Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
- 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
With this great experience, you will learn about the culture, roots, and struggle of the Palenqueros to obtain their freedom, ensuring that their cultural and indigenous traditions continue to be a significant legacy for Colombia and the world. You will explore the streets of San Basilio de Palenque, visit iconic places, and discover a museum dedicated to Afro-Colombian heritage. You will receive ancestral education about medicinal plants, savor the local cuisine and sweets, appreciate the typical houses, listen to Palenquera music, and learn about their dialect. The entire experience is an adventure called Palenque.
Inclusions
What's included
- Free time to enjoy yourself, dance, etc.
- Guide accompaniment (English and Spanish)
- Lunch
- Round-trip transportation from Cartagena
What's not
- Service not included in the tour
- Tips
Itinerary
You will be able to see the Palenquera culture live and in person, including their cultures, traditions, home museums, their native language, typical houses. This tour has an estimated duration of 2 hours, plus an additional 2-hour journey from Cartagena and back
The Benkos Biohó Monument honors the legacy of Benkos Biohó, an African slave who led a rebellion against Spanish colonial forces in the 17th century and founded San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas. The monument stands as a symbol of resistance, freedom, and the enduring spirit of the Palenquera people. It typically includes statues, plaques, and other commemorations to honor Biohó's courageous leadership and the community's struggle for emancipation.
"Casa Kombilesa Mi" is a cultural center in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, dedicated to preserving Afro-Colombian heritage. It serves as a gathering place for the renowned musical group "Kombilesa Mi," where they rehearse, perform, and engage with the community. The space is adorned with vibrant murals, traditional instruments, and artwork depicting local legends. Visitors can experience the energetic rhythms of Palenquera music, influenced by African and indigenous Colombian traditions. Members of the group offer demonstrations of drumming, dancing, and singing, inviting guests to join in the celebration. Casa Kombilesa Mi also hosts workshops, lectures, and educational programs, promoting cultural exchange and pride in Afro-Colombian identity.
Boxing school Antonio Cervante gym San Basilio de Palenque "Gimnasio Antonio Cervantes" may refer to a boxing gym in San Basilio de Palenque. Antonio Cervantes, also known as "Kid Pambele," was a famous Colombian boxer. If this gym is named after him, it could be a tribute to his legacy. However, without more specific information, it's challenging to provide further details.
San Basilio de Palenque medicinal house: In San Basilio de Palenque, traditional medicinal practices are often deeply rooted in the community's cultural heritage. While there might not be a specific establishment called "Casa Medicinal," residents may consult local healers or traditional medicine practitioners for remedies and treatments. These remedies often draw on knowledge passed down through generations and may include the use of medicinal plants, herbs, and rituals for healing various ailments. If you're interested in traditional healing practices in Palenque, connecting with local community members or organizations dedicated to preserving cultural heritage could provide valuable insights
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 526
- 41
- 31
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 28 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- The guide will call you a few minutes prior to notify you of the exact time they will pick you up. For this, please provide a contact number/WhatsApp that we can reach you on.
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 15 travellers
- Operated by
- Unique Travel Colombia
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund
- In this activity, it can be done for an individual or a group, depending on reservation requests
- We require full name and passport number information to add it to the traveler insurance assistance.
How it compares in Cartagena
- Its from-price is 19% above the median of the 316 day trips we list in Cartagena.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 70 of 316.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Cartagena
Cartagena, on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is a walled colonial port of flower-draped balconies, colourful plazas and warm, music-filled evenings.
The walled old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of cobbled streets and squares lined with pastel houses, churches and bougainvillea. The Clock Tower gate leads into Plaza de los Coches, and the cathedral, the Church of San Pedro Claver and the Palace of the Inquisition are all within a few blocks. Walking the thick ramparts at sunset is a local ritual.
Top-ranked sights in Cartagena: Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario), Old Town Cartagena, Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo).
Special offers in Cartagena
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
