For the best food experience in Cartagena, head straight to the bustling Bazurto Market. This raw slice of daily Colombian life offers several excellent guided tours that make navigating the sprawling market manageable and enriching. The most worthwhile options include a straightforward 3-hour market walk ($65) and an in-depth 5-hour experience that adds a cooking class. I especially love the morning market tours, when the produce is freshest and local cooks are selecting their daily ingredients. While the market itself is gritty and not wheelchair-friendly, the cultural insights and food tastings make it a standout experience. Begin your Cartagena market adventure with these top-rated tours.
Good To Know
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Bazurto Market tours offer immersive culinary experiences, featuring vibrant local markets with fresh ingredients and opportunity to sample traditional Colombian dishes.
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Cooking classes at Bazurto Market provide unique opportunities to learn from local chefs and prepare dishes like empanadas and garlic shrimp, culminating in a shared meal.
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Cultural visits to Bazurto Market include local fruit sampling and learning about La Champeta dance, providing insights into Cartagena’s vibrant local culture and cuisine.
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Half-day tours of Bazurto Market are priced from $165 per person, while street food tours start at $90 per person and can be booked as private tours.
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Bazurto Market tours are generally suitable for most travelers, with health and safety measures in place, though they may not be wheelchair accessible.
Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena
The Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class in Cartagena offers an immersive culinary experience that allows participants to explore the vibrant local market, select fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare traditional Colombian dishes in the comfort of a family kitchen.
With 109 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, this half-day class has earned a Badge of Excellence.
During the class, you will learn to make dishes like empanadas, coconut rice, and garlic shrimp under the guidance of an instructor/chef.
The class also includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and snacks, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to take in Cartagena’s rich culinary heritage.
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Bazurto Market Adventure Tour in Cartagena
Bazurto Market Adventure Tour in Cartagena offers travelers an immersive experience beyond the typical tourist trail. With a 95% recommendation rate from 186 travelers, this 3-hour tour takes you deep into the vibrant Bazurto Market.
You’ll explore stalls, workshops, and music stores, sampling traditional Colombian foods and listening to Champeta music. Meet local artists and vendors, including a legendary poster maker and herbsman.
Lunch at the renowned Cecis restaurant, featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show, tops off the authentic experience. Though the market’s chaotic nature may be daunting, a knowledgeable guide ensures your safety and navigation.
This tour provides a genuine glimpse into daily Cartagena life, showcasing the city’s vibrancy and challenges.
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Bazuro Public Market
What makes the Bazuro Public Market in Cartagena, Colombia, a must-visit destination for travelers? For starters, it’s highly recommended by 97% of visitors.
This vibrant market offers a culture with a bilingual tour guide, allowing you to sample local fruits and enjoy a homemade lunch. The tour includes public transportation, bottled water, and a local dessert, all for the reasonable price of €48.18 per person.
Reviews praise the enthusiastic guides and unique experiences, from exploring the market to visiting a local home. With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience you won’t soon forget.
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Cartagena Local Market Tour and Cooking Class
For travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience in Cartagena, the Cartagena Local Market Tour and Cooking Class offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant gastronomic heritage of the city.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars with a Badge of Excellence, this tour allows participants to learn from a local chef how to prepare traditional Colombian meals, sourcing ingredients directly from the bustling Bazurto market.
The experience culminates in a shared meal in a local family’s home, providing an authentic taste of Cartagena’s culinary traditions.
While some have noted occasional issues with reservation changes, the majority of reviewers describe the tour as a memorable and enriching culture.
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Local Immersion in the Bazurto Market
Nestled in the heart of Cartagena, the Bazurto Market immerses visitors in a lively tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas that capture the essence of the city’s vibrant working-class community.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, this immersive experience promises an authentic cultural encounter, with the opportunity to observe how locals shop and eat. Priced at €64.56 per person, the tour includes soda and gratuities, and features flexible booking policies with free cancellation and rescheduling.
While not wheelchair accessible, the market is suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for those with back problems.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Bazurto Market tour offers a unique, rewarding experience away from typical tourist encounters.
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5-Hour Cooking and Tasting Class With Market Small Group Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Cartagena can embark on a 5-hour Cooking and Tasting Class with Market Small Group Tour.
This highly-rated class offers a maximum group size of 12, allowing for personalized attention. Participants will visit the bustling Bazurto Market, sample local starters like arepitas rellenas and patacones rellenos, and learn to prepare a main dish of fish cooked Amazonian-style.
The experience culminates in a delectable dessert of caramelized plantains and Lulo ice cream. Accessible by public transportation, the class provides an air-conditioned vehicle and a cancellation policy with free rescheduling up to 24 hours prior.
With 100% of travelers recommending this culinary adventure, it’s an excellent way to take in Cartagena’s vibrant food culture.
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Cartagenas Bazurto Local Market Experience
What awaits visitors on Cartagena’s Bazurto Local Market tour? An authentic Colombian experience through food and shopping.
Participants explore a vibrant city market filled with local delicacies, taste exotic fruits from the Caribbean coast, and learn about champeta music.
The 2-hour tour, led by a Spanish or English-speaking guide, includes lunch, fruits, and juice.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour departs from the Éxito Matuna in central Cartagena, using public transportation to reach the Bazurto Market and return.
Priced from $122 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
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Cartagena Private Tour to Popular Market (Bazurto) With Cooking Class
This private tour offers visitors an immersive experience in Cartagena’s vibrant culinary scene.
Explore the bustling Bazurto Market, where you’ll discover exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and local cuisine.
After the market visit, learn traditional Colombian cooking techniques in a hands-on class in La Boquilla. Together, you’ll prepare dishes like fried fish, coconut rice, and ceviche, then enjoy the fruits of your labor over an included lunch.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, and transportation by private vehicle, this 4-hour tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Cartagena’s rich food culture.
Suitable for all skill levels, it’s an ideal experience for food lovers seeking to enjoy the city’s culinary traditions.
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Salsa and Champeta Clases,Sightseeing and Shopping
After exploring the vibrant flavors of Cartagena’s culinary scene, visitors can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage through a Salsa and Champeta dance class experience.
This private tour offers professional instruction in these captivating dance styles, along with sightseeing and shopping opportunities. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour includes dance classes, bottled water, and round-trip transportation from the cruise ship terminal.
While food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, the experience is highly rated, with reviewers praising the informative and caring guide, enjoyable dancing, and patient instruction.
With flexible start times and availability from December 2023 to September 2025, this tour provides an authentic and memorable cultural encounter in Cartagena.
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Experience Bazurto Market With Painting Lessons
Visitors seeking a truly immersive cultural experience in Cartagena can embark on a captivating tour of the Bazurto Market, where they’ll not only explore the vibrant sights and sounds but also partake in an engaging painting lesson.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, this private activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, and access to the local culture.
Participants can also enjoy complimentary bottled water, food tasting, breakfast, and snacks.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a moderate amount of walking involved, and it’s stroller accessible.
Guests are advised to inform the provider of any allergies or medical conditions prior to the experience.
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Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers )
Cruisers visiting Cartagena can embark on a comprehensive tour that showcases the city’s iconic fortress, historic Old Town, and premier shopping opportunities.
This 4.0-rated tour, priced from $65 per person, accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers. It includes an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, a professional guide, and snacks.
Pickup is at the Sociedad Portuaria de Cartagena, where staff will meet the group 15 minutes before the tour’s start. The tour culminates with a drop-off at the Port of Cartagena, where guests can access the free shuttle bus.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s an excellent option for those without serious medical conditions or heart problems, as cancellation and rescheduling are free up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Bazurto Local Market With Maripe
Enjoy the vibrant heart of Cartagena’s local cuisine on a private tour of the Bazurto Market.
Led by the knowledgeable Maripe, you’ll explore this bustling marketplace, discovering the ingredients and techniques that define authentic Colombian fare.
The tour includes a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll craft a delectable lunch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Savor your creations, accompanied by wine and water, as you gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s culinary heritage.
Roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle ensures a seamless experience, making this a must-do activity for food-loving travelers in Cartagena.
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Bazurto Local Market
Situated in the heart of Cartagena, the Bazurto Local Market is a bustling hub where locals gather to buy fresh produce, meat, seafood, and an array of other goods.
This private tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with a certified guide leading the way. Participants can sample typical Caribbean fruits, enjoy a local beer, and even learn the basics of La Champeta, a popular dance style.
The tour also includes a visit to graffiti art, a local lunch, and a souvenir to take home.
With round-trip transportation and a flexible cancellation policy, this experience provides a unique glimpse into Cartagena’s local culture.
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Bazurto Market Half Day Tour in Cartagena
This half-day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Cartagena’s vibrant Bazurto Market.
Priced from $165 per person, the private tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver/guide, and opportunities to sample local beverages and food. Guests can also purchase alcoholic drinks.
Health and safety measures are in place, such as temperature checks for guides and periodic vehicle disinfection. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience.
Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about local culture, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Cartagena’s vibrant marketplace.
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Authentic Bazurto A Cultural Trip to the Cartagena Market
Nestled within the vibrant heart of Cartagena, the Authentic Bazurto: A Cultural Trip to the Cartagena Market invites visitors to embark on a captivating exploration of the city’s renowned marketplace.
Operated by Nexxt Tours, this half-day excursion offers an immersive experience, transporting guests from their hotels to the Bazurto Market. Participants will enjoy a guided tour, fruit tasting, and a local lunch, all while sipping on a refreshing beer and guarapo juice.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, this small-group tour ensures an intimate and authentic encounter with Cartagena’s vibrant culture. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate, making it an attractive option for those seeking a deep dive into the city’s bustling marketplace.
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2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market
Set out on a captivating 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market, operated by Que hay pa hacer en cartagena. Priced from $60.00 per person, this tour takes you through the vibrant Bazurto Market in Cartagena, Colombia.
Accompanied by a certified guide, you’ll explore the market’s authentic atmosphere, with an air-conditioned vehicle and a water bottle provided.
The tour starts at 9 am from the Éxito Matuna – Cartagena meeting point, and returns to the same location. While infants can attend, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
With free cancellation and flexible rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience, this tour offers a unique culture in the heart of Cartagena.
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Street Food Tour at the Bazurto Local Market
Frequently, visitors to Cartagena embark on a captivating Street Food Tour at the Bazurto Local Market. The tour costs from $90.00 per person, with the price varying by group size.
It’s a private tour, allowing only your group to participate. The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, water, and tastings of typical foods and fruits.
The meeting point is at the Monumento Torre del Reloj, with pickup options at the lobby or a designated meeting point. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation, and infant seats are available.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Cultural Visit to Local Bazurto Market in Cartagena
Visitors to Cartagena can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the local Bazurto Market through a cultural visit.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced guide, and opportunities to sample local fruits. Priced at $77 per person, the private tour is accessible to most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair-friendly.
Participants can explore the market, learn about local culture, and enjoy complimentary bottled water. The tour starts and ends at a central meeting point, making it convenient for travelers.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cultural experience offers flexibility and the chance to discover the vibrant heart of Cartagena.
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Half Day Tour of the Bazurto Local Market in Cartagena
The Bazurto Local Market in Cartagena offers a captivating half-day tour that immerses visitors in the vibrant heart of the city.
Operated by a Cartagena travel agency, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, soda, and appetizers for a price ranging from $85 per person, depending on group size.
The tour starts at 8 am, with a maximum capacity of 35 travelers, and departs from Éxito Matuna in the San Diego neighborhood.
Participants can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market, with confirmation of the tour received at booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Special Discounts for Large Groups?
Many tour companies offer special discounts for large groups booking shopping tours in Cartagena. The exact discount may vary, so it’s best to inquire with individual tour providers about their group pricing and policies.
Can I Purchase Items for Shipping Back Home?
Yes, you can purchase items for shipping back home. Many shops in Cartagena offer this service, allowing you to buy souvenirs and other goods and have them conveniently shipped to your destination. Some stores even provide discounted shipping rates.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Items I Can Buy?
There may be some restrictions on the types of items you can purchase for shipping back home. It’s best to check with local authorities or your airline about any regulations or restrictions before making purchases.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Preferences?
The tours generally accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences. Customers can discuss their needs with the tour operator, who will work to ensure they have an enjoyable and safe experience that caters to their specific dietary requirements.
Can I Negotiate Prices With the Vendors?
Customers may be able to negotiate prices with vendors, though the extent to which this is possible can vary. It’s best to inquire about the policy beforehand or discuss options during the shopping tour.
The Sum Up
Cartagena’s Bazurto Market offers a unique shopping experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant local culture. With a range of guided tours and cooking classes, travelers can explore the bustling market, interact with vendors, and learn about traditional Colombian cuisine. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious about the city’s lively atmosphere, a visit to Bazurto Market is an enriching and memorable part of any Cartagena itinerary.