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San Basilio de Palenque Tour: A Journey into America's First Free African Village
4.9
35 Ratings
San Basilio De Palenque
Embark on a captivating tour of San Basilio de Palenque, America’s first free African village. Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine of this remarkable community.
Embark on a captivating tour of San Basilio de Palenque, America’s first free African village. Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine of this remarkable community.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- San Basilio De Palenque - Depart from Cartagena to the corregimiento of San Basilio de Palenque at 8:00 AM.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Arrive in Palenque at 9:30 AM and visit the native house, where the history of the first free American people is shared, along with their customs, culture, and economy, and the development of Palenque is…
- San Basilio De Palenque - Depart from Cartagena to the corregimiento of San Basilio de Palenque at 8:00 AM.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Arrive in Palenque at 9:30 AM and visit the native house, where the history of the first free American people is shared, along with their customs, culture, and economy, and the development of Palenque is explained.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Explore the square and the monument dedicated to Benkos Biohó.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Take a walking tour through the town’s streets to see the traditional palenques “houses” where residents still live and admire graffiti created by locals.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Savor the local cuisine with a delightful meal of fish, coconut rice, and green salad, prepared by a local chef who won an award for the best cookbook in the world.
- San Basilio De Palenque - Conclude with a performance of native dances, showcasing African music styles and rhythms, and enjoy the opportunity to engage with the performers.
- Cartagena - Return to Cartagena around 1:00 PM, arriving at the hotel by 2:30 PM.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Beverages-just one
- Lunch
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Beverages-just one
- Lunch
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Embark on a journey to San Basilio de Palenque, the first liberated locality in America where you can get acquainted with their rich history, traditions, and exquisite cuisine. Visit the monument of Benkos Bioho, an African native of Guinea, who led the emancipation of these people, before heading to the community’s Culture House. Before entering, you…
Embark on a journey to San Basilio de Palenque, the first liberated locality in America where you can get acquainted with their rich history, traditions, and exquisite cuisine. Visit the monument of Benkos Bioho, an African native of Guinea, who led the emancipation of these people, before heading to the community’s Culture House. Before entering, you will have the opportunity to learn some terminology in the local Palenquero language. Continue the tour by visiting the monument of Antonio Cervantes (Kid Pambelé), a significant figure in Colombia’s boxing history and two times junior lightweight world champion. Subsequent to this, explore the local herbal medicine location before indulging in a delectable meal prepared by the indigenous residents. Uber this experience, sway to the beat of music and embrace their culture and artistic evolution.
Departure time: 8:00
Expected time of return: 14:00-14:30
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
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
4.9
(35 Ratings)
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1 star
Szaszap
Mar 25, 2026
Experience beautiful Cartagena! - I was so glad that we were able to book several excursions through Cesar. Cesar was very quick in responding, and put an itinerary together for the 4 days that we were in Cartagena. The first day, we got picked up from the airport and brought to our hotel. In the afternoon, Cesar picked us up and we did a city tour of Cartagena. Definitely learned a lot from Cesar. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas was definitely worth seeing. After having visited so many forts, this one definitely was worth seeing. Cesar showed us the different door knockers, and explained their meaning behind it.
The following day we went to Volcán de Lodo El Totumo (mud volcano), and we had such an unforgettable time there. Our driver, Fabian and guide Katerine were incredible. We had so much fun with Katerine, and definitely would recommend her as your guide. In the afternoon, we did a city bike tour with Katerine again, and learned so much about beautiful Cartagena.
Our last excursion we went to San Basilio de Palenque, and our guide was Victor, a native from Palenque, we learned so much about this African village, and this definitely was worth visiting.
If you are planning to go to Cartagena, and wondering what excursions and which tour company to use, we highly recommend Peace Travel Colombia. Cesar is great in putting an itinerary together, and is is always available to talk to you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kurtgw
Mar 18, 2026
Great tour! - Excellent tour that provided a wide-ranging introduction to the life of this community, with examples of cultural performance, a school visit, etc, all explained very well by the tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jasonce4626pj
Mar 12, 2026
This is the Palenque trip you want to take - If you’re visiting the Cartagena area, this is the Palenque trip you want to take. Our guide, Victor, who is from Palenque, was incredible. He created space for everyone on the tour to bring their own perspective to the experience while also doing a great job explaining the history of Palenque—from its origins to present day.
What made the tour really special were the small touches that helped you feel connected to the community. We were welcomed with a dance performed by young Palenque residents, and there was even an opportunity to step into a boxing ring and learn a few techniques—something that added a fun and authentic cultural element to the visit.
Overall, it was a great experience. The trip didn’t feel too long, but it was meaningful enough that you walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Palenque and its history. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Takiiaa2022
Jan 24, 2026
Highlight of my visit to Cartegena - This was one of THE BEST parts of my trip to Cartegena. It was probably the highlight. Victor was an amazing guide and brought knowledge and humor to us. Thank you to EVERYONE who shared their culture with us from the boxing, candy making, to the dancing! I would HIGHLY recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambassador774318
Dec 7, 2025
Take the tour! - Had a wonderful time on this tour. Victor and Carlos were very accommodating and helpful. The tour lasted a little longer than expected, but it was still very good and worth the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture58514811290
May 27, 2025
History Tour Book It! - Great history tour with Sofia and the homemade lunch was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS 😋 I'd book this tour again to have that homemade meal again. Book It!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liliana
Mar 15, 2025
The best tour company in Cartagena! - Cesar and Fabian provided the complete cultural immersion tour during our stay in Cartagena. We visited Palenge and the 5 Islands. We also used their services to take our college kids to airport. They went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed, safe and taken care of. I've used many tour companies for my travels around Colombia and this has been by far the best experience. They will be on my speed dial for our next visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathryn
Dec 30, 2024
Must do! - Absolutely a 5 out of 5. The tour company, guides, and driver went well above and beyond to deliver excellent communication and service. The tour of Palenque started with gracious hospitality but also a very sobering reminder of how and why the village was established. Every stop in Palenque was entertaining, informative, and underscored the pride the Palenque people. And a great lunch too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amercruiser
Sep 23, 2023
Anniversary Trip to Cartajena - What a great tour. Catherine was our guide to Palenque and Sophia did the local history tour part. The history of the village was explained and the walking tour was well done. The stops in the village with the explanations were great and the people we met we friendly. Lunch was out of this world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Giuliaca8534hw
Sep 11, 2023
Great day - Out guides Catherine and Sofia were fantastic, telling us about Palenque’s history and culture. A very worthwile experience. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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