New Experiences in the Colombian Caribbean

During our recent scouting trip through the Colombian Caribbean, we discovered authentic experiences that we’re excited to share with you. These new options connect travelers with the region’s natural and cultural richness, from jungle hikes and visits to Indigenous communities to cacao processing and hidden waterfalls.

Here are three new products we’re already including in our itineraries:

Full Day La Danta Waterfall and Chocolate Experience

After breakfast, we head with our guide to the Guachaca area, located along the coastal road connecting the departments of Magdalena and La Guajira. There, together with a local guide, we begin a trek to discover La Danta Waterfall—named by locals in honor of the tapir, an animal that used to inhabit the region. This 3-kilometer trail winds along the river, allowing us to enjoy the sounds of nature and see banana, mango, and avocado plantations, as well as crystal-clear streams that adorn the landscape. Upon reaching the waterfall, we’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Sierra Nevada, and we’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip, rest, and enjoy local fruits and snacks.

After the break, we head back to the starting point and travel by vehicle to our next destination: the La Fortuna cocoa farm. Before arriving, we make a short stop for lunch (not included). After lunch, we reach the San Rafael area, get off the vehicle, and walk for about 5 minutes to the farm entrance, crossing the Piedras River. A member of the local farming family welcomes us and introduces us to their cocoa-based enterprise.

We begin the tour exploring plantations of soursop, avocado, mango, papaya, and, of course, cocoa. We’ll learn about the various types of cocoa grown on the farm, their planting, growth, care, harvest, and transformation into chocolate—key steps in producing a high-quality, 100% organic chocolate.

We’ll actively take part in the chocolate-making process: drying, roasting, and grinding the beans until we obtain a chocolate bar. We’ll also enjoy a fresh juice made from seasonal fruit and a chocolate-based dessert. To wrap up, we apply a chocolate facial mask and experience the many benefits it offers to the skin. After this unique experience, we walk back across the Piedras River and return by vehicle to the hotel.

Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Waterfall trek: Approx. 7 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: Approx. 130–150 m
Minimum Altitude: Approx. 30–40 m
Important: To reach the cocoa farm, you must cross the Piedras River. Wear clothes and shoes suitable for getting wet.

Visit to the Indigenous Kogui Community Tayku

Today, we embark on an unforgettable journey to Tayku, a charming Kogui community nestled on the temperate slopes of the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This community is one of the four indigenous peoples inhabiting the region, concentrated on the northern slope near the Don Diego, Palomino, and Ancho rivers.

We begin our adventure from the hotel, taking the fascinating coastal road to Calabazo, located at 130 meters above sea level. Here, we start our hike, entering a trail that immerses us in a lush tropical forest. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of ascent, we arrive at Tayku, where we will be welcomed by the warmth of a Kogui indigenous person to learn about this small community, which has around 15 huts, including its emblematic ceremonial house. One of the most special moments will be the welcome by the MAMO, the highest authority of the community, who will share with us their customs and offer us an enriching cultural exchange.
At the end of our interaction with the community, we will begin the descent back to Calabazo. From there, we will head to Playa Los Cocos, a beautiful paradise where we can relax by the sea and enjoy a delicious lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we will board our vehicle and return to our hotel.

Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Trekking to the community: Approximately 3.6 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 501 m
Minimum Altitude: Approximately 104 m

Tayrona Trekking: Calabazo – Tayku – Cabo San Juan – Cañaveral

We depart from our hotel to take the scenic coastal road and reach the town of Calabazo (130 m.a.s.l.), where we enter Tayrona National Natural Park. Our trail takes us deep into the tropical forest, where we can observe local flora and fauna. After approximately 1.5 hours of walking, we arrive at Tayku, a small settlement of Kogui indigenous families—one of the four indigenous peoples living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Upon arrival, a Kogui guide will accompany us through this small community, showing us the ceremonial house, their crops, and teaching us about the fique cultivation process, fiber extraction, spinning, and weaving used to make their traditional mochilas.
We will then be welcomed by the MAMO (the highest authority of the community) for a brief cultural exchange.
After the visit, we continue our trek toward Cabo San Juan Beach, a hike of about 3 hours. We arrive at the Boca del Saco area and then emerge at Cabo San Juan Beach. Here, you may choose to have lunch (not included), enjoy the beach, and rest.
After the break, we continue our walk along the coastal paths of the park, passing through La Piscina Natural—so named for its coral reef barrier that reveals local marine life—then Playa Arenillas, and finally Playa Arrecifes. After approximately 1.5 hours of walking, we reach the Cañaveral sector, where a vehicle awaits to return us to the hotel.

Note: The hike through Tayrona National Park can be long and demanding, with a medium to high difficulty level depending on your physical condition. The trail includes ascents and descents over stones, stairs, and wooden planks, through a tropical forest with very high heat and humidity. Be sure to wear proper footwear (sports shoes), sunscreen, and a hat.
Swimming in Arrecifes Beach is strictly prohibited due to strong currents and waves.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours, including 6–7 hours of walking
Distance: Approx. 17 km
Difficulty: Medium/High
Maximum Altitude: Approx. 501 m
Minimum Altitude: Approx. 5 m

We also offer other combinations of these activities, which can be adapted to each traveler’s needs and timing. If you have any questions or want to include one of these in your programs, feel free to contact your incoming manager.