Recently Viewed
Palenque Culture: Black History in Colombia
4.9
321 Ratings
Cartagena
Embark on a captivating Palenque History Tour and immerse yourself in the rich African culture and the enchanting magic of Black history. Discover the story of Palenque and its significant role in the gesture of liberty. Book now!
Embark on a captivating Palenque History Tour and immerse yourself in the rich African culture and the enchanting magic of Black history. Discover the story of Palenque and its significant role in the gesture of liberty. Book now!
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cartagena - The journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel. Our guide will meet you (if your hotel or address is not listed, please inform us, as we can arrange pick-up from any location in Cartagena) and provide all the details of our adventure. After a 1.5-hour drive, we will reach Palenque, where you will be greeted with a…
- Cartagena - The journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel. Our guide will meet you (if your hotel or address is not listed, please inform us, as we can arrange pick-up from any location in Cartagena) and provide all the details of our adventure. After a 1.5-hour drive, we will reach Palenque, where you will be greeted with a delightful salad made from the region’s seasonal fruits.
- San Basilio De Palenque - The experience continues with a historical discussion about Palenque from various perspectives, where we learn about the African struggle for freedom in America and the formation of what is now known as Palenque. From the main square, we will start our community tour, which can be done on foot or by vehicle, depending on your preference.
- Monumento a Benkos Bioho - Visit the monument dedicated to Benkos Bioho, the founder of Palenque.
- San Basilio De Palenque - At the Palenquero House of Knowledge, enjoy a presentation of music and dancers, where we will explore the musical rhythms and traditional dances of Palenque and learn to play the drums.
- San Basilio De Palenque - At Doña Rupe’s house, with Ruperta, we will delve into the gastronomy of Palenque and learn to prepare one of the community’s ancestral recipes.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Patio Sikito: Here, with local herbalists, we will discover plant-based medicine, how they tackled the Covid pandemic in Palenque, and the significance of ancestral medicine in maintaining the community’s health to this day.
- San Basilio De Palenque - “Kid Pambele” Boxing Gym: Learn about Antonio Cervantes Reyes, Colombia’s first world boxing champion, and enjoy a fun boxing class.
- San Basilio De Palenque - At the Masú Tejedor House Museum, explore a traditional house built using ancestral techniques and learn about the daily activities that occur there.
- Paletur - Enjoy a delicious lunch.
- San Basilio de Palenque - Take time to shop and support the local economy.
What's Included
- Native trilingual tour guide
- Cooking class and sweet tasting with a native cook
- Music show
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Bottled water
- Native trilingual tour guide
- Cooking class and sweet tasting with a native cook
- Music show
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Bottled water
What's Not Included
- On-board WiFi
- On-board WiFi
Additional Information
This experience offers an opportunity to explore the history of San Basilio de Palenque, the first territory in the Americas to be free from slavery. This Afro-Colombian community, with over 400 years of history, continues to preserve its African heritage and traditions, making it a site of global historical importance. Participants will discover the…
This experience offers an opportunity to explore the history of San Basilio de Palenque, the first territory in the Americas to be free from slavery. This Afro-Colombian community, with over 400 years of history, continues to preserve its African heritage and traditions, making it a site of global historical importance. Participants will discover the local culture, cuisine, musical performances, traditional medicine, and much more, all under the guidance of a local expert. This expert will share comprehensive insights about Palenque, allowing participants to connect with this history, which is also part of their own, and feel a sense of belonging.
Location
Cartagena
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(321 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Arlene_h
Mar 10, 2026
Great Cultural experience - Great tour. I did this during black history so it just felt so appropriate. Learned some different historical facts on the slave trade. Food served was good. Be prepared to be out the entire day. It’s very hot , some walking is involved. They provide you with water , fruit and lunch.
Review provided by Viator
Suitelyfe_t
Mar 9, 2026
Best Cultural Experience in Colombia! - Such a rich experience! Victor gave a very intimate cultural experience for all interested in learning the story of the Palenque people. The authentic food, historical dances, up close candy and sweets tutorial, and introduction to homeopathic medicines felt very familiar and like home! I would take this tour again!
Review provided by Viator
Tara
Mar 5, 2026
Amazing experience ! - This was an amazing experience! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cartagena. The food was incredible, and we had an awesome tour guide thanks, Victor! This experience is truly one of a kind, and you really have to be there to fully appreciate it. The weather can get pretty warm, so be sure to dress cool and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
907ravyns
Mar 4, 2026
Best thing to do with your day in Colombia - This tour was enchanting and informative. My friends and a great time dancing, exploring, learning, shopping and of course eating. Palenque is a fascinating place and the entire experience was really unique. Highly recommend. Víctor was the best guide. He made the day very special for us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Damian_b
Feb 25, 2026
A deep rooted experience - This was my introduction to Cartegena. Victor and his family and everyone associated with the tour to Palenque are absolutely amazing. I left with a deep appreciation and feeling of great acceptance. Please book this tour, please tap in and please allow yourself the opportunity to have an appreciation for something so uniquely historical.
Review provided by Viator
Markiyat2026
Feb 23, 2026
Amazing ! 10/10 experience - I loved everything about this tour, from being asked thought provoking questions on the ride there to the personally prepared meal at the end. Victor and Carlos were AMAZING, highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
602ariell
Feb 20, 2026
Unforgettable - If you’re thinking about doing a Palenque tour, book with Pale Tur. Period.
This was a cultural experience. We learned the real history of Palenque, the first free Black town in the Americas, and heard stories you won’t find in textbooks. The guides were knowledgeable, passionate, and made everything come alive.
We watched traditional drumming and dancing that felt spiritual and powerful. You could feel the ancestors in the music. 💫🥁
And the food??? Amazing. Fresh fish, flavorful, cooked with love. One of the best meals I had on the trip. 🐟🔥
What stood out most was learning how strong the community still is — even running things without police, based on trust and respect. That says everything.
If you want to truly understand Palenque’s legacy, culture, and spirit, this is the tour to take. I left inspired, educated, and grateful.
Highly recommend. ✊🏽✨
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharlee_h
Feb 15, 2026
Awesome Unforgettable Experience - If you are visiting Colombia and don’t take the Palenque tour with Sophia and Victoria… what are you even doing?!
This experience was hands down one of the most powerful, eye-opening, and inspiring parts of my trip. I had no idea that San Basilio de Palenque was the first free Black town in the Americas. Learning how the people there fought for and secured their freedom from slavery completely shifted my perspective. The resilience, pride, and strength of the Afro-Colombian community is something you feel the moment you arrive.
Sophia and Victoria were phenomenal guides — knowledgeable, warm, and deeply passionate about their heritage. They didn’t just give a tour; they told a living story. Hearing about the shared cultural roots between Afro-Colombians and African Americans was especially meaningful. It felt like discovering family you didn’t know you had.
And the FOOD. Whew. It wasn’t just delicious — it felt like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. Every bite was made with love, tradition, and generations of history.
This tour is more than sightseeing. It’s culture, education, connection, and heart. I would recommend it to anyone coming to Colombia — don’t miss the opportunity to experience something this authentic and powerful. It will stay with you long after you leave. 💛
Review provided by Viator
Melissa_j
Feb 15, 2026
Definitely Choose Them - Highly recommend! Authentic experience from a family business that is one of the main providers of the tour. I actually went twice two years in a row and realized it was the same company. If you're on the fence. Choose them.
Review provided by Viator
Sharon_b
Feb 12, 2026
Great tour - Sophia was excellent! She gave us an authentic insight into her culture starting with an impressive historical overview. I have had many guides throughout the world and she was one of the top professionals I have encountered.
When Victor first said 3 hours in the community for the tour I thought I would get bored, but far from the case, enjoyable day.
The lunch (fish) was very good.
Wait to buy your souvenirs here. The town has everything.
Review provided by Viator
