New Experiences in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is home to unique communities and landscapes, and at Kiubo Colombia Travel we’re adding two new options for travelers interested in learning about the region’s history and traditions: the Gotsezhy Trek and the Bunkuany Tayrona Route.
Both tours combine light hiking with cultural insight. The two-day Gotsezhy Trek visits a Wiwa village, where travelers can observe daily life, hear from a spiritual leader, and take part in simple cultural activities. The full-day Bunkuany Tayrona Route follows an archaeological path used by the Kogui people, offering visits to sacred sites, panoramic viewpoints, and the remains of ancient terraces.
Below you’ll find more details about each experience.
Trekking Gotsezhy
Day 1
Departure from Santa Marta is at 8:30 a.m. by van or 4×4 vehicle to the Gotsezhy Refuge in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Around 9:45 a.m. we arrive in the hamlet of Guachaca, the starting point of the trek. Here, the indigenous guide will introduce the route.
The trek to the Wiwa indigenous village of Gotsezhy takes approximately three hours, passing through rural and indigenous areas. Upon arrival, you’ll observe the surroundings and everyday life of the community: their traditional homes, school, and Wiwa families. Then we’ll walk another 15 minutes to the Gotsezhy Refuge, where the Mamo (spiritual leader) will welcome us with a short talk and present a wristband as a symbol of protection.
After a rest, planned activities will follow. Depending on arrival time, we’ll visit the Matuna Waterfall either before or after lunch. The hike to the waterfall takes about 15 minutes. There, you can enjoy the scenery and bathe under a waterfall of more than 10 meters. After returning to the Refuge, you’ll explore the surroundings and have time to learn more about Wiwa culture and traditions. The day ends with a talk by the indigenous guide, dinner, and accommodation in beds or hammocks.
Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll participate in a cultural activity to learn about the processing of fique, a natural fiber used in traditional weaving. The community will show us how they transform it into crafts such as bags, wristbands, and other handmade items. You’ll also see examples of their work and learn about its cultural significance.
At midday lunch will be served, and after a short rest, we’ll begin the return trek to Guachaca, where the vehicle will be waiting to transfer us back to Santa Marta or to the next destination.
Included: travel insurance, native indigenous guide, full meals, snacks and fruit during the trek, contribution to the Indigenous Community, transportation to and from Santa Marta, accommodation in hammocks or beds, entry to the Archaeological Park.
Not included: personal expenses and tips, flights to/from Santa Marta, airport taxes, services not mentioned in the program.
Full Day Bunkuany Trail
The Bunkuany Tayrona route connects with the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and allows us to discover the ancestral culture of the Kogui indigenous people while enjoying beautiful landscapes.
Total route length: 10 kilometers
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum altitude: 0–950 meters above sea level
Relative humidity: 85%
We will depart early in a 4x4 vehicle to the town of Bonda, a region rich in history. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the old chapel and an indigenous monument to learn about the Tayrona cultural legacy. After a 30-minute drive, we’ll reach the Donama Stones, a sacred site known by indigenous communities as “the heart of the world.”
We’ll continue in our vehicle for approximately 60 minutes to the Boquerón area, passing through the villages of La Lisa and Río Piedras. From there, we’ll begin a 30-minute uphill hike until we reach 950 meters above sea level. From this point, we’ll enjoy panoramic views and then descend for approximately 1 hour through forest corridors and farms to the Bunkuany archaeological site, interacting with the local flora and fauna.
At the Bunkuany site, we’ll explore terraces, walls, plants, and sacred offering places (pagamento). After lunch, we’ll continue our descent through the Santa Teresa stream forest until we reach the parking area at Hotel Madre Sierra, where our vehicle will be waiting for the return trip to Santa Marta (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes).
Included: Private ground transportation, English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance to the archaeological site, mentioned experiences, community contributions, medical assistance.
Not included: Expenses not specified in the itinerary
