Change in Cartagena: Horse-Drawn Buggies to be Replaced

Historic Charm of Cartagena

Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, has long been a cherished destination within the country. The historic center, surrounded by robust stone walls erected by the Spanish to deter pirates, features narrow streets that lead through sunlit plazas and colonial mansions reminiscent of a picturesque film set.

Iconic Horse-Drawn Carriages Under Threat

Tourists are drawn to the city’s horse-drawn buggies, which navigate the streets, their large wheels clattering along the cobblestones and their open tops perfect for capturing the city’s beauty. However, the city government is set to outlaw these traditional vehicles in favor of electric options, citing animal welfare concerns.

A Conflict Between Tradition and Progress

This decision has sparked discord between horse cart owners, who feel a strong connection to the city’s heritage, and animal rights activists, along with local officials advocating for the ban. Cristian Munoz, a horse cart driver, lamented, “We are part of this city’s heritage, like the walls that surround it.”

Animal Welfare Concerns Raised

While tourists enjoy the novelty of horse-drawn rides, activists have voiced concerns about the well-being of the horses. According to Fanny Pachon, a local animal rights advocate, horses have faced stress from traffic and injuries from the pavement. She noted that there have been instances of horses collapsing from exhaustion.

New Electric Carriages on the Horizon

With the city planning to replace horse-drawn buggies, a comedian named Alejandro Riaño has garnered support for developing electric vehicles that resemble traditional carriages. These electric carts, set to debut alongside a fleet of 62 imported from China, are expected to offer a more sustainable option for city tours, with features like solar-powered charging and a range of 70 kilometers on a single charge.

Concerns Among Traditional Cart Owners

As the transition unfolds, horse cart owners express apprehension about being pushed out of a business they’ve nurtured over decades. While there have been discussions of compensation, cart owners feel that the proposed $10,000 is inadequate. Mayor Domek Turbay claims that the city is willing to share profits from the new electric vehicles with former horse cart operators, but negotiations remain unresolved.

Future of Cartagena’s Tourist Experience

In a bid to attract tourists, the mayor announced that rides on electric carts will be free for the first two months. Some drivers currently working for cart owners are open to new opportunities with electric vehicles, yet others question whether tourists will prefer these modern substitutes over the traditional horse-drawn experience. Cristian Munoz succinctly stated, “Without the horses, it’s not the same.”