San Basilio de Palenque Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage site
- Learn about Afro-Colombian culture
- Visit historic slave trade center
- Enjoy traditional music and dance
- Savor authentic local cuisine
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Cartagena
- Guided tour of San Basilio de Palenque
- Traditional Colombian lunch
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
Welcome to the main square of San Basilio de Palenque, the pulsating heart of our people. This space has witnessed countless celebrations, meetings and historical moments. Observe the colorful architecture of the surrounding houses and feel the energy of the community.
Our church is much more than a place of worship. It is a symbol of our faith, our resilience and our identity. Masses, baptisms and weddings are celebrated here, but cultural and community activities are also held.
In the House of Culture you will find a sample of the rich cultural heritage of Palenque. Local crafts, musical instruments and photographs that tell the story of our people are displayed here.
Benkos Biohó was an African leader who fought for freedom and founded Palenque. This monument is a tribute to his courage and his legacy.
Let’s visit the workshop of a local artisan and get to know the process of creating the typical crafts of Palenque. Here you can purchase unique pieces such as masks, musical instruments and jewelry.
Traditional medicine is a fundamental part of our culture. In this house we will learn about medicinal plants and natural remedies that are used to treat various diseases.
To finish our tour, we will enjoy an exciting demonstration of Afro-Colombian dance and music. Get ready to dance and sing with us!
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress accordingly.
- Photography is permitted; ask for permission before taking photos of locals.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Traveler reviews
San Basilio de Palenque - a bit of a disappointment
We were on a trip to San Basilio de Palenque. The tour was a bit of a disappointment. Problems arose right from the start. The driver was supposed to pick us up at 8:30 AM, in the morning we received a message saying he would be there at 9:00 AM, but he finally arived at 10:00 AM, after an hour of waiting at the hotel entrance. When the driver took us to San Basilio de Palenque, a young local guide, Moises Abraham, was waiting for us. It started well; the guide was engaging and told interesting stories. Towards the end, however, he focused more on his smartphone than on the group and his mind became increasingly elsewhere. Our biggest disappointment was the complete lack of local music and dance, which was mentioned in the tour program. The only "cultural element" of this kind were three women in traditional costumes waiting to pose for photos for a small fee. The tour concluded with lunch – delicious fish prepared according to a local recipe. The tour simply happened, but it didn't evoke any emotions in us or leave any special memories.