Off the Beaten Path Nature Tour in Santa Marta & La Guajira
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 - 19, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Uber, van, 4x4, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 30
Travel interest
Nature, health and wellness, wildlife, hiking
Your Local Guide
Awake Travel stands as Colombia's pioneering B Corp Travel agency (certified for its social and environmental impact), boasting over a decade of experience collaborating with 300+ hosts across 70 diverse destinations.They pride themselves on working closely with local communities and inviting travelers to discover Colombia with them in a safe, ecological, and socially conscious way. The team is equipped with all the training and expertise needed to ensure your trip runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Let them take care of all the details for you — just let your unforgettable adventure unfold.
This trip to Santa Marta and La Guajira takes you off the beaten path to reconnect with nature and discover Colombia’s indigenous roots – past and present. Explore the archeological wonders of the ancient Tayrona civilization, spend time with the Arhuaca community, and make traditional art with the Wayúu people. From eco-friendly hostels to sleeping in hammocks under the stars, this journey will change your perspective and allow you to reclaim your organic connection to the Earth.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
This trip is looking for a TourHero! If you love to travel and love to organize, get your crew together and make this trip your own! When 5 or more people book this trip, you can travel for free. Chat with us below to get started!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Mar 14 - 19, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Uber, van, 4x4, boat
This trip to Santa Marta and La Guajira takes you off the beaten path to reconnect with nature and discover Colombia’s indigenous roots – past and present. Explore the archeological wonders of the ancient Tayrona civilization, spend time with the Arhuaca community, and make traditional art with the Wayúu people. From eco-friendly hostels to sleeping in hammocks under the stars, this journey will change your perspective and allow you to reclaim your organic connection to the Earth.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Santa Marta
- Arrive in Santa Marta
- Private transfer from airport to Don Diego River
- Boat ride to accommodation
- ~ 15 mins boat
- Check-in at Taironaka Ecohotel (or similar according to availability)
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · Santa Marta
- Breakfast
- Visit Katanzama (or tubing in the Don Diego River)
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · La Guajira
- Breakfast
- Transfer from Taironaka Ecohostel to Riohacha
- ~ 1 hr 40 mins van
- Yonna’s Indigenous Community Tour (soda and art materials included)
- Check-in at Bona Vida Hostels (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · La Guajira
- Breakfast
- Transfer from Riohacha To Cabo de la Vela
- ~ 3 hrs van
- Sightseeing tour (with lunch)
- Check-in at Apalanchii Lodging (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner
- Day 5 · La Guajira
- Breakfast
- Mayapo Beach trip (with lunch)
- Transfer from Cabo de la Vela to Santa Marta
- Check-in at Masaya Hostel Santa Marta (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accomodation
- Private transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Santa Marta, Colombia — journey off the beaten path and reconnect with nature
Welcome to Santa Marta, a port town on the Caribbean coastline and home to the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. Jump in your private transfer from the airport and arrive at the Don Diego River. From here, you’ll take a boat ride to the Taironaka Ecohotel which lies in the middle of an ancient Tayrona settlement. This privileged location serves as eco-friendly lodging for those wishing to learn more about Colombia’s indigenous past and present, understand the cultural and archeological significance of the area, and enjoy the tranquility of the jungle backdrop. After getting settled, explore the hostel’s outdoor spaces and head to the restaurant for dinner, featuring Caribbean fare infused with European, native indigenous, African, and mestizo influences.
Day 2
Discover the history of the Arhuaca community with a visit to Katanzama
Good morning! After a stellar breakfast at the hostel’s restaurant, permission permitting, we’ll hike through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and visit Katanzama. The journey will take us through a diverse expanse of jungle foliage where we’ll spend the morning observing the customs and knowledge of the Arhuaca community. If the indigenous authorities of Katanzama are unable to meet our request, we will instead spend the day tubing down the Don Diego River to the mouth of the Caribbean Sea. No matter the itinerary, we will enjoy a day immersed in nature, culture, and ancient landscapes.
Day 3
Head to La Guajira and spend the afternoon with the Wayúu people
Rise and shine, nature lovers! After a peaceful breakfast in the jungle, we’ll head to Yonna’s indigenous community to visit Wayúu Rancheria, home of the Wayúu people. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about Wayúu culture and how the people fought the Spanish and Colombian governments to ensure their traditions and customs would live on. Spend a few hours creating traditional art with the Wayúu people and learn more about their enduring history. From here, we’ll head to our next hostel and enjoy a wonderful dinner as the sun sets over the Colombian treeline.
Day 4
Journey to Cabo de la Vela while stopping by all the major landmarks of La Guajira along the way
No sleeping in today as we’ll depart from Riohacha bright and early to get on the road towards our next destination. Along the way, your guide will take you to the Manaure Salt Mountains, Uribia (Indigenous Capital of Colombia), the cactus forest, and a reedbed desert. After your arrival in Cabo de la Vela, you’ll also explore Pilon de Azucar (Sugar Pylon Hill), Ojo de Agua (Eye Water Beach), Turtle Beach, and finish out the day by watching the sunset at El Faro lighthouse. After a long day of travel, we’ll eat a fabulous dinner together and sleep in hammocks on the beach at one of the best natural lodges in Cabo.
Day 5
Splash in the turquoise water at Mayapo Beach and venture back to Santa Marta
On your final full day in Colombia, you’ll spend half the day at Mayapo Beach soaking in that vitamin D and exploring the gorgeous landscape. This is the place to take all the pictures you possibly can! When we’re ready to head out, we’ll grab lunch and make our way back to Santa Marta for our final night’s rest at the Masaya Hostel. Eat one last dinner with the group and toast to a magical experience!
Day 6
Put another trip in the books as we say goodbye to Colombia
What an incredible journey we’ve had over the last 5 days. It’s hard to believe it’s over! Have one final meal, take a dip in the hostel pool, and say goodbye to the new friends you’ve made along the way. Jump in your private transfer, head to the airport, and start envisioning your next travel journey. Until we meet again, be well and safe travels!
Accommodation
Taironaka Ecohotel (or similar according to availability)
Located on ancient Tayrona ruins in the middle of the jungle, you’ll find your first stop on this incredible adventure. Spend two nights in this nature sanctuary where indigenous culture is moved to the forefront and environmental impact is always taken into consideration. Enjoy the comfortable rooms, the jungle backdrop, and the stellar restaurant featuring flavor influences from around the world. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Bona Vida Hostels Riohacha (or similar according to availability)
Bona Vida is a boho, minimalist hostel that features comfortable rooms, shared baths, a pool, rooftop, and chill areas to make new friends. Leave your stuff in the shared dorm and check out the Riohacha area with great food deals through the hostel’s community network. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Apalanchii Lodging & Restaurant (or similar according to availability)
Have an experience like never before when you sleep under the stars in a hammock at Apalanchii Lodging. This eco-friendly place focuses on preserving the Wayúu culture and maintaining the land by serving food caught and harvested in the area. Sleep on the beach and observe the night sky in a whole new way! Room type: Multiple occupancy (in hammocks).
Masaya Hostel Santa Marta (or similar according to availability)
The Masaya Hostel in Santa Marta is located in historic downtown and is situated minutes away from the beach. You’ll find comfortable lodging, great food, and fun things to do at every turn. Jump in the pool, grab a cold drink, and let the good times roll! Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights in Taironaka Ecohotel (or similar)
- 1 night in Bona Vida Hostels Riohacha (or similar)
- 1 night in Apalanchii Lodging (or similar)
- 1 night in Masaya Hostel Santa Marta (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts and welcome dinner in Santa Marta
- 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner in La Guajira (typical food menus consist primarily of fish, chicken, and goat)
- Don Diego river tour
- Taironaka entrance fee
- Sightseeing tour of La Guajira
- Beach day at Mayapo Beach
- English guide that will tell you about the destination
- Transfer from airport to Don Diego River
- Ground transfer from your accommodation in Riohacha to start and end the trip, in a 4x4 vehicle with air-conditioning for up to 5 people.
- Transfer from Masaya Hostel Santa Marta to the airport
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Bed Upgrade at Apalanchii Lodging
Instead of a hammock, you have the option of sleeping in a bed during your stay in Cabo de la Vela at Apalanchii Lodging. Find a little more comfort in this remote area of Colombia by upgrading to a room on this unique trip experience.
Price: USD 25
20 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Enjoy the Caribbean fare of the eco-hostel infused with flavors from around the world. - Taironaka Website
- Santa Marta is a bustling port town with a rich and diverse history. - Unsplash: Oscar Ivan Esquivel Arteaga
- Discover new flavors at the eco-hostel's restaurant, featuring Caribbean fare with indigenous roots. - Taironaka Website
- The founders of this wonderful hostel bought the land not knowing just how much magic was resting in this ancient place. - Taironaka Website
- After purchase, the owners of the hostel realized the ancient structures spread throughout the land and had them excavated to preserve the indigenous heritage. - Taironaka Website
- Spend the morning in the Arhuaca community and learn about their customs and knowledge. - Awake Travel Website
- Hike through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and enjoy the lush backdrop of the jungle. - Unsplash: Giselle Cucunubá Manes
- Take a short hike through the jungle and spend the afternoon tubing down the river. - Taironaka Website
- Enjoy an idyllic float down the Don Diego River. - Taironaka Website
- Spend the afternoon with the Wayúu people creating traditional art that you can take home. - Awake Travel Website
- Learn about Wayúu culture and customs on this once-in-a-lifetime excursion. - Awake Travel Website
- Welcome to home number two, filled with colorful common spaces, comfy beds, and smiling faces. - Facebook
- Sleep comfortably in the Bona Vida Hostel's dorms and rest up for another day of adventure! - Facebook
- Welcome to Bona Vida Hostels in Riohacha! - Facebook
- Enjoy a dip in the pool after a day of exploration. - Facebook
- Sleep on the beach in hammocks and rekindle your love of nature during this unique experience. - Apalanchii Website
- Sleep like never before as you spend the night in a hammock on the shoreline at Apalanchii Lodging. - Apalanchii Website
- Apalanchii Lodging preserves the Wayuu culture and the environment through eco-friendly lodging and sustainable food practices. - Apalanchii Website
- Cabo de la Vela is known for its indigenous culture and its beaches, as it's a remote village that rests on the Caribbean shoreline. - Wikimedia Commons
- Explore the Manaure Salt Mountains on your trip from Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela. - Awake Travel Website
- Explore the Mayapo beaches and enjoy the pristine vistas where the land meets the sea. - Awake Travel Website
- Take some pics for the gram' and jump in the Azul waters of the Caribbean! - Awake Travel Website
- Soak up the chill vibes of the Mayapo beaches before we head back to Santa Marta. - Awake Travel Website
- Lay your head to rest at this comfy hostel on your final night in Colombia. - Masaya Website
- Enjoy your final night in Colombia at the Masaya Hostel Santa Marta. - Facebook
- Take a dip in the pool before you head home! - Facebook
- Welcome to the Taironaka Ecohostel, a place to reconnect with nature and learn about indigenous culture. - Awake Travel Website
- Enjoy the jungle backdrop and serene atmosphere of the Taironaka Ecohostel. - Awake Travel Website
- Upgrade from a hammock to a bed at Apalanchii Lodging. - Facebook