Loved our tour of Cartagena with Dora the Explorer!

[dkata]

I can't say enough good things about our tour with Dora The Explorer in Cartagena, Columbia. 

First, the cost per person was cheaper than a ship's excursion to almost the same places. The group size is small, but on our tour, we were the only ones and we got a private tour with a guide and driver, who were both excellent! 

The ship tour used a large bus with 50-60 people and the bus couldn't drive the narrow roads up to the church on the hill. but our small van could. The admission to the church was included and we had great views of the city. Then they drove us to the old town and we took a walking tour. The guide was excellent and informative and because it was just us two, she was flexible and we did a detour to find a geocache at Plaza Bolivar.

There were no problems getting us back to the port with ample time.  We really enjoyed our tour with Dora and we recommend them for a tour of Cartagena.

[wardwhitty]

On 2/5/2024 at 7:36 PM, dkata said:

 

I can't say enough good things about our tour with Dora The Explorer in Cartagena, Columbia. 

First, the cost per person was cheaper than a ship's excursion to almost the same places. The group size is small, but on our tour, we were the only ones and we got a private tour with a guide and driver, who were both excellent! 

The ship tour used a large bus with 50-60 people and the bus couldn't drive the narrow roads up to the church on the hill. but our small van could. The admission to the church was included and we had great views of the city. Then they drove us to the old town and we took a walking tour. The guide was excellent and informative and because it was just us two, she was flexible and we did a detour to find a geocache at Plaza Bolivar.

There were no problems getting us back to the port with ample time.  We really enjoyed our tour with Dora and we recommend them for a tour of Cartagena.

I hear a lot about the traffic and was wondering if you felt like you might not make the ship in time?  It seems like the ships are leaving more and more people behind on independent excursions.

 

[dkata]

Not getting back the ship in time is always a concern. If the independent tour is an all day tour 6-8 hours, I would not chance it and just take a ship tour. But in this case, the tour is only 2-3 hours. The distance from the old town to the ship port is a short one. This tour uses private vans, and the tour does not rely on public buses. Dora is well aware of the time constraints of those on the ship. I had no qualms about booking Dora. She got us back to the ship with ample time. We had more than enough time to peruse the gift shop at the port. So I wouldn't worry too much on this trip. But, having said that, we always carry our passports in our money belts when we take excursions, ship's tour or third party tour, just in case.

[wardwhitty]

On 5/4/2024 at 12:07 PM, dkata said:

Not getting back the ship in time is always a concern. If the independent tour is an all day tour 6-8 hours, I would not chance it and just take a ship tour. But in this case, the tour is only 2-3 hours. The distance from the old town to the ship port is a short one. This tour uses private vans, and the tour does not rely on public buses. Dora is well aware of the time constraints of those on the ship. I had no qualms about booking Dora. She got us back to the ship with ample time. We had more than enough time to peruse the gift shop at the port. So I wouldn't worry too much on this trip. But, having said that, we always carry our passports in our money belts when we take excursions, ship's tour or third party tour, just in case.

Thank you so much.  We like to support local tours but I have never been to Cartagena and just wanted to ask.  I have only heard great things about Dora and not one said they felt rushed to get back.  Thanks again.