Do you want to know a unique ecotourism destination in Colombia, considered the heart of the world? Where four native indigenous peoples live in total harmony, preserving nature and protecting their territory based on their millenary culture.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the most impressive regions of South America, this mountain range is located on the Caribbean coast, between the departments of Magdalena, Guajira and Cesar; it is home to numerous ecosystems of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.
It starts at 0 masl and ends with its snow-capped peaks Colon and Bolivar, located at an altitude of 5,775 masl; in this mountain system are born many crystalline rivers that form magical and ancestral waterfalls and lagoons, lush forests and a lot of biodiversity.
If you are a lover of hiking and ecotourism, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a destination you can not miss, there are many settlements and archaeological ruins of the ancient Tayrona peopleconnected by hiking and trekking trails; this region offers a unique and exciting experience for those who seek adventure and connect with nature.
Our tours in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are designed to give you an unforgettable experience from start to finish; exclusive activities such as hiking, ecotourism, bird watching and indigenous tourism.
The Sierra Nevada in Santa Marta is located on the north coast of Colombia, between the departments of Magdalena, La Guajira and El Cesar; it has a total extension of 21158 square kilometers that are limited by it:
North, with the Caribbean Sea, from the mouth of the Cordoba River in the Magdalena, to the mouth of the Rancheria River in the department of La Guajira.
West, with the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, between Río Frío and Río Ariguani.
Southwest, with the valley formed by the Cesar River, Ranchería River and the Serranía del Perijá, an arm where the Andes Mountain Range ends.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a treasure trove of biodiversity, a majestic mountain range located on the northern coast of Colombia that is home to a variety of ecosystems ranging from lush tropical forests to snow-capped peaks.
Here, wildlife flourishes in all its splendor, making the Sierra Nevada one of the favorite natural settings for tourists who love bird watching and a variety of endemic and endangered species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet.
Discover the culture, cosmovision and ways of life of the native Indians (elder brothers), a unique community in the world where past and present are intertwined in history.
This imposing mountain rises like a sacred territory for indigenous communities that have inhabited this place for centuries; the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are known as the Guardians of the Heart of the World, due to their deep respect for nature and their spiritual connection with mother earth.
These indigenous communities are direct descendants of the ancient TayronaThe native Indians are currently distributed in the following ethnic groups Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo, peoples who have preserved their culture and ancestral traditions throughout the centuries, making the Sierra Nevada a true cultural and intangible treasure of humanity.
You want to explore ancient indigenous settlements, converted over time into archaeological ruins where tourists will learn about the history and ancestral cultures that have inhabited the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Ciudad Perdida Tayrona is one of the most visited archaeological attractions annually by tourists, mostly foreigners..
The Kogui Indians are an ancestral community that inhabits the high part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this people have preserved their millenary traditions, their culture and the deep spiritual bond with nature because they are very conservative of their territory, they do not easily allow the entrance of other people or indigenous people of other ethnicities to their communities.
For the Kogui, every river, mountain and forest has a sacred energy; daily life is impregnated with rituals and pagamentos; the ancestral knowledge of this community is based on harmony with mother earth.
The Mamos, spiritual leaders and ancestral sages of the Kogui community, play a fundamental role in the transmission of knowledge and the making of important decisions; they are considered intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Meeting the Kogui is a unique experience, being able to interact with this community and learn from their ancestral wisdom will allow you to understand the importance of preserving our cultural roots.
The Wiwa Indians, also known as Arzarios or Malayos, are one of the ancestral communities that inhabit the lower-middle part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, on the northern coast of Colombia; these Indians have a rich and diverse culture, and their way of life is deeply rooted in the connection with nature and spirituality.
These are located in various parts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the Kogui Malayo Arhuaco Resguardo, which is located in the foothills of the Ranchería River and the basins of the Cesar and Badillo rivers.
In Magdalena they are located mainly in communities such as Kemakumake and Gotsezhy; another part of this indigenous population lives in the Campo Alegre Resguardo, located in the Perijá mountain range, in the municipality of Becerril, in the department of Cesar.
The Wiwa have preserved their traditions for generations, preserving their cultural identity and their close relationship with nature, considering the Sierra Nevada as a source of ancestral wisdom.
The Arhuaco indigenous people, also known as Iku, Ika, Ijka or Ijku, are one of the oldest indigenous communities in Colombia; these natives have inhabited the upper reaches of the Aracataca, Fundación and Ariguaní rivers in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and settlements can also be found in the Palomino and Don Diego river basins.
The Arhuaco Indians are one of the ancestral communities of the Sierra Nevada that have maintained their traditions and culture over time, preserving their language, way of life and worldview; the Mamos Arhuacos are spiritual and wise leaders who play a fundamental role in the community, transmitting the ancestral legacy and guiding their people in making important decisions.
The traditional knowledge of the Arhuacos is based on the cosmovision, harmony and balance with Mother Earth; through their rituals and pagamentos, they seek to maintain order and cultural reciprocity in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The Kankuamos live in northern Colombia in the Sierra Nevada and are located mostly in the departments of Cesar and Guajira; they are also located in cities such as Bogotá.
The Kankuamos Indians are one of the 4 ethnic groups that inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, they share this territory in harmony with the Wiwas, Koguis and Arhuacos, it is noted that this community is very open to people and have mixed a lot with the settlers (people considered younger brothers).
In short, they are the indigenous community of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta that has lost most of its culture and traditions, many of its members no longer wear traditional dress and this is because they have crossed paths with non-indigenous people.
Handicrafts are also a prominent part of the Kankuamos, who are skilled in the creation of weavings, basketry and ceramics, which reflect their cultural identity; these crafts, with their colorful designs and traditional techniques, are considered a manifestation of the creative and cultural spirit of the community.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a destination that captivates with its natural beauty, biodiversity and ancestral culture.
Don't hesitate to travel and explore this magnificent mountain in Colombia!
The Lost City of Teyuna
are archaeological ruins of an ancient pre-Columbian city built by the ancient Tayrona Indians in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta; it is considered one of the most important archaeological treasures in Latin America and an invaluable cultural treasure.
The Lost City of Santa Marta
It was declared a national monument by the Colombian government and today has become the largest tourist attraction within the archaeological inventory that represents indigenous tourism in Colombia.
Today, the Lost City Tayrona is accessible to those adventurers willing to embark on a challenging trek through the jungle; the round trip takes approximately four days and requires a tour guide and a good physical condition, as it involves crossing rivers, climbing steep slopes and traversing difficult terrain.
In order to visit the Lost City in Santa Marta, it is mandatory to hire a tour with a travel agency, so Poporo Tours will be your host in this new adventure, every step is worth it, because visitors mostly foreigners are rewarded with the opportunity to marvel at the majesty of this ancient sacred place.
Minca is a charming coffee-growing town located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, known for its natural beauty, cool climate and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for hiking and ecotourism enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions of Minca is its high quality coffee, there are several coffee farms in the surroundings where you can learn about the coffee production process and enjoy a fresh and delicious cup.
Minca offers a variety of outdoor tourism activities, such as hiking on ecological trails, visits to waterfalls and crystal clear rivers, visits to indigenous villages and wildlife viewing.
Among the most popular places of interest in Minca are La Tagua, La Victoria hacienda, the Marinka waterfalls, Pozo Azul and the Los Pinos viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area.
La Tagua is also a perfect destination to relax and connect with nature; whether enjoying a hike in the mountains, taking a dip in a refreshing waterfall or simply contemplating the panoramic views, this charming town will provide you with an unforgettable experience amidst the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Explore the wonders of Santa Marta visiting the impressive viewpoints of San Lorenzo and Cerro Kennedy, these destinations are located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, viewpoints that will give you a perfect view of the majestic foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the extensive large swamp and the imposing snow-capped peaks of Colon and Bolivar.
To get to San Lorenzo and Cerro Kennedy, we recommend hiring a 4×4 vehicle in Minca and travel by dirt road, you can also hire a motorcycle equipped for trail; the ascent will take approximately 2 hours by dirt road, but it will be worth every minute.
Once you are at the viewpoints, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest, take a walk and breathe fresh air while you immerse yourself in direct contact with nature. In addition, you will have the opportunity to appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes offered by the highest coastal mountain in the world, with the sea stretching into the distance.
For photography and trekking lovers, these viewpoints are also a true paradise, as they can capture spectacular images and videos of nature, the sea and the imposing Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
