Cartagena Coffee Masters

Coffee can tell a country’s story. Cartagena Coffee Masters brings that story to life at Café del Mural, a charming Getsemaní café where you learn about Colombian beans, roasting, brewing methods, and coffee traditions during a private two-hour session. I especially like the range of samples and the chance to take home a 200-gram bag of premium coffee.

I also like the passion of David, the café owner and presenter, who mixes technical information with humor and even a soundtrack of 1980s and 1990s music. The main caution is important: despite the description, you may watch the coffee preparation rather than roast or grind beans yourself, so this is more of a guided tasting and class than a hands-on workshop.

Key points to know before booking

• Five or more coffee samples: Taste different Colombian coffees, roast levels, and preparation styles during the session.
• Café del Mural in Getsemaní: The class takes place at a distinctive café at Cl. de San Juan #25-60, not at a plantation outside Cartagena.
• David leads the experience: His humor, passion, and command of coffee history are central to the class.
• A useful souvenir is included: You receive a 200-gram bag of premium coffee, with some sessions allowing you to choose from coffees sampled.
• Private group format: Only your group participates, although the available space may feel tight for larger groups.
• Plan your expectations carefully: The host performs the roasting and brewing demonstrations, rather than having each participant roast and grind a personal batch.

What Cartagena Coffee Masters really offers

Cartagena is better known for its walls, plazas, Caribbean heat, and colonial streets than for coffee production. That makes this class a useful change of pace. You do not leave the historic center for a remote farm. Instead, you spend two hours in Getsemaní learning how coffee travels from bean to cup and why Colombian coffee has such a strong reputation.

The session covers coffee history, bean varieties, harvesting, exporting, roasting, branding, and brewing equipment. You may taste four or five coffees, and some descriptions of the experience refer to five or six samples. The exact number may vary, but you should expect several cups rather than one formal tasting pour.

This is not simply a café stop with a short explanation. The presentation examines how different brewing methods affect the final drink. The class also places Colombian coffee in a wider setting, showing how German, Italian, and Dutch equipment and techniques influenced coffee preparation in Colombia and elsewhere.

The experience has earned a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 40 ratings, with 93 percent of participants recommending it. That strong score makes sense if you enjoy coffee, history, and a host who likes to talk about his craft. It is less certain value for you if you want to roast beans yourself or prefer a fast, informal tasting.

Arriving at Café del Mural in Getsemaní

The meeting point is Café del Mural, at Cl. de San Juan #25-60 in the Getsemaní area of Cartagena de Indias. The activity starts at 10:00 a.m. and finishes back at the same café.

The location itself is part of the appeal. Café del Mural was created by an engineer who became a coffee artisan, and its design reflects that mix of technical interest and personal craft. It is described as a one-of-a-kind space with local character, which gives the class more personality than a presentation in a hotel meeting room.

Give yourself enough time to find the café. The entrance can be a little difficult to spot, and one participant found the location confusing. A map pin and a few extra minutes will save you from arriving hot and flustered, especially in Cartagena’s warm streets.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You make your own way to Getsemaní, then return to the meeting point when the class ends. Because the start time is fixed at 10:00 a.m., check your route before leaving your hotel or cruise port.

The first lesson: coffee history and Colombian identity

David’s presentation begins with the larger story of coffee. You learn how coffee moved around the world, how Colombia developed its coffee trade, and how production connects with export markets and branding.

I like this wider context because it helps explain why coffee is more than a breakfast drink in Colombia. The country’s reputation depends on farming, processing, shipping, roasting, marketing, and preparation. A cup reflects all of those steps, not only the origin printed on the bag.

David also explains how coffee preparation developed through outside influences. Colombian beans may be famous, but the machines and methods used to prepare them have links to European traditions. That comparison makes the lesson more interesting than a simple celebration of Colombian coffee.

The tone is not strictly academic. David is described as funny, warm, and passionate, with occasional references to 1980s and 1990s music. His personality is a major part of the experience. When he connects well with the group, the two hours pass easily and the technical material feels approachable.

Still, the presentation depends heavily on his speaking style. Some English-language participants found him difficult to hear or understand because he spoke quickly and softly. If you miss a point, ask him to repeat it or speak louder. One participant said that asking did not change the pace or volume, so this is a real consideration for anyone who needs clear, measured English.

Sampling different beans, roasts, and brewing methods

The tasting is the heart of the class. You sample several coffees prepared in different ways, with examples ranging from lighter to darker roasts. The goal is to notice how roast level, bean type, and brewing method change aroma, body, bitterness, and overall flavor.

You do not need to arrive as a coffee expert. The session is designed to explain what you are drinking as you taste it. That makes it useful for a casual coffee drinker who wants to understand why one cup tastes bright and another tastes heavier.

The café has an unusually large collection of coffee preparation devices. David uses these tools to demonstrate different approaches to brewing, rather than presenting one method as the only correct choice. You get a practical sense of how equipment and technique shape the result.

The number of samples can add up. Most descriptions indicate four or five coffees, while some participants tasted five or six varieties. One person joked about having unusually vivid dreams after the class, a reminder that this is a serious amount of caffeine for some people. If coffee affects your sleep, consider scheduling the experience earlier in your Cartagena stay or avoiding other strong coffee afterward.

The quality of the cups has not been completely consistent. Many participants called the coffee outstanding or delicious, and coffee lovers praised the range of styles. One participant, however, found the prepared coffees poor. Taste is personal, and preparation can vary, but you should not book this solely on the promise of a perfect cup every time.

The hands-on question you should understand

The largest gap between expectation and reality concerns participation. Some promotional wording suggests that you choose a bean, roast it, and grind it yourself. That is not what everyone receives.

In practice, the host performs the roasting and brewing demonstrations while you watch, taste, and ask questions. You may have choices among pre-packaged coffees at the end, and some participants received a portion of their favorite coffee. But you should not assume you will operate the roaster or grinder.

That distinction matters. If you want a polished coffee lesson with several demonstrations, this format can work very well. If your main goal is to roast your own beans or practice grinding and brewing, you may feel shortchanged.

I would describe Cartagena Coffee Masters as an expert-led coffee lab rather than a practical workshop. The class gives you information, comparisons, and tasting experience. It does not reliably give each person a turn at the equipment.

Space, group size, and the private format

The activity is sold as a private experience, so only your own group participates. That is a good fit for couples, friends, or families who want to ask questions without joining a large public tour.

The atmosphere can feel intimate. One small group described the experience as special and personal, while another noted that the class had only six people. A small group gives David more room to explain coffee at your level and makes it easier to stay involved.

The room may not feel spacious for every booking. A group of nine found the café uncomfortable when additional people joined, with too little room to sit comfortably. The provider also noted that busy periods can lead to shared services, particularly around December.

For the best experience, I would choose this class with a small group rather than bringing a large family party. Couples and groups of two to six are likely to get the most comfortable setup, though the exact group arrangement can vary.

Is the $85 price fair?

At $85 per person, this is not a cheap coffee tasting. The price needs to be judged against what is included: about two hours of instruction, several coffee samples, snacks, and a 200-gram bag of premium coffee to take home.

The souvenir helps. Colombian specialty coffee can be a meaningful reminder of Cartagena, and the included bag gives you something useful rather than a disposable trinket. Some participants were able to select a favorite from the coffees they tasted, though you should confirm how that choice works at your booking.

You are also paying for the host’s time and for a presentation that covers much more than flavor notes. The lesson includes coffee history, global varieties, harvesting, exporting, roasting, equipment, brewing styles, and branding. If you already spend a lot of time reading about coffee, some of this may repeat what you know.

For a serious coffee fan, the price can be fair because the experience combines teaching, tasting, and a take-home product in a distinctive café. For a casual drinker, it is harder to justify unless you value the cultural background and unusual setting. The activity is best treated as a specialty workshop, not a routine café breakfast.

How long the class lasts in practice

The advertised duration is about two hours. That is a sensible length for a tasting with several brewing methods, but sessions may run longer. One participant reported about three hours, while another described a two-and-a-half-hour class.

A longer session may be welcome if David is engaging and you want to discuss coffee after the formal tasting. Another participant stayed behind to continue talking and did not feel rushed. But a three-hour presentation can feel long if the host speaks continuously or the room is crowded.

Do not schedule a tight afternoon excursion immediately afterward. The official time is two hours, but allow some flexibility. The 10:00 a.m. start should leave you with much of the day ahead, provided the class finishes close to schedule.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend Cartagena Coffee Masters to:

• Coffee lovers who want to compare several beans and preparation styles
• People interested in the history and business of Colombian coffee
• Couples seeking a quiet indoor activity in Getsemaní
• Visitors who enjoy learning from a passionate owner rather than following a scripted group tour
• Anyone who wants to bring home a practical Colombian souvenir

You may want to skip it if you need a fully hands-on class. It is also not the best choice if you dislike long explanations, have difficulty understanding fast spoken English, or want a quick tasting with minimal instruction.

Non-coffee drinkers can still enjoy the history and technical side, but the tasting is central. One person who did not usually enjoy coffee still liked trying the different preparations, so the class is not limited to dedicated enthusiasts. Even so, a coffee fan will get much more from the comparisons.

Practical tips for a better session

Arrive a little early because the café can be difficult to find. Use the exact address, Cl. de San Juan #25-60, and remember that transportation is not included.

Eat a light breakfast before the 10:00 a.m. start. Snacks are included, but several tastings on an empty stomach may not suit everyone. If you are sensitive to caffeine, pace yourself and ask about sample sizes.

Bring questions. Ask David to explain the difference between two brewing methods, why a roast tastes lighter or darker, or how to prepare the coffee you take home. The class is strongest when it becomes a conversation rather than a nonstop lecture.

At the end, check the coffee bag before leaving and ask which options are available. The package is listed as 200 grams, though some participants described receiving half a bag each. That may simply reflect how the included coffee is divided among the group.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book Cartagena Coffee Masters?

Book it if you want an informative coffee tasting led by a passionate local specialist, and you like the idea of learning through several brewing styles before taking premium coffee home. Café del Mural, David’s humor, the global coffee background, and the variety of equipment give the session real character.

Go in with the right expectations. This is mainly a demonstration and tasting, not a guaranteed roast-your-own workshop. If you can accept that, the $85 price is reasonable for a two-hour specialty experience with samples, snacks, and a souvenir bag.

For a small group of coffee fans, I would put this high on the Cartagena activity list. For a large group, confirm the seating arrangement first. For anyone seeking hands-on roasting, choose another class unless the provider confirms that the equipment will be available for participant use.

FAQ

Where does Cartagena Coffee Masters begin and end?

The experience begins and ends at Café del Mural, located at Cl. de San Juan #25-60 in Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the coffee class last?

The planned duration is about two hours. Some sessions may run longer, with reported durations of two and a half to three hours.

How many coffees will I taste?

You can expect four or five coffee samples, although some sessions include five or six varieties. The coffees may differ in bean, roast, and brewing method.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation to and from your hotel is not included. You must make your own way to Café del Mural.

What do I take home?

The experience includes a 200-gram bag of premium coffee. Some sessions allow participants to choose from pre-packaged coffees tasted during the class.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted.