Cartagena Food Tours

A Cartagena food tour is an immersive experience that takes you through the heart of the city's vibrant food culture, with carefully selected stops at waterfront cevicherías, local mercados, hidden courtyard restaurants, and neighbourhood institutions inside and around the historic walled city. Our tour explores the rich roots of Caribbean coastal cuisine, showcasing the influence of African, Spanish, and indigenous traditions that together created one of Latin America's most unique and soulful food cultures. Expect to sample Cartagena's most iconic dishes including fresh ceviche, arepas de huevo, cazuela de mariscos, patacones, and costeño cheese, all while learning about their history and cultural significance. You'll discover how the city's layered heritage has shaped everything on your plate, from the spices in the stews to the tropical fruits piled high in the market. We carefully balance beloved street food with hidden local gems, making this tour a must for anyone looking to understand why Cartagena is one of the most exciting food destinations in South America.

Yes, the food tour can be customized to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant diets. Unfortunately, we can't accommodate a vegan diet whilst maintaining the same quality standards we are famous for. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or preferences at least 24 hours in advance, and we'll make sure to tailor the experience to suit your needs.

The price of our food tour includes all food tastings, drinks (whether fresh tropical juices, aguardiente, or non-alcoholic options), and a knowledgeable guide. From start to finish, everything is taken care of so you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. No need to worry about extra costs or planning, just show up, indulge in Cartagena's best flavors, and let us handle the details.

We will be eating and drinking plenty! No one has ever left our tours hungry. We take the "food" in "food tour" VERY seriously.

¡Para nada! All of our Cartagena food tours are conducted in English, and our expert guides handle all the communication with vendors and locals, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the food. Of course, if you'd like to pick up a few key phrases along the way, like how to order ceviche like a true costeño, we're more than happy to teach you!

Cartagena is a year-round foodie destination, but the best time for a food tour depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. From December to April, the weather is drier and slightly cooler, making it the most comfortable time to explore the city's streets and plazas on foot. If you visit in November, you might catch the Cartagena International Film Festival, when the city buzzes with energy and the streets fill with food vendors and open-air celebrations. The wet season from May to October brings lush tropical scenery and incredibly fresh produce to the markets, and the rain typically comes in short afternoon bursts rather than all day, so don't let it put you off.

Absolutely! Your safety is our top priority. Our food tours are designed to provide an incredible culinary experience while keeping you in safe, well-traveled areas of the city. We carefully select all our food stops, ensuring they meet high hygiene standards, and our local guides are experts in navigating the city to make sure you feel comfortable at all times. Cartagena is a warm and welcoming city, but like any major destination, it's worth staying aware of your surroundings, particularly in busier tourist areas. Joining a guided food tour is one of the best and most enjoyable ways to explore the city safely and authentically, just bring your appetite, and we'll take care of the rest!

Tipping is customary in Colombia and warmly appreciated. Restaurants will often include a 10% voluntary service charge (propina voluntaria) on your bill, you are entitled to decline it, but most visitors choose to pay it as a show of appreciation. For your tour guide, tipping directly in cash at the end of the experience is the norm. An amount equivalent to 10–15% of the tour price is considered generous and is a meaningful way to recognise great service. Colombian pesos are preferred, though US dollars are also accepted in tourist areas.

Absolutely! Our food tours are perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small groups. It's a fantastic way to meet fellow food lovers from all over the world, share stories over ceviche and fresh lulada, and enjoy the experience together. Whether you're exploring solo or with others, you'll feel right at home on our tours.

Yes, we strongly recommend booking your food tour in advance to guarantee availability, especially during peak tourist seasons, which typically run from December to January and over major Colombian holidays like Semana Santa. Our tours tend to fill up quickly, and last-minute bookings may not always be possible, so securing your spot early ensures you don't miss out on this unforgettable experience.