Reconnecting with Nature in Santa Marta and La Guajira

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!