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Cartagena, Colombia, January 2, 2026 – In a landmark decision hailed by animal welfare advocates worldwide, Cartagena has officially banned horse-drawn carriages in its historic center, replacing them with a fleet of electric vehicles. The change took effect Monday, December 30, 2025, marking the end of decades of animal exploitation in the popular tourist destination.
A New Era for Tourism and Animal Welfare
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The Colombian city is pioneering a enduring tourism model, prioritizing animal rights and modernizing its iconic carriage rides.
- Cartagena officially ended horse-drawn carriages in its historic center on December 30, 2025.
- the city replaced the carriages with a fleet of 62 electric vehicles.
- A thorough plan ensured a fair transition for coachmen through retraining and alternative employment opportunities.
For years, the horse-drawn carriages were a beloved symbol of the city, but also a source of concern for animal rights groups. The practice frequently enough involved horses working long hours in hot conditions, carrying heavy loads.Now, thanks to a comprehensive plan initiated in January 2024, visitors can experience the magic of Cartagena’s historic streets without compromising animal welfare. The city is demonstrating that a thriving tourism industry and compassionate treatment of animals can coexist.
from Dialog to Deployment: A Timeline of Change
The transition wasn’t overnight. Mayor Dumek Turbay Paz initiated the “Orderly, sustainable and environmentally pleasant mobility” program under the “Cartagena City of Rights” Growth Plan on January 1, 2024, setting the stage for a phased approach. From January 8, 2024, the District engaged in extensive consultations with coach drivers, tourism unions, and animal rights organizations, aiming for a dignified transition for those whose livelihoods depended on the carriages.
The first electric car prototype was presented on January 16, 2024, signaling the beginning of a shift towards a sustainable model. The following months saw the pilot plan debated and approved by the District Council (February-June 2024), and on October 2, 2024, the Mayor’s Office received Resolution 20243040046465 of 2024 from the Ministry of Transportation, legally endorsing the project.
Throughout 2025, the city focused on logistics, acquiring the fleet, and establishing an operating model. On February 28, 2025, the District Council approved funding through Project Agreement 082. Mayor Turbay announced the purchase of 62 electric cars on July 1, 2025, and by November 11, 2025, the first 24 vehicles had arrived for assembly and testing. District decree 2258 of 2025, issued December 1, 2025, regulated the operation of the electric cars, limiting the fleet to 62 vehicles.
A Smooth transition for Coachmen
Recognizing the impact on coachmen, the city prioritized their retraining and future employment. On December 28, 2025, officials discussed opportunities in both the tourism and non-tourism sectors. Concurrently,60 drivers began training in road safety,tourist service,and local history on December 23,2025,ensuring a professional and informed service. The coachmen’s union officially joined the training to operate the electric cars on December 29, 2025.
What steps did Cartagena take to ensure a fair transition for coachmen? Cartagena initiated dialogue with coach drivers and tourism unions, provided retraining programs in road safety and tourism, and explored alternative employment opportunities.
The official launch of the electric car service on December 30, 2025, saw over 500 people enjoying free rides through the historic center in just three hours. However, service was temporarily suspended starting December 31, 2025, due to high pedestrian traffic during New Year’s celebrations, prioritizing pedestrian safety and enjoyment. The city plans to resume the pilot program, offering free rides from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, Plaza de Santo Domingo, Plaza de Santa
