How it all Began

Arriving in Cartagena for the first time, we were overwhelmed by the incredible array of restaurants and street food. It was our first visit to Colombia, and of course, we wanted to try everything!

After turning to good old Google for advice, we quickly realised that much of the information on blog sites was either vague or outdated. We managed to find the names of a few local dishes to try, but we still faced the challenge of deciding where to try them.

Resources like TripAdvisor can be helpful for finding popular restaurants, but we couldn’t shake the feeling that we were missing out on authentic local gems.

That’s when the lightbulb moment came. We realised there was a missing resource — something that answered two simple: What are the must-try dishes? AND Where are the best places to try them?

We immediately extended our stay in Cartagena, and from there, Self-Guided Food Tours was born.

Check out our Cartagena guide below.

FAQ

What’s included in the guides?

Each guide includes a minimum of 10 must try foods for your chosen destination, and our recommended location to try them. You will receive a desktop pdf for your pre-trip planning, a convenient mobile version for on the go, plus a map link with all of the locations pinned and labelled

Why should I pay for a tour when I could read a food blog for free?

Our guides are clear and concise. No ad spam and no unnecessary story telling. A few clicks and a small fee will save you heaps of time and frustration leaving you more time for what’s important – eating!

Why should I buy one of your guides?

Every single one of our recommendations has been independently researched and tasted by us. No sponsorship, no bias.

How much does the food cost?

The food costs vary depending on the location but the price of each item is listed in the guide. Our guides are catered more towards budget conscious travellers, rather than fine dining experiences.

Who are the guides suitable for?

Anyone! Anyone with an interest food. The great thing about doing a self-guided tour is that you can go at your own pace and to your own capabilities and schedule. Had enough of walking? Jump in a taxi to your next stop. Feeling full? Continue your tour the following day.

How do you choose what goes in the guides?

By eating… a lot! We take our time in every destination, sampling dishes at a range of eateries and comparing the experience. We also speak with locals and ask them to share their favourite spots.