San Basilio de Palenque History Tour
Description
In this experience, you will learn about the history of the first territory in the Americas free of slavery, San Basilio de Palenque, an Afro-Colombian community that, despite the passage of time—more than 400 years of history—still maintains African roots and customs, making this town a historical site of global significance. You will learn about the local culture, gastronomy, musical performances, traditional medicine, and much more, guided by a local expert who will provide you with all the information about Palenque, so that you can learn about our history, which is also your history, and feel like you belong. at home
Tour Options
Itinerary
This experience begins with a pick-up from your hotel. Our guide will collect you (if your hotel or address is not on the list, let us know, we can pick you up anywhere in Cartagena) and give you all the details of our experience. After a 1.5-hour drive, we will arrive in Palenque where you will be welcomed with a delicious salad of seasonal fruits from the region.
We continue with the historical talk of Palenque, from different points of view, there we learn about the struggle that Africans had in America to regain their freedom and the process of formation of what we now call Palenque, from the main square we will begin our tour of the community; the tour can be done on foot or by vehicle according to your preferences.
Monument to Benkos Bioho, founder of Palenque
In the Palenquero House of Knowledge we'll have the music and dancers presentation, where we will learn about the musical rhythms, traditional dances of Palenque and learn how to play the drums
At Doña Rupe's house, with Ruperta we will learn about the gastronomy of Palenque, and we will also learn how to prepare one of the ancestral recipes of the community.
Patio Sikito: In this place, with local doctors (herbalist), we will learn about plant-based medicine, how they faced the Covid pandemic in Palenque, and the importance of ancestral medicine in keeping the community healthy to this day.
"Kid Pambele" Boxing Gym: Here we learn about Antonio Cervantes Reyes, Colombia's first world boxing champion, and we'll also have a fun boxing class.
At the Masú Tejedor House Museum, we will explore a traditional house built using the same techniques our ancestors used in the creation of Palenque, and we will also learn about the daily activities that take place there.
Lunch time
Time when visitors can shop and support the local economy
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pickup service throughout Cartagena. If your location isn't listed, please contact us; we'd be happy to assist you.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(335)
Victor and his family are amazing. I learned about Palenque from Victor. We had the opportunity to practice African dances, meet the candy lady and learned how she makes her tasty candy, we also met the medicine doctor who was full of knowledge on to take care of ourselves naturally. I appreciate Victor, his family, and the people of Palenque for allowing us to be immersed in their culture.
Everything was great. Victor and his family was well versed in the history of Palenque. The tour was a good time length and the food was excellent. Thank you for a wonderful experience
Words cannot describe how incredible my experience was during this tour. From beginning to end my guide victor was kind and informative. The ride was interactive and I learned so much. I’m grateful for his knowledge and connection to Palenque. He was very personable and seeing as his family resides there ; it made the trip all the more memorable. We were able to meet some family members who were very accommodating. The transportation was pristine and comfortable. The meal served was out of this world. I had so much fun and engaging in the community. I highly recommend (10/10) You will want to tip at the end because you will certainly be pleased.
Powerful learning opportunity. Was great to learn the history of one of the first free slaved established areas. Guides were extremely friendly and informative. Locals were very welcoming and food was great.
My sisters and I had an amazing experience on the Palenque tour with Victor and his family. From start to finish, their hospitality made us feel truly welcome. We loved learning about the history of the town, the traditional foods, natural medicines, and local culture. The dancing performed by the residents was a highlight, and Victor shared so much knowledge throughout the tour. He also took great photos for us, which made the experience even more memorable. The transportation was comfortable, with air conditioning on the bus, and everything was well organized. This was an authentic and unforgettable experience, and I would definitely recommend this tour with Victor and his family to anyone visiting the area.
I loved the tour and really enjoyed myself. Not only do you learn their culture, you learn about black culture entirely. I felt welcomed and like I was long distance cousin. I really recommend tour.
Great food, great history, great communication, very interactive tour. I would absolutely recommend this tour!
Our tour guide Victor was amazing! I really enjoyed learning about the culture from the music show to the food and walking the streets connecting with locals and admiring the street murals. I highly recommend this tour if you identify as Black or of African descent. Everyone made me feel like I was right at home.
The experience was great Victor and his family made the experience extra special.
This was an amazing experience. Victoria was very kind and knowledgeable. His family was very hospitable and the food was delicious. I highly recommend.
