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Tours/Cartagena/Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide

Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide

4.9(28)Cartagena4–5 hours
VIATOR3.5(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(26)
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
+25 photos
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide
Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide

At a glance

Duration
4–5 hours
Price from
$140 / person
Location
Cartagena, Colombia
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 28 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Small group, up to 15
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Unique Travel Colombia
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.

Description

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.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
9:00 AM
Next available
Fri, Oct 16
Adult (ages 9–60)
$140

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.

Tour Options

Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide

Pickup included

Itinerary

San Basilio De Palenque
120 min

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

Monumento a Benkos Bioho
Admission included15 min

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.

San Basilio De Palenque
40 min

"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.

San Basilio De Palenque
20 min

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
60 min

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

What's included

Included
Free time to enjoy yourself, dance, etc.
Guide accompaniment (English and Spanish)
Lunch
Round-trip transportation from Cartagena
Not included
Service not included in the tour
Tips

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

4.9
28 reviews
5
26
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0

How it compares in Cartagena

  • Starting price $140 is 27% above the typical $110 for tours of similar length in Cartagena

Excurgo comparison of 1,340 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • 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.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide take?

Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide lasts about 4–5 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.

How much does Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide cost?

Prices start at $140 per person for this Cartagena experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM.

Can I cancel Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hotel Pueblito Playa.

What languages is Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide offered in?

The experience is available in EN, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is Tour to San Basilio Palenque with Bilingual Native Guide worth it?

Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 28 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Unique Travel Colombia.

Reviews(28)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

R
raylenm2026
March 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Palenque

Great advice, you should experience booking through unique trips

Operator response

Thank you so much for your beautiful words! We are truly happy that you enjoyed the experience in San Basilio de Palenque, a place that represents the strength, freedom, and cultural legacy of Afro-Colombian communities. This historic village, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, keeps alive the traditions, language, music, and spirit brought from Africa centuries ago. Sharing the stories, rhythms, and traditions of Palenque is more than a tour — it is a journey into the roots of African heritage in Colombia. We are honored that you were part of this cultural experience and that our guide could help you connect with the history and the vibrant community that makes Palenque so special. Thank you for visiting with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon for more unforgettable experiences in Cartagena!

J
Jimmy_D
September 1, 2025 · via Viator
Cultural Fun

We really enjoyed the experience. We wished we had more time to learn about how everyday life is there now. My only complaint is that we booked a ‘private’ tour but we were put in a group with 16 more people.

Operator response

Thank you so much! Visiting San Basilio de Palenque is always a vibrant and joyful adventure — full of culture, color, and authentic traditions. We’re so happy you enjoyed this unique experience with us!

P
pamelahM5285FP
July 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Palenque

Our tour guide Romeo was very professional and knowledgeable as well as the intern Palenque tour guides. I really enjoyed the town's history, the food, and the dancers. I'd highly recommend this tour to everyone.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your beautiful comment, we do our best to make sure you enjoy the activity.

8
805nichellec
June 23, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Palenque 6/25

The Palenque experience was absolutely incredible! Learning the rich history and being immersed in the culture was something I will never forget. Viva la Palenque!

Operator response

Hello, I'm glad to know that you enjoyed the activity, thank you very much for your trust. Viva palenque

F
Flawdgrl
June 23, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Birthday trip

Romeo and the others were fabulous! I really really enjoyed my birthday trip and day in Palenque. I will definitely recommend to my friends and family.

Operator response

Romeo is one of our excellent guides, thank you very much for your trust.

J
joshuasO125TP
May 16, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Palenque

Excellent 10/10 , learned so much history and guide was great. Food was delicious and the people were amazing. I would recommend for anyone visiting Cartagena

Operator response

Glad to have you back, thank you so much for your comments.

S
Sightsee15888051717
May 12, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Palenque

This was an awesome unforgettable experience. Yennifer was wonderful! Super attentive, communicate well! Palenque was so nice i highly Recommend this

Operator response

I am happy that you enjoyed the activity.

S
Sightsee15888051717
February 24, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Palenque was the bomb

So much culture a beautiful experience that you have to try if you’re going to Cartina the first black freed city in the Americas the people are so nice and beautiful. There’s no violence no deaths in 19 years and they have natural medicine there as well. One of the best experience that I’ve ever had in my life. You gotta try it.

Operator response

I am happy to read this comment, thank you very much and I am glad you enjoyed it.

M
Meander288032
January 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Day tour in Palenque

This was a great cultural experience. The day was fully coordinated excellent. The included tour was very in depth and shared the culture of Palenque. I highly recommend this tour whenever you are in Cartagena.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your comment, I am glad to know that you enjoy the activity.

K
keyondra_T
September 29, 2024 · via Viator
Ok, but rushed.

This tour wasn't like the others I saw on YouTube and heard about in other travel groups. It felt rushed. We didn't have the African dancers like I see in other tours. The driver was quiet and dumped us off on the street to our tour guide in Palenque. Nothing like what I was expecting considering I watched other tours online.

Operator response

Hello, Thank you for your comment, I will speak with the guide since normally an intervention is made along the way with the driver to get to know each other and finally upon arriving in Palenque the activity begins with the native Palenquero guide

$140/ person
4.9(28)
Duration4–5 hours
LanguagesEN, ES
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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