It was declared Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity for being the first free town in colonial America (decreed in 1691); a place far from the colonies to which African slaves escaped to live in freedom, with autonomy and independence. In San Basilio de Palenque some traditions such as the language, food, dance, and culture of Africans are still preserved. It is located very close to the Canal del Dique, 50 km from the city of Cartagena de Indias. It has an approximate population of 4,200 people and borders the towns of Malagana, San Pablo Norte and Palenquito. Because it is a township, it does not have economic or administrative autonomy. This includes the time it will take to move from one place to another.