San Basilio de Palenque - Music, Food and Freedom 5

Colombia Music Tour

Overview

Travel to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, where African heritage thrives in its music and traditions.

Medellin-city-photos-Colombia Tours
San Basilio de Palenque - Music, Food and Freedom 5

A journey designed for music and art lovers alike

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Medellín

Arrive in Medellín and settle into your hotel, taking some time to relax or explore your surroundings before the official start of the journey.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a special welcome dinner featuring a folkloric music presentation that showcases the rich musical traditions of Colombia. Through live performances, you’ll experience the diverse rhythms, instruments, and cultural influences that shape the country’s vibrant soundscape.

It’s the perfect introduction to the music and spirit of Colombia, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Day 2: Music, Art & Culture in Comuna 13 + Tango & Chiva Experience

Dive into Medellín’s transformative music and art scene with a guided tour of Comuna 13, a neighborhood once known for its struggles, now celebrated for its resilience through hip-hop, graffiti, and breakdancing. Learn how music has played a key role in the community’s evolution as we meet local artists and performers. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the city’s rich history and architecture on a walking tour, uncovering Medellín’s dynamic past and modern transformation. As the sun sets, enjoy an elegant dinner paired with a live tango performance, immersing yourself in Colombia’s deep-rooted tango culture. To end the night on a high note, we’ll hop aboard a traditional chiva, a colorful party bus with a live band, bringing the energy of Medellín’s nightlife to life.

Day 3: Free Day or Optional Excursion to Guatapé

Today, you can choose your own adventure—enjoy a free day to explore Medellín at your own pace or join an optional excursion to Guatapé, one of Colombia’s most picturesque destinations. This charming town is famous for its colorful streets, stunning lakes, and El Peñol, a massive rock formation offering breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you spend the day wandering Medellín’s markets and cafés or climbing the 740 steps of El Peñol, the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Day 4: Arrival in Cartagena

Arrive in Cartagena and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. On this day, you get to explore the walled city with your private guide who will tell you about Cartagena’s past and present. 

Enjoy a welcoming dinner at a special local restaurant, savoring authentic Colombian flavors while getting to know your fellow travelers and the enchanting city around you.

Day 5: Market, Champeta & Dancing

Explore the vibrant world of Champeta, a music and dance style with deep Afro-Colombian roots. Learn about its history, including why it was once banned in Colombia. Visit the bustling Bazurto Market, where the sights and sounds that shape this genre come to life, and discover the influence of Champeta icon Charles King on the music and culture of Cartagena.

Next, take a tour of Getsemaní, Cartagena’s colorful cultural hub. In the evening, head to a nightclub to watch impressive Champeta dancers and try out your own moves to the infectious rhythms.

Day 6: San Basilio de Palenque

Embark on a musical journey through the historic town of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas. Explore its rich African heritage, where traditional Caribbean rhythms and instruments come to life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to play the iconic tambores, connecting deeply with the local culture and history.

Delve into the town’s unique cuisine and local spirits, where African influences remain strong and vibrant. San Basilio de Palenque has preserved its own language, laws, and traditions, making it a living testament to resilience and cultural pride. Learn about its incredible history as the first place in Colombia to gain freedom from slavery and experience the profound impact this legacy continues to have on the community today.

Day 7: The sounds of San Jacinto- Gaita Workshop

Immerse yourself in the rhythms of San Jacinto, home to Colombia’s traditional gaita music. Guided by master musicians, we’ll take part in a hands-on gaita and drum workshop, exploring their history and cultural significance.

After a local lunch, we journey to Mompox, where we’ll settle into our hotel and explore the town’s colonial charm. As night falls, we’ll enjoy a scenic riverside dinner, reflecting on the day’s musical experiences.

Day 8: Along the Magdalena

Discover the colonial charm of Mompox on a guided city tour, exploring its musical heritage and the art of Momposina filigree, a unique local craft.

In the evening, we visit Ciénaga de Pijiño to learn about the “amphibious men”—communities living in harmony with the water. Enjoy a swim in the cienaga before heading back to Mompox at sunset, watching the town glow like an 18th-century painting.

To close the day, we’ll enjoy a corozo wine tasting paired with a live traditional music performance, a perfect farewell to Mompox’s rich culture.

Day 9: Mompox and back to Cartagena

After breakfast, enjoy a last stroll through Mompox, picking up souvenirs like filigree jewelry or handcrafted keepsakes.

We then begin our journey back to Cartagena, carrying with us the rhythms, traditions, and stories of this unforgettable trip.

Day 10: Depart Cartagena

Today is your last day in Cartagena. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken from the city of Cartagena to Rafael Nuñez Airport by a private transportation service.

You can also stay a few days more and enjoy the Rosario Islands. Contact us for more info

Group Size

Small Group Tours Up to 12 People

Dates

April 3rd – 12th, 2026
10 Days / 9 Nights 

Location

Medellin, Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque, San Jacinto & Mompox

Rocio de Lucía Bauta Musicologist and Tour Leader - Musical Getaways

Your Host

Chaz Chambers

As a seasoned drummer and insightful guide, Chaz Chambers will lead you through Colombia’s inspiring culture, encouraging cultural immersion amidst the country’s unique cultural and natural wonders.

What’s included?

All lodging in carefully selected hotels, hostels, or villas that meet high comfort standards.

All ground transportation, airport transfers, and internal flight from Medellín to Cartagena.

Daily breakfast, plus 3 local lunches and 6 curated dinners with cultural or musical elements

Expert guidance from a Musician Tour Leader and multilingual local guides.

Access to unique musical and cultural experiences, including Comuna 13 street art & music, San Basilio de Palenque, Gaita and Drums Workshop in San Jacinto, Cartagena’s historic center, Mompox cultural and musical heritage

Exclusive access to live music experiences including folkloric, tango, champeta, and traditional gaita performances

Admission to scheduled events, music workshops, and cultural sites.

Personalized support for optional activities and leisure time during free periods.

What’s not included?

  • Roundtrip flights between your hometown and Colombia.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
  • Any recommended or required vaccinations or travel-related medications are the responsibility of the traveler.
  • Lunches and dinners not specifically listed.
  • Activities not included in the official itinerary as well as personal expenses.
  • Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and musicians.
  • Alcohol is only included where mentioned.
  • Extra stays before or after the tour are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.

Dates And Pricing

Booking in advance ensures a wider selection of options and benefits from lower prices. Plus, flexibility is at your fingertips; feel free to switch to another trip without any fees before your final payment. For personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our travel specialists at info@musicalgetaways.com.

April 3rd – 12th, 2026

Medellín, Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque, San Jacinto & Mompox

Price Per Person

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  • $5,850 Double Shared Hotel Room
  • $6,425 One Person in a Double Hotel Room
  • *Contact us for room upgrades!

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