Excursion Debark - panoramic cartagena & getsemani bohemian neighbourhood tour at Cartagena

The tour starts with a visit to La Popa Monastery previously known as stern of galleon. This ancient Monastery located a top of a hill can be seen from any point in Cartagena. In turn, it offers a privileged view of the city. Built at the beginning of the XVIIth century, still inhabited by monks, was several times used as a fortress due its strategic location. A chapel dedicated to virgin de La Candelaria, patron saint of Cartagena and a Colonial Museum. Then, the tour continues for a Panoramic view of San Felipe de Barajas, situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the new world. Its construction began in 1536 and lasted for 121 years; there, a Palenquera (Local woman dressed in traditional customes) will welcome you with a platter of tropical seasonal fruits.

After, finishing the panoramic visit to the fort, the tour continues for a visit to Getsemani traditional neighbourhood; The Getsemani neighbourhood, just outside the old walls has become a bohemian hotspot and a centre for urban artistic expression. Graffiti has become an important aspect of social expression across Colombia.

However, street art in Cartagena, although still often charged with social and political messages also incorporates the colour and lust for life that the locals are so famous for. The walls of the neighbourhood are backdrops for the most amazing street art. Fantastical “magical realism” tropical birds or murals of colourfully dressed Afro-Colombian ladies adorn the sidewalks.

Then continue for a panoramic view of the walled city, construction that took 194 years to be completed and enabled Cartagena to defend itself from English attacks. The ramparts, the narrow streets, colonial balconies, and the main squares are also today a marvelous tourist attraction finishing at the port.

Points of interests

points of interest seen on this excursion may include: La Popa Convent, Getsemani Neighbourhood, San Felipe fortress, Cartagena Bay