Cartagena: Historical Tour in Palenque

Cartagena’s vibrant history comes alive on the "Cartagena: Historical Tour in Palenque." This comprehensive tour immerses visitors in the cultural legacy of San Basilio de Palenque, a remarkable community established by the first free Africans in the Americas. Guests will explore the Casa de la Cultura, witness a captivating traditional dance performance, and savor a delicious local lunch. With roundtrip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with the native Palenqueros and uncover the remarkable stories that have shaped this remarkable region. It’s an adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 19 Best Tours In Palenque.

Key Points

• This 6-hour guided tour takes visitors to the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, known as the first free African settlement in the Americas.
• Highlights include a visit to the Casa de la Cultura Graciela Salgado Valdez, a traditional dance performance, and a local lunch.
• Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned van, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.
• Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and resilient culture of the Palenque people.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, bottled water, a typical lunch, a traditional rum tasting, and a lively dance show.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour titled "Cartagena: Historical Tour in Palenque" offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant history and culture of San Basilio de Palenque, one of the first free settlements of Africans in the Americas.

Priced from €91 per person, the 6-hour tour is available in Spanish and English. It includes roundtrip transportation, a guided tour of a cultural center, a traditional dance performance, photo opportunities, and a typical local lunch.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a unique cultural experience for travelers seeking to enjoy the rich heritage of Palenque.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights a journey to uncover the rich history and vibrant culture of San Basilio de Palenque.

Guests travel by van for an hour to reach this historic town, where they’ll tour the Casa de la Cultura Graciela Salgado Valdez and witness a traditional dance show.

A photo stop at the Monumento A Kid Pambele and a visit to the Parque Principal provide opportunities to immerse in the local surroundings.

The experience culminates with a lunch at Restaurante Doña Juana, showcasing the region’s acclaimed cuisine.

Throughout the tour, travellers engage with native Palenqueros, learning about their unique heritage, customs, and way of life.

Pickup Locations

Departing from two convenient pickup locations, the tour commences its cultural journey. Guests can board the air-conditioned van at either Sibarita del Mar or the iconic Clock Tower Monument. This strategic placement ensures easy access for participants, minimizing travel time and maximizing the immersive experience.

Pickup Location	Address
Sibarita del Mar	Calle 33 #2-39, Cartagena
Clock Tower Monument	Plaza de los Coches, Cartagena

With the tour group assembled, the journey to the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque begins, setting the stage for a day of discovering the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable region.

Activities

After being picked up from the designated locations, the tour group embarks on the journey to San Basilio de Palenque, a historic town that promises to unveil the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Upon arrival, the group takes a guided tour of the Casa de la Cultura Graciela Salgado Valdez, where they learn about the history and traditions of the Palenque people.

Next, they’re treated to a captivating traditional dance show, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the community.

The tour then moves to the Monumento A Kid Pambele for a photo stop before exploring the Parque Principal San Basilio De Palenque.

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Drop-off Locations

Completing the cultural excursion, the tour concludes with drop-off points at the Clock Tower Monument and Sibarita del Mar. This ensures convenient transportation for participants, allowing them to seamlessly transition back to their respective starting points.

Drop-off Locations
Clock Tower Monument	Sibarita del Mar
The iconic Clock Tower Monument serves as a central landmark for the tour’s conclusion, enabling guests to easily navigate back to their accommodations or continue exploring the city’s historic center.	Similarly, the Sibarita del Mar drop-off point provides a convenient option for those wishing to further enjoy Cartagena’s vibrant coastal atmosphere after the tour’s conclusion.

Cultural Experience

Exploring the rich heritage of the first free people in the Americas, the cultural experience on this tour immerses visitors in the vibrant traditions of the Palenque community.

Guests engage with native Palenqueros, learning about their unique culture, gastronomy, dance, and music. They’ll enjoy traditional cuisine like stewed chicken, fish in coconut, or pork stew served with coconut rice, salad, and patacones.

The tour also includes a lively traditional dance show, offering a glimpse into the community’s artistic expressions.

This immersive cultural journey provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the resilient Palenque people and their enduring legacy as the first free Africans in the Americas.

Inclusions

The tour includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, covering all landing and facility fees.

Bottled water and a typical lunch are provided, allowing you to sample traditional dishes like stewed chicken, fish in coconut, and stewed pork served with coconut rice, salad, and patacones.

You’ll also get to enjoy a traditional rum tasting and a lively dance show, immersing you in the local culture.

Throughout the tour, a professional local guide will be on hand to provide insights and answer any questions.

The only exclusions are items not explicitly mentioned in the description, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable experience.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy this historical tour in Palenque.

Pregnant women should refrain from joining the tour due to the physical activities involved.

Participants are strictly prohibited from bringing intoxication, alcohol, drugs, or explosive substances, as these can disrupt the cultural experience.

The tour itinerary may be subject to change, so guests are advised to be flexible and open-minded.

This Palenque tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich history and vibrant culture of this remarkable community.

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Flexible, open-minded attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for people with limited mobility, as it involves walking and visiting various sites. However, the itinerary can be modified to accommodate their needs, so they should check with the tour operator beforehand.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?

The tour can likely be customized to suit individual preferences, though the exact extent of customization is unclear from the provided information. Guests should inquire with the tour operator about potential customization options to meet their specific needs and interests.

How Reliable Is the Transportation Provided During the Tour?

The transportation provided during the tour is reliable. The tour includes roundtrip air-conditioned van transportation from designated pickup locations, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for participants throughout the day’s activities.

What Are the Safety Measures in Place During the Excursion?

The tour includes safety measures like an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, and prohibitions on intoxication, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances. Pregnant women are also not allowed on the tour for their own safety.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer any discounts or special offers based on the provided information. It’s a fixed price tour with no mention of promotional pricing or packages. Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Recap

This immersive tour of Palenque, a historic free African settlement, offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Cartagena. Visitors will explore the Casa de la Cultura, witness a traditional dance performance, and savor a local lunch, all while engaging with the native Palenqueros and learning about their remarkable history. With transportation and a knowledgeable guide included, this tour provides a comprehensive and insightful cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: