
PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives worth booking?
PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives is a 6-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $110 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (13)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $110 per person
This visit should be made if you are in Carthagena. The Palenque de benkos bioho, the most visited territory and document of the Colombian Caribbean region, is a place of African descent in America. In this corner of Africa located in Colombia, the largest black rebellion of the 17th century was carried out, through which a group of blacks led by BENKOS BIOHO, a combat general and prince of the Royal Family of Guinea Bisauu (formerly Portuguese Guinea) were able to escape from the Spanish colony located in the walled city (cartagena de indias) and settle in this small corner of Africa called san basilio de palenque (first free black territory of America) a place where African tradition, customs and legacies remain. WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME? WE WAIT FOR YOU!!
What you get
About this experience
This visit should be made if you are in Carthagena. The Palenque de benkos bioho, the most visited territory and document of the Colombian Caribbean region, is a place of African descent in America. In this corner of Africa located in Colombia, the largest black rebellion of the 17th century was carried out, through which a group of blacks led by BENKOS BIOHO, a combat general and prince of the Royal Family of Guinea Bisauu (formerly Portuguese Guinea) were able to escape from the Spanish colony located in the walled city (cartagena de indias) and settle in this small corner of Africa called san basilio de palenque (first free black territory of America) a place where African tradition, customs and legacies remain. WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME? WE WAIT FOR YOU!!
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Snacks
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
San Basilio De Palenque
They will mainly be received with a display of music and dance in the house of palenquero knowledge, as a sample of the happy songs and funeral songs, which have historically been practiced by the maroons, since their arrival in America in the 1,500s. Later we will begin the tour, we will go to the most emblematic spaces of the community, such as: STATUE OF BENKOS BIOHO, MURAL WITH WORDS IN PALENQUERA LANGUAGE, MUSICAL HOUSE MUSEUM, TRADITIONAL MEDICINE SPACE, BOXING GYM AND PALENQUERA HOUSE MUSEUM .
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 120 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Afro tour S.A.S.
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This tour was very...
This tour was very historical and fun I enjoyed every minute of it including the lunch. I recommend taking cash to be able to leave a tip for certain things
Response from the operator: For us it is a real pleasure that you liked our tour. Thank you for trusting our agency to live the best cultural and community experience in the Palenque de Benkos.
via Viator
10/10 experience our tour...
10/10 experience our tour guide terry was the best. A very detailed walk through of the history, traditions, & cultures in palenque. The lunch was amazing as well. Would recommend!
via Viator
Awesome and organised.
Awesome and organised. My guide was excellent, clear and passionate. Everything describe was delivered. (Better to book the morning to ensure the medicine part of the tour is open.) I would book again in my next visit.
via Viator
The drive for the 8am...
The drive for the 8am shift was long due to morning traffic, so I would suggest the 11am shift. However I must say being able to experience it without all the tourist traffic which occured after 12pm was incredible. The guides show patience and explained everything very well and we were able to go at our pace. I highly recommend as you're giving back to locals using this company.
via Viator
I wouldn’t do to Palenque Trip with them
Wasn’t an experience at all. I had to rebook the trip with another group. Maybe this is abnormal for them but it was an awful experience for me and waste of my day.
Response from the operator: From the Afrotour Palenque S.A.S tourism agency, we absolutely reject this opinion which only aims to leave our company badly. It is worth mentioning that you did not attend the tour of San Basilio de Palenque, for your reasons, and in addition to this, the respective reimbursement of your economic resources was made. We as an agency, provide excellent service, and to sample are the opinions of our clients.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives cost?
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Prices start at $110 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cartagena usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cartagena is not rushed.
Is PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cartagena, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cartagena can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cartagena and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cartagena within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cartagena?
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On Outty we rank every Cartagena experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system, Cartagena VIP Boat Tour: Rosario Islands & Snorkel. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives?
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Included: Private transportation; Carbonated beverages; Bottled water; On-board WiFi; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 20 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 120 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about PALENQUE - Historical and Cultural Tour with African Natives?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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