colombian coffee, from growing it in the mountains to roasting and brewing one of the country's flagship products.
Why take a walking tour of Cartagena?
Cartagena was built for walking: the historic center is mostly closed to car traffic, distances are short, and each street hides a different layer of history - from the golden age of the Spanish Empire, through pirate attacks to Colombia's War of Independence. A local guide turns a beautiful stroll into an experience with context: why the houses are painted yellow and blue, what the function of the massive wooden doors with brass handles is, and where Gabriel García Márquez drew inspiration for his novels.
A city of squares and stories
Inside the walls await the lively Plaza Santo Domingo, the cathedral, the Church of San Pedro Claver, and the Clock Tower Gate - the famous entrance to the old city. Guides weave stories of slave traders and the Inquisition, difficult chapters in the city's history without which it is difficult to understand today's Cartagena.
Gethsemane - The Beating Heart
Beyond the walls lies Getsemani, a historic working-class neighborhood that has become a hub for street art, cafes, and nightlife. The contrast between the colonial splendor inside the walls and the colorful, gritty atmosphere of Getsemani is precisely why most tours combine the two areas—and it's also the best way to get a feel for the real city.
Areas and starting points of the tours
The Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
The tourist and historical heart of Cartagena: cobblestone alleys, flowering terraces, colonial squares and walls you can walk on facing the Caribbean Sea. Most free tours depart from central squares in this area - the exact meeting point is listed on the booking page for each tour.
Gethsemane
The neighborhood beyond the walls, around Plaza de la Trinidad: graffiti and street art, colorful flags over the alleys, street food and residents who have lived here for generations. The contrasts tours and evening tours are mainly concentrated here.
Market in Assortment and Off the Track
Those who want to get out of the tourist bubble will find tours to the Bazurto market - the city's large popular market, an intense experience of flavors, colors, and noise - as well as food and coffee tours that focus on Caribbean-Colombian cuisine and quality coffee from local growers.
Important tips before you go out
Ordering and planning
Register in advance through GuruWalk - registration is free and guarantees a place, and is especially important during the peak season around December-January and on local holidays. Check the tour page for the language of instruction (most tours are in English or Spanish, some in both) and arrive at the meeting point about fifteen minutes before departure.
Warmth, comfort and money
Cartagena is hot and humid all year round, so early morning and late afternoon tours are much more pleasant than midday. A hat, water and sunscreen are a must, and comfortable shoes for the cobblestones are a must. It is customary to tip in cash in Colombian pesos - it is a good idea to stock up on small bills in advance, as not all guides have change or digital payment options. The amount of the tip is at your discretion and is usually given based on satisfaction and the length of the tour.
Safety and Conduct
The Walled City and Gethsemane are relatively touristy and safe, but as with any large city in South America, it is a good idea to keep your phone and valuables close at hand, avoid deserted alleys late at night, and use taxis or reputable apps for long trips. It is recommended to check the latest official guidelines for travelers in Colombia before setting off on a trip - this is the traveler's responsibility.
Paid tours and attractions in Cartagena
The tours on the site are free based on a tip; those who want to delve deeper can also combine a guided tour or a paid attraction - these are the leading options in the city:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the free tours in Cartagena really free?
Joining the tour itself does not require an upfront payment, but the model is based on tips: At the end of the tour, each participant gives the tour guide an amount according to their satisfaction. This is the tour guides' livelihood, so it is customary for everyone who enjoys the tour to leave a fair tip in cash.
Do I need to register in advance for a free tour in Cartagena?
Yes, highly recommended. Registration through GuruWalk is free, guarantees a spot, and provides the exact meeting point and time. During the peak season around December-January, the requested tours fill up quickly.
In what languages are the tours held?
Most tours are conducted in English and Spanish, some in both languages on the same tour. There are no tours in Hebrew, so it is important to check the language of instruction on the tour page before registering.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Generally yes - it's a leisurely walk through a flat city. However, a tour usually lasts two hours or more in the Caribbean heat, so with small children it's best to choose an early morning or late afternoon tour and bring water and hats. The food tours are usually especially good for families.
How much is it customary to leave a tip at the end of the tour?
There is no fixed rate - that's the whole idea. It is customary to tip according to satisfaction, the length of the tour, and the size of the group, in cash in Colombian pesos. It is worth preparing small bills in advance, because the guides don't always have a change.
Is it safe to walk around Cartagena?
The Walled City and Gethsemane are tourist areas with a security presence, and tours are held in groups during the day and early evening. As in any large city, it is recommended to keep valuables close, avoid deserted streets at night, and check official travel guidelines before traveling.
