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Palenque Culture: Discover Afro-Colombian Heritage
4.8
55 Ratings
San Basilio De Palenque
Immerse yourself in the rich African heritage of Colombia with a tour of San Basilio de Palenque. Explore the community’s cultural attractions, music, gastronomy, and more with native guides.
Immerse yourself in the rich African heritage of Colombia with a tour of San Basilio de Palenque. Explore the community’s cultural attractions, music, gastronomy, and more with native guides.
Duration:
6 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- San Basilio De Palenque - TOURIST PARADOR: This welcoming space invites travelers to learn about the community through a comprehensive introduction.
- San Basilio De Palenque - MONUMENT OF BENKOS BIOHO: Celebrating the legendary maroon leader, Benkos Bioho, who symbolizes freedom and heroism. Known as the king of the arquebuco, he arrived…
- San Basilio De Palenque - TOURIST PARADOR: This welcoming space invites travelers to learn about the community through a comprehensive introduction.
- San Basilio De Palenque - MONUMENT OF BENKOS BIOHO: Celebrating the legendary maroon leader, Benkos Bioho, who symbolizes freedom and heroism. Known as the king of the arquebuco, he arrived enslaved in Cartagena de Indias at the end of the 16th century. He organized palenques, developed military resistance strategies, and established political negotiation frameworks with colonial authorities.
- San Basilio De Palenque - SIMANKONGO HOUSE MUSEUM: This museum showcases a traditional house, ancestral artifacts, and the lifestyle of the ancestors.
- San Basilio De Palenque - MEDICINAL PATIO: Discover the significance of ancestral medicine with traditional doctors and learn about the plants used in these practices.
- San Basilio De Palenque - KOMBILESA MI: Engage with the community’s cultural and musical movement, where travelers can experience and play traditional music and instruments alongside group members.
- San Basilio De Palenque - CULTURAL ROUTE OF MURALS: Explore the vibrant streets of Palenque, where travelers can understand the meaning behind each identity mural and capture stunning photographs.
- San Basilio De Palenque - RELIGIOUSNESS: Gain insights into the imposition of Catholicism and the authentic spirituality of Palenque.
- San Basilio De Palenque - KID PAMBELE MONUMENT: This monument highlights the significance of Antonio Cervantes Reyes (Kid Pambelé) in Colombian boxing and his impact on the community, concluding with a brief boxing lesson.
- San Basilio De Palenque - GASTRONOMY: Conclude the tour by savoring a traditional community lunch featuring “fish in coconut sumo, from the stove to the bijao.”
What's Included
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
What's Not Included
- Presentation of traditional music and dance Batata
- Presentation of traditional music and dance Batata
Additional Information
Are you visiting Palenque? Discover a slice of Africa in Colombia, the first community of free African descendants in America, known as Saint Basil of Palenque. Explore its rich cultural attractions, including music, language, cuisine, organizational structure, identity murals, the monument of Benkos Bioho, the monument of Kid Pambele, traditional…
Are you visiting Palenque? Discover a slice of Africa in Colombia, the first community of free African descendants in America, known as Saint Basil of Palenque. Explore its rich cultural attractions, including music, language, cuisine, organizational structure, identity murals, the monument of Benkos Bioho, the monument of Kid Pambele, traditional medicine, spirituality, the house museum, and all the unique internal aspects that define it.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT:
We suggest:
- Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Bringing sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Carrying some cash, as Palenque’s economy relies significantly on voluntary contributions.
NOTE: After this incredible experience, and by unanimous decision, enjoy an approximate 15-minute transport tour of each mural that adorns Palenque. Capture photos and preserve your best memories of the tour.
Location
San Basilio De Palenque
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
4.8
(55 Ratings)
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Tasha_t
Aug 11, 2025
The trip was very... - The trip was very informative and gave an in depth look into the Palenque community. It was great to see how the community was able to retain a lot of the African culture that one will see in the main land of Africa today. It provided a look at the similarities that the African Americans experienced attempting to rebel against the slave master’s. The community was welcoming and made one feel apart of the community. The driver Ignacio was punctual, sociable, and knowledgeable. The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, receptive, and passionate about the community. Overall, GREAT and organized trip.
Review provided by Viator
Dianisafdeye
Jul 10, 2025
Great history tour! - We had a great day trip to Palenque! The tour was led by two fantastic guides—one who spoke the native language and Spanish, and another who also spoke English, making everything accessible. It was fascinating to learn the rich history of Palenque, the first town founded by escaped slaves. The town itself is vibrant and colorful, full of character and traces of its unique past. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting culture, history, and a truly special experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gustavomv234gx
Jun 27, 2025
A Magical and Empowering Experience with Benkos Tour - Visiting Palenque with Benkos Tour was an unforgettable experience — truly magical, beautiful, and deeply rooted in tradition. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and open hearts. The people of Palenque made us feel included, regardless of where we come from or who we are. In Palenque, everyone is welcome.
This town is not only rich in culture and history, but also a powerful symbol of empowerment and resilience. Walking through its streets and learning about its legacy was a journey into the soul of Colombia. Palenque is Colombian history.
The tour guides were professional, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience fun and meaningful. They brought the stories of Palenque to life and helped us connect with its spirit in a very personal way.
I'm so grateful to have visited this beautiful place. I left feeling inspired, grounded, and full of admiration for this incredible community. Wishing the best of luck to everyone in Palenque and to the Benkos Tour team — thank you for sharing your history and heart with us
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Abdul_y
May 30, 2025
Great experience - This tour was amazing. Our tour guide Romeo was an excellent guide. He took the time in narrating the history behind the tour. The people, the culture, the food etc.
The community was amazing, the dance and the food was excellent. Overall, I grade this an A+.
I’ll recommend this to everyone.
Review provided by Viator
Alexandriaw522
Apr 24, 2025
Great community, great guide - My guide, Royman was so kind and knowledgable about Palenque! The communication beforehand was top notch. I was picked up right outside of my AirBnB, the drive was comfortable, and once there was able to experience the town and ask questions to better understand its culture. I met a local music artist as well as a local spiritual practitioner in addition to learning about the powerful history of Palenque. Pretty much all the vendors I met took card, but I recommend bringing cash for tips.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation10773276006
Apr 2, 2025
Genial - We were in San Basilio less than a week ago because we knew something about the history and dances of the place and wanted to explore more. Luckily I stumbled across the profile of Benkos tour and timely attention from Neudis who during the tour was our guide and helped us understand and expand our outlook on Palenque culture. We could taste the gastronomy, drinks and understand more of the relevance of this town. I loved watching the dances, the murals and learning about their language. Neudis is an excellent guide and proud of his culture so he clearly conveys every knowledge.
Also the 10/10 transport, punctual, a super spacious and comfortable car and also Henry our driver was great on this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dr_y
Mar 25, 2025
A Piece of the Motherland - The tour of the Palenque Village was amazing. I learned so much about the culture and its origin story. The tour touched on all aspects of their society, from their language to their music to their medicine to their original homes to their food. Royman, my guide, did a spectacular job of sharing his home and its story.
Review provided by Viator
Sandra_g
Mar 20, 2025
Amazing tour - I enjoyed the culture the learning opportunities of understanding their language. Our tour guide Royman was very informative and you can tell he has a passion for his culture. The food that was provided was amazing!
Review provided by Viator
Y193uykennethk
Jun 16, 2025
A free night stay true or false I've been here six times and still haven't - Good time sitting poolside but wondering if the free night after so many states is a true fact or a false fact because I've been trying and everybody's acting like they don't know I'm talking about
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4643kwmaureenp
Aug 10, 2025
Sunday roast lunch - I went with family for Sunday lunch, ihad Wellington small roast
Very disappointed the vegetables were over cooked and very very crisp hard to cut did not enjoy. Will not go again
Review provided by Tripadvisor