
Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 38 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native worth booking?
Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native is a 8-hour experience in Cartagena, Colombia, from $130 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 38 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (38)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $130 per person
Let's meet at 8: 30 am at "Plaza de la Aduana"to will take you to discover our african roots. This place was a slave' s market where africans. From here we take private transportation to go to "San Basilio de Palenque". On this trip we explain slave's route and strategies to escape from Spanish and found this town in 1603 and reach their freedom in 1713. At the moment we get there, our native guide will take us around the town and teach us it´s history, traditions and beliefs. . This town still keep the African spirit and it's easy to feel it since we get there. We visit the main square where Benkos Biohó is honored as the founder . We understand the importance of the legacy that Africans left in our culture. With a drum performance we witness their passion for music and dancing. . We have a local rum and sweet tasting . At the end of this experience you will be able to understand our roots and the influence of Africans in our culture. We are back in downtown at 1:00 pm.
What you get
About this experience
Let's meet at 8: 30 am at "Plaza de la Aduana"to will take you to discover our african roots. This place was a slave' s market where africans. From here we take private transportation to go to "San Basilio de Palenque". On this trip we explain slave's route and strategies to escape from Spanish and found this town in 1603 and reach their freedom in 1713. At the moment we get there, our native guide will take us around the town and teach us it´s history, traditions and beliefs. . This town still keep the African spirit and it's easy to feel it since we get there. We visit the main square where Benkos Biohó is honored as the founder . We understand the importance of the legacy that Africans left in our culture. With a drum performance we witness their passion for music and dancing. . We have a local rum and sweet tasting . At the end of this experience you will be able to understand our roots and the influence of Africans in our culture. We are back in downtown at 1:00 pm.
What's included
Included
- Visita de Coliseo de Boxeo
- Bottled water
- Casa konbilesa Mi
- Lunch
- Show de Tambores
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Fotografías en murales
What you'll see and do
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
The biggest fort in América
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cartagena
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- DISCOVER CARTAGENA BY LOCALS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 38 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
38 verified traveler reviews for Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Incredible Experience
This was truly an excellent and educational experience. I visited in October 2023 and it was extremely hot, heat index 103 daily. We traveled in an air-conditioned vehicle and were supplied with umbrellas as well as water. Our guide gave us great historical information about Palenque and it's origins, something most of us never learn about. To be in a the First Free Black town in the Americas was incredibly moving. We visited the monument dedicated to the founder Benkos Bioho, toured a local museum and save what typical daily life was like. We also visited the music studio of the local music group Kombilsea Mi and tried our hand at creating music. We were also entertained by dancers from the local Dance School. The tour ended with a delicious lunch before we traveled back to Cartagena. It was an incredible immersive and worthwhile tour and I encourage everyone to visit when in Cartagena.
via Tripadvisor
Absolute must tour!
Maria Isabel is a beautiful soul with a charming personality! She is more than a tour guide she has a personal relationship with the people of palenque that i admire. She is fun, knowledgeable and goes above and beyond. I highly recommend her!
via Tripadvisor
The Best Company for an Authentic Cartagena Experience with Locals
We had such a wonderful experience with this company in Cartagena. Maria was an absolute gem—so kind, welcoming, and full of knowledge. She even taught us a few greetings in Palenquero so we could surprise our guide, and along the way shared so many insights about the country, culture, and food. We booked our tours last minute since we weren’t sure which ones we wanted to do, and Maria went above and beyond to fit us in. Our driver, Jung (sp?), and our guide, Moses, were phenomenal as well. The whole team made the experience smooth, fun, and truly unforgettable. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone visiting Cartagena.
via Tripadvisor
An experience that can't be missed
Super cool place and truly a great way to see beyond the beaten path of the main tourist areas of Cartagena. I truly loved the cultural immersion and this experience was very immersive, taking you through the daily lives of the people who lived there and the historical sites with added context. The guides we had were incredibly knowledgeable and super friendly. Truly an authentic experience you can't miss while here. I'm truly grateful that such a place exists amidst all the hustle and bustle of nearby Cartagena.
via Tripadvisor
Palenque for the culture
Excellent tour - Maria was very knowledgable and fun. The culture and the people are warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by DISCOVER CARTAGENA BY LOCALS, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.0.
See everything DISCOVER CARTAGENA BY LOCALS runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cartagena.
How much does Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native cost?
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Prices start at $130 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 San Basilio de Palenque with a Native take?
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Plan for about 8 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 San Basilio de Palenque with a Native worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 38 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 San Basilio de Palenque with a Native?
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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 San Basilio de Palenque with a Native suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native 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 Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native?
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Included: Visita de Coliseo de Boxeo; Bottled water; Casa konbilesa Mi; Lunch; and Show de Tambores. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 313 listed pickup locations in and around Cartagena. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native 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 Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native?
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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 Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native 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 Visit San Basilio de Palenque with a Native?
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Across 38 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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