Volcano Travel

Volcano Travel · Tour

El Totumo and San Basilio de Palenque, First Free Town in the Americas

4.9 78 reviews 4.9 stars out of 5, 78 reviews

Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

Cartagena
Healing Magic of the Volcano
Floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich mud—a moment of pure connection and wellness.
Ancestral Dance in Motion
Palenque women keeping cultural traditions alive through vibrant dance.
Story narrated by its protagonists: Our experience will always be with the participation of the natives of the Palenque community, they are direct descendants of the Africans.
Palenque Cultural Experience & Mud Volcano Combo Tour Cartagena
The Power of African Drums: The sound of the drums could have different meanings for the community, come and discover them.
Cool Coconut Water: Tropical Refreshment at Its Finest.
Dance, folklore, energy, feel the beat of the powerful African drums resounding like thunder, the call of the gods.
No stress, no rush, just smiles!
"From Roots to Legacy"
Leandro Vidal, founder of Cartagena Experiences, sharing a moment with one of the matriarchs of Palenque—the heart behind a journey that transforms culture into living memory.
"Germin Padilla – The Voice That Opened Doors"
Palenque’s first bilingual guide. A legacy that inspired a new generation to tell their story to the world. RIP.
"Miguel Díaz – Keeper of Stories, Guardian of Culture"
A passionate host and licensed cultural ambassador, Miguel brings Palenque to life with every step—sharing his deep knowledge and joyful spirit.
Ancestral medicine, cultural immersion and knowledge, San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in America.

Two stops, and the second one is the reason to book. San Basilio de Palenque was the first free African town in the Americas, a town founded by people who freed themselves and then held their ground. It is still there, still speaking its own language. The day starts with the mud. Pick-up at 7:30, at the volcano by 8:45, and away again at 9:45. Long enough for the bath and the photographs, short enough that the rest of the day is clearly the point. Arrival in Palenque at 11:30, met by a guide born and raised there. The walk goes through the streets, the murals and the places the community uses, and the history is Benkos Biohó's: the man who led the fight for the town's freedom. Drums, dance and stories passed down inside the community. Lunch is traditional and served at 1:00 pm. Departure at 2:00, back in Cartagena around 3:30. One thing to settle before booking: all sales are final on this tour. Cancellations are not refunded, whatever notice you give.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Entrance Tickets Mud Volcano
  • Bottled water
  • Bilingual Tourism Host
Show 4 more
  • Fresh Water Shower
  • Guidance by Native of Palenque
  • Musical Immersion, Drums and Dance
  • You will enjoy the culinary wonder and the secrets of the region's cooks.

Itinerary

The map could not be loaded. Please try again in a moment.

  1. Volcan de Lodo El Totumo

    An hour in the therapeutic mud, with the rest of the group, before the road turns inland. 7:30 am, pick-up from your hotel. 8:45 am, arrival at the mud volcano. The mud bath, and time for photographs. 9:45 am, departure for San Basilio de Palenque.

  2. San Basilio De Palenque

    Palenque was the first free African town in the Americas, and culture, music and ancestral pride still run through the people who live there. The guides were born and raised in the community. The drums, the stories of resilience and the town's own way of holding on to African tradition come from inside it. 11:30 am, arrival in San Basilio de Palenque, welcomed by your local cultural guide. The streets, the murals and the cultural spaces of the town. The history of Benkos Biohó and Palenque's fight for freedom. Afro-Colombian music, dance and ancestral storytelling. Time with the Palenquero community. 1:00 pm, traditional local lunch. 2:00 pm, departure for Cartagena. 3:30 pm, estimated arrival in Cartagena.

Not included

  • Tips
  • Towel

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Up to 10 travelers per booking.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Show 1 more
  • Guiding available in: en, es.

Reviews

Loading reviews…

    From

    € 166.13

    Book now