Gourmet Tour - Cartagena's Rich Gastronomy

OVERVIEW

Sample some of the dishes and desserts that best reflect the local gastronomy and discover their histories and traditions. As an introduction to Cartagena, you will first visit San Felipe de Baraja, a fortress that has been a landmark since the Spanish built it in 1639. Your culinary immersion will begin with an arepa de huevo – a fried corn cake stuffed with eggs – and carimañolas, which are yuca fritters stuffed with meat or cheese. After an enlightening walk through the walled Old Town, you will stop to dine on Cartagena’s most emblematical dish, posta Cartagenera. Made with braised beef, red onions and tomatoes, this comfort food originated with the city’s early African and Spanish inhabitants. It is usually served with coconut rice and plantains. Dessert will likely be a coconut confection known as cocada and perhaps a caballito papaya sweet. Free time for shopping follows in Las Bóvedas market.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the history and traditions behind Cartagena’s favorite foods through tastings.
• Sample fried breakfast dishes, comfort food for lunch and a selection of desserts.
• Walk through the atmospheric Old Town and snap photos at a 17th-century fortress.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.