Full-Day Tour to San Basilio De Palenque

Discover the vibrant culture of San Basilio de Palenque on a full-day tour from Cartagena. This UNESCO-recognized Afro-Colombian town offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to dive deep into its rich heritage. The excursion includes transportation, lunch, and a bilingual guide, providing an engaging way to explore the historic architecture and engage with the welcoming community. With a maximum group size of 100, this cultural journey promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Contents show

Key Points

Experience the rich cultural heritage of the UNESCO-recognized Afro-Colombian town of San Basilio de Palenque, established in the 17th century.
Enjoy a guided tour that includes exploring historic architecture, interacting with the local community, and experiencing traditional music and dance.
Savor a delightful lunch showcasing the authentic Palenquero cuisine, which blends African, indigenous, and Spanish influences.
Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual guide, ensuring a hassle-free and educational excursion.
Bring sun protection, wear comfortable shoes, and respect community customs to make the most of this immersive cultural experience.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion to the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, located just outside of Cartagena, Colombia.

Priced from $100 per person, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, a bilingual guide, and bottled water.

Pickup and drop-off is at the iconic Torre del Reloj monument in the city center.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 100 participants.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cartagena

Inclusions

This full-day tour to San Basilio de Palenque includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

Lunch is provided, ensuring travelers are well-fed during the excursion.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group, enhancing the educational experience.

An English and Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the group, enhancing the educational experience.

Bottled water is supplied, keeping everyone hydrated.

Tips are also included, eliminating the need for additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the Monumento Torre del Reloj, Boca del Puente, El Centro, in Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia, which serves as the designated meeting point for the tour.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am. An air-conditioned vehicle transports guests throughout the day. At the end of the tour, the vehicle returns to the same meeting point, concluding the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 100 people.

Participation Requirements

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Those with back problems or serious medical conditions may find the tour challenging.

The maximum group size is 100 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. Participants should be prepared for a full day of exploration, with walking and standing involved. The tour isn’t recommended for those unable to handle the physical demands.

However, the knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation provide a safe and enjoyable way to discover the historic San Basilio de Palenque community.

Booking Information

Booking this full-day tour to San Basilio de Palenque is simple. Travelers receive confirmation instantly upon booking.

There’s also a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. For added convenience, a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.

The tour is supplied by Adventure CTG SAS, a trusted operator. With a maximum group size of 100 travelers, guests can enjoy a personalized experience.

Whether booking for an individual or a group, the process is straightforward and hassle-free, allowing travelers to focus on their upcoming adventure in Cartagena, Colombia.

There's plenty more to explore in Cartagena

Exploring San Basilio De Palenque

What makes San Basilio de Palenque such a captivating destination? This UNESCO-recognized Afro-Colombian town boasts a rich cultural heritage dating back to the 17th century.

Visitors can enjoy the vibrant traditions, including the rhythmic beats of the traditional music and dance. The guided tour explores the town’s historic architecture, interacting with the friendly local community.

Travelers will have the opportunity to savor the authentic Palenquero cuisine, a distinct fusion of African, indigenous, and Spanish influences.

With its unique blend of history, tradition, and hospitality, San Basilio de Palenque offers a truly immersive cultural experience.

Cultural Highlights

Visitors to San Basilio de Palenque can enjoy the town’s rich cultural heritage.

They’ll explore the historic town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the vibrant Palenquero language, a Spanish-based Creole that’s unique to the region.

Guests can observe traditional dance performances, learn about the town’s Afro-Colombian roots, and visit the local market to browse handcrafted goods.

The tour also highlights the community’s resistance to slavery, as San Basilio de Palenque was the first free slave town in the Americas.

Experiencing this living legacy provides a deep understanding of Colombia’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Visitor Tips

How can visitors make the most of their time in San Basilio de Palenque?

Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through the village. Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun. Carry small bills for purchasing souvenirs or supporting local artists.

Respect the community’s customs and traditions by avoiding photography without permission. Be open to engaging with the residents, as they’re eager to share their rich cultural heritage.

Respect the community’s customs and traditions. Engage with the residents to learn about their rich cultural heritage.

Lastly, bring an adventurous spirit and be prepared to learn about a unique glimpse of Afro-Colombian history and lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, travelers can book the tour for a private group. The tour operator, Adventure CTG SAS, can accommodate up to 100 travelers per tour, so a private group booking is possible subject to availability.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. The tour details state that participants can take photos throughout the experience. However, it’s best to be respectful and ask for permission before photographing locals.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Visitors should dress for a day of walking and exploration in a warm, tropical climate.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour includes lunch, participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure any restrictions or policies.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. The tour has a maximum of 100 travelers per group.

The Sum Up

The San Basilio de Palenque tour provides a captivating cultural experience for visitors. Enjoy the town’s vibrant Afro-Colombian heritage, savor local cuisine, and witness traditional music and dance performances. With transportation, lunch, and a bilingual guide included, this full-day excursion offers an enriching opportunity to explore the UNESCO-recognized site and engage with the welcoming community.