Tour De Palenque, Road to Emancipation.

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Cartagena, Colombia

Trending

Booked 5+ times in 12 hours.

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!!

· B_C ·

Jun 2026

What an amazing day learning about this amazing place and it's history. I would tell anyone that if time is short do this trip. It's also an opportunity to have your picture taken with the Palenquera women without the stress of haggling in the walled city. The lunch was amazing too. Thanks to Romero for a great day.

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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 1,923 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Best way to celebrate July 4th for a Black Person

Sam_B, Jul 2026

If you’re visiting Cartagena, do yourself a favor and book the Tour de Palenque: Road to Emancipation with La Perla Viajes y Turismo. It was, without question, one of the most meaningful travel experiences I’ve ever had. Our guide, Romeo, was outstanding. He didn’t just give us facts, he brought history to life with passion, knowledge, and deep respect for the people and culture of San Basilio de Palenque. You could feel his pride, and it made every stop more impactful. We experienced traditional music and dances, learned about ancestral medicine and healing practices, walked through the town while hearing the powerful story of resistance, emancipation, and the community’s ongoing commitment to preserving its language, culture, and freedom. This wasn’t just sightseeing, it was an invitation to understand a living history. I intentionally chose this tour on July 4th, and I honestly couldn’t have picked a better way to spend the day. While many Independence Day celebrations overlook the Black experience, spending the holiday in Palenque, surrounded by a community that proudly celebrates its own history of freedom, resilience, and cultural survival, was incredibly moving. The unapologetic Black pride, joy, and sense of identity throughout the community made the day unforgettable. Thank you to La Perla Viajes y Turismo and especially Romeo for creating an experience that was educational, inspiring, and deeply personal. I left with a greater appreciation for the history of Palenque and a renewed sense of the enduring power of freedom, culture, and community. This is much more than a tour, it is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime.

A Must!

Brittany_B, Jul 2026

I loved everything about this tour. From the history to the food, everything was amazing. If you’re thinking about booking this tour, do it !

Fantastic day

B_C, Jun 2026

Long ride and Very hot...

Janice_P, Jun 2026

Long ride and Very hot during tour. Received some education . I would not recommend this tour. I was charged 300 for two people, when only two people signed up and I am having problems getting my 100.00 refunded.

Amazing Experience

Ricky_L, Jun 2026

Great experience and great tour guides. If you travel to Cartagena please put this tour on your list of things to do.

Great Time

Grady_G, Jun 2026

This was an amazing experience led by Romeo. His personality and knowledge jumps out at you immediately. They are great host and i highly recommend .

This was a great...

Theresa_C, Jun 2026

This was a great experience the tour guide Romeo was awesome and our driver got us around safely. The tour was very informative and really allowed us to connect to the culture and the community of Palenque. Lunch was phenomenal best food I've had so far in Colombia.

Cultural Experience

Revanno_S, May 2026

This was a culturally enriching experience. My favorite experience was witnessing the traditional dances.

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

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.

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.