A colourful wooden bus with onboard musicians and cheering people just drove past you? "What WAS that?" you ask in a daze of noise and lights.
That, my friend, was a Chiva; Colombia's public/livestock transport of old, turned to good use shuttling tourists and revelers around the city in the most warmly Cartagenerian way possible.
There's two main ways to chiva (yes, I've made it a verb): the afternoon chiva tour that takes you to all the key sites around the city and the night time party chiva.
Now, in our typical, honest to a fault style, we do not recommend the day time tourist chiva. It is just way too hot and way too long. For this kind of activity we would probably select the Big Red Bus instead. BUT the nighttime chivas are less hot and can be really fun - especially with the right attitude/group of people.
That, my friend, was a Chiva; Colombia's public/livestock transport of old, turned to good use shuttling tourists and revelers around the city in the most warmly Cartagenerian way possible.
There's two main ways to chiva (yes, I've made it a verb): the afternoon chiva tour that takes you to all the key sites around the city and the night time party chiva.
Now, in our typical, honest to a fault style, we do not recommend the day time tourist chiva. It is just way too hot and way too long. For this kind of activity we would probably select the Big Red Bus instead. BUT the nighttime chivas are less hot and can be really fun - especially with the right attitude/group of people.
CHIVA PARTY BUS - PRIVATE HIRE
Hiring a private chiva for your group celebration, corporate or wedding warm up, or just as a fun way to be transported about the city, is a really unique and entertaining option. After many years of trial and error we prefer 2 Chiva buses; La Tipica , which is a traditional Chiva and La Diva, which is an airconditioned party bus. Both are vibrantly painted, have powerful speaker systems and fun playlists at the ready.
Your hire includes 2 hours touring around the different zones of Cartagena and entry into a popular nightclub afterwards (if you so desire!) Price is 650,000 pesos and the chivas fit up to 35 people (la tipica) or 29 people (la diva). Whilst previously the chiva tours included cheap alcohol onboard, recent government regulations now prohibit the consumption of alcohol while driving.. and instead drinking is restricted to the stops where you disembark from the bus at which point you can bring or buy booze.
Your hire includes 2 hours touring around the different zones of Cartagena and entry into a popular nightclub afterwards (if you so desire!) Price is 650,000 pesos and the chivas fit up to 35 people (la tipica) or 29 people (la diva). Whilst previously the chiva tours included cheap alcohol onboard, recent government regulations now prohibit the consumption of alcohol while driving.. and instead drinking is restricted to the stops where you disembark from the bus at which point you can bring or buy booze.
CHIVA NIGHT RUMBA TOUR (INDIVIDUAL)
The night Chiva tours are a distinctly Colombian affair with live MC getting you in the mood and plenty of opportunity for fun. You'll tour around the city of Cartagena (which looks even more romantic and captivating at night!) and make new friends while you chair-dance your heart out. They are definitely tacky.. and there is almost no English spoken.. but with the right group they can also be a lot of fun if you come armed with the right attitude.
The night chiva tours run for 2 hours and include entry to a club afterwards. 50,000 pesos pp
Tour times:
7pm-9pm
9pm to 10.50pm
Tour route:
2 hours touring through the hotel sector of Bocagrande, Panorama alongside Old City, Clock Tower, Pegasos Monument, Old Boots monument, San Felipe Fortress, the famous Cartagena Sign, finishing in a Getsemani nightclub: Taboo or La Farra.
Tour stops/Meeting points:
1. Avenida San Martin in front of the bank Itau
2. Avenida San Martin in front of the McDonalds
3. Avenida San Martin in front of Hotel Madisson
4. Avenida San Martin in front of La Fontana restaurant
5. Avenida San Martin in front of Parque Flanagan
6. STAYING NEAR CENTRO? You can also opt to join the Chiva at 6.50pm meeting close to the clock tower, on the Camellon de los Martires (we will send you photos so you can find it!)
If you are opting to buy single seats on the chiva, usually this will be in the Chiva "La Tipica".
Price: 50,000 pesos.
If you would like to book this, please send us an email to [email protected]
Let us know: do you want a private chiva or just per person on a public chiva? What time would you like? What date? What is your contact number including area code (ideally you have whatsapp)? We will also need you to pre-pay.
The night chiva tours run for 2 hours and include entry to a club afterwards. 50,000 pesos pp
Tour times:
7pm-9pm
9pm to 10.50pm
Tour route:
2 hours touring through the hotel sector of Bocagrande, Panorama alongside Old City, Clock Tower, Pegasos Monument, Old Boots monument, San Felipe Fortress, the famous Cartagena Sign, finishing in a Getsemani nightclub: Taboo or La Farra.
Tour stops/Meeting points:
1. Avenida San Martin in front of the bank Itau
2. Avenida San Martin in front of the McDonalds
3. Avenida San Martin in front of Hotel Madisson
4. Avenida San Martin in front of La Fontana restaurant
5. Avenida San Martin in front of Parque Flanagan
6. STAYING NEAR CENTRO? You can also opt to join the Chiva at 6.50pm meeting close to the clock tower, on the Camellon de los Martires (we will send you photos so you can find it!)
If you are opting to buy single seats on the chiva, usually this will be in the Chiva "La Tipica".
Price: 50,000 pesos.
If you would like to book this, please send us an email to [email protected]
Let us know: do you want a private chiva or just per person on a public chiva? What time would you like? What date? What is your contact number including area code (ideally you have whatsapp)? We will also need you to pre-pay.