Northern Colombia in 10 Days: Guajira Peninsula, Tayrona National Park, and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Day 1: Riohacha - Los Flamencos Nature Sanctuary

Depart from your hotel in Riohacha and travel to a Wayuu family ranch in Camarones. Enjoy authentic lunch and head to Los Flamencos Nature Sanctuary, a designated wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy watching flamingos and other bird species as well as medicinal plants still used today in the indigenous communities. Back at the ranch, savor some local dishes for dinner before getting an insight into the Wayuu customs with a demonstration of the yonna, their traditional dance. Sleep at a chinchorroo, a "luxury" hammock handmade by the women of the community.

Walking time: 1-2 hrs

Includes: Room, Lunch, Dinner, Transport, Excursion, Driver

Day 2: Camarones - Manaure - Bahia Honda - Punta Aguja

Start the day with breakfast and head to the heart of La Guajira Desert, passing by Manaure, a salt-producing village, and Uribia, the indigenous capital of the region. Take a lunch stop at Pusheo and reach Bahia Honda in the afternoon, where you can stroll through the magnificent bay where the golden colors of the dunes meet the azure Caribbean Sea. Hop on a boat to Punta Aguja where you'll get to witness a sunset like no other and spend a peaceful night in.

Walking time: 4h – Transport: 4 to 5h - Accommodation: Chinchorro Wayuu

Includes: Room, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport, Driver

NOTE : You will be able to take a shower every day but please note that lavatories are very rustic: shower is to be taken with a bucket and a cup.

Day 3: Punta Aguja - Punta Gallinas

Wake up to the sound of nature and waves crashing and start your trek along Bahia Hondita, a gorgeous bay that houses a large colony of flamingos. Savor local lunch at a Wayuu rancheria and head to Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point in South America. You will then be hosted by a friendly local family for the next two nights.

Walking time: 4h from Posada + 1.5 h in the afternoon for the round trip to El Faro lighthouse - Accommodation: Chinchorro Wayuu

Included: Room, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport, Driver

Day 4: Taroa Dune

Learn more about the local traditions from the women of your host family! Learn backpack weaving, facial painting, beliefs, and dialect. If you want, you can also give a hand in the kitchen and help with the cooking. After lunch, start your trek to the stunning Dunes of Taroa. The temperature is hot and the sun hits hard in the area, but the trek will be worth it. The slope of the sandy mountain is steep, and its summit affords a view of the Caribbean Sea you won't soon forget. Walk by the dunes and enjoy free time on the beach before going back to the ranch on a 4x4.

Walking time: 3.5h – Transport: 1h - Accommodation: Chinchorro Wayuu

Included: Room, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport, Driver

Day 5: Bahia Hondita - Riohacha - Tayrona National Natural Park

Get up early and join your host family as they go fishing! Learn about this task that's part of the locals' daily lives before returning to the ranch for a delicious breakfast. Bid farewell to your hosts and board a boat then 4x4 to Riohacha. Stop for lunch at Uribia and then arrive at Riohacha, where you will then board another private vehicle to Tayrona National Natural Park.

Transport: 5-6h - Accommodation: Maloka Barlovento Hotel or similar

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Transport, Driver, Dinner, Room

Day 6: Tayrona National Natural Park

Spend the entire day on a trekking tour of this northern Colombian park, home to some of the most virgin coastal landscapes in the entire country. Hike in the tropical foothills near Playa Cañaveral, at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains then continue to the exotic Arrecifes Beach. Venture further to the beaches of Arenilla, La Piscina, and finally, Cabo San Juan Del Guia, a postcard-perfect white sand beach surrounded by large volcanic rocks. After spending some time here, head back to the park entrance along the same path, and take a bus back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Hiking time: 5h - Accommodation: Maloka Barlovento Hotel or similar

Included: Excursion, Entrance fees, Bilingual guide ENG, Guide expenses, Transport, Breakfast, Dinner, Room

Day 7: Tayrona National Natural Park

Today, you'll have the rest of the day at your leisure in Tayrona National Natural Park. Go swimming and snorkeling, hiking on the many trails of the park, and/or horse riding. You'll get to appreciate nature at its finest at your own pace and time. Head back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Maloka Barlovento Hotel or similar

Included: Breakfast, dinner, room

Day 8: Tayrona National Natural Park - Santa Marta - El Dorado Nature Reserve

Depart early in the morning for Santa Marta then El Dorado Nature Reserve. At 1,900m above sea level in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, near Minca, this reserve has the largest concentration of endemic species in Colombia, with 23 species found nowhere else. See Anthocephala floriceps (Santa Marta Blossomcrown), the Santa Marta Antbird, the Coppery Emerald, the Orange-chinned Parakeet, the Golden-olive Woodpecker, and more! Enjoy local lunch at the reserve then continue your bird-watching session for the rest of the day. During winter, it is possible to see migratory species from the North of the American continent, such as the Black-throated Green Warbler, the Summer Tanager, the Swainson's Thrush, or the Cerulean warbler.

Accommodation: El Dorado Nature Reserve

Included: Transport, Room, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Excursion, Bilingual guide ENG

Day 9: Santa Marta - Cuchilla de San Lorenzo

Today, you'll discover Cuchilla San Lorenzo, the cloud forest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Drive through a winding, bumpy road to your destination and witness the impressive natural beauty of the surroundings: the stunning landscape and the lush flora and fauna. You'll have a sumptuous local lunch in the village of Bella Vista, then visit the best spots to go birdwatching. There's a big chance you'll see birds like White-tailed Starfrontlet, the Rusty-headed Spinetail, the Band-tailed Guan, the Groove-billed Toucanet, the Strong-billed Woodcreeper, the White-lored Warbler, and many others. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Accommodation: El Dorado Nature Reserve - Transport: 2.5h

Included: Room, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transport, Excursion

Day 10: Minca - Santa Marta

Leave for Santa Marta early in the morning while stopping along the way to try to see the different bird species, or to watch those already seen in this amazing biologically diverse area of the region.

Transport: 2.5h

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Transport, Excursion

Includes

• Transportation, meals and activities as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional local guides
• Our assistance 24/7

Excludes

• Visa and visa application fees
• Immunizations
• Personal expenses
  
• Tips and gratuities
• Medical and repatriation insurance
  
• VAT for Colombians and Residents in Colombia
  
• Meals, accommodation, and activities not specified