Questions? (888) 651-9785(888) 651-9785
Convento de la Popa de la Galera Tours
3 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)
La Popa Monastery Admission Ticket
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
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$7.00
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Convento de la Popa de la Galera
Select Dates
Sort by:Featured
La Popa Monastery Admission Ticket
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
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$7.00
Private Sightseeing ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Private City Tour of Cartagena
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.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$106.25
$18.75 savings
City ToursCartagena City Tour
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 revered museums, iconic fortresses, and impressive monuments. Admire the astonishing colonial architecture of the area, and explore the glittering exhibitions of the Cartagena Naval Museum, the entrance fee to which is included.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$126.67
Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Private City Tour CARTAGENA
Panoramic tour of the city, in which you will know why Cartagena was the economic epicenter of the Spanish 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 of the Colombian Caribbean
... More
- 3 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$84.60
$9.40 savings
Cultural ToursHalf-Day City Tour of Cartagena
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.
... More
- 3 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$125.00
Night ToursNight Trolley Sightseeing in Cartagena
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.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$18.00
Trolley ToursCartagena City Trolley Tour
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.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$25.50
Private Sightseeing ToursPrivate Cartagena Sightseeing
Get the red carpet treatment as you explore the history, culture and architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cartagena on a 4-hour private tour. Tour this atmospheric Colombian city by private vehicle, stopping first to visit the upscale Bocagrande neighborhood and its historic luxury hotel. After exploring the 17th-century San Felipe Fort and the convent of “La Popa” Hill, talk a walk through the charming streets of Cartagena’s old town. A private guide, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are all covered.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$150.00
Cultural ToursTRADITIONAL CITY TOURS
This extraordinary tours should be done with the best comfort for the estimated time of its duration, we have for this the best air-conditioned vehicles, with reclining chairs and our professional guides will make your experience the most rewarding, they are certified knowledgeable about the entire history of the city and in addition to the aforementioned sites, there is a panoramic tour of the most important neighborhoods in history with republican houses. Our tours guarantee the safety of travelers.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$190.00
Historical & Heritage ToursDay trip to Cartagena from Barranquilla
Well come to the most beautiful city of the Caribbean, enjoy the road in a climatized 2019 car and be in Cartagena for 6 hours. Visiting the old city, the walls, San Felipe fortress, Monastery of popa, grafittis in getsemani, havinig typical caribbean lunch and going back to Barranquilla the same day.
... More
- 10 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$500.00
Cultural ToursCartagena Grand City Tour
The charm of Cartagena goes beyond the intriguing streets of the Walled City. On this tour, you will visit the most significant treasures of the city accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The Grand City Tour of Cartagena will allow you to enjoy the magic of the streets, churches, architecture, and squares of the Old City of Cartagena. As you walk through the streets, be amazed by the contrast between the wealth and magnificence of the city and the warmth and discreet charm of its neighborhoods.
... More
- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$158.00
Cultural ToursPrivate City tour Cartagena
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
- 3 to 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$200.00
Air, Helicopter & Balloon ToursClasses & WorkshopsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursCultural & Theme ToursDay Trips & ExcursionsFamily FriendlyFood, Wine & NightlifeHoliday & Seasonal ToursLuxury & Special OccasionsMulti-day & Extended ToursOutdoor ActivitiesPrivate & Custom ToursShopping & FashionShore ExcursionsShows, Concerts & SportsSightseeing Tickets & PassesSpa ToursTheme ParksTours & SightseeingTransfers & Ground TransportUnique ExperiencesWalking & Biking ToursWater SportsWeddings & Honeymoons