Experience Real Cartagena
Experience Real Cartagena
Experience Real Cartagena
5
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Cartagena, Colombia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2022
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(12 reviews)

(37 reviews)

(7 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
383 reviews
Excellent
357
Very good
12
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Raiy O
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Couples
We had an amazing time in Cartagena largely due to the team at Experience Real Cartagena. They made everything so easy, from booking, to coordination. We booked 2 tours prior to arrival - The Walking Tour and Mud Bath. We enjoyed them so much we added a 3rd - Beach trip to Playa Blanca. The tour guides are fluent, knowledgeable and soooo helpful. We will definitely be back. I would recommend them for family trips, couples, and especially solo travelers. We felt safe and the people there were welcoming and inviting.
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea D
SCARBOROUGH3 contributions
Jan 2023
I went to Cartagena for the first time in January 2023 as a solo traveller and I am so glad that I was able to book two tours with ERC. So glad my friends who had gone previously, made this recommendation as they definitely did not disappoint. My pick ups were timely, the guides were friendly and professional, and the tours were quite interesting and informative. I did the Experience the Real Cartagena Tour and also the tour to Palenque - both were fabulous! I must say that these tours truly enhanced my vacation!
It was great to see that this is a family run company and their personal touches really made a difference. I will definitely recommend this company to any friends going to Cartagena. Thank you ERC!!!
It was great to see that this is a family run company and their personal touches really made a difference. I will definitely recommend this company to any friends going to Cartagena. Thank you ERC!!!
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ravel Q
Atlanta, GA4 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
My tour to Palenque with Experience Real Cartagena was truly exceptional!!! Our tour guide, Boris, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Palenque. He shared interesting stories and insights about the different neighborhoods we passed through on our way to Palenque. He also made sure that we were comfortable and safe throughout the tour. My friends had recommended this tour and they weren’t wrong. I’m already thinking about my next trip to Cartagena and I can assure you that I will be using this company again. If you’re ever in Cartagena, I highly recommend this tour company, you won’t regret it!
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Margo C
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
Amazing Experience!!!! Great family company.. Always on time, funny. Very informative and attentive.. Will definitely use them again..
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DustinWL
2 contributions
Oct 2022
One of the most beautiful, moving experiences I've had in my life. And our guide was INCREDIBLE. If you go make sure you ask for VICKY. She is the REAL DEAL. Thank you taking such incredibly great care of me and our family. We will hopefully be back soon, and we HIGHLY recommend to everyone.
Written 1 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christopher W
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Listen, I’ve been on a number of tours in different places and I can say without a doubt that I will continue to use this tour company when I visit Colombia. Our tour guide was Boris and he did a great job in giving us the history of Palenque and even gave us some background on various neighborhoods in Cartagena as we drove through or by them. I would love to meet the owner and shake his hand, because to maintain that level of consistency and quality staff is no easy feat. His company was recommended to me by my friends and Experience Real Cartagena is definitely the top choice for me. I will be back to tour with them soon.
Written 20 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tiani Warren
Los Angeles, CA25 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
If i could give more than 5 stars i would..this is a Black owned family and close friends operated business.. I met them last year when i came with another travel group and was impressed..We did the Palenque tour with a group of 13. Everything was seamless from beginning to end. Ask for Vicky!! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING..(Thank me later) I had the absolute pleasure of having her as my guide last year so I requested her this year...A day full of joy...laughter..cultural..The restaurant in Vicky's hometown is delicious..Go for the Angelfish with Rice beans and salad and lemonade for the drink..omggg Alex i just love what u guys have done..God Bless you and Thank You for an amazing experience..I highly reccomend this company
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aïssatou D
7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
This Palenque tour was highly recommended through social media. I was expecting as the price is so high (400.000 pesos) compared to every other tour I’ve had in Columbia to have an AUTHENTIC, INFORMATIONAL, CULTURAL experience of this amazing Afro-Colombian village.
Instead, this is one of the worst touristic experience I have had. You are basically touring into an air conditioned bus (that’s actually where your money is going) from which you’ll pop off every 10 meter to go out and take some fake pictures, watch a fake dance show and go to buy touristic stuff. Whenever you’ll want to connect with the locals the guide will be like hurry up we are going to the next step.
I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this tour if you are looking to have a real experience but definitely RECOMMEND going to this amazing village that is PALENQUE maybe just with another agency.
Instead, this is one of the worst touristic experience I have had. You are basically touring into an air conditioned bus (that’s actually where your money is going) from which you’ll pop off every 10 meter to go out and take some fake pictures, watch a fake dance show and go to buy touristic stuff. Whenever you’ll want to connect with the locals the guide will be like hurry up we are going to the next step.
I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND this tour if you are looking to have a real experience but definitely RECOMMEND going to this amazing village that is PALENQUE maybe just with another agency.
Written 23 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P V
Washington DC, DC109 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I had an amazing experience on this tour. Marlon was a great guide with lots of personality and facts about Colombia. He allowed our group to take our time to really enjoy the element and culture.
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Coop
1 contribution
May 2022 • Friends
DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY. BAD BUSINESS. I booked the Palenque tour. The company canceled and refuse to give my $400 refund. It has been almost one month. I am forced to file a dispute with my bank as ERC has stopped responding. I heard good things about ERC hence why I booked with them. There are many other options out there. Don't use them
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello! I hear great things about Experience Real Cartagena and Alex Rocha. However, it is time to book and I'm concerned about the need to upload sensitive information from your passport even prior to arrival. Can anyone share thoughts/opinion/experience?
Desiré Davis
Texas116 contributions
I uploaded mine. There were no issues.
Roderick W
Austin, TX1 contribution
Who's visiting Cartagena in June? I'm an solo traveler would love to make some new friends. I will be in town June 17th-25th
Walker V
North Carolina129 contributions
I don't plan on being in Cartagena in June, however, a lot of solo travelers go there. I made a lot of new friends when I took the Experience Real Cartagena tours, especially the Party Bus tour!!!
Jclax
1 contribution
Hello, how did you book and how much was it? I want to book but i can't find info on the price or how to do so.
Zaharazah M
Baltimore, MD59 contributions
In Cartargena we stayed at hotel Allure Chocolate. It's an outstanding find with a Great Restaurant. A short walk to the center of town excursions and the walled city. You can look them up online.
Exuberantlymimi
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Hello,
How do I book a tour directly with Alex Rocha? I do not see any booking information, websites or telephone numbers?
evanst522
Las Vegas, NV184 contributions
We booked directly with Alex Rocha. Use his WhatsApp information to book. Go to the website Real Cartagena and you will find the info there. Look him up on instagram. You’re going to enjoy your trip!!!
tracy125
201 contributions
Hi Stephanie, can you tell me how the Party Bus tour was? I'm trying to decide if i should book this tour. Thanks.
Tenia B
Baltimore, MD19 contributions
we did a chiva party bus but it was not directly thru "trc" they get you tipsy, party in the center of town then to a club, club was [retty decent
chrizzleteddy
Winchester, VA17 contributions
How to do I get in touch with Alex to set up a tour?
Michelle_Michelled
32 contributions
I found him on Facebook
fylpee
Miami, FL119 contributions
Can anyone provide pricing on the tours since they are not listed on the site? idk how I feel about that
ExperienceRealCartagena
Cartagena, Colombia
Hello!
Here are some tours and prices:
Note:
The hotel pick up areas are: Bocagrande, Walled city, Getsemani, Cabrero, Morros area and Crespo. Otherwise we will have to agree on a meetting point.
Also, once you book you can only cancel tours 72 hours in advance. If cancellations happens 48 hours prior to the tour, there is a penalty fee of 50% of the total price of the tour.
1).'' The real Cartagena'' ( 3 people minimum), where you are inmersed into the local culture to learn about music, food, people, customs, beliefs. Visit to the local market where we try local food and local fruits, learn about natives of Cartagena and the African influencein the city. visit to traditional neighborhoods of the town to understand it from a geographic, cultural, social and economic point of view.
Includes:
Hotel pick up/drop off.
Tour guide
Lunch in a local and traditional neighborhood of the city.
Air conditioning vehicle.
4 hours aprox.
70 US per person.
*2). Playa blanca beach in Baru Island ( 3 people minimum).
Visit one of Colombia's most spectacular beaches to enjoy the sun, the beach, the African Colombian music, the reggae while you have a Piña Colada or a Margarita among the many other drinks in the menu.
This tour is like no other. It involves visits to several villages to expand the knowledge of the cultural aspect of Cartagena and the surrounding areas such as the towns of Ararca and Santa Ana village for more African Colombian history and culture.
( 6 hours aprox). At least 3 hours of beach time.
Includes:
Hotel pick up/drop off
Tour guide
Typical lunch
Air conditioining vehicle
60 US per person.
**(In case a boat trip to Playa Blanca is required, it will have to be a minimum of 8 people and a cost of $800.00 USD)
* 3). Party bus tour ( group tour).
Live music, panoramic tour around the city, stop at the walls where all buses and people meet, open bar, local fried food, empanadas, ( corn meal),
stop at night club ( entrance fee included). from 8pm - 11:45 pm.
$ 20 US per person
*4). Tour to Palenque (3 people minimum)
This is a tour to learn about African people that escape from slavery in the 1600’s and still keep a community where they have preserved African culture including a language ( Bantú), traditional music and dances, way of living, customs and spiritual beliefs. Declared by UNESCO a world cultural heritage site in 2005.
It’ll be 80 USD per person including lunch, transportation, tour guide, hotel pick up/drop off.
The tour starts with a walking tour around the community of Palenque, interaction with locals, performance of a traditional music group and traditional dances, information on history of the town and how the locals were able to escape from their captors being helped by their leader BENKOS BIOHO (male version of Harriet Thubman) and supported by their own women who built maps and roads in their hair braiding to get oriented in the woods and make it to the village where they were considered free.
5.5 hours aprox.
* 5). The mud volcano or mud bath tour( 3 people minimum).
From 8:30 - 2:00 pm.
Take a mud bath at a natural volcano a few minutes away from the city. This volcano has medicinal components that work on your body making you skin as soft as a baby's. This volcano is also called '' the fountain of youth''.
Includes:
Lunch.
Ticket to the mud.
Hotel pick up/drop off.
Air conditioning vehicle.
Visit to the local town of '' Lomita arena'' to learn about the locals in the area.
60 US per
*6). walking historic tour in the old city and street art tour( 3 people minimum).
Learn all about the history of the old city of Cartagena as you take some good pictures of the narrow streets, the plazas and the stunning colonial aechitecture and the murals/graffiti that has inspired musicians, filmmakers and many other
40 US per person
*7). Rosario islands tour( group tour). Boat trip. From 8:15 am - 4:00 pm.
Take a dip into the pristine waters of these beautiful coral reef park where you can swim, walk or do the snorkeling activity with a local instructor. Take a panoramic tour around the 27 islands.
Includes:
Lunch.
Hotel pick up only
Sea port tax.
Transportation on a speed boat.
$ 75 US per person
OPTIONAL:
- Ticket to the sea aquarium to watch a dolphin show and trained sharks being fed by a sea man and other sea species.
- Walk through the local village to learn about African-Colombian communities in the islands.
*8). Boat rentals.
Price of boat depends on the size of the group.
From 1-10 people $ 1.200 USD
1-15 people $ 1.500 USD
1-20 people $ 1.900 USD
1-30 people $ 3.000 USD
Thank you.
kathleenmiles
Washington DC, DC
Are there any village or other Afro-Colombian festivals, celebrations or anything of this type planned in July between July 13-July 29 in Cartagena, Palenque or anywhere close by?
bundy k
8 contributions
I mainly contacted him via WhatsApp but he also has a Facebook page. Try him there.