San Basilio de Palenque
from US$ 99 p.p. / 7 hours / Group or Private Tour / Group discount
Carolina
Travel Consultant
Contact us via WhatsApp >
+49 176 20462604
Tourist Guide Included
Transport Included
Highlights
-
Walking tour around the town
-
Cultural exchange
-
Traditional Lunch
-
The Benkos Biohó Memorial
-
Exciting history
​
Program description
This tour ventures to the town of San Basilio de Palenque situated on the slopes of the Maria Mountains, 50 km from Cartagena de Indias. This was the first free town in the Americas, founded in 1603 by African slaves fleeing from the Spanish-settlers in the seventeenth century. San Basilio de Palenque was influenced by the revolution of Benkos Biohó, a black slave from Guinea Bissau who led a revolution against the Spanish Conquers. His resistance persevered for so long that the Spanish surrendered the town. Until the late 1960’s there was no access road to the town, allowing the location to stay isolated in time. The inhabitants preserved their African cultural traditions (music, medical practices, social organizations, funeral rites, etc.) in Colombia, and developed the Creole language (Palenquero), a mixture of Spanish and native Bantu language. Because of the unique history and language, UNESCO declared Palenque as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. Discover the fascinating birthplace of Mapalé, Bullerengue, and other Afro-Colombian music and cultural dances in this small corner of Africa inside of Colombia.
Nature
Heritage
Culinary
Adventure
7 hours
Check availability and plan the trip of your dreams!
Itinerary Details
Program
​
After two hours drive we arrive at the central park of the town. A specialized guide from the community will teach us some basic words in their language, the Palenquero. Our guide will lead us to the most important sights and tell us everything about the exciting and brave history of this town. Enjoy a nice cultural walk, learn some of the their social practices and get a typical lunch from the community. After saying good-bye to our local guide and to the musicians, we drive back to Cartagena. ​ Private tours will additional appreciate the student’s talent of the Batata Music School, who will performe for them a couple of songs and dances. Its rhythm, "Mapalé and Bullerengue". These have an important influence on the Colombian Caribbean musical identity.
Price & Inclusions
From US$ 99 p.p.
​
The price quoted above is per person as part of a group. Group discount from the third participant.
​
​
​
Included
​
-
Air conditioned transport
-
Cultural Walk in Palenque
-
EN/ES Guide
-
Entrance to the sites and insurance
-
1 x lunches with beverages
-
Economical contribution for the communities
​
​
​
Not Included ​
​
-
International flights
-
Optional: DE/FR/IT/PO Guide
-
Tips and personal expenses
-
Transfers from/to other zones
Important Notes
Availability
Everyday of the year. Tours as part of a group only Tuesdays and Saturdays.
​
​
​
​
Physical Difficulty: 1
​
​​
​
Language
​
​​
​
​
Meeting Point​
Hotel pick-up in Cartagena de Indias or assigned place.
​
Duration
Ap. 7h, 8:30 am – 15:30 pm.
​
Recommendations
Comfortable shoes, clothes change, cap or hat, sunscreen, repellent, constant hydration, consumption of food and beverages only in places only recommended by the guide.