Popular Tour San Basilio De Palenque

The star of the visit was actually my travel guide, Kevin. Through incredible traffic, uncertain bus schedules, protests blocking the roadways and various other challenges, Kevin was able to navigate a way from Cartagena to Palange. The local guide was interesting and dramatic and it was fascinating to hear the 400 + year story. This is probably my favorite visit in my 10 days in Colombia, though the public transit may not be for everyone.

No what I expected but the guide Hermie did a good job about the history of Palengue. I thought the cost was overpriced even at the rate of taking the local bus. We paid an additional $35 for a private transport. We walked thru the village saw some site and met with medicine of the village. The lunch that was included was fantastic.

+9

Seriously, it’s easily the worst tour/something along those lines I have ever taken. It’s advertised as a full day tour, but itself (excluding the transportation) lasted like 1 hour max (lucky me, I really wanted to get out of that place!). The driver was a nice guy, but the guide in Palenque was truly mediocre, to say the least. He assumed I wouldn’t give him a huge tip because I went there as a solo female, so he decided to put zero effort in it. I gave him 20000 COP when he deserved no more than 1000 COP. Oh, and the disappointment on his face... All he said, I could easily find on Wikipedia, plus the places he took me were places where people expected tips. That thing of traditional Medicine... seriously... all the plants were advertised as “a cure from whithin”. Well, as a Medical Doctor myself, I wasn’t convinced (neither were they, considering the lack of enthusiasm on their explanations). Then, he took me to the girls/women selling their stuff on the plaza and wanting to give massages... no thanks!! The lunch (at like 11 am) was fine, some rice with grilled chicken breast, with a bunch of stray dogs next to me (I love dogs, so that didn’t bother me at all. I even gave a bit of my chicken to each one of them). I’m not being picky in any way, shape or form, I myself have lived my whole life in the countryside, so I know what living surrounded by animals, cultivating fruits and veggies is. I just expected some culture, I guess. Afterall, this is a Unesco site... Conclusion: if I could, I would give this minus 10 stars. Don’t do this crap please, save your money!!!!!

It was an amazing tour given by Chris! It was the highlight of my trip and I have talked about it so much since I have been home, others are planning a trip! Lots of knowledge and history. Thank you for such an impactful and authentic experience.

We went there Easter Monday, which affected the tour. We were unable to see the dances and speak to the woman. That being said, Hermin was awesome as a Palenque guide to help us understand the history of Palenque and the pride they have in being Black and Free. It was an adventure as we took a city bus to a smaller bus an hour away from Cartagena. We then took a motorcycle 5 mins down the road to Palenque. Kevin was our guide and was helpful and kind.

Our travel agent arranged for our Cartagena guide and a driver to take us to Palenque for a half day tour. It was nice to see some of the area around Cartagena on the one hour drive. We were warmly welcomed to the village and given a walking tour which included a music performance during which several local children joined in to dance enthusiastically. We met an elderly woman who works as a healer in the community, and had an opportunity to learn about her practices. I would recommend this for any travelers who want to learn about the history and lives of diverse communities around the world.

Great tour, walking and learning about the Palenque people. We were invited into their neighborhood and were treated like extended family. This place is so far off the map, most people wouldn't think to visit but this was the best part off our trip. They also fed us!

+2