As part of our Explorer of the Seas Southern Caribbean itinerary, we were thrilled to spend a port day in Cartagena, Colombia! Our first time in South America marked a special milestone for us. Adding this vibrant continent to our travel checklist was beyond exciting.
We opted for a tour through our cruise line for our first time in Colombia. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that we usually prefer to explore on our own. However, given this was our first time in Colombia and we heard mixed reviews regarding the safety, we decided to play it safe and commit to an organized excursion.
From historic forts to a hands-on coffee workshop, this tour gave us a fascinating taste of Cartagena’s culture. Here’s a full rundown of our day and tips to help you plan your adventure! I’m excited to share how we spent our Cruise Port Day in Cartagena, Colombia: Coffee, History…and Starbucks.
The Tour: Historical Cartagena & Coffee Workshop
- Meeting Point: Palace Theatre, 8:30 a.m.
- Price: $90 per person (Purchased pre-cruise in the Cruise Planner)
- Why We Chose It: Many times, we opt for cruise line-organized tours when exploring a completely new port, especially one with potential unknowns or safety concerns. And let’s be honest, as coffee lovers, the promise of a coffee workshop in Colombia sealed the deal!
Our Tour Begins
We met our group in the ship’s theater and disembarked together when our number was called. If you’ve ever cruised, you know the drill—it’s a bit of a scramble navigating the crowd. But soon enough, we were outside and boarding our motor coach.
First Impressions:
The bus was air-conditioned and comfortable. We chose seats that we kept and returned to throughout the tour. We were welcome to leave personal items onboard, as the driver stayed with the bus throughout.
Our guide was a local woman who showed obvious pride for her country. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she shared fascinating insights throughout the tour. She also had a touch of sass about her which I quite enjoyed.
Stop 1: Castillo San Felipe
Our first destination was Castillo San Felipe, an imposing historic fort. While we only had about 20 minutes here (not enough time to explore thoroughly), it was still worth the visit. We snapped photos, admired the structure’s grandeur, and braved a gauntlet of very persistent street vendors.
A Word About the Vendors
If you’ve traveled to tourist-heavy areas, you know vendors are part of the experience. In Cartagena, the vendors were particularly eager, with some following us back to the bus. A firm yet polite “No, thank you” worked, but you’ll find yourself saying it on repeat.
This area did feel a bit intense, but we never felt unsafe—just mildly overwhelmed. Our tour was mid-morning so if we were out in this area alone or after dark, I assume we would have felt much more vulnerable.
Then we were off to Cartagena’s historic center is called the Walled City or the Old Town. The Walled City is the historic heart of Cartagena, Colombia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved colonial architecture, stone archways, and balconies. The city’s walls were built between 1586 and 1796. The Walled City is also known as the “Old City of Cartagena”.
Stop 2: San Alberto Coffee Workshop
After arriving inside the “Walled City” we followed our guide to the San Alberto Coffee Shop for a hands-on workshop. This was a highlight of the tour!
At long tables set for the experience, we donned aprons and learned about coffee-growing, brewing methods, and flavor profiles. The interactive session included tasting three different coffees and evaluating their flavor notes on a guided worksheet. At the end, we even received personalized certificates—a cute touch!
While the workshop was fun and educational, we realized we’re not as fancy about coffee as we thought. Sadly, the coffee didn’t wow us, but that’s the beauty of travel—trying new things! I guess we aren’t the coffee connoisseurs I thought we were.
Stop 3: Exploring Old Town
After the coffee shop, we walked through Cartagena’s bustling “old town” streets to a local emerald museum (which conveniently doubled as a jewelry store). The tour guide then gave us free time to explore the charming town square.
Our Free Time Highlights:
• Starbucks Stop: Yes, I went to Starbucks…in Cartagena. I picked up my Colombia collector’s mug because I’m a diehard fan. Don’t judge me! 😉
• Street Performers: The lively performers added so much character to the area.
• Side Streets: Escape the vendor chaos by wandering off the main square. We stumbled upon a quaint shop called Coffee And… (yes, that’s the name!) for a quiet chat with the owner and some much-appreciated AC.
Back to the Ship
We regrouped at the museum and boarded the bus back to the cruise terminal. This cruise terminal was a pleasant surprise! It featured a mini zoo with exotic birds, a large souvenir shop, and a few food and drink stands.
If you are exploring Cartagena on your own, make sure you arrive back to the port terminal in plenty of time as there is quite a walk from the drop off area to the ship.
Would I Recommend This Tour?
Absolutely! Here’s who it’s perfect for:
• Coffee lovers who enjoy a hands-on experience.
• Travelers looking for a safe, guided introduction to Cartagena.
• Anyone who loves a mix of history, culture, and a little free time to explore.
That said, like many group tours, I wish we had more time at the Fort and Old Town. I could’ve skipped the Emerald Museum, but hey, it was next to Starbucks, so I can’t complain too much. 😉 Group tours usually involve a variety of activities and some specifics may appeal more to you than others. Just go with it!
Worrier’s Guide to Cartagena
1. Street Vendors: Be prepared for their persistence. A firm “No, thank you” will suffice, even if you have to say it a lot.
2. Restrooms: Available at the coffee shop.
3. Food/Drinks: Bring snacks or buy something at the coffee shop or local stores.
4. Money: Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, but do keep small bills handy for tipping or vendor purchases.
Pro tip: Organize your cash discreetly on the bus to avoid displaying it in public, and do NOT pay a street or temporarily located vendor with your credit card!
Final Thoughts on Historical Cartagena & Coffee Workshop
Cartagena gave us a warm, colorful introduction to South America. While we felt safe, we recommend an organized tour for first-time visitors, as the bustling atmosphere might be overwhelming for self-exploration.
For seasoned travelers who prefer to go solo, just take the usual precautions and enjoy diving into this exciting city.
Oh, and if you’re an ‘80s kid like me, you’ll love knowing this is where the 1984 film, Romancing the Stone takes place! In the movie, Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) is a romance writer who receives news that her sister Elaine has been kidnapped in Cartagena, Colombia, and travels there (with a treasure map) to rescue her!
Happy travels, friends!
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