Cartagena: Have fun on a bike tour through the old city

Exploring Cartagena on a bike is a fantastic way to see the city’s most beautiful sights without the fatigue of walking all day. For $99 per person, you’ll spend two hours cycling through the heart of this vibrant colonial city, guided by a friendly bilingual local guide. Your route takes you through lively neighborhoods like Getsemaní and San Diego, past historic walls, scenic plazas, and impressive fortifications, all while enjoying the sea breeze and colorful street art.

Two things really stand out with this tour. First, the art and graffiti tour in Getsemaní offers a fresh, street-level perspective on local culture—an authentic and dynamic contrast to the more formal historic sites. Second, the views from the city walls at sunset are genuinely breathtaking, providing perfect photo opportunities and a memorable way to conclude your ride.

One possible consideration is the lack of hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the starting point. But this is a small inconvenience, given the tour’s engaging content and small group size.

This tour suits travelers who want a lively, active way to experience Cartagena’s sights while learning about its history, art, and culture. It pairs well with those who enjoy combining sightseeing with some light physical activity and a touch of local flavor.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Combines history, art, and street culture for a well-rounded exploration.
• Beautiful scenery: Offers scenic views from the city walls and vibrant neighborhood streets.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Bilingual guides: Guides are fluent in Spanish and English, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Inclusive for most travelers: Suitable for those over 12, but not recommended for very young children or mobility-impaired visitors.
• Value for money: For $99, you get a comprehensive tour including a bike, guide, water, and insurance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A detailed look at the tour experience

What to Expect from the Bike Tour

Starting in the lively neighborhood of Getsemaní, your tour kicks off with a friendly meet-up in front of the Scalea Di Mare hotel, near a Juan Valdez café. This colorful, energetic part of Cartagena is the perfect launchpad for exploring its artistic soul. You’ll hop onto a beach bike equipped with a helmet and be introduced to your bilingual guide—someone who knows the ins and outs of the city and its stories.

From the outset, the emphasis is on fun and culture. The tour is designed to be engaging, blending sightseeing with storytelling, and offering plenty of chances to stop for photos or to chat about the city’s history and art.

Exploring Getsemaní: Street Art & Local Artists

The first part of your ride takes you through the streets of Getsemaní, a neighborhood famous for its colorful murals, graffiti, and local artist studios. As one reviewer notes, “We loved the way the guide deciphered the meaning of murals, making the art come alive.” It’s a lively, creative scene that reflects Cartagena’s youthful energy and rebellious spirit.

You’ll visit local artist studios and galleries, getting a glimpse of contemporary Caribbean art. This isn’t a sterile museum visit; instead, you’re in the streets where artists work and showcase their craft, adding authenticity to your experience.

The Historic Walled City and its Fortifications

Next, the tour takes you into the Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll pass by iconic monuments, quaint squares, and bustling plazas. The guide will share stories about Cartagena’s colonial past and its importance as a port city.

One highlight is the city walls, where you’ll stop for scenic photos and admire the views of the Caribbean Sea. Imagine standing on centuries-old ramparts with the sunset casting a golden glow—truly a spectacular sight. A reviewer mentions, “The views from the walls at sunset felt like magic. It’s the kind of moment you want to capture forever.”

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San Diego Neighborhood & Final Stop

The tour continues into San Diego, another charming neighborhood filled with colonial architecture and lively streets. You’ll have a chance for a quick photo stop and perhaps some free time to soak in the atmosphere. The route then loops back to Getsemaní, concluding your ride at the starting point.

The Practical Details

Duration and Group Size

This is a compact 2-hour experience, ideal for fitting into a busy travel itinerary. The small group size—limited to 10 participants—means you’ll get personalized attention, and the guide can tailor the experience if needed.

Included and Not Included

Your fee covers a beach bike, helmet, guide, bottled water, and medical insurance—a good value, considering the high quality of the guide and the bike. However, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transport accordingly.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point is conveniently located in front of the hotel near a Juan Valdez café in Getsemaní. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 or those with mobility issues, so if you or your travel companions have mobility impairments or small children, you might need alternative ways to explore.

Flexibility and Cancellation

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later. This flexibility is perfect for spontaneous travelers or those with uncertain schedules.

Why This Tour is a Great Choice

The combination of vibrant street art, historical landmarks, and scenic views makes this tour perfect for travelers craving an active, authentic slice of Cartagena. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate art, culture, and local stories, all delivered in a relaxed, small-group setting.

If you’re looking for an immersive experience that balances sightseeing with engaging storytelling, this bike tour hits the mark. The chance to see the city from a different perspective—cycling along ancient walls and through colorful neighborhoods—is a memorable way to get to know Cartagena.

Final Thoughts

This bike tour offers a blend of history, art, and scenic beauty in a manageable two-hour format, making it a good value at $99. With the guidance of a bilingual local, you’ll enjoy insightful stories, beautiful views, and vibrant street art—all on a comfortable bike. The small group setting enhances the experience, and the focus on authentic local neighborhoods ensures you get a more genuine taste of Cartagena.

While it doesn’t include hotel pickup, the starting point is easy to find, and the tour’s focus on visual and cultural highlights makes it a worthwhile addition to your Cartagena itinerary. It’s especially suited for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of adventure and a closer look at Cartagena’s artistic pulse.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point in Getsemaní.

How long is the bike tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a brief but comprehensive way to explore key sites.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers a beach bike, helmet, a bilingual guide, bottled water, and medical insurance.

Can children participate?
The tour is not recommended for children under 12 years old, as the activity involves cycling and some walking.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and sunscreen are recommended. Bring sunglasses or a hat if it’s sunny.

Do I need to know how to ride a bike?
Yes, you should be comfortable riding a bicycle, as no beginner instruction is provided.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

In all, this bike tour presents a practical and lively way to see Cartagena’s highlights. It’s especially appealing for those who love art, history, and scenic views, all wrapped into a manageable two-hour adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby