Amerindian
Colombia
This 7-day adventure covers two of the most authentic experiences of Colombia: The Lost City Trek and Punta Gallinas.
Visit the land of the Tayrona people in one of the most amazing treks of South America complete this journey with a visit Wayuu while enjoying stunning views of the wild landscapes combining blue beaches and desert, far away of the beaten track.
Itinerary
Day 1. Santa Marta – Camp Site #1
We will depart from Santa Marta and ride in a jeep for about 45 minutes on the highway. After a short stop, we turn off the highway, up a dirt track into the mountains to reach Machete. Lunch and a short swim to cool off and hike a steep uphill grade for around 45 minutes before a long descent into the valley where Campsite #1, is located.
(L& D/ ½ day hiking to Adán – 7.6 km (4.7 mi)
1,900 ft ascent, 900 ft descent)
Day 2. Adan- Camp site # 3
Today’s 15 Kms journey takes you through a varied landscape, deeper into the tropical jungle, across rivers and past a couple of Kogi villages. We will walk uphill and across some beautiful terrain, including some local farms. After a jump in a swimming hole and lunch at Camp Site #2 we will continue to Camp Site #3, located only 1km downhill from the Lost City.
(B,L,D/14.7 km -9.1 mi 3500 ft ascent, 2000 ft descent)
Day 3. The Lost City
We set off at dawn and enjoy the Lost City in the softest light and coolest air possible. We will climb up the 1,200 stone stairs that ascend to the terraces of the city above reaching the lower chambers of Teyuna, aka The Lost City. It is believed that this was a capital city built by the Tayrona civilization in 800 A.D., approximately 600 years before the Incas built Machu Picchu in Peru. After lunch we will head to Campsite #2 for overnight.
(B,L,D/12 km -7.5 miles, 1800 ft ascent, 3500 ft descent)
Day 4. Camp Site # 2 – Palomino
We will start early again and after a stop for fruit at the first campsite and a jump in the swimming hole, we’ll find ourselves back in Machete, for lunch.
We will drive to Palomino to end this exciting trek, and check in in a nice hotel with swiming pool to get ready for our next adventure: Punta Gallinas
(B,L/½ day hiking to El Mamey, Drive to Palomino
12.7 km (7.9 mi) 2200 ft ascent, 3000 ft descent)
Day 5. Santa Marta-Punta Gallinas.
We depart early from Palomino heading to La Guajira peninsula, The entire region is inhabited by the Wayuu people who have lived there for hundreds of years and is considered sacred. .After breakfast we will visit Manaure salt flats, Colombia’s largest salt complex and have a guided tour to learn about the process of extraction.
After crossing the majestic Guajira desert in a 4×4 vehicle journey and reach Cabo de la Vela, we will have lunch + relaxation before visiting Playa Dorada and Pilón de Azúcar beaches and enjoy a fascinating sunset from the lighthouse. We will overnight in a Wayuu shelter and known as Rancherias to spend the night in hammocks, with dinner included.
Day 6. Punta Gallinas- Dunas de Taroa
We leave around 8:00 am, heading north through the desert passing by to the Wind Park or Parque Eolico to finally reach our destination Punta Gallinas, northernmost edge of South America. After breakfast we can enjoy Taroa Dunes, a remarkable area where golden sand extends far beyond the spotless beaches. Enjoy the balance of the day swimming, relaxing and and enjoy one of Colombia’s most beautiful sunsets from the lighthouse. Overnight at local Rancheria in hammocks.
Day 7.- Punta Gallinas- Palomino or Santa Marta
We leave early around 7:30 am through the Guajira desert to Uribia where we will have breakfast and then by car to Rio Hacha for a panoramic tour on the promenade to observe the colorful handicrafts of the Wayuu people. After lunch we will drive back to Palomino or Santa Marta and drop you off at your hotel.