
Visit Palenque
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Visit Palenque worth booking?
Visit Palenque is a 4-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $170 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (6)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $170 per person
San Basilio de Palenque, is a village in the Bolivar region located 60 minutes from Cartagena. It was declared a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for being the first slave city in America to be considered fre
What you get
About this experience
San Basilio de Palenque, is a village in the Bolivar region located 60 minutes from Cartagena. It was declared a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for being the first slave city in America to be considered free. San Basilio de Palenque, was the refuge of many blacks who were enslaved and who in the sixteenth century fled from the Spanish inhabitants of the city of Cartagena. And under Benkos Biohó they achieved their freedom. The palenques were impaled by Africans to take refuge from those who persecuted them. This Colombian people still retain many of the African cultural traditions, such as language, social organization, cultural rites, medical practices, dance and food, all due to the isolation in which people live. In this city they have developed their own language, a mixture of African, Spanish and Portuguese languages called PALENQUERO.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local Guide
- Presentation of traditional dances
- Bilingual Guide
What you'll see and do
San Basilio De Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque, is a village in the Bolivar region located 60 minutes from Cartagena. It was declared a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for being the first slave city in America to be considered free. San Basilio de Palenque, was the refuge of many blacks who were enslaved and who in the sixteenth century fled from the Spanish inhabitants of the city of Cartagena. And under Benkos Biohó they achieved their freedom.
3 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 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
- Local Cartagena Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos



What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 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
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Visit Palenque. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rich Culture with an AMAZING guide!
Authentic culture with a great guide! I’ve worked with Marlon and Local Cartagena Tours since 2019 and it never disappoints. Marlon is kind and informative about his country. I’ve enjoyed every tour, but something is particularly special about visiting Pelenque. The locals are welcoming and the history is rich. I highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
I’ll be back
This was the best part of my trip to Columbia. The tour guides were amazing. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. The town was so special is was an honor to be amongst their community and share space with them. I would’ve done this town 1,000 times
via Tripadvisor
This tour is a must!
Marlon took such great care of our group! The tour was amazing; the dancers, food and people we highlights! The price was great and our guide, Issac, was a native from Palenque and he was awesome! I felt very safe the entire time and will be back!
via Tripadvisor
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Our group of ten travelers frequently encountered the Palenqueras in Cartagena. This day trip took us to their home with our tour guide, Legacy. When we arrived, Gladys, shared the history regarding the emancipation of former slaves. This is the only one of the communities of escaped slaves (palenques) that survived. The customs, language and music have also survived. We were entertained by youthful dancers, introduced to a member of the hip-hop group Kombilesa Mi, participated in a boxing lesson in the gym where Antonio Cervantes Reyes trained, ate sweets prepared by Roberta and ate lunch. I ordered the traditional dish, pescado frito y arroz with a side of patacones. Please contact Marlon and book this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Never Received a Pick Up or Refund
I tried repeatedly to arrange a pickup from my hotel by calling the tour guide. I also sent messages the day before with no response to either. It's been 3 weeks and I am still awaiting a refund. 1st time I've had difficulty with a Viator tour linkup. I've used this company for tours all over the world. So disappointed as I and my son were looking forward to this tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 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
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Visit Palenque: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Visit Palenque cost?
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Prices start at $170 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 Visit Palenque take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Visit Palenque worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 6 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 Visit Palenque?
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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 Visit Palenque suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Visit Palenque?
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Around 2 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Visit Palenque 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 Cartagena Antigua & Barrio Getsemani group with audio system, Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena, 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.
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