Top Experiences in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park

Beyond witnessing predesigned and artificial scenarios to be presented to the visitor, with this experience we want to sit down to observe and have a direct and real dialogue with one of the native cultures of the northern Colombia region: Aruhaco or Ikü. Although you will be able to learn and ask much of what you want to know, you must also be willing to share your knowledge as a reward, as a nature law.

This project was started by a group of peasant families who have decided leave aside activities with a negative impact on the environment (like intensive agriculture and livestock) and work in tourism. These families saw that the place what has always been their home is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity and cultural experiences. And now they want to show this paradise, and everything it offers, to the rest of the world. This trek is outside of others tourist treks saturated with visitors, wildlife full, ancient rainforests, impressive waterfalls, friendly people and stunning views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
Of course, to get to the most beautiful places requires great effort, hiking along steep slopes, grass fields, forests and mountains. As such, it is necessary to be in a good physical and mental condition. You will be rewarded at the end of each day, when we will be welcomed, eat and sleep in the peasants houses where we will have a cultural exchange.

Meet the ecological capital of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a unique place in the Caribbean Region for its diversity of agricultural products, where you can enjoy different landscapes, ecological walk, learn about the handmade process of organic coffee, observe some species of birds and enjoy a delicious bath in one of its waterfalls that descend from the Sierra Nevada.

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is the archaeological territory of an ancient Tayrona city located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta whose construction is attributed to the year 800 A.D. many years before Machu Picchu.

The Tayrona paradise is made up of a series of terraces dug into the mountainside formed by a network of tiled roads and small circular squares. Get to Ciudad Perdida is done by climbing some 1200 stone steps through the vast jungle of the region, an adventure that begins in the city of Santa Marta and forces you to cross kilometers of mountain between rivers and jungle, an unforgettable experience that will allow you to meet the natives of the area, have an experience amid nature and live an extreme journey between the mountain and the sea.

This project was started by a group of peasant families who have decided leave aside activities with a negative impact on the environment (like intensive agriculture and livestock) and work in tourism. These families saw that the place what has always been their home is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity and cultural experiences. And now they want to show this paradise, and everything it offers, to the rest of the world. This trek is outside of others tourist treks saturated with visitors, wildlife full, ancient rainforests, impressive waterfalls, friendly people and stunning views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
Of course, to get to the most beautiful places requires great effort, hiking along steep slopes, grass fields, forests and mountains. As such, it is necessary to be in a good physical and mental condition. You will be rewarded at the end of each day, when we will be welcomed, eat and sleep in the peasants houses where we will have a cultural exchange.

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We start with an organic coffee from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta where you will learn everything about the coffee process to later go to a waterfall called Marinka, then a delicious lunch to finally go to a viewpoint where we finish with the Cocoa tour there we will show the whole process from the fruit to take it to a cup of chocolate

Interact with the nature and be part of the culture of the indigenous Wayúu. We take you to Cabo de la Vela, the Salinas de Manaure and other special spots we have chosen for an unforgettable experience: You will feel the desert heat, pass trough untouched nature and sleep in humble indigenous acommodations in front of the sea. Please consider you will be in a remote part of the Country where the amenities such as water, electricity, internet etc. are not always available.

You help the local and indigenous community with your tour booking because we donate a percentage to social projects.

Our highly qualified and bilingual guide offers you an unforgettable, intercultural experience with the Seviaka indigenous people followed by a Tubing trip down the Palomino River in the middle of the nature reserve. You help the local indigenous community with your tour booking because we donate a percentage to social projects.

In this adventure you will be able to enjoy the Marinka waterfall with its crystal clear waters, from there we will go to Sierra Minca where you will meet the most gigantic hammock in the world, in addition to also being able to carry out canopy or cable flight activities that will allow you to fly for a journey of more of 600mts on the mountain, this is a unique opportunity for you to live an experience full of a lot of adrenaline, transportation is by motorcycle or 4x4 jeep depending on the number of participants and we finish with the Cocoa tour at the Mirador de Minca

Have a vivid story to tell next time you see your friends, by exploring the emerald-green Colombian mountains on this full-day tour to Minca. Hike through muddy trails, escorted by exotic songs composed by the endemic birds nesting on the bicentennial trees, surging from the slopes of the world's highest coastal range in the tropics. As a reward, relax for a moment and swim in the tranquil natural pool of Marinka, a 100-feet tall tiered waterfall. Later on, head to the coffee farm where you will meet lifelong farmers that will personally teach you in detail from seed-to-cup everything they know about Colombian coffee.

Highlights:

- Perfect option for coffee lovers who wish to visit an authentic Colombian coffee farm
- Avoid the crowds: Private car and guide just for you and your companions
- No hidden fees: The only thing you have to worry about is your food, the rest is included.
- This tour is a fantastic option for solo travelers, couples and families with +8-years-old kids

Our highly qualified and bilingual guide offers you an unforgettable, intercultural experience with the Tungueka indigenous people followed by a refreshing swim in the middle of the nature reserve. You help the local indigenous community with your tour booking because we donate a percentage to social projects.

Among the sites to visit are ancestral lagoons that have been considered sacred by the Indigenous people within the jungle, also an indigenous town with Tayrona terraces that is like visiting a lost city in a single day and by vehicle, succulent lunch either with protein your choice, vegetarian and vegan options.

We have highly trained personnel in all areas of the tour, all the places in the mountains look like a dream!
It is a tour designed by us, exclusive and to places little frequented by tourists and wholesale tourism agencies, which makes it a personalized experience of immersion in the ancestral culture of the region in a private way.
Come and live an adventure and unforgettable experience with us!!!

Our highly qualified and bilingual guide takes you to the Ciudad Perdida "Teyuna" for an unforgettable experience. You walk through the wonderful nature of the Sierra Nevada and learn interesting facts about the indigenous culture that has lived here for centuries.

You also help the local community with your tour booking because we donate a percentage to social projects.

It is an activity in a natural area of Colombia that is recognized as one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, El Rio Palomino. It is the shortest river in the world that connects a Glacier with the Sea.

The ancestral culture that lives in the area is invaluable. The comforts that we provide to travelers from our company are unique. We have the experience to provide an unforgettable activity.

Just 30 minutes from Santa Marta you can experience a hiking experience through dense forest, crystal clear waterfalls, coffee plantations, birds and lots of nature.

This tour of Minca will allow you to enjoy the best of its surroundings, from waterfalls to scenic views. Enjoy 2 waterfalls, and a day pass at Sierra Minca with a heated swimming pool, great views, famous hammocks, and much more.

Are you ready to embark on one of the most exciting treks in South America? The Colombia Lost City Tour will take you through the exuberant jungle of the Sierra Nevada, where you will discover amazing secrets and impressive landscapes. Explore archaeological ruins and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. But be prepared: this adventure requires a good physical condition, since the daily walks last 7 to 8 hours. Do you dare to accept the challenge?
✅ INCLUDES: Ground transportation (Santa Marta historic center, Taganga and Rodadero; sectors of red grounds, beautiful horizon and airport must pay an additional 20,000), Food, Local Guide and English translator, Entrance to the archaeological zone, contribution to indigenous and peasant communities, accommodation in hammocks, beds (with mosquito nets and blankets), travel insurance, snack at some points of the trip.

The Lost City Trek Colombia is one of the Colombian highlights for backpackers and outdoor lovers and travelers' top choices. This ​tour is operated in collaboration with Sierra Nevada native communities, so you will support the local economy while enjoying this amazing hike.

At Howlanders we are travelers as you do, so we really know how to make the most of this experience: good guides, a good atmosphere, good vibes, and fellow travelers, so we all together enjoy it to the fullest.

Be aware that this tour is not demanding when thinking about altitude or distances, but the conditions of the jungle make it a little harder. This effort is worthy and you will experience it once you get to the Lost City, which has remained virtually untouched for centuries.

The Lost City Trek Colombia is one of the Colombian highlights for backpackers and outdoor lovers. This tour is operated in collaboration with Sierra Nevada native communities, so you will support the local economy while enjoying this amazing hike. At Howlanders we are travelers as you do, so we really know how to make the most of this experience: good guides, a good atmosphere, good vibes, and fellow travelers, so we all together enjoy it to the fullest.

Be aware that this tour is not demanding when thinking about altitude or distances, but the conditions of the jungle make it a little harder. This effort is worthy and you will experience it once you get to the Lost City, which has remained virtually untouched for centuries.

If you prefer to take the most popular and shorter version, take our 4 days tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Marta/Los-City-Trek/d4520-120233P11

We have guides from the region instructed by SENA, with years of experience. Trained to provide cultural, historical and anthropological information on indigenous communities and the area.

We work hand in hand with indigenous and peasant communities. We are committed to supporting the development of the region through contributions that contribute to a better quality of life for the locals.

We will meet at our agency and from there we will leave in a private vehicle to go to the town of Minca located about fifty (50) minutes away, we will begin our great journey, through tree-covered paths, streams until our first stop at a beautiful waterfall called " Marinka” (admission included). Enjoy for one (1) hour the two different waterfalls and you will have the opportunity to swim if you wish. On the way out, we will have about 3 km of downhill cycling during which you can enjoy the landscape The second stop is to have a delicious lunch which will be given in one of the most emblematic restaurants in the town we have several options for you, then we will return to a new journey to visit the coffee and cocoa producing farm, where you can take an unforgettable tour of these two important products of the region depending on the season. The visit ends with the tasting of a cup of coffee or cocoa to taste, mask of cocoa and natural scrub for your hands.

Discover the Sierra Nevada jungle with a tour of Taironaka ruins and tubing on the Don Diego River. Start with a scenic drive from Santa Marta to Don Diego, trekking through lush flora to ancient Tayrona sites. Explore local history, then enjoy tubing at The Rapids surrounded by wildlife. Finish with a serene beach visit and riverboat ride, blending nature, adventure, and archaeology for an unforgettable Colombian experience.

Travel back 1,000 years to the Lost City of the Sierra Nevada. Soak in the sights and the sounds of the remote jungle as you travel to a far corner of Colombia.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Bogotá's historic district and check out the city's famous plazas. Jump off waterfalls and take a refreshing swim in the Buritaca River. Trek through indigenous villages and pristine jungle on your way to ancient ruins

After driving for about an hour through magnificent scenery and breathtaking views we arrive at Minca. Once there, we will start our hike to Marinka Waterfalls. Huge trees, ageless rocky creeks, and birds chirping make the hike to the waterfalls stunningly pleasant and enjoyable. After hiking for about one hour we arrive at Marinka Waterfalls, and it is time to relax and enjoy the Sierra Nevada refreshing waters. We can stay here for an hour and a half or less, depending on your preferences. Once you decided to return, we will hike through the same road back to Minca, where the driver will be waiting for us to take you to your hotel.

This is just the perfect option for those who wish to add an experience to their travel to Santa Marta.