San Basilio de Palenque: History, Music & Cooking Tour

Summary

Learn Palenque’s freedom story through music food & laughter

You’ll walk Palenque’s lively streets with a native guide, hear stories of freedom told firsthand, try your hand at drumming and taste local moonshine. Cook alongside award-winning cooks and share laughter over creole words you can’t quite pronounce. This is Black Colombian history you can feel—and remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I didn’t know what to expect from a day trip to San Basilio de Palenque. I’d read about its history, but hearing our guide José talk about his grandmother’s stories made it feel personal right away. The way he described the village’s fight for freedom—his hands moving as if shaping the words—hit different than any museum panel ever could. There was this earthy smell in the air, maybe from the clay ovens or just the afternoon heat mixing with fruit stands lining the street.

We wandered between painted houses while kids darted past us laughing. José stopped at a corner where an old man played drums—he waved us over and let me try (I was terrible). Everyone laughed, including me. The rhythm stuck in my chest for hours after. Later, we tasted something called ron ñeke—Palenque’s own moonshine. It burned but left this sweet note at the end; I still think about that flavor when I see bottles now.

The cooking class was kind of chaotic in the best way. The cook showed us how to make a dish that apparently won some UNESCO prize (I probably messed up half the steps but she smiled anyway). We ate outside under a tree while someone explained bits of their creole language—I tried repeating a word and got it so wrong everyone burst out laughing. So yeah, if you want a history tour that feels alive—and not just facts—you’ll find it here in Palenque.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Palenque history and culture

• Learn history from native resident
• Experience Palenque music
• Participate in drum workshop
• Taste local gastronomy and drinks
• Discover creole language
• Visit photographic museum
• Shop local handcrafts
• Enjoy included hydration

Top questions

How do I get to San Basilio de Palenque from Cartagena?

The tour includes pickup and transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Cartagena to San Basilio de Palenque.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers, and service animals are allowed.

What food is included on the Palenque History Tour?

You’ll enjoy a cooking class with sweet tasting led by a native cook, plus fruit salad and an award-winning traditional dish.

Will I learn about Palenque’s history from locals?

Yes, your guide is a native resident who shares stories of San Basilio de Palenque’s history directly from community experience.

Are drinks included on this day trip?

Bottled water and ron ñeke (local moonshine) are included during your visit.

How big are the groups on this tour?

The tour accepts solo travelers up to groups of 50 people.

Is there music or dancing involved?

You’ll experience live music with a drum workshop as part of your visit.

Can I buy local crafts during the tour?

You’ll have time to see local handcrafts and visit a photographic museum during your walk through town.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Cartagena, bottled water throughout, hands-on cooking class with sweet tasting led by a native cook (including an award-winning traditional dish), live music show with drum workshop, fruit salad snack, tasting of ron ñeke (the local moonshine), stops at a photographic museum and craft shops—all guided by a trilingual native resident before returning comfortably back to Cartagena.