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Freedom Tour of Palenque

Cartagena, Colombia
Freedom Tour of Palenque
  • 5 to 6 hours
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

If you want to dig beneath the tourist sites and really learn about the culture and history of Colombia, this 'Freedom Tour' of San Basilio de Palenque is ideal. With a knowledgeable local tour guide you'll visit a variety of places that demonstrate how the distinct African culture has been maintained for centuries. Learn about traditional music and dance, folk medicine, and Palenque's unique language.
  • A fun and educational tour for curious travelers
  • This private tour can be customized to suit your needs
  • A Palenquero lunch and drink of rum will be provided
  • Transfers from Cartagena hotels are include

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Transportation to and from hotel in Cartagena
  • Profesional local
  • Demonstration of traditional dance and music
  • Alcoholic Beverages

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Start time

    08:00 AM

    Pickup details

    we try to pick up all clients at your hotel if it is impossible to pick them up at your hotel for some reason we will contact you and give you a meeting point. Los clientes que estén fuera de la ciudad beden llegar a un punto de recogida Recomendamos llevar dinero en efectivo en la comunidad pocos sitios reciben tarjetas y es necesario si van hacer entrega de propinas o donaciones

    What To Expect

    Monumento a Benkos Bioho

    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infant seats available
    • Most travelers can participate
    • se recomienda llevar ropa confortable y zapatos cómodos
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    See more

    Reviews

    5.0
    343 reviews
    Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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    Reviews by Viator travelers.
    Showing 1-10 of 343 reviews
    Amazing
    Danielle_J, Apr 2024
    First of all our Tour guide Erick was amazing he was passionate and very knowledgeable about the information he shared with us. The history was mind blowing.
    Must do when visiting Cartagena Colombia!!
    Judith_J, Apr 2024
    My sister and I had an amazing time getting to learn about the Palengé village in Columbia. Travel arrangements were on point, our tour guide Erick was very patient, informative and made sure we learned about his culture as well as had fun. While touring the village we learned a lot we watched a dance performance at the school , we danced, made music had wonderful food and drinks . Over all great experience I greatly recommend.
    Wonderful
    Olusola_Z, Apr 2024
    This was a very good excursion. Eric was a great tour guide. It was very rich and Afro Latino culture. It was interesting learning the Palengue language and learning words. It was also fun to get to play some of the musical instrument and participate in the dancing ceremony. And the meal that was offered was delicious.
    Must do
    Joy_D, Apr 2024
    Erick was fantastic. He grew up in Palenque and it made all the difference because he is personally familiar, very knowledgeable and his pride in his home town made for a wonderful tour. Highly recommend.
    Oh Palenque
    Alisa_J, Apr 2024
    The tour was an excellent way to spend our first day in Colombia! Once we booked, everything was communicated and coordinated on WhatsApp. Taxi pickup was on time and he carried us to the main meeting point to get on travel van. Ronald was the absolute best. He was knowledgeable, patient, a proud Palenquian. He communicated well in English and answered all additional questions. He was very concerned used his connections to get help quickly when one of our participants had a medical emergency. He even offered her an opportunity to rest in his home! The students at the music school were fabulous. The presentation at the Rap Music House was good and learning how to make drums was fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it!
    Fantastic Tour
    Wetonia_L, Apr 2024
    We had a wonderful experience. Ronal was very attentive and display a high level of hospitality. As the President of the community, Ronal made sure that we understood the history of Palenque. The lunch was delicious. If you are in Cartagena, this tour is a must.
    Amazing tour!
    Latonya_C, Mar 2024
    Amazing tour! Our guide (Eric) did a wonderful job of explaining the Palenque history and traditions. We met so many people and learned so much. Loved it!
    My favorite tour of my vacation!
    KrayCee, Mar 2024
    This was one of my favorite tours of our trip! The President of Palenge (Ronel) was our tour guide, he made us feel welcome and was very professional. They picked us up and dropped us off. Gave us a gift, fed us well, and we were told we set the record for the most shots taken by the tourists LOL shoutout to the herbal dr's in the city...The dancers were amazing. We got to dance with them and they did a birthday dance with my friend and sang her happy birthday! The history was very insightful. I pray the city continues to evolve. God bless and thank you!
    I enjoyed it
    Kimberly_H, Mar 2024
    It started off rocky but they quickly got it together. A driver arrived to pick us up but his car was full. Then they grabbed somebody waiting at the hotel and asked him to drive. I was so confused and pissed off. This should have been explained better and I communicated that to the guide. Once we got to the meet up spot, things got better. The tour itself was great. I loved how the guide was prepared with umbrellas to block the heat and towels. Warning: Its HOT! lol. I really enjoyed going to the music house and playing the instruments. I also got to meet the muralist. Overall it was a good tour.
    10/10 experience
    Madonna_M, Mar 2024
    This tour is incredible! I did this on March 17th and my tour guide Erick was fantastic! Such a beautiful town rich with history. Erick- if you have any footage form that day I would love to have them 💚❤️ IT was truly a pleasure to celebrate my birthday in Palenque.
    Highly recommend this road tour in Palenque, Eric was great, as well as all the rest of the team and family.
    Courtney_C, Mar 2024
    Great experience!!! Our transport to the town was air conditioned and prompt as advertised. We toured around Palenque, enriched with history and the village’s perseverance to maintain its culture. You have plenty of time to explore the village. We visited historical monuments, made music with the locals, and tasted local treats. They served a delicious full-course meal in the town; the cuisine was amazing! The highlight of the trip was Eric and his family making us feel a part of their family - as if we were visiting cousins. Eric was so knowledgeable, friendly, and full of energy; it was so worth the money so highly recommend!
    I Highly recommend
    Janae_C, Mar 2024
    Our Tour guide was amazing. He was the owner of the company. He communicated in English, and gave us so much knowledge about palenque. We got to see the people of the community and it was amazing. We really felt immersed in the culture. At the end the food was so delicious. It’s the best food we have had in Colombia. Freddy picked us up on time from our hotel and provided a smooth ride to and from palenque.
    Potential but disappointing mainly due to guide
    Robyn_L, Feb 2024
    Driver was very good but I found the guide, Erik, quite rude and arrogant. And quite condescending to some in the group. Not sure he really enjoys what he's doing despite the fact he originally comes from the area. The history of Palenque was delivered quickly and bluntly. I'll have to read up about it myself as it was hard to follow what he was saying. Unfortunately I found it a disappointing day and I was looking forward to it.
    Palenque tour
    William_E, Feb 2024
    An enlightening and wonderful tour. Soulful, musical and fulfilling. Not to miss if interested in Africa and Columbian culture and history.
    Best experience
    Kadiatou_D, Feb 2024
    When I mean AMAZING AMAZING!!! The best experience ever. Let’s start with the tour, you learn a lot about Palenque. Where it all started til the end. Our tour guy which is the Mayor of Palenque name Ronal. Great customer service, explain everything in details, his family/town was very welcoming. I felt so good tipping them. It was worth it every penny. FYI make sure you wear sneakers cause boy my feet was killing me in sandals. Bring a lil fan, the heat go crazy. Definitely recommend it 10/10.
    The best
    Ronald_J, Feb 2024
    Best culture experience I've been on ever! Learn so much about Palenque history and Colombia. Tour guide Ronal is amazing! It's a must do! Believe me!
    Palenque Tour
    Caroline_M, Feb 2024
    The president (Ronal Javier Marquez) of Palenque was out guide and the experience was 10/10. We learned so much and took so much knowledge back home with us. The people were beautiful and accommodating. The dancers were spectacular. Would definitely recommend
    Must do if you’re in Cartagena
    Tabitha_D, Feb 2024
    This tour was the highlight of my trip!! If you’re visiting Cartagena add this to your itinerary. It was so much fun!
    Fantastic!
    Victoria_J, Feb 2024
    A unique and impactful expereince that I highly recommend, especially for black Americans who will never be able to experience a place like this in the US. Transportation was timely and comfortable, our guide Erick was communicative beforehand and fantastic during. After this tour I felt like I had a more comprehensive understanding of the history of Cartagena/Bolivar.
    I want to go back!!
    Tatianna_I, Feb 2024
    Wow! I don’t know what else to say but thank you! Thank you to Erick our tour guide and drivers! We learned so much, great hospitality. We were able to meet a community and work artist! Make a song, dance, ate amazing food. A great experience so thankful
    ...

    From $110.00

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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