Behind the scenes at Mercado Bazurto

Cartagena off the beaten path

During the tour, interaction was key: We learned to dance a few steps to Champeta music, attracting a lot of attention. Afterwards, we were able to cool off with a Costeñita beer and chat with the CD salesman. We even got to take home a CD of Champeta music.

 

We were attracted to the tour to Mercado Bazurto because it would allow us to see Cartagena outside the tourist highlights. We wanted to wander around this local market and experience the daily “hustle and bustle.”

The tour
The guide picked us up at the hotel in Getsemaní, after which we walked to the other participants’ hotels and boarded the local bus together. At a shopping mall, a quick stop to wash up was made before we walked to the market. The guide told us about the former Chinese neighborhood in which the market is located. At a store, she bought bottles of water, which would later be used to make fruit smoothies.

Strong stomach
We learned the story behind the vendors and saw the conditions people have to work in: scorching heat, puddles of dirty water, garbage and a meat and fish market, which requires a strong stomach.

Pans and more…
The boss of the metal workshop proudly showed us his workshop and explained that his store fulfills an important function. Among other things, people can go to him to have pans repaired. A little further on, “Runner” made advertising posters and he also made one especially for us. We were allowed to make up the text ourselves -:)

Dancing to Champeta music
During the tour, interaction was key: we learned to dance a few steps to Champeta music, attracting a lot of attention. As tourists, we were the attraction for the locals here! After this, we were able to cool off with a (miniscule) Costeñita beer and chat with the CD seller. We were even given a CD of Champeta music to take home.

Tropical fruit
We tasted delicious fruit smoothies and tropical fruits such as Lulo and Guanábana. We feasted our eyes on the market with spices, clothing, household items and fish and meat.

Restaurante Cecilia’s
At the end of the tour, it was time for lunch at Cecilia’s. Cecilia’s has become famous because culinary TV personality Anthony Boudain once filmed here for his TV show. We ate specialties of the coastal region: Sopa de mote, (soup with chunks of cheese) Pescado con arroz de coco, (fish with coconut rice) and fried banana.

Want to know more about Cartagena? Then check out ourSurprise!
After the heat at the market, it was a surprise that we did not have to walk back to the bus stop, but were picked up by a cab van. In the air conditioning we were able to recover from all the impressions, then we were dropped off right near our hotel.

Information and tips

  • We found it helpful to visit Mercado Bazurto with a local guide. The market is hectic and so big that it’s easy to get lost if you don’t know your way around. Moreover, with a guide, you can easily get into conversation with the people in the market.
  • There are several tour operators that offer this tour. On this trip to Cartagena, we did the tour with Cartagena Insider by FEM. Part of the proceeds go to charity, such as education projects.
  • We were hesitant beforehand about this tour because of the hygiene in the market. In retrospect, it turned out to be unnecessary. The guide bought bottles of water with which to make the fruit smoothies, and the little restaurant where we ate was fine.
  • Wear shoes instead of flip flops because of the puddles of (dirty) water.
  • Would you also like to experience this tour? Book here the Mercado Bazurto tour

Travel date: September 2019

Want to know more about Cartagena? Then check out our Cartagena Travel Guide.