San Basilio de Palenque Tour
San Basilio de Palenque Tour Itinerary
San Basilio de Palenque is an unmissable cultural destination for those who wish to learn about the rich Afro-Colombian heritage. This tour takes you to a village full of history, known as the first settlement of freed African slaves in the Americas. Here, you will be welcomed by local guides who will take you through its colorful streets, introduce you to musical traditions and dances like champeta and mapalé. You will also have the opportunity to taste authentic Palenquera cuisine, rich in Afro-Caribbean flavors and spices. The tour includes a visit to the Afro-Colombian Culture Museum, where you will learn about the history and achievements of this community.
Inclusions
- Private Transportation: Private round-trip transfers to and from your accommodation.
- Local Palenquero Guide: Learn about the history and culture of the first free town in the Americas.
- Palenquero Language Class and Pilanderas
- Demonstration: Immerse yourself in the unique traditions of the place.
- Guided Tour: Explore the streets, monuments, and local life of Palenque.
- Traditional Lunch: Taste authentic Palenquera cuisine with a drink included.
What You Should Know
- Tour Duration: Approximately 7 hours, with enough time to explore and enjoy the place.
- Weather: The weather is hot and humid, so it is recommended to wear light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Local Language: Although most people speak Spanish, locals also converse in Palenquero, a creole language with African roots.
- Tipping: While not mandatory, it is recommended to tip the local guides as a gesture of appreciation for their time and knowledge.
Health and Safety: Bring insect repellent, as some areas may have mosquitoes. At Transfers & Tours Colombia, we follow all safety protocols, including biosecurity measures.
Easy Booking:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the San Basilio de Palenque Tour include?
The tour includes transportation from Cartagena, a guided tour of the village, interaction with the local community, visits to historical monuments, and explanations about the culture, music, and Afro-descendant gastronomy.
Why is San Basilio de Palenque important?
It is the first free town in the Americas, founded by escaped slaves, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site for preserving its language, traditions, and ancestral culture.
What can be learned during the tour?
Visitors learn about the town’s history of resistance, its traditional music like bullerengue, and its unique creole language, palenquero.
What cultural activities take place in San Basilio de Palenque?
Visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance demonstrations, taste typical dishes, and meet representative figures of the community, such as musicians and cooks.
Fun facts:
San Basilio de Palenque is the only place in Colombia where palenquero is spoken, a creole language combining Spanish with African influences.
Palenque hosts unique celebrations like the Drum Festival, where Afro-descendant music and traditions are highlighted.
This village has been the birthplace of important figures, such as world champion boxer Kid Pambelé.
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