Cartagena is for many, a city of contrasts. On one side is the beautiful walled city, full of colorful houses, cobblestone streets and surrounded by tall white buildings facing the sound of the sea. On the other side is a more real Cartagena, full of ordinary citizens with houses a little less ostentatious, but also with great stories to tell.

From the "pie de la popa pa' allá," as the locals say, there are many places that gain more recognition from tourists every day thanks to alternative activities that allow them to enjoy the city from another perspective. 

If we talk about the Pie de la Popa, we should start this alternative tour by visiting the Cerro de la Popa, a mountain that has a beautiful colonial church and convent of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, built between 1606 and 1611. The cloister of the convent of La Popa is one of the most beautiful in the colonial city of Cartagena and all of Colombia.

Another tour that can be taken in the city is the tour of 'Las chambaculeras,' a decorated canoe trip down the Juan Angola river. This project is focused on social and environmental issues, working on the recovery of the channel. In addition, it is a contribution to the community of San Pedro and Libertad, who provide their services as guides on the trip. 

The promoters of this passage say that it is the true way to experience "the essence of the real Cartagena," since visitors embark from a pier that was built with the help of the community and during the tour they can enjoy local music and typical dishes.

Finally, going to the Totumo Volcano on the outskirts of the city is also a great experience. This 'volcano' is a mud-filled volcanic cone, which is located in the rural area of the municipality of Santa Catalina. 

People who go can purchase a "kit" that includes submerging in the mud volcano to cover all your skin with a substance full of fantastic minerals. After about 20 minutes, they cleanse in the waters of the swamp.