Convento de la Popa de la Galera Tours and Activities
2 Reviews
Sitting atop the highest point in Cartagena, Convento de la Popa is a 17th-century convent characterized by graceful stone arcades and an interior courtyard filled with flowers. History and architecture aside, the biggest draw of the convent is the scenery: from the 500-foot (152-meter) perch, travelers are rewarded with sweeping views of the Caribbean coast and colonial city.
The Basics
Convento de la Popa’s prime location means that it features on many Cartagena sightseeing tours. Explore the city by vintage trolley, or see Cartagena from a different perspective during a cruise along the Caribbean coastline. If you’re pressed for time and want to beat the heat, choose a tour that zips you around in an air-conditioned vehicle to popular attractions such as Plaza Bolivar and the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Convento de la Popa is about a 10-minute drive from Cartagena’s old town. If visiting on your own, take a taxi to avoid walking through an unsafe neighborhood. Many travelers opt to visit Convento de la Popa as part of a guided city tour.
When to Get There
The convent is open daily, morning through late afternoon. Arrive early to enjoy the quiet and savor the scenery before the crowds descend.
The Convent
Once you’ve finished drinking in the views of the city, wander around the convent itself, which started as a small wooden chapel. Inside, you’ll find an arresting image of La Virgen de la Candelaria, the patron saint of Cartagena. Outside is a statue of a speared priest, Padre Alonso García de Paredes, who was killed along with five Spanish soldiers while trying to convert indigenous people to Christianity.
The Basics
Convento de la Popa’s prime location means that it features on many Cartagena sightseeing tours. Explore the city by vintage trolley, or see Cartagena from a different perspective during a cruise along the Caribbean coastline. If you’re pressed for time and want to beat the heat, choose a tour that zips you around in an air-conditioned vehicle to popular attractions such as Plaza Bolivar and the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Convento de la Popa is a must-do for history buffs, and one of the best viewpoints from which to see Cartagena.
- Tourist crimes have been reported in the neighborhood at the bottom of the hill. If you’re visiting independently, ask your taxi driver to wait for you outside the convent.
- The convent is active and inhabited by nuns. Remain quiet, and wear modest clothing.
- Stairs make wheelchair and stroller access challenging.
- There is a small admission fee to enter the convent.
How to Get There
Convento de la Popa is about a 10-minute drive from Cartagena’s old town. If visiting on your own, take a taxi to avoid walking through an unsafe neighborhood. Many travelers opt to visit Convento de la Popa as part of a guided city tour.
When to Get There
The convent is open daily, morning through late afternoon. Arrive early to enjoy the quiet and savor the scenery before the crowds descend.
The Convent
Once you’ve finished drinking in the views of the city, wander around the convent itself, which started as a small wooden chapel. Inside, you’ll find an arresting image of La Virgen de la Candelaria, the patron saint of Cartagena. Outside is a statue of a speared priest, Padre Alonso García de Paredes, who was killed along with five Spanish soldiers while trying to convert indigenous people to Christianity.
Address: Calle 37, Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
Monasterio de la Popa, tickets de entrada
2
The Spaniards when it was discovered since last year as Cerro la Galera, and its top La Popa de la Galera. The Cerro de La Popa was in the sixteenth century a land covered in very wild jungle plagued by poisonous species in which the inhabitants of Cartagena of the time rarely ventured.
The laws associated with the presence of the devil and the evil spirits in the shape of a goat were also united to the leafy weeds and poisonous animals.
It has the legend that the Augustinian friar Fray Alonso de la Cruz. This allowed him to build a church on the hill of La Popa to end the tributes offered to the evil spirit that lived there. In 1610 the construction works begin.
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From
$7.00
From
$7.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
15 Tours and Activities to Experience Convento de la Popa de la Galera
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Monasterio de la Popa, tickets de entrada
2
The Spaniards when it was discovered since last year as Cerro la Galera, and its top La Popa de la Galera. The Cerro de La Popa was in the sixteenth century a land covered in very wild jungle plagued by poisonous species in which the inhabitants of Cartagena of the time rarely ventured.
The laws associated with the presence of the devil and the evil spirits in the shape of a goat were also united to the leafy weeds and poisonous animals.
It has the legend that the Augustinian friar Fray Alonso de la Cruz. This allowed him to build a church on the hill of La Popa to end the tributes offered to the evil spirit that lived there. In 1610 the construction works begin.
…More
From
$7.00
From
$7.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Cartagena City Tour with View from the Highest Point
23
Experience all of Cartagena’s historical highlights on a comprehensive tour of one of Colombia’s most vibrant cities. Immerse yourself in the Caribbean color and cultural flair of the city as you visit iconic fortresses, and impressive monuments. Admire the astonishing colonial architecture of the area.
…More
From
$109.00
Price varies by group size
From
$109.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
City tour for Hotel Guests
38
Discover the wealth of history and beautiful scenery in Cartagena during this half-day adventure to some of the city’s top landmarks. Admire the unique ‘republican-style’ architecture found on Manga Island. You’ll also take a guided tour inside historic San Felipe Fort and have time to shop for handicraft souvenirs at Bovedas shopping mall. Your Cartagena exploration also includes entry fees, professional guide, bottled water and transport by air-conditioned vehicle.
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From
$60.00
From
$60.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Half-Day Tour of Cartagena by Air-Conditioned Vehicles
42
Absorb the color and charisma of Cartagena on a half-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Colombian city. In a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll admire the beautiful mansions of Manga and ascend to La Popa (temporarily unavailable) – the city’s highest point – for spectacular views. Enter the magnificent San Felipe de Bajaras Castle, absorb the Caribbean spirit of Santo Domingo Square and browse artisan market, Las Bovedas, for unique souvenirs. Refreshments and round-trip transport from your Cartagena hotel is included.
…More
From
$40.00
From
$40.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private City Tour of Cartagena
68
Get an intimate look at the historic streets and monuments of Cartagena during this 4-hour private tour. Discover this Caribbean city’s wealth of beautiful architecture, starting with the elegant mansions of the Manga neighborhood and continuing to monuments like San Felipe Castle and the Monastery of La Popa. You’ll also wander the UNESCO World Heritage-listed walled city and its atmospheric public squares before finishing in Cartagena’s more modern districts like Bocagrande. A private guide and vehicle, all entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are also included.
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From
$133.34
From
$133.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Half-Day City Tour of Cartagena
3
Experience the highlights of Columbia’s seaside colonial destination on this half-day excursion. After a convenient hotel or cruise port pickup, visit sites like San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the Caribbean’s second largest fortress, and the UNESCO-designated Walled City of Old Cartagena. Learn about Cartagena from an informative local guide and enjoy complimentary food tastings and drinks.
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From
$133.34
From
$133.34
Shore Excursion, "Pirates in Cartagena".
In this shore excursion Cartagena de Indias will come alive, right in front of your eyes, and it will make you understand, why this port city was an object of desire for pirates and empires.
In full air-conditioned vehicles, you are going to see the major landmarks; starting from the 360° view at the top of the mountain of La Popa, and then, going to the inexpugnable Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.
From there on we will ride in a panoramic journey by the streets of the city, going to the Ciénaga de La Virgen and the fishermen village of La Boquilla, where we will have a pit stop to have some local fruits and refreshments.
Then the photo opp at the Cartagena sign on the beach of Marbella.
And from there we will be entering the walls of the city to walk by this splendorous Unesco World Heritage Site.
Getsemaní the coolest hood in town will be on the list.
Photo perfect tour designed for you to shine on IG and SM.
Come with us and be like a pirate.
Return to ship on time
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From
$160.00
Price varies by group size
From
$160.00
Price varies by group size
Private Cartagena City Tour
4
The city tour is perfect for visitors who don't have much time in Cartagena but want to see as much of the city as possible. Escape the heat into an air-conditioned car, with a bilingual certified guide to take you to the city's most beautiful and extraordinary sites.
*Minimum two people.
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From
$100.00
From
$100.00
Private City tour Cartagena
3
Usted y sus acompañantes disfrutarán de un recorrido personalizado de un guía local experto en el idioma indicado además de sus habilidades y conocimientos sobre la cultura, geografía e historia del lugar y su tiempo y atención es exclusiva, obteniendo memorias inolvidables de su experiencia.
…More
From
$213.34
Price varies by group size
From
$213.34
Price varies by group size
Private City Tour CARTAGENA
2
Panoramic tour of the city, in which you will know why Cartagena was the economic epicenter of the Spaniards in South America, which made it the target of pirates and privateers in the Caribbean that in turn caused the most heroic and fearsome Naval battles of the continent, and therefore this city was walled and fortified with the largest defense system in the Caribbean. You will visit the Convent of the stern founded and built from 1606-1611, which is located on a mountain at 140mts altitude and where the patron virgin of the city (Virgen de la Candelaria) is located, and then reach the largest fortification of the Caribbean The Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, which witnessed and executioner in the most epic naval battle of the Caribbean in 1741 against Admiral Vernon, and finally will make a journey of approximately two hours walking in the old city visiting its squares, churches and monuments being part of this magnificent city (Not for cruises).
…More
From
$100.00
From
$100.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private City Tour
3
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Cartagena without getting lost on a private tour that comes with transport in a luxury vehicle. Designed with first-time visitors in mind, this tour ensures you stay cool and benefit from the undivided attention and insider knowledge of a private guide.
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From
$106.67
From
$106.67
Cartagena City Trolley Tour
20
Only a trolley tour lets you explore the city of Cartagena's major attractions in open-air historical style. Ride through the city's historical core and around the bay, stopping to visit museums, plazas, and more on your own schedule. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people per booking and includes live onboard commentary.
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From
$25.50
From
$25.50
Night Trolley Sightseeing in Cartagena
7
See Cartagena light up at night from the deck of a trolley on this evening tour of the city. Join a group of 20 people or fewer to visit the city's must-see sites, including the Clock Tower and the home of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This tour also includes live commentary from a professional guide and non-alcoholic drinks for a relaxing and informative experience.
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From
$18.00
From
$18.00
Walled City + San Felipe Castle + Optional Popa Convent Cartagena City Tour 6-8H
15
Whether you are short of time or you are wanting to have the complete experience in Cartagena, this full-day tour is made for you! Come to the most important places of the city and live them authentically. Discover Cartagena’s top landmarks: Gold Museum, the Palace of Inquisition, San Felipe Castle and more. You’ll be able to choose whether you want it to last 8 hours with La Popa convent, a city viewpoint, or 6 hours without this top. Join us!
• San Felipe Castle, Gold Museum and Palace of Inquisition guided tour
• Historical landmarks in the Walled City its squares, fortresses and bastions
• Tasting of typical Caribbean cuisine
• Optional: visiting La Popa, on the top of a hill, and enjoying Cartagena’s landscapes
• Plenty of spectacular photo spots for unforgettable memories of your trip to Cartagena.
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From
$99.00
Price varies by group size
From
$99.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Bazurto Market + La Popa Convent Cartagena City Tour 4H
Cartagena is way more than visiting the Walled City and in this 4-hour tour, you will notice it. Come and have a whole experience in Bazurto: a traditional market where the other side of the city is shown. Walk around its stands and stores full of fresh food, aromatic herbs, and loud but friendly cartageneros. And then jump to the La Popa: a convent in the top of the hill that offers you panoramic views and great landscapes of this diverse city.
• The imposing views of Cartagena’s walls and sea from La Popa monastery
• Samples of what locals offer and prepare in Bazurto Market
• Getting to know native’s true spirit by interacting with some of them in the market
• Introduction to Cartagena’s history and its roots
• The chance of contrasting two opposite sides of the city
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From
$81.00
Price varies by group size
From
$81.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Cartagena private city tour & Popa Convent
Join a private guide for a personalized tour of Convento de la Popa and San Felipe de Barajas Castle. A flexible departure time and door-to-door transport means the tour is tailored to your schedule — not the other way around — and you'll enjoy the freedom to explore each destination at your own pace.
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From
$120.00
From
$120.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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