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
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
Mar 11, 2025
The main reason why I came to Colombia!! - Palenque was everything I expected and more! First I'd like to thank the owner Neudis for granting me the opportunity to experience this wonderful tour. My excursion plans fell through with another company and I desperately started to search for another company around 2 a.m. I found Benkos tour on Instagram and began texting him through Whatsapp. I was ecstatic when he responded and mind you it's like 3 a.m.!!! He set the tour up and sent a car for us. I tell you, Neudis, Isaac and our driver Henry really came through and made us feel like family. My daughter and I learned so much throughout the tour and it still wasn't enough for me. I can't wait to come back and bring family/ friends. Thank you so much!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 27, 2025
Great Tour! - Great experience! Isaac was a great translator and guide. The day started out with our driver picking us up from our hotel. He was on time. He didn't speak much English but he was very nice and professional. It's a good hour or so away from Cartagena. We were provided with cold water and a nice lunch during our tour. I got the fish and the others in my group got chicken. We learned a lot about the history of Palenque and I would truly recommend. We were dropped back off to our hotel. This particular tour was offered and owned by native Palenqueros!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 19, 2025
Highlight of our trip to Colombia! - Benkos Tour provided a wonderful experience for me and my family. Our guides were thoughtful, detailed and well informed. Through their story telling as well as contributions from community members representing the arts, traditional healing practices, sports, African architecture and traditional cuisine (lunch is included in the tour and it is delicious!) they truly captured the history and living spirit of Palenque. I was particularly impressed by the way the tour guides integrated a question and answer approach into the tour which was great in keeping my three teenagers (13,15 & 17) fully engaged. It’s also worth noting the beauty of the street murals (and the stories behind them) could be a dedicated tour within itself! Anyone interested in the story of the African Diaspora should take time to visit this cornerstone chapter of an epic story still unfolding. Thanks again for a great experience Benkos Tour!
-Jason, Boston, MA
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 17, 2025
Tour of San Basilio de Palenque - I enjoyed the tour that Neudis gave me. I arrived early to San Basilio de Palenque and Neudis changed his schedule to start the tour early. I found it surprising how Neudis included other members of the community in the tour to ensure that the benefits of tourism were shared among the community. I recommend taking a tour with Neudis to learn more about the culture and history of this unique place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 7, 2025
It was a great... - It was a great educational experience. There was more depth to the tour than we expected.. Our tour guide was well known to many of the people in the town. We were able to interact with several residents.
Review provided by Viator
Jan 28, 2025
Black guide, Black pride, Black excellence. - Benkos Tours is Black-owned, locally managed. Our guide is native to Palenque. He knows almost everyone personally. He arranged for transportation from Cartagena, and also found us a room to let in a local home. He is very knowledgeable on the history and culture of Palenque. He was available for questions after the tour was over. I recommend Benkos Tour to all!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 25, 2025
True Cultural Engagement - I like the fact that the entire tour is not only about educating you but it is very interactive, engaging you to participate in the activities that help you learn and understand the history and culture of this small neighborhood and its significance.
Review provided by Viator
Jan 13, 2025
Local guides, great local experience - This was an amazing experience. The staff and tour guides are all local to Palenque and are able to give so much more background and details. They are very knowledgeable and answered all of our hundreds of questions. You can tell they love their community and that adds to the tour experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
