The Getsemani Photography and Graffiti Tour included 6 guests, Marina, an expert photographer, and Javier, our guide. We left the pier on a blistery hot and sticky 90-degree day.
Javier first told us some history of the area, which gained its independence one year after the rest of Colombia on November 11, 1881. A 12-foot stone wall had been constructed entirely around the city in 1586 to keep raiding pirates at bay. In subsequent years, the two islands of Cartagena, Getsemani & Calamari joined to form the entire city of Colombia.
San Felipe Fortress, Colombia
15-minute outside visit
Carrera 17, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
Our first stop was in front of the San Felipe Fortress. This was the greatest fortress of its time built to defend a city frequently attacked by England and France for its gold and minerals. Maria gave us clues for the best shooting locations for our pictures.
San Felipe Fortress is also the location of the General Blas de Lezo statue. A distinguished general of Columbian history who fearlessly battled to his inevitable death with just one arm, one leg, and one eye.
As we were leaving the area, street vendors heavily pursued us, selling everything from coins to hats and sunglasses.
Getsemani, Colombia
1-hour, 30-minute walking tour
We offloaded from our transport into the Getsemani area, which is outside the old walled city.
Barricades of Bastion San Jose
15-minute visit
Calle 25, Cartagena, 130002
We first climbed on top of the barricades of Bastion San Jose. From here, where we were afforded exceptional views of both Cartagena, and the San Felipe Fortress.
Neighborhoods of Getsemani
20 minutes strolling
We strolled the neighborhoods of Getsemani, often considered the poorer section of the city. However, its uniqueness and vibrant flow of artistic impression make it the perfect place for an afternoon walk.
We cherished every minute walking up and down these streets, and with so much to capture, it became tough to pay attention to our guide.
Cafe Chachara
30-minute rest stop
Cl. 29 #9-119 a 9-1, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
After about 45 minutes of walking, we stopped for lemonade and Coca-Cola at Cafe Chachara. The cafe, like the surrounding neighborhood, had a Spanish Colonial influence. We were curious what the nightlife might be like.
During our rest we learned that fried Red Snapper, with Coconut Rice and Cheese Soup is the most popular dish served here. We were told that each separate locale in Columbia has its own palate of known specialties.
Customs Square
After leaving the Café, we wandered up and down the streets until passing through Customs Square. A quick stroll from the square is where the two islands of Getsemani and Calamari intersect.
Calamari, Colombia
1-hour walking tour
Now moving on through Calamari, we found ourselves in the richer modern part of the City. We made our way through the streets to Simon Boulevard Plaza in front of Inquisition Palace.
Emerald Museum Jewelry CARIBE
5-minute presentation
Cra. 4 #3366 #33-a, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
It was 1:30pm when we went to the Emerald Museum. Here we received a five-minute tour from the curator. We learned that 95% of all emeralds come from this country.
Juan Valdez of Bolivar Park
5-minute stop to purchase coffee
Cl. de la Inquisición #3-98, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
With the tour complete, we had 30 minutes’ free time to roam about on our own. We visited a few of the shops and took in some of the local artwork.
Next, we headed to the Juan Valdez Café and picked up two 2-LB bags of Juan Valdez Santander Coffee and a tee-shirt.
Cocoa Museum
5-minute visit
Carrera 7#36-145, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Upon reuniting with Javier and the rest of the group, we made our way to a Cocoa Museum, which was a store selling things composed of chocolate. There was plenty here to sample in both liquid and candied form.
Photo Spot overlooking Cartagena Bay
10-minute photo stop
We wandered back to our waiting van and headed to a photo spot overlooking the city across Cartagena Bay. We stayed here for ten minutes to take some photographs, then it was back to the port area.
Park Cartagena (Bird Aviary)
1-hour, 30-minute visit
Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia
At the port, we wandered through the Bird Aviary prior to going back on-board. This area, accessible at no charge, gets you up close and personal with many amazing bird species, including the Toucan. We also saw flamingos, peacocks, monkeys and a couple of anteaters.
After a lengthy walk around, we eventually made it back on board the ship exhausted from the heat and travels of our day in Cartagena.
When visiting Cartagena (formerly Grand Columbia) do not ignore the sunscreen. Even though this was Cartagena’s coolest month (December) we still got more sun than intended.
Cruise Port: Cartagena, Colombia
Tour Name: Getsemani Photography and Graffiti Tour
Cruise Line/Ship: Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas
Tour Operator: Avia Caribbean