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Cartagena HOHO bus


wildcats40
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We will be stopping in Cartagena on our cruise in January and are looking at options for excursions.  We're not too excited about seeing the fort or shopping but were considering the HOHO bus.  Is this a good way to get some of the area or will we be sitting in traffic most of the time with crowds of people?  I think we're the only ship in port that day which is good.  Looking for suggestions.  Thanks.

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wildcats40, if you’re asking about Cartagena, Spain, we’ve been twice and found it easy to do on foot.  Our ship(s) docked very near the city center and it’s an easy walk.  We did a walking tour up to Concepcion Castle which now has a museum sort of, the views are fantastic.  There are some ruins, a Roman amphitheater and remnants of a bullring.  Overall we found Cartagena interesting.  The central part of the city is pedestrian only, has restaurants, shops, some very nice architecture and a museum.  We enjoy sitting in an outdoor cafe having a drink and/or lunch and watching the world go by, however I’m not sure how conducive the weather would be for that.  Hope this helps a bit.

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2 hours ago, suspaul said:

wildcats40, if you’re asking about Cartagena, Spain, we’ve been twice and found it easy to do on foot.  Our ship(s) docked very near the city center and it’s an easy walk.  We did a walking tour up to Concepcion Castle which now has a museum sort of, the views are fantastic.  There are some ruins, a Roman amphitheater and remnants of a bullring.  Overall we found Cartagena interesting.  The central part of the city is pedestrian only, has restaurants, shops, some very nice architecture and a museum.  We enjoy sitting in an outdoor cafe having a drink and/or lunch and watching the world go by, however I’m not sure how conducive the weather would be for that.  Hope this helps a bit.

 

I agree!  If the OP is talking about Spain, THAT Cartagena is a wonderful place.  Our ship docked right close to town.  Nice facilities.  We could walk right in and wander about exploring.  Really liked the peds only streets in central part of town.   Lots of shops and eating places to stop at if you wanted - and just soak up the atmosphere.   I would recommend the famous museum (from which you can then see the Roman Amphitheatre).  Lots to see there and could spend several hours if you are a history buff like me.    Of course, we had excellent weather in the low 80's (in April) - and we were the only cruise ship in port.

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When we were in Cartagena, Columbia a couple of years ago, we did a private tour.  It was great!  Our guide was knowledgable and personable.  We were met at the dock and got a head start on the cruise busses which meant we beat the crowds at all the destinations like the Popa Monastery and the Fort.  We had a leisurely stroll with him through the beautiful old city visiting a few sites.  Best of all, he asked us at the beginning if we were interested in buying anything, we were--a hat and a piece of local art at reasonable prices--the guide knew exactly what vendors to take us to.  The artist even did a painting on a small  mirror in front of us.  Even better, our guide waved off any other vendors coming our way, while the large group tours were surrounded by folks selling things.

 

Cartagena's a beautiful city--enjoy!

 

http://www.destinationcartagena.com/PrivateToursinCartagena

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On 8/7/2019 at 10:06 AM, vakamalua said:

When we were in Cartagena, Columbia a couple of years ago, we did a private tour.  It was great!  Our guide was knowledgable and personable.  We were met at the dock and got a head start on the cruise busses which meant we beat the crowds at all the destinations like the Popa Monastery and the Fort.  We had a leisurely stroll with him through the beautiful old city visiting a few sites.  Best of all, he asked us at the beginning if we were interested in buying anything, we were--a hat and a piece of local art at reasonable prices--the guide knew exactly what vendors to take us to.  The artist even did a painting on a small  mirror in front of us.  Even better, our guide waved off any other vendors coming our way, while the large group tours were surrounded by folks selling things.

 

Cartagena's a beautiful city--enjoy!

 

http://www.destinationcartagena.com/PrivateToursinCartagena

 

This mirrors our experience in Cartagena exactly (January 2017).  Booked a local guide (through toursbylocals) and got to La Popa before the rest of the crowds.  What a beautiful monastery.  The interior courtyard was so tranquil, the views from the hill were just super.  We then went to the walled old town, and had a lovely walking tour.  We really enjoyed the time in the Gold Museum.  Slightly off-the-wall....while in the Old Town, I took quite a few pictures of the unique door knockers.  They remain our favorite photos from this cruise.

 

One comment, take a couple of water bottles off the ship if your guide doesn't provide.  It gets incredibly hot in the city.... we walked off at 7:30 am, and were so glad to be back on the ship by 1pm.

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