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NATIVE EXPEDITIONS
Biological, cultural and adventure expeditions
THE NATIVE EXPEDITION
Trekking, adventure, cultural and biological Expedition Sierra Nevada Santa Marta
Clouds ocean
Mar de nubes! Sierra nevada de santa marta
Land of waterfalls!
Sunrise at La Lujana farm
Clouds ocean
Mar de nubes! Sierra nevada de santa marta
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A group of farmers decided to leave behind activities that negatively impact the environment, such as intensive agriculture and livestock, and shift their focus to Colombia hiking tours. These families realized that their home, located in the Sierra Nevada, is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural experiences, making it one of the best hiking destinations in Colombia. Now, they want to share this paradise and everything it offers with the rest of the world. This trek stands out from other jungle tours in Colombia, which are often overcrowded with visitors. Here, you’ll find pristine wildlife, ancient rainforests, stunning waterfalls, friendly locals, and breathtaking views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea, offering a true Sierra Nevada Colombia hiking experience.
Of course, reaching the most beautiful places requires significant effort, including hiking along steep slopes, grassy fields, forests, and mountains. As such, it is essential to consider hiking in Colombia safety and to be in good physical and mental condition. Your hard work will be rewarded at the end of each day when we are warmly welcomed, dine, and sleep in the homes of local farmers, where we will engage in a meaningful cultural exchange.
"The Clouds' Palace" farm, one of the peasant houses where we will be received at the end of each day.
Tropical Cloudy Forest Ecosystem - from 1.500 meters high
The Lazo family, one of the peasant families that are part of this initiative. Mrs. Yaneth (on the right) is head-family mother.
2 Days trip: Discovering the Chorrerón waterfall:
This 2-day trip. it is a level option: Moderate.
Day 1:
We'll pick you up at 08:00 from your location. A bit more than 1 hour by car. Approximately 8 Km walking, descending from a height of 1400m to 990m, passing between forests and crops to a small village of peasants, where we will spend the rest of the day calmly, exploring the surroundings a little bit and learning about coffee crops and beekeeping, but mainly knowing the local family and then to us in the humble farm.
Day 2:
An early start (07:30), we will visit El Chorrerón waterfall, (1,5 Km). After that we'll cross the river twice and then we returning to the main road using a 2,4 Km alternative trail that will take us to the pick up point (1500 m.a.s.l.); then we headind to Minca village to get a very deserved lunch. We end around 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m back in Santa Marta.
3 Days trip: Awesome view points!
This 3-day trip. it is a level option: Hard.
With around 34 Km of walking in total, this option offers the most panoramic views since many parts of the path pass through open areas at very high mountain points.
Day 1.
Starting at 06:00 AM from your location in Santa Marta, 40 minutes by car, and 1,5 hours by motorcycle until the starting point, then, we'll begin the hike starting from 950 Meters high during 8,5 Km and until reaching a peak of 2.200 Meters high in La Lujana Farm where we will have a lunch. After lunch, we'll continue hiking 2,5 Km to Clouds Palace (1.600 m.a.s.l.) a humble and welcoming farm where we will spend the night.
Day 2.
We'll wake up at 5:30 AM to see our first incredible sunrise! At 7:00 AM, we'll have breakfast, and by 7:30 AM, we'll be ready to go again! We start with a 2 km descent, reaching the lowest point (1,200 Meters above sea level), then ascend another 7 km to 2,300 M. A. S. L., through the Cloud Forest Trail. Our final destination is Altos De La Sierra lodge, where we'll spend the night and have the opportunity to rest until late.
Day 3.
After so many kilometers of hiking through mountains, forests, rivers, and rocky paths with amazing views, we'll have the chance to sleep in before starting our final 6 km descent to end our journey. We'll wake up at 6:00 AM to see our second breathtaking sunrise, but this is optional, as we'll have until 10:30 AM to have breakfast and rest before departing.
Just 2.6 km before finishing, we'll stop for lunch at Finca Santa Elena, known for preparing one of the most delicious traditional dishes of the region! After that, and 2.6 km later, we will have finished our journey and head to your next accommodation.
4 Days trip: Path Of Waterfalls
This 4-day trip. it is a level option: Experts.
Day 1:
Departing at 5:30 AM from your location in Santa Marta, a 2.5-hour drive to La Tagua (7:30 AM) at 1,550 m above sea level. The adventure begins here! The 17 km trek includes 6 km downhill, 5 km almost flat, 3 km uphill, 2.5 km downhill, and 0.5 km uphill. We reach our first lodge, Los Jaguares, around 1:00 PM, a cozy coffee and cattle farm run by Pablo and Ana Elsa.
Day 2:
Wake up at 7:00 AM to witness the sun rising over the mountains. After breakfast, at 9:00 AM, we begin our 6.5 km trek through tropical jungle and coffee plantations, encountering three beautiful waterfalls: Ñymejam Fall, La Miel Waterfall, and El Café Waterfall. Around 1:00 PM, we arrive at El Palacio De Las Nubes, hosted by Jesus Antonio and Ana Dennis. We will rest, enjoy this beautiful place, have dinner, and sleep.
Day 3:
We'll wake up at 5:30 AM to see our first incredible sunrise! At 7:00 AM, we'll have breakfast, and by 7:30 AM, we'll be ready to go again! We start with a 2 km descent, reaching the lowest point (1,200 m above sea level), then ascend another 7 km to 2,300 m above sea level, through the Cloud Forest Trail. Our final destination is Altos De La Sierra lodge, where we'll spend the night and have the opportunity to rest until late.
Day 4:After so many kilometers of hiking through mountains, forests, rivers, and rocky paths with amazing views, we'll have the chance to sleep in before starting our final 6 km descent to end our journey. We'll wake up at 6:00 AM to see our second breathtaking sunrise, but this is optional, as we'll have until 10:30 AM to have breakfast and rest before departing. Just 2.6 km before finishing, we'll stop for lunch at Finca Santa Elena, known for preparing one of the most delicious traditional dishes of the region! After that, and 2.6 km later, we will have finished our journey and head to your next accommodation.
The peasant and indigenous families are part of and contributed to the creation of the Native Experience Expeditions. On your part, by choosing this experience you will be contributing to the local community’s development as well as and the environmental protection of a region. From the enterprising peasant community, all of us will strive to give you a great experience, like making this expedition exclusively yours (along with your partner/companions - unless another group of people schedules their expedition around your dates). You will also enjoy the traditional food of the region during your stay in the peasant houses.
The Wiwa community agreed to help us by giving us permission to visit their land of beautiful landscapes and to give us a hand in case of emergency. Equally we must show respect and kindness during our journey through their land.
Costs Per Person
(The costs are for at least 2 people, if you want to made the expedition only you, just ask!)
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2 days trip: $1.250.000 COP
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3 days trip: $1.950.000 COP
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4 days trip: $2.350.000 COP
It includes
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Transportation (Taxi inside the city and motorcycle or 4x4 car from 4 people in the rural area) from your location in Santa Marta.
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Meals (except first day breakfast and last day dinner).
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Lodging.
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1 Mule/horse transport support.
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Health insurance.
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Guide.
Recommendations
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Headlamp (with new batteries).
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Comfortable backpack.
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Rain protection for clothing and electronic devices (bags or backpack cover).
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Trekking boots / trail shoes.
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Flip flops.
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Long trekking pants.
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Pajamas.
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Waterproof jacket or umbrella.
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Protection against the sun (hat or cream sunscreen).
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1L capacity bottle.
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Personal hygiene items.
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Medication Kit for personal use for possible emergencies (cold, diarrhea, muscle aches, etc.).
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Insect repellent.
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Report us about your health problems, allergies and/or injuries you have.
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