Cartagena
San Basilio de Palenque was the first free Black town in the Americas, and these day trips let its people tell that story. The village sits about 90 minutes inland, where guides move between Spanish and Palenquero, a creole spoken nowhere else. Pick the community run visits; the money lands where it should.
Nestle into the heart of San Basilio De Palenque on a cultural small group tour, where hidden tales beg to be unraveled.
Most Popular★ 5.0“Very authentic experience and immersion in the Palenque history and culture. Romeo is a very fun tour guide! Highly recommend it”
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1,678 reviews5 to 6 hours (approx.)From $100.00
Keen to unravel the mysteries of Palenque's history and culture? Join us on a private tour and discover the untold stories that will leave you captivated.
★ 5.0“I came here to learn the foundations behind the performance [the music, the dance] I saw on the streets of Cartegena. I was moved by these artists profoundly. What I saw was an incredible performance always had deep significance: conveying the injustices to the Spanish…”
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467 reviews5 to 6 hours (approx.)From $110.00
Take a journey through time on the Palenque History Tour, where the untold stories and hidden secrets of this African town in the Americas await.
★ 5.0“This tour to Palenque was outstanding. Our guide picked us up in a comfortable, air-conditioned van, and the drive took about an hour. The town itself was incredibly colorful and vibrant. We learned how to make sugarcane candy, explored traditional medicine, and enjoyed a full…”
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301 reviews4 to 6 hours (approx.)From $88.00
Hurry to unravel the mysterious allure of Palenque Native Guide's free entrance tickets, dance show, and lunch - a journey you won't want to miss!
“Our journey to Palenque, led by the charismatic Jovanni, was an unforgettable dive into Colombia's rich cultural tapestry. This excursion offered a rare glimpse into the lives of native Colombians, far from the usual tourist paths. Jovanni, our host, set the tone for the trip…”
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123 reviews4 to 5 hours (approx.)From $110.00
Journey into the extraordinary world of mud volcanoes and Palenque culture in Cartagena, Colombia, where adventure and ancient traditions collide in a mesmerizing blend...
★ 5.0“Miguel was nice and wonderful. Took his time to explain the history. I highly recommend him. He was punctual and gave great dinner recommendations after the tour was over.”
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61 reviews8 hours (approx.)From $225.00
Journey into the heart of Palenque with the 'Palenque Tour With Natives' and discover a world where ancient tales and modern adventures collide.
★ 5.0“My friends and I traveled to Cartagena to celebrate my birthday and we ended our amazing five day trip with a tour of Palenque with Benkos Tours. Our tour guides were incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the town of Palenque, its history, and its…”
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53 reviews6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)From $102.00
Curious about the hidden tales of Palenque's ancient ruins?
★ 5.0“Roiman, yenedith & Manuel were wonderful. Roiman was very informative and we enjoyed learning about the Palenque culture & company. The company was very hospitable.”
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45 reviews4 to 5 hours (approx.)From $99.00
Peel back the layers of history in San Basilio de Palenque with a private tour led by a certified guide - a journey filled with vibrant traditions and captivating stories.
★ 5.0“This tour was so authentic. It was amazing. We got history, we got to taste sweets and have a delicious full course lunch. Our translator was so sweet and it was very informational.”
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37 reviews4 to 6 hours (approx.)From $130.00
Discover the hidden gems of Palenque on a half-day tour from Cartagena, where history and culture intertwine in a mesmerizing journey.
★ 5.0“My husband and I truly enjoyed this trip. It was very informative. Who said you can learn something new every day. Victor was awesome!!! Lunch was excellent!!”
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35 reviews8 hours (approx.)From $115.00
Bask in the intriguing cultural tapestry of Palenque's African Roots Day Tour, where hidden histories and vibrant traditions await exploration.
★ 4.5“My particular experience was nice, however I did feel cheated, simply because I never got to see the dance portion. My guide had to go to the University. If I or anyone else pay good money for a experience. They want the full experience. Don't…”
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33 reviews6 hours 5 minutes (approx.)From $105.00
Immerse yourself in the captivating history and culture of San Basilio de Palenque, where every step unravels a story waiting to be told.
★ 5.0“Had a wonderful time on this tour. Victor and Carlos were very accommodating and helpful. The tour lasted a little longer than expected, but it was still very good and worth the experience.”
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32 reviews7 hours (approx.)From $127.00
Come uncover the captivating mysteries of Palenque, where ancient secrets and hidden treasures await in the heart of Chiapas, Mexico.
★ 4.0“I am very glad that I had this experience and would be happy to go again but I do recommend that everyone bring with them lots of small bills in Colombian pesos. It is necessary to tip to use the toilets, to tip at the…”
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32 reviews7 hours (approx.)From $79.73
Fascinating insights into San Basilio de Palenque with a bilingual guide await, offering a glimpse into a world steeped in history and culture.
★ 5.0“This tour wasn't like the others I saw on YouTube and heard about in other travel groups. It felt rushed. We didn't have the African dancers like I see in other tours. The driver was quiet and dumped us off on the street to our…”
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27 reviews4 to 5 hours (approx.)From $140.00
Hear the captivating stories of Palenque de San Basilio on a private tour from Cartagena in Feb 2024, where history and culture come alive in a unique way...
★ 4.5“The experience was magical and so very rich in cultural history. The people of Penege are resilient and courageous. The tour guide Eric is from Penege he was excellent. Eric was professional, knowledgeable and very transparent. After the tour the driver Luis offered to take…”
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24 reviews8 hours (approx.)From $110.00
Mystery and tradition intertwine in the Cultural Palenque Experience - Small Groups, enticing visitors to uncover the secrets of this vibrant destination.
★ 5.0“Absolutely amazing and enriching experience to see this town and the beautiful people in it. So welcoming and open to share history, language and the culture. I highly recommend, and our guide was awesome and works both English and Spanish. It's about an hour drive…”
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22 reviews7 hours (approx.)From $120.00
Cartagena runs on heat, color and Caribbean water; my picks cover the walls, the islands and every plate in between.