The Caribbean Coast and Lost City

Arrive at the Riohacha Airport and meet your transfer to the Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna Los Flamencos. Here, you will tour the Navio Quebrado Lagoon and view different local species of birds, before sharing a traditional lunch with locals. Afterwards, you will transfer to your hotel to check in and spend the afternoon exploring Riohacha.

Today you will begin the tour by driving to "La Guajira," the exotic desert region in the northernmost part of Colombia. This expansive and captivating arid territory is inhabited by the Wayuu Indians and is characterized by open landscapes bordered by the Caribbean Ocean, where roads lack both names and numbers. The journey is quite challenging, and transportation for the day involves 4WD vehicles (3.5 hour transfer).

The first stop takes you to the village of Uribía, the indigenous hub of La Guajira, where you will explore this significant center of Wayuu culture. After, you will proceed to your accommodation for the night in Cabo de La Vela.

In the afternoon, a hike to the Pilón de Azúcar awaits, which is a sacred site for the Wayuu community. You'll also visit the rainbow beach and take a brief walk to the lighthouse for views of Guajira's sunset. Enjoy some free time at the Dorada and Ojo de Agua beaches before returning to the Ranchería.

Following breakfast, you will set out for Manaure to explore the Wayuu's salt ponds and witness the traditional technique of salt extraction, guided by a community leader. There will be time to engage with the community at the Wualapuinje ranch, where you can gain insights into rituals and traditions. After a delightful local lunch, you will begin the return journey toward Riohacha.

The route traverses the desert, possibly over a salt flat if it is dry enough, and then follows the railroad until reaching Cuatro Caminos. From there, it's a short 1.5-2 hours to Riohacha. The final destination is Santa Marta city, approximately 2 hours from the state border. The afternoon will be yours to savor the city at your leisure.

After breakfast, take a 3-hour tour of the city of Santa Marta. This was the first town established by Spanish settlers in Colombia in 1534. Walk through the crowded downtown streets of the colonial areas. Visit the Santa Marta Cathedral, the oldest church in Colombia, where Simon Bolivar was initially buried (His body was eventually moved to his birthplace in Caracas). You’ll also learn more about the native culture of the surrounding areas at the gold museum. End your tour with the Plaza Bolivar, the pier, and the seaside promenade. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure or relax in the hotel.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and travel in 4-wheel drive vehicles, following the coast to the northeast. After about an hour, the paved road ends and the off-road adventure begins. Another hour after you leave the paved road, you’ll come to El Mamey, or Machete Pelado, village (150 m/492‘). Stop here for lunch and then begin your hike to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida).

Today’s hike is exposed to the elements, so be sure to pack plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather. You will be offered tropical fruit along your hike to help give you energy. Take the trail along the Quebrada del Alto Mamey River, which is a gentle one-hour walk before the path climbs steeply up to the El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Pause here to appreciate the fantastic view overlooking the Buritaca River and the town of Mamey. Descend from the pass for 1.5 hours to the Donde Adan Lodge, which awaits you in a beautiful location beside the Quebrada Honduras River. A dip in the natural pool by the lodge is very refreshing after a day of hiking. Spend the night in a hammock at the lodge.

Begin by hiking to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’) via a gentle and well-marked trail. Along the way, you’ll cross into protected land that’s controlled by the Kogi indigenous tribe. There are also Wiwa Indians settled in these valleys that run some of the hikers’ lodges. Notice how the landscape changes from farmland to a more natural and well-preserved wilderness as you enter the protected areas.

After crossing the Mumake Pass, descend quickly to the Buritaca River (430 m/1,411’), where you’ll see the Kogi settlement called Montangi and get a glimpse of their way of life. Continue hiking for about an hour, then cross the river via a hanging bridge and begin the ascent to the Koskunguena Pass (824 m/2,703’). On the other side of the pass, you’ll descend once again to the Buritaca River (743 m/2,438’) and cross the river one last time. Follow the riverbank to El Paraiso lodge (870 m/2,854’), where you can swim in the river before spending the night sleeping in hammocks.

Another early start for an exciting day! Initially, the trail follows the right bank of the Buritaca River, then after a short distance, crosses to the other side. Here you’ll see the ancient stairs that climb steeply up to the Lost City of the Tayrona (1,175 m/3,855’). Climbing these steps is like traveling back in time as you draw closer to this astounding archaeological site. The original name of the city was Teyuna, and it is all that remains of the lost Tayrona civilization. Spend 4 hours touring the area and learning about the culture and architecture of the city. It is believed that the Kogi people descended from the Tayrona people, and you may also be able to visit the home of a Kogi Mamo, or shaman, during your tour.

After the tour, return to El Paraiso lodge for lunch, then follow the same trail back toward the Mumake Pass. At the foot of the pass, spend the night at the Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’).

Complete your Lost City trek today. Immediately after leaving the Mumake Lodge, hike up to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’). After crossing the pass, descend again to the Quebrada Honduras River then climb once again up to El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Continue walking to reach the end of the trail in the town of El Mamey (150 m/492’). Eat lunch here in town, then drive for about 2-2.5 hours to reach your next hotel.

Spend today touring Tayrona National Park, which is one of Colombia’s best-known natural parks. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Colombia nestled into the foothills of the world’s tallest coastal mountain range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This park ranks second in Colombia for annual visits and it is easy to see why. The park area (150 square kilometers of land and 30 square kilometers of sea) protects tremendous biodiversity as well as archaeological ruins such as Pueblito.

Take a light hike from the main parking area, following the coastline to see iconic locations such as Arrecife’s area, La Piscina beach, and El Cabo San Juan, all within 2 hours of hiking. Spend a peaceful day enjoying the beaches and natural areas. Enjoy traditionally prepared fish for lunch. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for the last night of your tour.

Sadly, your Exploring the Caribbean Tour has reached its end. Transfer to the Santa Marta Airport takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. Have a pleasant journey!