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Cartagena Tours
Saint Basil of Palenque; Historical and cultural experience
5

Saint Basil of Palenque; Historical and cultural experience

By Vivamos Colombia Travel
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El Palenque de San Basilio, located 60 km from Cartagena, is a community of descendants of African maroons from the 17th century. Domingo Biohó was the mythical leader whose fierceness was reflected in the reports that the governors of the Province of Cartagena sent to the Crown. Since 1603, the flight of enslaved people from the city of Cartagena and its surroundings worried the authorities. The fugitives not only left with farming tools and firearms, but also founded towns in the region's inaccessible swamps. "Las Palenqueras" Due to its unique characteristics in its history, formation, culture and language, the Palenque has been declared by *Unesco* as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity *Ethno-tourist and cultural visit to San Basilio de Palenque*. Optional: Visit to San Jacinto (village of hammocks and crafts)
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 1-100, max of 10 per group
Duration: 7h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
More


  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • typical lunch
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • Plaza de la Aduana, Cl. 32 #130, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Infant seats available
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 150504P6

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 150504P6

    From
    $111.00
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Cl. 32 #130, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
    • Pass by
      Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Vivamos Colombia Travel
      220
      Cartagena, Colombia
      Joined in May 2016
    • Relax23538667810
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour, think about brining your family
      The market was quite the cultural experience. Look the market isn’t nice, but that’s not why you come here. It’s a deep immersive experience into the local culture and see how they actually live. I wouldn’t say this is the best place for families with small kids.
      Written July 23, 2024
    • melb445
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Breathtaking.
      Great historical tour. A must visit for everyone. Much respect for the people for maintaining their history in such a proud way. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am appreciative.
      Written October 17, 2023
    • Shawn J
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      BEST TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA!!!
      My tour guide Roberto and the driver Alfonso, we great! Roberto's English was great and he was very knowledgeable about the history of the people and culture. The people were very nice and it felt like I went back in time as it is very much preserved. Additionally, he took me on a private tour of his neighborhood and even made Arpras with his family. This was something he volunteered to do at a very reasonable price. I told them that this was by far the BEST tour of the entire country. I am connecting him with my travel friends once I get back home.
      Written September 24, 2023
    • F9801GIalinas
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very pleasant and highly recommended
      Very pleasant trip thanks to the warm, pleasant and knowledgeable young guide, Roberto. He gave very good explanations at the birds reserve and was very caring and helpful.
      Written August 13, 2023
    • Paxtour
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Adventure and feat of height
      If you are into some daring feats, this is for you. Probably best to book with tour office or those in the street for specific information regarding lunch and other sites / beaches/ mangrove tours. Bring bathing suit, you’ll be up to your neck in mud with a local assistant, working for tips, be generous… You will wash off in the lagoon below. Good luck!
      Written August 12, 2023
    • kathrynmD4248VU
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous Trip to National Aviary and Playa Blanca
      Although the start of the trip was complicated due to unavoidable communication issues caused by Cartagena losing power/electricity, once I caught up with the group, the trip was fabulous! The guide Vanessa was professional, attentive, personable, helpful, knowledgeable, and patient. It was clear she really enjoyed being a tour guide and loved talking about and interacting with each of us in our small tour group, as well as the birds – many of whom she appeared to know as individual birds! As advertised, the trip to the public beach was short and I especially loved that it was outside of the tourist area. The typical lunch was good, and we ate in a palapa-type structure right at the ocean. Doesn’t get any more real in being with the locals than this! After going in for a short swim, while lying on a cot connected to the beach restaurant, I was approached by a woman who wanted to give me a mini massage which I was unsure about as I didn’t have much cash with me. Vanessa reminded me it was up to me and within my control to decide whether to have a service or not. I appreciated Vanessa’s clarification that the women that do the massages come from the small town right there and that this is how they make their subsistence income. Although I was low on cash, I took the plunge and decided on a short massage which was quite good! (I feel I can give this testament as I have been a licensed massage therapist for nearly 30 years). So, if you are looking for an authentic and enjoyable excursion to the aviary and then public beach for lunch with a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional local guide, I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone!
      Written August 7, 2023
    • yoavf994
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      ???
      Great experience. Guide eas excellent. To many photos which I hope e to receive soon. Would recommend to my friends
      Written July 28, 2023
    • activetripreviewer11
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great day activity!
      We toured with Jesus and had a wonderful time! He was extremely knowledgeable about the birds and was really funny and engaging. This is such a beautiful aviary and very well maintained. Going to Isla Baru is the perfect end to this day. After walking around in the warm weather, a dip in crystal clear waters is a great way to close the day. We had a fantastic time!
      Written June 26, 2023
    • Valeriya R
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      If you wanna get an authentic and culture experience it’s worth it!
      I met an amazing guide Jenny, who showed me all hidden place of culture starts from cuisine and ends with music and variety of things u can buy there. For your first experience u definitely have to go with guide there, otherwise you will get lost there. It’s a massive place where you can get literally anything. My intention was to buy fruits and seafood, which I found there much cheaper neither in supermarket! Imagine king prawn, blue crab, wild shark etc. Jenny been so kind and patient with me as I was googling each of the fruit she showed me (and trust me there are lots of fruits which u will not find anywhere else) we had a nice fresh juices de from one it, named Nispero. (Tasted Kinda milky coco milkshake) Then we grabbed the local beer while she was explaining me the culture of the music here. I really really enjoyed her company! Fluent English (which is rare here) and at the end of that she made me feel so comfortable in all this crowd and made feel safe! Greeting to her!
      Written June 23, 2023
    • susanaT8522IH
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Authentic market tour -
      Wonderful tour of this lively market. Our guide, Vanessa, was knowledgeable and professional. They also provided a translator and photographer. All three of them made the tour so fun. We tried delicious food and enjoyed learning about the history of Cartagena. Would recommend to anyone interested learning about the lovely Colombian people, culture and food.
      Written March 12, 2023
    • rodh461
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Palenque Tour
      Palenque tour is probably the best tours I have ever done. It is interactive and informative which makes it an enhanced experience.
      Written January 19, 2023
    • tahaayusuf
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Most Unique Cultural and Local Experience in Cartagena
      The best local experience I have had in Cartagena. Usually in Cartagena or on those island tours, wherever you go there are always tourists and you never really get the whole cultural experience, but this tour gives you a real sense of Colombia where you enjoy the nature in peace, so many tones of green in the mangroves while riding around your cano... Again, ones of the best experiences in Cartagena, definitely give it a try, you will be taking some of the best pictures of your life. One tip from me, go on the weekdays and ask your tour guide to use the local bus instead of an air conditioned car. Thanks a lot to Angelica and David!
      Written December 28, 2022
    • Jenelle T
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best Tour
      Palenque gave me everything I needed for this trip which were history, culture and food! This tour was by far one of my favorite tours. The tour guy, Erick, was knowledgeable and fun. I give him 10 stars!
      Written December 9, 2022
    • Pcbrooks89
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Blessed to travel to Palenque
      I had a wonderful and very informative trip to Palenque in Colombia. Eric was a fun and interesting guide, the sites and history were fascinating, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend this tour to the first free Black community in the Americas.
      Written October 11, 2022
    • lus015
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience!
      I’m very glad we ended up doing this!! We were debating a lot since we’re with our 8 year old and I wasn’t sure this would be an appropriate activity for him. Our guide Jhon was really good with him though and we all had a great time. It ended up being a highlight of our trip so far! Very unique experience and different from other world markets I’ve been to. I will say, this definitely isn’t a “kid activity”. Teens would be fine but I’d be reluctant to encourage people to bring small children. Kids absolutely need to be able to walk quickly, listen well, and be willing to hold your hand the whole time (since it’s really quite busy and chaotic).
      Written July 19, 2022
    See all 220 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles7 reviews
    Excellent
    6
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    Staci B
    Miami, FL4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2023 • Couples
    Roberto picked us up from our hotel with Alfonso, our driver. Both were friendly and engaging. We made stops along the way with Roberto informing us about Colombia's history and it's people as we drove in a comfortable air conditioned vehicle. We arrived at the Palenque and ate a delicious meal of coconut fish and rice prepared by the ladies. Antonio, our Palenqueros local guide was friendly, thoughtful, and extremely knowledgeable about the history and people of San basilio de Palenque. He even brought umbrellas for the tour because he knew we would need them in the heat. He taught us some phrases in the local language still used in the Palenque. He introduced us to so many wonderful people and places with Roberto translating everything for us along the way. We were made to feel comfortable and were treated extremely well. Best day by far spent in Cartagena. Thank you Vivamos Colombia Travel, Roberto, Antonio, and Alfonso for a wonderful day!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Written June 15, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Malwina B
    39 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2022 • Solo
    I truly enjoyed the day tour to Palenque. When traveling I believe it's important to learn about history and culture, so instead of another party boat trip or beach day, I suggest you go on this tour. Driving through real Colombia you can see how people live then when reaching destination you will be greeted by the locals who open their doors to show how they live. The tour includes drinks, food, boxing training, walk round town, dance show, local medicine explained and more. I travelled solo but met very nice people during the tour. Tour guide was a local so he knows what he's talking about. We were also provided with pictures from the day at the end.
    Written December 8, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kemi A
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Solo
    This tour was the highlight of my trip to Cartagena!!!
    I learned so much about Afro-Colombian culture. The tour guides were very knowledgeable about the history of Palenque. A special shout out to Alberto for leading the tour and Vanesaa for capturing all of the activities we did while on the tour, with her camera. Highly recommend this excursion to anyone spending time in Cartagena.
    Written August 25, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Erlend L
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2022 • Couples
    This is a great experience if you want to do something different and have a day trip from Cartagena. I would highly recommend the trip.
    Written June 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Saint Basil of Palenque; Historical and cultural experience provided by Vivamos Colombia Travel

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