Basilio Palenque

The Freedom Tour is the most authentic tour offered in San Basilio de Palenque given by certified guides that are native to the community. We offer door to door transportation in comfortable AC cars with flexible pick up time to fit any schedule. Visitors are able to learn about incredible history of the community and feel the African essence that the community has maintained alive for over four centuries. During this tour our guests will hear traditional music, see the practice of traditional medicine in person, learn about the unique language that exists in the community and much more. More than traveling is living grand experiences.

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!!

San Basilio de Palenque is a unique cultural space. For more than 400 years, this community has managed to preserve its ancestral customs. This one day tour from Cartagena will be an ideal experience for those who want to visit and understand one of the most important historical towns in Colombia in a truly unique and unforgettable way, it will be so natural that you will feel part of it.

Palenque de San Basilio was one of those fortified communities called "palenques", which were founded by runaway slaves as a refuge in the seventeenth century. Of the many palenques that existed in earlier times, only that of San Basilio has survived until today, becoming a unique cultural space. Its cultural space encompasses social, medical and religious practices, as well as musical and oral traditions, many of which have African roots. Musical expressions such as the “sitting Bullernege”, the “Son palenquero” or the “Son de negro” accompany collective celebrations such as baptisms, weddings and religious parties, as well as leisure activities. An essential element is the Palenquera language, the only Creole language in the Americas that combines a Spanish lexical base with the grammatical characteristics of Bantu languages. This language constitutes a primary factor that reinforces social cohesion among community members.

The people of Palenque invite you to get to know this cultural wonder declared by Unesco as the first town free from slavery in Latin America. This 100% African-American town still preserves those ancestral customs which the elderly are transferring to the young so that their culture is never lost. Come to see their dance, eat their food, visit the traditional doctors who cure all kinds of diseases with medicinal plants. Come they will fall in love. This town was the first town free from slavery in Latin America. It is a corner of Africa in Colombia where the elderly still preserve their customs and try to transfer them to the youngest so that the legacy lasts. It is a town full of colors and a lot of culture.

The best way of knowing a region is by seeing its contrasts. In this full-day tour, you will go outside Cartagena to visit San Basilio de Palenque, a place founded by maroons who escaped from slavery and have tried to live freely ever since. In this place, you will take a tour to know the history of these people, their traditions and customs and how do they live now. Besides, you will taste the best of their typical cuisine. Get to know both sides of Cartagena with us! If you are interested in Colombian history and want to have the most complete cultural experience of Cartagena: this is a place you should definitely visit! Highlights • A tour around the most important spots of the town • A sample of their rich culture: food, medicine, believes • A brief lesson on Colombian and colonial history • A gastronomic experience of the traditional flavors of the town • The chance to hear the stories directly from locals.

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

With this great experience, you will learn about the culture, roots, and struggle of the Palenqueros to obtain their freedom, ensuring that their cultural and indigenous traditions continue to be a significant legacy for Colombia and the world. You will explore the streets of San Basilio de Palenque, visit iconic places, and discover a museum dedicated to Afro-Colombian heritage. You will receive ancestral education about medicinal plants, savor the local cuisine and sweets, appreciate the typical houses, listen to Palenquera music, and learn about their dialect. The entire experience is an adventure called Palenque.

70 kilometers south of Cartagena de Indias, is the village of San Basilio de Palenque, a place where music, language, medicine and other traditions constantly remind us that, five centuries ago, the African continent was the main source of slaves in the world.

In this activity we will know the culture and ancestral history of the roots of the first slave-free people of Latin America, their customs and traditions, we will live a great adventure through time, we will interact with local and indigenous people of Palenque, we will enjoy a great variety of typical and sweet dishes typical of the region, we will be knowledgeable of traditional medicine with African heritage. We will walk the streets and visit houses in the village, take pictures for the memory at several stops we will make during the tour.

In this tour the traveler will connect with the natives of the Palenquero people knowing their ancestral traditions. They will get to know from the hand of their local guide all the daily life of the inhabitants of the town and they will immerse themselves in the culture that characterizes our people so much. In addition, it is better that they tell you the black story told by 100% black palenqueros.

Uncover the enchanting heritage of San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia's hidden gem, waiting to captivate European travelers. Steeped in centuries of history, this UNESCO-acclaimed destination invites you to explore the roots of Afro-Colombian culture. Wander through cobbled streets, where the rhythm of Palenquero, a unique Spanish-based Creole language, fills the air. Immerse yourself in the lively beats of traditional dances like "mapalé," and savor the flavors of a community that cherishes its African legacy. Located just 50 kilometers from the vibrant city of Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque offers a remarkable escape into a world where history, culture, and warm hospitality converge. Come and be part of an authentic cultural experience that will linger in your heart long after you leave.

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.

Discover the magic of San Basilio de Palenque on a shared tour Immerse yourself in an authentic and life-filled experience Imagine walking through the cobblestone streets of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in America, surrounded by local people who greet you with a smile. On our shared tour, we invite you to live a unique and enriching experience, where you can connect with the rich history and Afro-Colombian culture of this magical place.

In this tour you will find the cultural diversity that characterizes this African community. It is located very close to the Canal del Dique, 50 kilometers from the city of Cartagena.

Come to palenque appreciate the growth of palenque culture and history, the roots of people of color in cartagena and colombia, growth, recognition and acceptance in music, language and palenquera culture, a place where pambele was born and for his efforts as a boxer He gave the world to know his roots, his land that today is San Basilio de Palenque..

Enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience with our convenient transfer from Cartagena to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in America. Travel in modern air-conditioned vehicles with seat belts, and enjoy a tour of only 45 minutes full of scenery and anticipation. We pick you up where you are in Cartagena and drop you off again at the same point at the end of the tour, so you only worry about enjoying yourself. Don’t miss this opportunity to know the living birthplace of Afro-Colombian culture!

We promise a spectacular and unforgettable experience for our clients, they will learn about the culture of San Bacilio de Palenque.

This 'Freedom Tour' of San Basilio de Palenque is ideal if you want to delve deeper and learn about the culture and history of Colombia, San Basilio was one of those fortified communities called “palenques”, which were founded by fugitive slaves as a refuge in the 17th century, you will enjoy this tour with an expert local guide and visit a variety of places that demonstrate how distinctive African culture has been maintained for centuries. Learn about traditional music and dance, folk medicine, and the unique language of Palenque.