Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Caribbean region, San Basilio de Palenque holds a unique place in history as the first free black settlement in the Americas. Visitors can now embark on an immersive 5-hour journey, guided by a bilingual native expert, to uncover the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable community. From a scenic drive to engaging with the vibrant Palenquera music and learning about the region’s medicinal plants, this tour promises a memorable adventure steeped in tradition. But the true essence of San Basilio de Palenque lies in its resilience, a story that begs to be explored further.
Key Points
- Tour to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free black settlement in the Americas, with a bilingual native guide for a personalized cultural experience.
- 5-hour tour including 2-hour car ride, self-guided exploration, and opportunities to try local cuisine and engage with Afro-Colombian heritage.
- Comprehensive inclusions such as air-conditioned transportation, lunch, drinks, and attraction tickets for a hassle-free experience.
- Suitable for participants with prior experience and under 80 years of age, with recommendations for comfortable clothing and sun protection.
- Flexible cancellation policy allowing full refund up to 24 hours in advance for convenient trip planning.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free black settlement in the Americas, is led by a bilingual native guide.
Priced from $160 per person, the 5-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later.
The itinerary includes a 2-hour car ride to San Basilio de Palenque, where you will enjoy a photo stop, visit, free time, sightseeing, and a self-guided tour.
Pickup and drop-off are available at 8 locations around Cartagena.
The tour highlights the history of Colombia’s first free black people, allowing participants to enjoy the local culture, cuisine, music, and heritage.
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Itinerary and Transportation
The tour includes 8 convenient pickup locations around Cartagena – Marbella, Getsemani, El Cabrero, Bocagrande, La Boquilla, Clock Tower Monument, Barrio de Crespo, and Manga.
From there, it’s a 2-hour car ride to San Basilio de Palenque. Once there, guests will enjoy a photo stop, visit, free time, sightseeing, and a self-guided tour lasting around an hour.
The return trip includes 8 drop-off locations at the same spots as the pickups. Itineraries are subject to change, so guests should be prepared for potential adjustments to the schedule.
Experience Highlights
On the tour, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Colombia’s first free black people.
They’ll meet people from various cultures and nationalities, and try typical food and sweets.
Explorers will wander the streets of San Basilio de Palenque, visiting iconic sites and discovering a museum dedicated to Afro-Colombian heritage.
The experience also includes education on medicinal plants, savoring local cuisine, appreciating typical houses, listening to Palenquera music, and learning about their dialect.
This immersive cultural encounter offers a chance to deeply engage with the rich heritage and traditions of this remarkable community.
Inclusions
As part of the tour package, the air-conditioned transportation, lunch, drinks, and typical sweets are all included.
These inclusions ensure a comfortable and authentic experience throughout the excursion. Travelers won’t need to worry about arranging separate transportation or purchasing meals, as everything is taken care of.
The inclusion of tickets to all attractions means visitors can fully enjoy the cultural exploration without additional expenses.
These comprehensive inclusions allow participants to focus on absorbing the rich history and traditions of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free black settlement in the Americas, without the hassle of logistics.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyParticipant Restrictions
Certain participants may find this tour unsuitable based on their physical capabilities and medical conditions.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, or those in wheelchairs. Participants should also have prior experience and be under 80 years of age, as the tour may pose challenges for those with pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, or who are over 95 years old.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the tour organizers recommend bringing comfortable shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Participants are also advised to have a copy of their passport and some cash on hand.
Participant Recommendations
Participants can further enhance their tour experience by packing a few essential items. A camera is highly recommended to capture the vibrant colors and historic sites throughout San Basilio de Palenque.
Comfortable, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes will ensure participants can comfortably explore the town’s winding streets. Sunglasses and a hat can provide protection from the sun, while an umbrella or light jacket may come in handy in case of unexpected weather.
Cash is advisable for purchasing local cuisine and souvenirs. Finally, a copy of one’s passport is a smart precaution in case of any issues.
With these simple preparations, participants can fully enjoy the rich cultural experience.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Travelers can cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This flexible cancellation policy allows participants to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if their plans change unexpectedly.
The tour operator understands that sometimes things come up, and they want to accommodate their guests as best they can.
Refunds are processed quickly, so travelers can easily rebook or get their money back if needed.
This policy is just one way the tour company ensures a stress-free and enjoyable experience for all who join the excursion to San Basilio de Palenque.
Booking and Payment Details
To book the tour to San Basilio de Palenque, guests can reserve their spot on the tour operator’s website or by contacting their team directly.
The tour is priced at $160 per person and lasts 5 hours. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, the tour operator offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, enabling travelers to secure their spot without paying upfront.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, lunch, drinks, typical sweets, and all attraction tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Operated by a Local or International Company?
The tour is operated by a local company, as it is led by a bilingual native guide who will provide insights into the history and culture of San Basilio de Palenque, a historically significant Afro-Colombian community.
What Languages Can the Native Guide Speak?
The native guide leading the tour can speak both English and Spanish fluently, as the tour is advertised as being conducted by a "bilingual native guide". This allows for effective communication with participants from different linguistic backgrounds.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any specific age restrictions for children. However, the participant recommendations state the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 80 years old or under 95 years old with pre-existing medical conditions or recent surgeries.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet Specific Needs?
The tour can be customized to meet specific needs. Participants can contact the tour provider to discuss any special requirements, such as accessibility needs or dietary restrictions, and the tour can be adjusted accordingly.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
Participants are recommended to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas are also suggested to protect against the sun. The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but dressing for the weather is advised.
Recap
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Colombia’s first free black settlement on this immersive 5-hour tour to San Basilio de Palenque. Guided by a bilingual native expert, you’ll explore the vibrant community, savor local cuisine, and learn about traditional music and medicinal plants, creating a memorable adventure steeped in history and tradition. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the unique and fascinating Palenque culture firsthand.
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