Tours, Must-see · Cartagena

San Basilio de Palenque

It's a town about 50 km from Cartagena founded by enslaved people who escaped in the 17th century. UNESCO recognized its culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

Hours: Tours leave around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. and return mid-afternoon.
Price: Tours from about USD 100 per person with transportation, guide and lunch (Expedia, checked 2026-10-12).
Price level: $$$$$
Duration: All day
Address: San Basilio de Palenque, Mahates, Bolívar

See on the map Google Maps

Palenque is considered the first free town in the Americas. It was founded by cimarrones (escaped slaves) led by Benkos Biohó, whose statue with a broken chain stands in the plaza. The Palenquero language, a mix of African languages and Spanish, is still spoken there.

The visit means walking around town with a guide from the community: the plaza, the house of music and drums, medicinal plants and the story of boxer Kid Pambelé, who was born there. Many of the palenqueras who sell fruit in Cartagena come from here.

Tours leave Cartagena in the morning, include a traditional lunch and come back mid-afternoon. On booking platforms they start at about USD 100 per person.

What to see

The statue of Benkos Biohó in the plaza.
The murals with words in the Palenquero language.
Drumming and dance.

Getting there

Tour from Cartagena with hotel pickup: about an hour's drive.
On your own by car along the Troncal del Caribe toward Mahates; in town it's best to hire a local guide.