Far from the colorful facades and historic houses of Cartagena’s old city, beyond the buildings and beaches, lies Bazurto, the popular market where many travelers have successfully completed our documentary photography workshop.

Bazurto is more than just a farmer’s market; it’s a place to connect with the history and culture of Cartagena, where you meet locals living day by day.

Painter of Bazurto Market

Bazurto Market is a microcosm that reflects the essence of Cartagena, a melting pot of cultures and traditions that have blended over the centuries. It was originally founded in 1978 and located in the historic Getsemaní neighborhood, where the Convention Center now stands. After a fire in 1965, the market was shut down and relocated about four kilometers from the historic center, bringing many of its original vendors. It is now situated behind the Caribe Plaza Mall, just a 15-minute drive from the old town.

Walking through Bazurto’s narrow aisles immerses you in a traditional commercial atmosphere, where advertising is mixed with music and the age-old game of supply and demand is played out by word of mouth. This simple, grassroots commerce adds richness to a documentary photography experience.

Bazurto is the people’s market, everyone shops there, from local families to Cartagena’s top chefs and restaurant owners. If you’re lucky, you might even meet some of them as they purchase fresh corvina, plantains, ñame, and other local ingredients. In fact, Bazurto Market is one of the main supply hubs in Colombia, offering a wide variety of products from different regions of the country.

Photography Tour in Bazurto Market

Photo Opportunities and Aesthetics

Bazurto Market is visually stunning, offering abundant light, textures, portraits, and countless elements to capture, all while providing an authentic documentary experience.

Photos can give you a glimpse, but the real magic happens with your camera in hand and our expert guidance.

Photography workshop in Bazurto Market

If you’ve visited local markets around the world, such as those in Morocco or Chinatowns, you’ll notice some similarities. But Bazurto is uniquely Caribbean—cozy, vibrant, and distinct.

Bazurto Popular market

Over the years, we have developed close connections with the vendors, allowing us to provide an immersive and specialized photography tour. We go beyond random portraiture, showing respect for the culture and legacy of the people. Every time you book a Street & Documentary Photography Tour, part of the fee supports local vendors. Our goal is to bridge the gap between travelers and locals, fostering an enriching cultural exchange. On this tour, you’ll embrace Caribbean culture, its social dynamics, and its unique way of life.

Indeed, Bazurto is another face of Cartagena—vibrant and authentic. So grab your camera, step into the world of travel documentary photography, and start telling stories with purpose and heart.

Book Your Photo Tour here