Group Tours
San Basilio de Palenque Town Day Tour
- 6 hours
- Cartagena
- English / Spanish
- Small groups
VISIT THE FIRST TOWN IN THE AMERICAS TO BE FOUNDED BY FREE AFRICANS!
A day tour at San Basilio de Palenque to witness the significant contributions to the arts, particularly music and dance, and the town's traditions that have influenced the development of popular music in Colombia and beyond!
Located about 50 kilometers southeast of Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque is a town founded in the 17th century by Afro-Colombians who had escaped from slavery during the colonial period. Palenque has its own distinct culture and language, and you can explore the town's fascinating history, music, dance, and cuisine on this day tour.
Guided by a local Palenque tour guide, you’ll visit the town's cultural center, where you can learn about the history and traditions of the community, as well as a tour of the town's landmarks and historic sites like Benkos Biohó plaza.
Have you seen the women with colorful dresses within the walled city? They are traditional Palenque women that developed a unique culture and language that reflects the blending of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences, and a testament to the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities, an important and valuable way of understanding the history of Afro-Colombian culture and resistance.
By the end of the tour, you’ll have a local lunch at a palenque restaurant and an optional drum african show. Join us for an unforgettable experience that offers a unique glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural african heritage of Colombia!
Meeting point
We pick you up at your hotel/hostel
*You must make your reservation no later than 6pm (18h) the day before the date of your Tour request.
Option #1: 8am, Option #2: 10:30am and Option #3: 10:30am
Finishing point
We take you back to your hotel/hostel
Included
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Roundtrip transportation to and from your hotel (option #1)
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Local palenque english speaking tour guide (options #1, #2 and #3)
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Local lunch (meat, chicken or vegetarian) (Option #1 and #2)
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Tour in Palenque town (options #1, #2 and #3)
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Optional: african drum show
Itinerary
- Pickup location: Cartagena (Hotel)
- San Basilio de Palenque (Van) (1 hour 30 minutes)
- San Basilio de Palenque (Introduction to the town and the history of the first free community in the Americas) (20 minutes)
- San Basilio de Palenque (Guided tour through the town to learn about its history, culture, traditions, and Afro-Colombian heritage) (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Local restaurant (Traditional lunch with options of beef, chicken, or vegetarian) (1 hour)
- Cultural space in Palenque (African drum performance to experience the rhythms and musical traditions of the community) (Optional) (30 minutes)
- San Basilio de Palenque (Free time to walk around the town, take photos, and interact with the local community) (30 minutes)
- Van (1 hour 30 minutes) Return to the hotel in Cartagena
Not included
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Extra drinks, food, or souvenirs.
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Tickets or entrances. We won’t take you to places where sudden extra charges apply!
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Exclusive tour guide. Remember this is a shared tour, we’re sure you’ll meet new amazing people.
Recommendations
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An open mind to comprehend all our history.
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Water or your preferred form of hydration. This is a walking tour, and you may feel thirsty.
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Comfortable shoes and sunblock. You’ll walk about 5 km while also making some stops to listen to the guide.
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Mosquito repellent could be useful for the rainy season (March to June).
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Comfortable clothes. No pressure to look amazing, feel free to wear what makes you feel better.
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Keep your friends close, and your belongings even closer. We’ll visit some crowded areas, so don’t give papaya!
*This is a shared tour available only on demand with a minimum of 2 people. If you are only 1 person, fill out the Form below and wait for our Booking Manager reply to let you know if we already have an existing group tour that you can join.
