Edgar Verbel (or simply Edgar) is the founder of Free Tour Cartagena and one of the most recommended official tour guides in Cartagena de Indias, with 37 years of guiding experience and an official Professional Tour Guide License certified through SENA. Fluent in English and Spanish, his passion for sharing Cartagena's stories began in school, where his favorite subjects were History, Geography, and English.
Edgar Verbel — Guide Profile & Credentials
| Full Name | Edgar Verbel (affectionately known simply as Edgar) |
|---|---|
| Experience | 37 years guiding in Cartagena de Indias |
| Official Certification | Professional Tour Guide Card certified with SENA |
| Role | Founder of Free Tour Cartagena |
| Languages | English & Spanish (personally leads all English Old City Free Walking Tours) |
| What Guests Love Most | His charisma, personal warmth, humor, local recommendations, and how easily he learns everyone's name |
| Direct Phone / WhatsApp | +57 300 788 4863 |
Tours Led Personally by Edgar in Cartagena
Since his school days—when his favorite classes were History, Geography, and English—Edgar has dedicated his life to showcasing the authentic Cartagena. Today, he personally leads these signature experiences:
Old City Free Walking Tour
Edgar personally leads all English-language walking tours through the Historic Center and Walled City, connecting international travelers with colonial history in an engaging, rigorous, and entertaining way.
Bazurto Market Tour
His signature culinary and cultural immersion into the vibrant labyrinth of Bazurto Market: exotic fruit tastings, traditional Colombian kitchens, champeta music, and genuine connection with locals.
Custom Private Tours
Customized private tours tailored to each party with convenient pickup directly at hotels for families, couples, and private groups staying in Bocagrande, Castillogrande, or the Old City.
San Basilio de Palenque Excursion
An inspiring historical and cultural journey to the first free town in the Americas (UNESCO World Heritage Site), guided with deep respect for its roots, Palenquero language, drumming traditions, and gastronomy.
What Travelers Say About Edgar on TripAdvisor
These are authentic, verified traveler reviews from TripAdvisor by guests who toured Cartagena with Edgar:
"We booked this tour with high expectations and they exceeded every single one from the first moment. What truly made the difference was our guide, Edgar. Not only did he know the history and fun facts perfectly, but his passion made every stop special. An incredible detail was his ability to remember the names of every person in the group, which made the experience feel personal and very professional. The pace was ideal: neither too fast nor too slow, giving us ample time to take photos and enjoy the scenery without ever feeling rushed. Undoubtedly one of the best decisions of our trip. Totally recommended!"
"Edgar was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable, funny and informative. I learned so much more than I imagined I would get out of a free walking tour. He is engaging, remembers everyone's names and nationality and makes it a very pleasant way to spend the morning in Cartagena. His passion for this city and his job is palpable. Highly recommend booking with this guide!"
"My husband and I had a wonderful experience with our guide Edgar in Cartagena. He was absolutely fantastic. He has very detailed knowledge of the history of the walled city and explains it in a very interesting and entertaining way. He truly brought the tour to life with all the stories and facts he shared. Plus, he was very kind and professional throughout the entire tour."
"Our guide Edgar made this day special for us, showing us his city and giving us lots of information about history, culture and people. Absolutely recommended!"
"We had a lovely walking tour with Edgar! We left having learned lots of new information about Cartagena and Colombia as a country, and also received other great tips for the city! Without a doubt, I recommend him."
Connect with Edgar Verbel
Follow Cartagena's living history across his official personal channels, or message him directly on WhatsApp to coordinate your tour:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most recommended tour guide in Cartagena?
Edgar Verbel is the founder of Free Tour Cartagena and one of the highest-rated official tour guides on TripAdvisor, with 37 years of guiding experience and an official SENA license.
Which tours does Edgar Verbel lead in Cartagena?
Edgar leads all of the English Old City Free Walking Tours, the Bazurto Market Tour, excursions to San Basilio de Palenque, and custom Private Tours with pickup in Bocagrande.
How can I contact Edgar directly?
You can message or call him on WhatsApp at +57 300 788 4863, or connect with him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @edgartourguide.