Electric Car ToursFor decades, horse-drawn carriages were one of the signature ways to explore Cartagena's Walled City. Under Mayor Dumek Turbay and a coalition of animal rights groups, all 120 horses have been retired and replaced with a fleet of fully electric carriages that look almost identical to the originals — same old-timey colonial aesthetic, zero emissions, and no animals involved. It's a genuinely thoughtful initiative and a great way to see the city.
The carriages depart from Plaza de los Coches at the entrance to the Walled City and run seven different circuits through the historic center. During the current pilot phase, the city has been offering the tours completely free Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., though this may evolve as the program matures. When not free, private tours are available but can be surprisingly expensive — worth checking current rates before committing. Either way, riding through the cobblestone streets with a local guide pointing out the history is one of the more relaxed and enjoyable ways to orient yourself in the city, especially early in your trip.
