Mid-range · 6-hour walk · Cartagena
Getsemaní and the fort in six hours
The mural quarter outside the walls, the great Spanish fort above the city and the sunset from the ramparts.
The three-hour route walks the walled city. Getsemaní was the workers' district just outside the wall, is where the independence uprising started in 1811, and in the last decade has become the most painted few blocks in Colombia without entirely gentrifying. Above it sits San Felipe, the largest fort the Spanish built anywhere in the Americas, with tunnels under it you can walk.
The route, stop by stop
-
Plaza de la Trinidad
The square Getsemaní gathers in after dark — street food, buskers, dancers and everyone sitting on the church steps.
40 min here Walk here → -
Calle de la Sierpe
Umbrellas and flags overhead and murals along both sides. The most photographed street in the city and still residential.
35 min here Walk here → -
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Begun in 1536 and rebuilt after the English attack of 1741. The tunnel system under it was designed to carry sound so defenders could hear an approach.
-
Convento de la Popa
Arrive by taxi from the previous stop
On the highest hill in the city at 150 metres, founded 1607. The cloister garden and the whole bay from the terrace; go by taxi and have it wait.
60 min here Walk here → -
Café del Mar
Arrive by taxi from the previous stop
On the ramparts at the seaward corner of the walls. Overpriced drinks and the best sunset in Cartagena; that trade is the deal.
45 min here Walk here →
More in Cartagena
Every walking route in Cartagena, or the full Cartagena guide for where to stay and what a day costs.