San Basilio de Palenque: Historical Journey through UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Site
4.9
7 Ratings
Cartagena
Embark on a historical journey through San Basilio de Palenque, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Discover the rich African maroon heritage and unique culture of this community.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias - El Palenque de San Basilio, located 60 km from Cartagena, is a community of descendants of African maroons from the 17th century. Domingo Biohó was the mythical leader whose fierceness was reflected in the reports that the governors of the Province of Cartagena sent to the Crown. Since 1603, the flight of enslaved people from the city of Cartagena and its surroundings worried the authorities. The fugitives not only left with farming tools and firearms, but also founded towns in the region’s inaccessible swamps. From their fortresses they descended to the valley of the Magdalena River to attack the boats that transported food, gold and all kinds of merchandise. The war lasted almost a century until, in 1691, the King of Spain opted for negotiation and granted them the land on which they had built their settlements.
What's Included
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- Lunch included
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- Comfortable travel with in-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
San Basilio’s El Palenque, situated 60 km away from Cartagena, hosts a community of offspring tracing back to 17th-century African maroons. The legendary leader, Domingo Biohó, was known for his bravery, documented in the dispatches that Cartagena’s governors sent to the Crown. The escape of slaves from Cartagena and its peripheries since 1603 raised concerns among the authorities. These runaways, equipped with farming implements and weapons, proceeded to establish villages in the region’s impenetrable marshlands.
‘Las Palenqueras’ The Palenque, due to its distinct historical, cultural, and linguistic attributes, has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
Ethnographic and cultural tours to San Basilio de Palenque are available. Optionally, one could visit San Jacinto, famed for its hammocks and handicrafts.
Location
Plaza de la Aduana
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(7 Ratings)
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Kemaj18
Aug 25, 2023
A must-do tour! - This tour was the highlight of my trip to Cartagena!!!
I learned so much about Afro-Colombian culture. The tour guides were very knowledgeable about the history of Palenque. A special shout out to Alberto for leading the tour and Vanesaa for capturing all of the activities we did while on the tour, with her camera. Highly recommend this excursion to anyone spending time in Cartagena.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stacib611
Jun 15, 2023
Amazing experience! - Roberto picked us up from our hotel with Alfonso, our driver. Both were friendly and engaging. We made stops along the way with Roberto informing us about Colombia's history and it's people as we drove in a comfortable air conditioned vehicle. We arrived at the Palenque and ate a delicious meal of coconut fish and rice prepared by the ladies. Antonio, our Palenqueros local guide was friendly, thoughtful, and extremely knowledgeable about the history and people of San basilio de Palenque. He even brought umbrellas for the tour because he knew we would need them in the heat. He taught us some phrases in the local language still used in the Palenque. He introduced us to so many wonderful people and places with Roberto translating everything for us along the way. We were made to feel comfortable and were treated extremely well. Best day by far spent in Cartagena. Thank you Vivamos Colombia Travel, Roberto, Antonio, and Alfonso for a wonderful day!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review provided by Tripadvisor
75malwinab
Dec 8, 2022
Day trip to Palenque - I truly enjoyed the day tour to Palenque. When traveling I believe it's important to learn about history and culture, so instead of another party boat trip or beach day, I suggest you go on this tour. Driving through real Colombia you can see how people live then when reaching destination you will be greeted by the locals who open their doors to show how they live. The tour includes drinks, food, boxing training, walk round town, dance show, local medicine explained and more. I travelled solo but met very nice people during the tour. Tour guide was a local so he knows what he's talking about. We were also provided with pictures from the day at the end.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erlendl2015
Jun 3, 2022
Great authentic and interesting day trip from Cartagena - This is a great experience if you want to do something different and have a day trip from Cartagena. I would highly recommend the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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