Palenque de San Basilio: Unique Cultural Space with Centuries-Old African Traditions
3.9
30 Ratings
San Basilio De Palenque
Discover the unique cultural space of Palenque de San Basilio, a historic community founded by runaway slaves in the 17th century. Immerse yourself in centuries-old African traditions, including music, language, and religious practices.
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • San Basilio De Palenque - The town of Palenque de San Basilio, with a population of about 3,500 inhabitants, is located on the buttresses of the Montes de María, southeast of the regional capital Cartagena.

Palenque de San Basilio was one of those fortified communities called “palenques”, which were founded by runaway slaves as a refuge in the seventeenth century. Of the many palenques that existed in earlier times, only that of San Basilio has survived until today, becoming a unique cultural space.

Its cultural space encompasses social, medical and religious practices, as well as musical and oral traditions, many of which have African roots. The social organization of the community is based on family networks and age groups called ma-kuagro. The membership of the kuagro implies a whole system of rights and duties towards the other members of the group, but also a strong internal solidarity. All members of the kuagro undertake daily work and jointly organize particular events. The complex funeral rituals and medical practices are testimonies of the different spiritual and cultural systems that frame life and death in the community of Palenque.

Musical expressions such as the \

What's Included
  • Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information

Palenque de San Basilio was one of those fortified communities called ‘palenques’, which were founded by runaway slaves as a refuge in the seventeenth century. Of the many palenques that existed in earlier times, only that of San Basilio has survived until today, becoming a unique cultural space.

Its cultural space encompasses social, medical and religious practices, as well as musical and oral traditions, many of which have African roots.

Musical expressions such as the \

Location
San Basilio De Palenque
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.9
(30 Ratings)
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Karen_w
Dec 12, 2023
Palenque - Our tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly and made us feel right at home. We learned alot and had a great time experiencing the culture of Palenque.
Review provided by Viator
Zalikab91
Aug 13, 2023
Awesome tour! - Loved walking the streets of Palenque. The history was so enriching. Meeting the locals was amazing. Lunch was very good. We randomly met a local rapper and his beautiful daughter. All around just great!
Review provided by Viator
Msa23_2000
Jul 2, 2023
Quite educational and supports the local community - This was a superb tour. It was very educational, and completely done by locals to the area, which we really appreciated. We walked around to different homes to be able to interact with the locals and learn that their history and their customs. I recommend anyone visiting this part of Colombia spend a day to visit here
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexis_w
Jun 14, 2023
I 💜 Palenque - Learning the Palenque culture was beyond amazing!! Although it was hot outside I was engaged in the rich culture and way of life of the Palenque. It’s truly like a piece of Africa and took me back to my roots!
Review provided by Viator
Karina_s
Mar 27, 2023
Well-organized. Great... - Well-organized. Great experience. I would recommend this tour to friends and family. Victor is very knowledgeable
Review provided by Viator
Anita
Mar 15, 2023
Amazing tour as a Black American. Our guides spoke English & we left feeling so empowered & heavily connected! - Beautiful tour and the food was yummy and authentic! Highly recommend for black people of the diaspora.. We easily connected to the people of Palenque and their history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adayindielife
Jan 16, 2023
An amazing way to connect with history in progress! - I had a wonderful time on this tour! An air-conditioned shuttle/van picked my party up from our hotel, along with the rest of the people attending the tour. The ride was about an hour long, after picking up the rest of the passengers. We began by taking a photo at a "Palenque" sign, then drove a little bit further to enter the town. Our tour guide greeted us once we arrived. Something to note - the tour guide does not speak English, but uses a translator and speaker to communicate. A lovely translator, who stays with you throughout the tour, provides some assistance when necessary. We saw some of the town's landmarks and were given the opportunity to shop at some local food vendor stands. We stopped at a music school, where the tour guide teaches, and learned about some of the traditional instruments (and got an impromptu performance as well)! We then toured a traditional Palenque home (where we helped crush traditional rice), followed by a traditional medicinal hut. In the hut we were given a traditional alcoholic beverage, information about homeopathic remedies, and the opportunity to buy herbs and other things to bring home. We ran quite a bit late for lunch which was a bit rough in the heat, but it was delicious! PROS - Air Conditioned Shuttle - Tons of photo opportunities - A delicious lunch - You'll learn so much! CONS - Palenque tour guide speaks no English, making asking questions a bit tedious - A bit rushed - the timing of our tour was a bit rushed because of how late we ran, but this may not be true for all tours! :) TIPS!! - By all means - BRING AN UMBRELLA AND LARGE HAT!!!! It is HOT, and you'll overheat standing in the sun for hours without them. These truly saved us! - Bring small bills for food vendors and souvenirs - Bring small things to snack on Overall we had an amazing time, and would 100% recommend it!
Review provided by Viator
Rufina_b
Feb 25, 2024
Experience could have been better. - This was the most economical tour for Palenque that we found. We was disappointed at the poor bathroom facility and we felt Palenque was very dirty. We were not offered water or bathroom facilities after a long ride. The lunch was good. Upon reading other reviews we felt this tour was lacking. We wondered was it because it was a Sunday.
Review provided by Viator
Kait062099
Jul 17, 2023
A great place - Let me start off with the ride. Not so great..van wasn't too comfy. AC wasnt great. Tour guide wasn't the best. Probably a nice guy but not super friendly or talkative. His english wasn't that great. The tour guide in palenque only spoke spanish so the original tour guide had to interpet what he was saying. As for the Palenque experience it was great. The lunch was great as well. Tour has potential but needs work.
Review provided by Viator
Maureen_s
Feb 6, 2023
Palenque. Important site. Hit or miss guide. - Received protection blessings. Nice lunch. A few murals. Didn't see the drums which was a disapointment. Important historical site. Wish our guide had more information.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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