There is no shortage of violent history in this part of the world. And with that comes the tales of ghosts and ghouls haunting parts of the city. So what else should a girl do around Halloween?
Why, take the Walking Ghost Tour of course.
I had the chance to take the Ghost Tour in El Centro with a group of friends and couldn’t pass it up. Cartagena at night is a beautifully different experience. The cooler temps and rustic charm from all the ambient lighting really creates a feast for the eyes.
Cartagena’s haunted past is woven deeply into its centuries-old streets, crumbling fortresses, and candlelit plazas, where history often feels close enough to touch. As a former stronghold of the Spanish Empire, the city witnessed piracy, sieges, slavery, and the Spanish Inquisition—events that left behind stories of restless spirits and lingering sorrow. Locals whisper of ghostly soldiers pacing the walls of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, shadowy figures in colonial mansions, and echoes of prisoners once held in underground dungeons. Whether you believe the legends or not, Cartagena’s mix of moonlit stone, humid air, and dramatic history gives the city an unmistakably eerie edge after dark.
Our tour guide was wonderful, relaying all the historical facts mixed in with folklore. Not to mention it was good exercise walking all over the old city. When a traditional tour isn’t really your thing, try having an alternative experience such as this one. You’ll get to see some of the highlights of the city with a fun twist.
I don’t want to give away too many details, plus I’m not sure I could remember them all. I will say that we learned many very interesting stories about Cartagena’s past during this Ghost Tour, including some creepy urban legends and a few spots to never go!
We visited the remains of a Saint, learned the reasons behind the giant doors and elaborate door knockers, and heard the many renovation stories of the city’s historical cathedrals (layers and layers of crypts). Overall, it was a great spin on the classic walking tour and I recommend it to anyone looking for a casual and fun experience.
As an expat in Cartagena for close to 3 years, I saw many tourists come through the city being sold countless versions of the same tours. As someone who spent many hours trying out different tours and experiences, these are some of the unique tours I would recommend. Check these out:
- Guided Street Food Tour – An expert showing you exactly what and where to eat!
- National Aviary – A Sight Absolutely Worth Seeing, beautifully created to showcase Colombias many bird species.
- La Popa Convent & San Felipe – Beautiful Architecture and Fascinating History
There are also a few spots just outside the City that are worth visiting as well, you can read my posts here:
- Botanical Gardens – A stunning botanical garden located about 30 minutes outside the city, with monkey sightings included.
- Volcan Totumo – The infamous mud volcano is a must have experience, one you won’t forget!
Cartagena is such a vibrant and cultural diverse city with so many wonderful experiences to have. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
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