Nature & history in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Santa Marta

Day 1: Welcome to Santa Marta

Upon your arrival at the airport, your driver will transfer you to your hotel. 

Depending on when you arrive, your local expert can provide you with a tour or suggestions of places to explore on your first day in Santa Marta. A list of recommended restaurants can also be shared with you, for a first taste of Colombia.

Cabo San Juan

Day 2: Cabo San Juan in Tayrona Park

Cabo San Juan in Tayrona Park offers a mixture of wonderful environments. Walk along white sand beaches, with the tropical jungle to one side of you and the Caribbean waters to the other.

Head to Tayrona Park to enjoy a 2-hour ecological walk through the jungle, and visit four beaches along the way including Arenillas, La Piscina, Cabo San Juan, and Los Arrecifes.

Relax at the beach and explore the area or partake in some watersports, such as snorkeling. Afterwards, enjoy a 1.5-hour walk through the jungle.

(If you are not keen on walking for 3-4 hours, there are horses available to ride to and from the beach.)

Tayronaka

Day 3: Adventures in Taironaka

Your adventure into the jungle of the Sierra Nevada begins!

A 1.5-hour drive takes you to a boat for a short 15-minute trip upriver to Taironaka. This archaeological site is not only significant to the Kogui indigenous people, but also to the people of Colombia as a whole. Wander the ruins and visit the museum with your guide who will answer any questions you may have.

Next, it's a short walk to where you will meet with members of the Kogui community. They are direct descendants of the Tayrona people who lived in this area for thousands of years.

Conclude your time here with a wonderful lunch before setting off back down the river - but this time you can choose your craft! Decide between a kayak, a paddleboard, or reclining in a large inner tube.

Emerging at the mouth of the river, you can then enjoy some time on the beach by the Caribbean Sea, taking in the sunset before returning to your hotel. 

Minca

Day 4: Enjoying the mountain air in Minca

Today takes you to the town of Minca where you can enjoy a tour of this little mountain pueblo, including its delightful cafes and artisan shops. 

Afterward, look forward to a coffee tour where you will learn everything about the production of Colombian liquid gold, all the way from seed to cup.

Next, it's time to uncover the process of creating chocolate. Discover the wonderful flavors of Colombian cocoa and perhaps even enjoy a chocolate face mask.

Finally, go on a quick mountain adventure to discover some hidden waterfalls, with the opportunity for a refreshing swim (don't forget your swimwear!). Keep your eyes peeled for any number of exotic birds that can be found in these forested mountains.

Nueva Venecia

Day 5: Nueva Venecia, Colombia's New Venice

Journey across the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia, La Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, this lagoon is considered vital for the livelihood of the locals who live there. On your way to New Venice, make a stop at Buenavista, another city floating atop the Caribbean Sea.

Next, explore New Venice and marvel at this town suspended on stilts. Visit the Mona y Sábalo Bakery, the carpenter's house and the house of María la "bossy" (the living figure of the New Venice carnival), the aqueduct, the village apothecary and the craftsman's house. Following your tour, enjoy lunch and a walking tour of the police station, church, local school and more.

You will love the colorful wooden houses and the canoes parked at almost every mooring. Enjoy a chance to interact with the local people.

Santa Marta

Day 6: Return home

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out of your accommodation and heading to the airport for your return flight. Safe travels and we hope you visit again soon!