Palenque African Roots Day Tour: Discover 400 Years of Ancestral Customs in San Basilio de Palenque
4.8
22 Ratings
San Basilio De Palenque
Immerse yourself in the rich African heritage of San Basilio de Palenque on this one-day tour. Discover 400 years of ancestral customs and experience the vibrant culture of this historic Colombian town.
Duration: 6 hours, 5 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • San Basilio De Palenque - I invite you to discover in the company of a native guide. The magic of the first free people of America walking its colorful streets, getting to know its culture, gastronomy, musical rhythm, and its own dialect which is still intact after 310 years founded.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • On-board WiFi
  • Welcome entrance and free cocktail at the disco bar on Getsemani Street in Cartagena called Casa Palenque
  • Lunch
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Umbrella
What's Not Included
  • TIP
Additional Information

San Basilio de Palenque is a distinct cultural hub that has maintained its traditional practices for over 400 years. This day trip from Cartagena offers a perfect opportunity for those keen on exploring and comprehending one of Colombia’s key historical towns in a remarkable, unforgettable manner – creating an immersive experience that will make you feel as if you’re part of the local life.

Location
San Basilio De Palenque
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(22 Ratings)
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Harryharnisch
Apr 11, 2024
Magic and Tradition - Excellent panorama to learn about the history, gastronomy, music and culture of the first free African people in Latin America
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimgy3749wn
Apr 1, 2024
Colourful delights and steeped in important history - Wonderful tour ! Loved every minute all the history , the colourful houses , art work ,dancing the fabulous outfits. The driver was great and lorenzo our guide was super informative and friendly. It was nice to have a small group so we could take lots of photos without being rushed. The pescatarian meal served on a banana leaf was divine and my highlight was the boxing 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa25283737050
Mar 26, 2024
Amazing Tour!! - It was an amazing experience! The guides were awesome! So much history! It's a must to do at least once while visiting Cartagena, or Columbia at large!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melvin_d
Dec 25, 2023
Palenque tour - Today I got the chance to see some black history! Palenque was founded in 1603 and recognized independent by Spaniards in 1713. It is the first black (African) territory in the Americas to be free‼️That’s almost a 100 years before the Haitian (Revolt) Revolution ended‼️Just like in most areas in the Americas, African people were brought in from different parts of West Africa; Senegal, Ghana, and etc. Some of those people were brought to Cartagena, Colombia to work for free as slaves. A man named Benkos Bioho the founder of Palenque led a revolt in Cartagena with about 40 other slaves. They fled Cartagena and settled in an area in Bolivar, Colombia, which is about an hour and twenty minutes from Cartagena and they named this place Palenque. When other slaves in Cartagena heard of this place created by black people and for black people a lot of them fled to Palenque as well. The people of Palenque are warm and welcoming. The tour consisted of Palenque’s history in music, medicine, and food. This is the part of black history that does not get taught in schools! #blackhistory365🖤✊🏾🇨🇴 #blackexcellence #blackculture #Palenque
Review provided by Viator
438mckenziej
Dec 17, 2023
Must go - The tour was amazing, learned so much. You will not regret booking them. The people were friendly and the food was delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Boardingpass743878
Dec 10, 2023
Excellent - Excellent excursion, more than an excursion it was an experience where a lot of history is recounted. Music, dancing, and good food. Thank you Lilia, Danilo, Carlos and Bienvenido.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sean_g
Nov 27, 2023
Recommended - Victor was a great guide and this was a wonderful peek into a unique culture. My only complaint is that it did feel a little "touristy" in that you went from stop to stop where different traditional demonstrations were given, rather than just seeing the community as it is today (though you do walk around town some so you can get some sense that way). Overall it was very informative and interesting and I would definitely recommend. And lunch was great!
Review provided by Viator
Ana
Oct 4, 2023
Wonderful experience in palenque - Wonderful experience, we had a great time in Palenque everyone should know this magical place, the food was wonderful and delicious and the guide was very professional, friendly and attentive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
508sindyg
Jul 21, 2023
MUST EXPERIENCE! - This tour was ABSOLUTELY amazing from start to finish, Our tour guide Lilia was super informative, accommodating and made the overall experience a great time. Palenque was also the place we got the very best food EVER! MUST GO!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine672022
Apr 16, 2024
Victor was a nice guide - Victor was an excellent guide. I expected more of the whole experience. But it was okay. The food was nice too. Thank for the umbrellas because it was vergeten hot. The Lady who makes kokada I think her name was Rudy was great!! Loved how she opend her house for us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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