
Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village worth booking?
Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village is a 7-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $137 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $137 per person
Walk in San Basilio de Palenque , the first free people in america , allowing to know their history, customs and cuisine, visiting the monument Benkos Bioho, black African brought from Guinea, leading the freedom of this people , then we headed to the Culture House of the community but before learn some words in Palenquero language , continuing with a visit to the monument of Antonio Cervantes (Kid Pambelé), famous representative of boxing Colombian and twice world champion walter junior and later visit the herbs medicine spot and after this enjoy a local deliciuos lunch made by the native people and feel the rhythm of music with cultural and artistic development. Departure time: 8;00 Arrival time: 14:00-14:30
What you get
About this experience
Walk in San Basilio de Palenque , the first free people in america , allowing to know their history, customs and cuisine, visiting the monument Benkos Bioho, black African brought from Guinea, leading the freedom of this people , then we headed to the Culture House of the community but before learn some words in Palenquero language , continuing with a visit to the monument of Antonio Cervantes (Kid Pambelé), famous representative of boxing Colombian and twice world champion walter junior and later visit the herbs medicine spot and after this enjoy a local deliciuos lunch made by the native people and feel the rhythm of music with cultural and artistic development. Departure time: 8;00 Arrival time: 14:00-14:30
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Beverages-just one
- Lunch
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
San Basilio De Palenque
Transfer from the city of Cartagena to the corregimiento of San Basilio de Palenque at 8:00
90 minutes here
San Basilio De Palenque
Arrive to Palenque at 9:30 and Visit to the native House, where the history of the first free American people, their customs, culture, economy is told and how has been the development of Palenque
20 minutes here
San Basilio De Palenque
Visit the square and the monument of Benkos Bioho.
15 minutes here
San Basilio De Palenque
Walking Tour through the streets of the town where you can see the old palenques "houses" where people still live and graffitis made by locals
45 minutes here
San Basilio De Palenque
Enjoy the local gastronomy having a delicious fish with coconut rice and green salad made by local who won an award for the best cookbook in the world.
45 minutes here
San Basilio De Palenque
At the end we will enjoy of dancing of natives where we can see the african music style and rhythms and share with them
20 minutes here
Cartagena
Back to cartagena around 1 pm to be at 2. 30 pm at the Hotel
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Peace Travel Colombia SAS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
You have to go
Great tour! Authentic & led by a man who has lived there since birth along with his family. Amazing home cooked meal at the end was the perfect icing! Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Experience beautiful Cartagena!
I was so glad that we were able to book several excursions through Cesar. Cesar was very quick in responding, and put an itinerary together for the 4 days that we were in Cartagena. The first day, we got picked up from the airport and brought to our hotel. In the afternoon, Cesar picked us up and we did a city tour of Cartagena. Definitely learned a lot from Cesar. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas was definitely worth seeing. After having visited so many forts, this one definitely was worth seeing. Cesar showed us the different door knockers, and explained their meaning behind it. The following day we went to Volcán de Lodo El Totumo (mud volcano), and we had such an unforgettable time there. Our driver, Fabian and guide Katerine were incredible. We had so much fun with Katerine, and definitely would recommend her as your guide. In the afternoon, we did a city bike tour with Katerine again, and learned so much about beautiful Cartagena. Our last excursion we went to San Basilio de Palenque, and our guide was Victor, a native from Palenque, we learned so much about this African village, and this definitely was worth visiting. If you are planning to go to Cartagena, and wondering what excursions and which tour company to use, we highly recommend Peace Travel Colombia. Cesar is great in putting an itinerary together, and is is always available to talk to you.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful review! It was a pleasure helping you make the most of your time in Cartagena and arranging these experiences for you. We’re so happy you enjoyed each excursion and had a great time with César, Katerine, Fabian, and Victor. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Colombia someday!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Excellent tour that provided a wide-ranging introduction to the life of this community, with examples of cultural performance, a school visit, etc, all explained very well by the tour guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed learning about the community and its culture. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly appreciate your kind words!
via Tripadvisor
This is the Palenque trip you want to take
If you’re visiting the Cartagena area, this is the Palenque trip you want to take. Our guide, Victor, who is from Palenque, was incredible. He created space for everyone on the tour to bring their own perspective to the experience while also doing a great job explaining the history of Palenque—from its origins to present day. What made the tour really special were the small touches that helped you feel connected to the community. We were welcomed with a dance performed by young Palenque residents, and there was even an opportunity to step into a boxing ring and learn a few techniques—something that added a fun and authentic cultural element to the visit. Overall, it was a great experience. The trip didn’t feel too long, but it was meaningful enough that you walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Palenque and its history. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us! We’re very happy to know you enjoyed your visit to Palenque and that Victor helped make the experience meaningful and enjoyable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Cartagena. Warm regards
via Tripadvisor
Highlight of my visit to Cartegena
This was one of THE BEST parts of my trip to Cartegena. It was probably the highlight. Victor was an amazing guide and brought knowledge and humor to us. Thank you to EVERYONE who shared their culture with us from the boxing, candy making, to the dancing! I would HIGHLY recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 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
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village cost?
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Prices start at $137 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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 36 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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village?
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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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village?
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Around 13 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village 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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village?
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Included: Local guide; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Bottled water; Professional guide; and Beverages-just one. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 285 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village 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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village?
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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 Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cartagena. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Tour to San Basilio de Palenque - African village?
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Across 36 reviews averaging 4.9 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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