Tour De Palenque, Road to Emancipation.

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Cartagena, Colombia

High interest

Booked 4 times today.

5 to 6 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Princess_D ·

Apr 2026

I loved the tour! I highly recommend it! One David and Roméo were amazing tour guides! Very patient and knowledgeable! Jhon is a great driver and had the ac on blast! The dancers are extremely talented and friendly! I learned a lot about Palenque culture! 10/10 experience!!

· Elle_W ·

Apr 2026

Please prioritize this experience on your trip to Cartagena. This tour was the highlight of my entire trip. Getting to experience Palenque is something that I'll cherish for a lifetime. The guides were so knowledgeable and the performance by the was literally captivating. I will make the trip again for sure.

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Overview

Ditch the guidebooks and learn about Cartagena's Afro-Colombian heritage at the source on this group tour of San Basilio de Palenque. Relax in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup as you drive to the UNESCO-listed village. Participate in traditional dancing and drumming, and learn about local history as you visit a museum, traditional medicine house, and more.

Enjoy learning from a multi-lingual and local Palenque guide
Immerse yourself in Afro-Colombian culture on this group tour
Stress-free hotel pickup from select locations in Cartagena
A great excursion option for cruisers

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Native guide.
Dance Show.
Almuerzo.
Botella de Agua.
Transportación

Tips - Propinas

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

The pick up of guests staying in the walled city is at 8:00 am in the clock tower, those staying in the neighborhoods Bocagrande, Castillo Grande and laguito the pickup is between 8:20 am and 8:45 am, customers staying in the neighborhoods Marbella, Cabrero, Crespo and Cielo Mar or any hotel in the north and sea apple the pickup from 8:50 am to 9:30 am. Customers staying in Manga must arrive at 8 am at the clock tower. Customers of hotels located in Manzanillo del Mar will be picked up at 8:30 am in a car that will take them out of the village and bring them to Cartagena to meet them with the guide. We do not pick up at hotels located in Barú or outside the city of Cartagena.

Meeting point

Monumento Torre del Reloj
Boca del Puente, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

San Basilio De Palenque

5 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Palenquito

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Turbaco (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants must sit on laps

Most travelers can participate
Children from 1 to 4 years old do not pay but must sit on their parents' laps.
After booking please contact me to confirm pick up details. +573188202888
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 1,800 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Everyone visiting...

Jacquelyn_C, May 2026

Everyone visiting Cartegena should do this tour. Yes, it's hot, but the show of resilience and perseverance is history every one coming through the area should want to learn about. Our tour guide brought a great energy and took us through multiple areas. You see traditional dances, learn local medicine, see the icons of town memorized in monuments and art, enjoy a good meal, then get an air-conditioned van to travel in.

Beautiful Palenque

Andrea_J, Apr 2026

Ramon was an amazing guide as well as those from Palenque whom spoke their native language. Leaving this history was so eye opening. It was fun and informative. I would recommend this to everyone

Great guides Terrible company Viator

Hugo_D, Apr 2026

The experience was great but I would never ever book again it with Viator, overpriced most of the people in my group paid a lot less than I did. The guide was exceptional Romeo and David. If you can book with another site, this site was a rip off. I paid $100.00 people in the same group paid $50.00 to $60.00, the same experience, the same guide, the same driver, the same van.

Interesting but beware of travel time and heat

Lynn_A, Apr 2026

Interesting tour. The bus is crowded and small and not air-conditioned. The stops hard, not air conditioned, but out in the open. So if you don’t mind the heat and standing in the sun for the talks, it would be fine. The dancing part is in a room with fans going but not air-conditioned. And the ride to and from is very long.

Great Experience

Anaxet_J, Apr 2026

The actual tour was great. Our guide Romeo was so knowledgeable and obviously passionate about Palenque and Palenque culture. This is a must do trip for anyone visiting Cartagena. The actual tour coordinator was non communicative and never responded to urgent messages requesting a reschedule after an accidental booking, resulting in me having to pay for the tour twice. A note to those who are heat sensitive : Palenque is HOT; hotter than Cartagena. Dress accordingly! Our tour guide was great about stopping in places with shade.

Disappointed.

Ashley_W, Apr 2026

I did the tour in 2024 with a different agency! I recently came back to Colombia with a friend that wanted to visit Palenque. I didnt care for the guide. There was no real connection and passion with his intormation. I learned so much and saw much more when Jermin Padilla Valdez was alive. The cost is way too much to miss things like history of the church, the music studio, the palenque wall that has the words. We made a stop prior to coming into the village to a local food stand. I starter to record the experience but was quickly told put away or phone will be taken (by the residents).. I guess we stopped to a rough part, but if that were the case, there should’ve been a briefing before we hopped out of the van on what not to do there. I was quite startled. I felt anxiety this time around. The stories of Catalina who disappeared and never seen again was used as emphasis to stay with group. We didnt go see the mural painting of the beloved Jermin. There was no honor for him. I didnt like that. I wont be back. The Spirit of this nation seems to have gone down. Everything was tip driven this time, although it was “no obligation”. I love the Palenque people but did not like this tour guide company. God Bless the people of Palenque!

I loved the tour! I...

Princess_D, Apr 2026

I wouldn’t normally give a one star review, but…..

Craig_H, Apr 2026

I have done many tours in many countries and vary my expectations accordingly and didn’t expect a polished experience. We paid £230 for 2 adults and a child. Horrendous value for money. I feel bad for our guide “Romeo” who has a very pleasant, articulate and engaging young man. We took a huge detour to pick up 2 travellers who were staying up towards Barranquilla which turned a tour advertised as 5-6 hours to almost 8 and half. Our pick up was 8am at the bell tower and then a second pick up was made in Bocagrande. After the pick up in Bocagrande we then head back towards the bell tower! After conducting the tour and massive detour to drop off the 2 passengers towards Barranquilla, we then drive within close proximity to the bell tower to drop off in Bocagrande before finally returning to the bell tower! Here is what what we experienced: Photo with ladies at the Palenque sign (no pressure to tip but tips could be placed at discretion in a tips box) Engaging dance show, about 20 minutes long. We were encouraged to tip at the end and loitered far too long outside where there were vendors selling souvenirs Historical overview from a local guide Photo opp with local ladies under the freedom monument (as before no tip pressure) Visit the local doctor. Given a very small sample of both a tea style and rum based local medicine (option to buy a bracelet and protection blessing for a reasonable cost of 20,000 pesos Lunch served with sugarcane based soft drink. Chicken was tough, probably would have been fine if eaten earlier in the day had we not been delayed by our detour Bus journey was uncomfortable. Bus itself was old and air conditioning barely working £77 per person. Sorry totally ripped off. £30-40 tops for this experience Hate to give a bad review but it is what it is. Need to schedule the logistics properly, need a separate driver for guests staying outside of Cartagena and sort out local pick ups to avoid passing the clock tower so many times

Do this if nothing else

Elle_W, Apr 2026

It’s extremely hot most...

Chad_S, Mar 2026

It’s extremely hot most of the tour is outdoors. We learned so much from the experience. We would definitely recommend.

This was one of my fav...

Myia_S, Mar 2026

This was one of my fav parts of my visit. So much culture and history here. I enjoyed the food, walking tour, and ppl.

This experience was...

Erin_W, Mar 2026

This experience was great. I absolutely loved the Palenque tour. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Romeo was great, very knowledgeable, and entertaining. I definitely recommend this tour for anyone interested in the African and Columbian history

The little treasures

Tia_W, Mar 2026

It was rich, lively and meaningful. We learned so much and the food was great! It reminded us that little is more and to be greatful for the things you have. A beautiful experience!

It’s very much a cultural...

Izzy_B, Mar 2026

Our main guide was great and the group in the bus was lovely. However it’s very much a cultural tour rather than historical and, while interesting, it was far too expensive for what it was. Especially when they asked for tips after every activity (and while they said tips were optional, it didn’t feel like they were). The first group also got picked up at 8am from the Clocktower yet we were back at that same spot for the final pick up at 9am, after collecting various others from hotels. Not sure why the first group couldn’t have been picked up last at 9am instead.

The tour was really good....

Steph_A, Mar 2026

The tour was really good. A couple of our travelers did the reserve and pay later and it got canceled so that messed us up slightly. The ride to the village does take a long time but Romeo was an excellent tour guide. Also, the food was delicious that we had.

Overrated

Marlon_R, Mar 2026

It was a good experience to learn the history of the town but I think it’s overpriced for the experience. I was expecting more for $100 per person; I think the cost needs to be cut in half to $50. The experience was part history and part supporting the town by being asked to buy things or tip during your time there. The pick up was very unorganized and the bus was very hot during travel. My honest opinion is this is overrated!

10/10 Experience!

Tia_C, Mar 2026

We had an absolutely incredible time learning about the people and culture of Palenque. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Cartagena!! Lunch was amazing, and the dance show was interactive and informative.

Bo Bomba Ta Bien — Palenque Experience

Maximilian_H, Feb 2026

I visited Palenque solo and had an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived, the energy of the community was warm and welcoming. Walking through the streets and learning about the history of the first free African town in the Americas was powerful and humbling. The culture here is vibrant, the people are proud of their heritage, and every corner tells a story. Hearing Palenquero spoken, seeing the traditions preserved, and understanding the resilience behind this place made the visit unforgettable. If you’re in Cartagena, I highly recommend making the trip. Palenque isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience full of history

Nice Cultural Experience.

Tracey_Z, Feb 2026

The guide will contact you via WhatsApp to confirm the exact meeting point and time. Bring your own water, as the bottle they provide is very small. It’s also helpful to prepare some small tips, since several stops—or taking photos with locals—may involve a small voluntary donation. During the tour, you’ll learn about the local language, history, and culture, including traditional dance, daily living, herbal practices, and spiritual healing.

I really appreciated...

Sydni_D, Feb 2026

I really appreciated being able to experience, and learn first hand, about the Palenque town and people. It was a great experience. The bus ride there and back was a little rough, but everything else was amazing!

Walk thru town

Barbara_D, Feb 2026

Too expensive for the experience and too much pressure to tip and buy souvenirs. But good to see first hand how the community was formed. Great lunch.

Fascinating culture but tour had some downsides.

PAULA_D, Jan 2026

Palenque is fascinating. I loved learning about the history and the guides were good. My husband and I especially enjoyed watching the young dancers, as well as a visit to the boxing gym, and learning about the culture and the language. The downside was there was a huge emphasis on tipping and buying things and it felt like too much. There was a bit of pressure which took away from the pleasure of the trip.

Amazing experience!

Shawnte_C, Jan 2026

A beautiful experience and exposure to the beautiful African people in Colombia. It was refreshing to witness a black community banding together to preserve and respect their roots. Guide waas excellent and lunch was very authentic and tasty!

Must do!

Lindsay_M, Jan 2026

This tour was amazing. It was really cool becoming immersed in the Palenque culture. My favourite stop was the traditional medicine doctors. The fried fish was 10/10. We learned that Romero our tour guide was also Jamaican so we felt right at home 😂 The street art and murals are gorgeous. I would definitely recommend this tour. Palenque is a must see!

Great Tour. Bad Logistics

Kernesha_W, Jan 2026

Please note, the pick up logistics is completely wrong. In the booking they offer hotel pick up at 8:30a. You have a set list of hotels to choose from (our hotel was on the list). Yet at 3am the day of, you get a message to meet outside the wall. Then you get another message at 7am from someone else. When I asked about this, they just dismissed it and said “Be there”! As a result, some people didn’t make the pick up and we ended up leaving much later than originally planned. My recommendation is to remove hotel pick up from the booking or give people pick up logistics wells before 3am. Most people are not up at 3am if they have an 8am activity.

Must do tour!!

Letitia_H, Jan 2026

Loved loved loved this tour. The dancing and drumming was amazing and all of our tour guides were friendly funny and informative.

Engaging Tour

Lavon_R, Jan 2026

Our recent experience was great! Our guide Romeo (aka - "sometimes") was engaging, high energy, knowledgeable and personable. The transport was on time and experienced in navigating throughout the journey. Understanding that tourism is perhaps the highest grossing source of income for the reservation/township, it is essential that buy from local vendors anything with Palengue likeness and support the local dance school. The food was quite flavorful and tasty from restaurant where we were served lunch during the tour.

There aren’t enough words...

Zyaire_T, Dec 2025

There aren’t enough words to describe how it feels being in the village of Palenque. While there, I learned so much more about the African diaspora. From seeing the youth performing traditional dances at the music school, to listening to the medicine men describe their herbal remedies, it was an amazing experience. Which is an understatement. Our tour guide was Roméo and he was the absolute best! Second to mi ngongoroko Pedro 🥰. Oh and how could I forget our delicious meal at a local restaurant within the village. Literally the best meal I ate since arriving in Colombia. Overall, if you are visiting the Cartagena area, you need to take this tour. Bubunga to all of the wonderful people in the village who were so welcoming.

Great Historical African Tour

Mary_M, Dec 2025

Romero our guide was amazing. He allowed the Palenque community to tell their story in their language while he translated. He was always respectful to their ways of living and giving praise to the way they continue to honor their past by teaching their history to their children. Our group was mostly Black Americans so we were truly moved by the experience.