Tour to Palenque: The Other History Of Cartagena

Journey to the heart of Afro-Colombian heritage with a San Basilio de Palenque tour, one of the most meaningful cultural day trips you can take from Cartagena. Declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Palenque was the first free town of formerly enslaved Africans in the Americas. Located just 90 minutes from the city, this experience offers a powerful connection to Colombia’s history of resistance, identity, and cultural pride.

This is not a typical sightseeing tour. Visiting San Basilio de Palenque means stepping into a living community where ancestral traditions are still practiced daily, from language and music to spirituality and cuisine.

Afro-Colombian Heritage, Music, and Ancestral Traditions

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a local Palenquero guide, a proud member of the community who will lead you through the town’s cobblestone streets. One of the first stops is the Monument to Benkos Biohó, the founder of Palenque and a key figure in Colombia’s fight for freedom. Through personal stories and historical context, your guide will explain how this town became a symbol of resistance and self-determination.

Throughout the visit, you’ll explore the three cultural pillars of Palenque: language, music, and spirituality. You’ll hear the unique Palenquero language, the only Spanish-based Creole in the world, preserved for centuries through oral tradition. You’ll visit local homes and workshops where Afro-Colombian rhythms come alive through traditional drums and music that have echoed through generations.

You’ll also learn about the spiritual worldview of the Palenquero people, where birth, life, and death are honored through rituals that reflect a deep connection to ancestry and community. This cultural immersion offers a rare opportunity to understand Palenque beyond the surface and appreciate why it holds such global significance.

Your visit supports responsible and community-based tourism, directly benefiting local families and cultural projects. The experience concludes with a traditional ancestral lunch, more than just a meal—it’s a taste of recipes and flavors passed down through generations.

If your are a cultural explorer, or simply looking for an authentic cultural day trip from Cartagena, this private tour to San Basilio de Palenque offers a profound and unforgettable experience rooted in living heritage.

Includes

Private roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Cartagena
Bilingual local guide
Lunch with a drink

Not Included

Personal expenses

Schedule

Monday to Sunday
Pick-up from your acommodation at 8:30 AM

Duration

Approximately 5 hours

Additional Information

Minimum two people required. Price is per person
Your participation supports responsible tourism and local community initiatives
We recommend engaging with your guide to make the most of this experience
Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and water
Don’t forget your camera!