Freedom Tour of Palenque

Recommended by 95% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Cartagena, Colombia

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

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

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Sydney_C ·

Dec 2025

It was authentic and not overly touristy. The aim was to clearly share the Palenque culture in all its reality. The murals were beautiful. The guide was informative, the entire community including the children and young adults were involved. While donations were welcome there was no pressure. The lunch was delicious and was a fitting end to a very informative and interesting tour.

· Miriam_H ·

Nov 2025

Ronal Miranda exposed us to the rich history of Palenque! We visited the school & saw inside the classrooms. We saw traditional dances & sat in a 99 year old home! He took us to his home & we ate the best pan fried fish with coconut rice! His Mom made candy that was warm from the oven. I will not forget the Palenque people😘

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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

Typical Palenquero lunch with refreshment
Air-conditioned vehicle
Transportation to and from hotel in Cartagena
Profesional local
Demonstration of traditional dance and music
Alcoholic Beverages

Traditional welcome drink made with locally made rum

Meeting and Pickup

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

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

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. Customers who are out of town should arrive at a pickup point. We recommend carrying cash. Few places in the community accept cards, and it's necessary if you're going to deliver tips or donations.

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.

Operating hours
.8:00 am

Itinerary

Monumento a Benkos Bioho

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

San Basilio De Palenque

3 hours • 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
It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 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

4.8

based on 469 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Disappointing Experience, Amusement Park!

Nellonda_w, Mar 2026

My sister and I traveled to Cartagena and we were very excited to visit Palenque and learn the history of our melanated people. Our driver was friendly, it was a two hour drive. It was beautiful to see the land. We didn't realize it was a private tour with just our party, so that was nice. Upon arrival, we waited for our tour guide. Once he arrived, he took our food orders for the restaurant and then we left. We started the tour and it seemed disjointed. Our guide gave random facts , walked ahead of us the entire "tour" talking to friends, and sat down at each place we visited. It didn't seem as if he wanted to be there or was an actual tour guide. We saw other groups with guides who were advising them of the history of Palenque, it was very disappointing and we didn't feel that we learned anything about the culture/people. We were advised that donations were voluntary but everywhere we went, people were asking for donations and to buy items. We were advised we know you have the money by one of the women vendors. That turned us off from purchasing after that, we did purchase items from the medical doctor. It felt like an amusement park and not a cultural experience. I don't think many of the people even lived in the town based on what the guide told us. The best part was the brief dance at the end and the food at the restaurant was amazing. Very disappointing because we were so excited for the experience.

Black History in Colombia

Carol_S, Feb 2026

Palenque is a 2 hour drive from Cartagena. The tour is interesting and very educational. Lunch was delicious and our guide was very knowledgeable and provided a well paced tour.

Experiencing Palengue

Sydney_C, Dec 2025

We had an amazing time...

Danielle_P, Dec 2025

We had an amazing time visiting Palenque as a day excursion from Cartagena. My boyfriend and I were looking for something unique to do where we can learn more about the culture, history, and people of Colombia. Ronal was an incredible tour guide who was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed meeting his family as well as other community members who showed us the culture and way of life of the people of Palenque. Thank you to Ronal and his family for this incredible opportunity!

Viator Tour

Cindy_F, Dec 2025

We had a wonderful time with Ronald our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable in giving us the history of the Palenque people and culture. Then we finished off with some amazing food at his family restaurante.

An Eye-Opening and Meaningful Cultural Experience

kristina_f, Dec 2025

This tour was one of the highlights of my time in Cartagena. Visiting Palenque felt meaningful, not just like a quick stop on a tour route. Keiner was an excellent guide – knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly proud of the history and culture he was sharing. I really appreciated how the tour was broken up into different portions, from learning about Palenque’s origins and significance, to walking through the community and hearing real stories that brought everything to life. It never felt rushed, and there was plenty of time to ask questions and actually take things in.

Don’t recommend

Radha_A, Dec 2025

1. We did not realize this was a private tour, shame on us. We’ve noticed that tours start later than what the instructions say so our driver arrived about 45 minutes late. 2. The location is about 1.5 away from Bocagrande. Water/drinks/amenities would’ve been appreciated during the ride. 3. We do not recommend this excursion for the price pp compared to other excursions. The educational and historical stories weren’t correlated which made it hard to appreciate the culture. Tour guide (Suga/Azucar) was ok but then ditched us claiming to need to get pain meds only to show up at lunch dancing and hosting another family instead. 4. Important to note that every stop on this tour includes vendors that rely on “donations”. I felt there was more focus on obtaining money compared to learning about the culture and people. 5 .Walking shoes are a must. There is a lot of muddy areas and animal feces, along with rubble and stones on the streets. 6. Lastly, if you’re looking for an anthropological experience with pesky vendors, go for it! We recommend you spend your money elsewhere though.

Viva Benko & Pelenge

KAWAN_A, Dec 2025

Excellent 4 Any1 but particularly the Afro-Diaspora. Guides R informative and do a great job of maintaining positive vibes discussing painful topics. Please take plenty of Pesos 2 support the community, most R self reliant, as we all need 2 strive 2 B. Uhuru and long Live Pelenge!

Long ride. Great people...

Jacquie_F, Nov 2025

Long ride. Great people in Palenque!! They have a Rich and proud history. The food was great! Great time.

Not To Be Missed

Gina_W, Nov 2025

Our visit to San Basilio de Palenque with Travel Palenque's Ronal and driver Harrol was absolutely a wonderful and educational experience. Visiting a unique inland enriched village with very informative natives themselves, helped us connect the dots of history as a whole. Overall, the trip was a priceless experience that should be learned/absorbed by all. Also, a delicious traditional lunch at their family's restaurant was included. So hands down, Travel Palenque is definitely recommended without hesitation!!

Palenque Tour is Amazing

Tamara_R, Nov 2025

This experience was amazing from start to finish. Our guide, Suga, was full of energy and did a great job educating us on the history of Palenque. We got to experience authentic food, dancing, and cultural landmarks. I’d do this 10x over.

A Day in Palenque

Miriam_H, Nov 2025

The Secrets behind the Cartegena Street Performing Artists

Margaret_V, Oct 2025

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 court via music and dance! Take the tour! You won't regret!

Palenque: An Experience

Alicia_H, Oct 2025

This tour is rich with culture & history. Our guide, Moses Abraham, has a strong passion for his community and ancestry. He was fun and vibrant, as well as serious about the history of his people. He actually rode with us during our transportation to Palenge (indigenously, they don't use q's), and during that time we were able to gain so much knowledge from him. I practiced my Spanish with him and vice versa (but he didn't need practice. His English is excellent). Giving back to his community is important and that shone through during the tour. We did many things like take pictures with Palenqueros, watched traditional dances, learned about the community medicine and resources, had a wonderful lunch, and we also toured a traditional home. Let me not forget, we also went to the location of a music group that has toured internationally. We sang and danced and played instruments. It was a fabulous time. 🥰

A Tour Not To Be Missed

Sonya_G, Aug 2025

It was a wonderful experience. Our tour guide, the history, the people we met, the food we ate, the village - all things that contributed to this tour being top notch. We would return to this beautiful village in a heartbeat.

Amazing Tour!

Luwam_Y, Aug 2025

I can't say enough good things about The Freedom Tour of Palenque. From start to finish, the experience was incredible. Our guide, Erick, is so knowledgeable about the history and culture. He made sure we were not just seeing the sights but truly understanding the significance of everything around us. If you're looking for a tour that provides a genuine connection to the culture, this is the one to book. A huge thank you to Erick for such a memorable experience!

A must stop on your...

Angela_B, Jul 2025

A must stop on your adventures in Cartagena. Eric our tour guide expanded my knowledge of our black history through his culture and awareness of different perspectives.

Absolutely Amazing

tasha_j, Jul 2025

Our tour guide Eric was amazing. I went for my birthday and he made me feel so welcomed. Definitely a great experience. Don't miss this.

Such a wonderful...

Angela_M, Jul 2025

Such a wonderful experience. Our tour guide Eric was so accommodating, informative, and kind. This is my second time experiencing this tour and it didn’t disappoint.

Absolutely...Must see!

Jason_M, Jul 2025

This was a priority for my vacation and it was all worth it. Highly recommended!! Was blown away of the history and the community.

Words are insufficient!

Mac_J, Jul 2025

Palenque is the type of place you visit, and it changes your perspective of the world. Eric is an amazing tour guide. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Palenque and is eager to share that information. I highly recommend booking this tour -- a group of friends also toured Palenque the following day with a different group; when we compared notes they didn't get the same depth of information or experience. I really appreciate the way Eric explained Palenque culture: from the flag, to the coat of arms, to the language, to the community heroes-- I really got a sense of the values of the people! I have been eager to share this experience with my family and friends. I am humbled and inspired by the spirit of resistance and resilience that I witnessed in Palenque. Thank you again Eric.

A must do tour!

Joan_H, Jun 2025

Ronal and his team and family are the best! From the warm and welcoming smiles to the history lesson, dance/drumming performance and lunch: this is a top notch tour! This is a must do visit when in the Cartagena region.

A must see

Keith_M, Jun 2025

Soaked in all of the past heritage. The people were so very nice. Guide Eric was fantastic. I would definitely recommend.

Iconic and fun

Robert_P, Jun 2025

This was the highlight of my trip to Cartagena. It is a very green drive. The art is more vibrant in person. To be able to meet people who have lived in this historic place their whole lives. The history meets modernity. We got to dance, drum, sing, box, and enjoy delicious food. The tour with Erick is so worth it vs. DIY, he is a legend there and made it feel like we were visiting an old friend's hometown for the first time. Tiff & Josh, send me pictures if you remember! Ata uto bega, kombilesa mi.

Travel Palenque provides a once in a lifetime experience!! Cannot recommend booking with them highly enough!!

Justin_S, Jun 2025

A trip to Palenque is the type of experience that could be the highlight of many Bucket Lists. It's the type of trip that could be a lifelong memory or a major disappointment based on the ease of access. It is safe to say that we landed on the former of those two options with booking with Travel Palenque and our tour guide Erick. Erick is a native son of Palenque who has stood on the community's belief in the importance of education by becoming a practicing lawyer for his career. He leads tours for Travel Palenque as a way to give back to his home and spread the message of Palenque to the world. I would like to give this space to recognize and commend Erick again for his knowledge and state that we were truly blessed to have him as our guide. Traveling thru Colombia as a group of 10 who solely speaks English can bring its complexities, but that was never an issue on this tour. Not only did our tour guide speak English, he was able to quickly teach us local Palenque greetings and show etymology of words with their Spanish and African roots. I do not want to spoil the rich cultural experience that awaits in Palenque for the future traveler, but I would be remiss if I did not mention Escuela Batata de Palenque, Kombilesa Mi and the Women in their colorful dresses synonymous with PanAfrican Pride. Each of these entities bring the story of Palenque to life in their own unique way. Escuela Batata de Palenque's performance is one that would justify the price of admission for the entire trip itself. One second inside the music house of Kombilesa Mi and you see why they were a hit on NPR's Tiny Desk and a must see whenever they tour again nearest your city. Finally, the Women in their colorful dresses are easy to spot all around Cartagena, but being in Palenque learning their story, the meanings behind the colors of the dresses and the importance of the various hairstyles they keep is a once in a lifetime experience for anyone not familiar with Women's place in the fight for African Liberation post the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Any aficionado of African Diaspora music, dance, fabric, food and culture will immediately fall in love with this village. Any lover of history will also appreciate the experience of speaking directly with the descendants of a community founded in 1603 that has remained largely uninfluenced by the outside world by upholding the cultural beliefs of their ancestors. I cannot recommend booking with Travel Palenque highly enough! The only regret that I have is that I didn't buy MORE souvenirs! Be ready to take as much content as possible because this is the type of experience that you will not want to end. 1000 stars/10 I will DEFINITELY be booking this experience again and will be spreading the story of Palenque in the meantime!

Cultural Experience

Connell_W, May 2025

Had an amazing time! The host was knowledgeable and informative!! Advice anyone to do this excursion, you won't be disappointed.

Amazing Experience

Alicia_B, Apr 2025

My husband and I really enjoyed this tour! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide, Edwin, was very personable and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Travel Palenque!

We came in October 2023...

LaviniaT_J, Apr 2025

We came in October 2023 and had a wonderful time! We really feel like we got immersed in the culture. This was worth the price!

Book with a local from the community

Ketira_B, Apr 2025

This tour was awesome! Although I was disappointed Eric wasn't my guide after reading so many reviews, his brother, Ronald, was awrsome. I love that they are a local, family-based company and the whole community benefits from tourism. I chose fried fish for lunch and it was delicious. The local drink, Ourika, was sooo good that I bought a bottle. My favorite was the dance show. I've already referred a few family members to book the tour.