San Basilio de Palenque tour from Cartagena: UNESCO heritage site

A settlement built by fugitives who fought for freedom for nearly a century.

A full-day tour from Cartagena to San Basilio de Palenque, a UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage site 60 km away, explores the community founded by descendants of African maroons who escaped slavery starting in 1603. The tour includes a live guide in English or Spanish, lunch, and air-conditioned transport. An optional stop in San Jacinto, a village known for hammocks and crafts, is available. Children from age 1 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit San Basilio de Palenque community

• Travel from Cartagena to San Basilio de Palenque
• Learn about African maroon descendants
• Hear story of leader Domingo Biohó
• Explore community history and culture
• Optional visit to San Jacinto village

The experience

San Basilio de Palenque sits 60 km from Cartagena in terrain the enslaved people who founded it chose deliberately: inaccessible swamps where they could build settlements beyond the reach of colonial authorities. Starting in 1603, fugitives fled the city with farming tools and firearms, establishing fortified towns along the Magdalena River valley. For nearly a century they raided boats carrying food, gold and merchandise until 1691, when Spain opted for negotiation and granted them the land they had already claimed. The community that grew there became so distinct in history, culture and language that UNESCO recognized it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The tour runs seven hours with a live guide speaking English or Spanish, so you follow the commentary in your preferred language. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and stop for a typical lunch. The optional detour to San Jacinto, a nearby village centered on hammock-making and traditional crafts, lets you extend the cultural experience if the schedule fits your day.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport from Cartagena.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• typical lunch.
• optional visit to San Jacinto village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (1 to 8 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vivamos Colombia Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you speak Spanish or English and want to travel with children under school age: the guide matches your language preference and the itinerary moves at a pace that works for toddlers and infants.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 8 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is San Basilio de Palenque and why is it historically significant?

San Basilio de Palenque is a settlement founded by African maroons: people who escaped slavery from Cartagena starting in 1603. They built fortified communities in swamps and raided colonial supply boats for nearly a century until Spain negotiated peace and granted them the land in 1691. UNESCO recognizes it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because of its unique history, culture and language.

How far is San Basilio de Palenque from Cartagena and how long does the tour take?

The community is located 60 km from Cartagena. The full tour takes seven hours and includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide, and lunch.

Can I visit San Jacinto on this tour?

Yes, a visit to San Jacinto, a village known for hammock-making and traditional crafts, is optional and can be added to the itinerary depending on your schedule and interest.