Taganga
5 January, 2022
Bonda & Paso del Mango
5 January, 2022Rivers of La Sierra Nevada
Where to Go, Rivers of La Sierra Nevada
Santa Marta is more than sun, beach, and history. Thick jungles also account for a big portion of the territory, carrying through them the rivers that descend from its highest mountains.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is divided into three large basins or macro-basins made up of a system of 30 main rivers. The macro-basin of the Caribbean includes all the rivers that flow directly into the sea. Río Piedra, Mendihuaca, Guachaca, Buritaca and Don Diego are the city’s touristic highlights.
From massages to kayaking, immersing yourself in these rivers is an alternative plan packed with nature, adventure, and total relaxation.
Paddle, kayak, and tubbing activities are possible amongst the other rivers. Mendihuaca is the slowest flowing and has the shortest paddle circuits. Rio Don Diego is the quietest especially in the week so it’s a great chance to see the wildlife. On Rio Buritaca you might be able to see the Howler Monkeys. Surfers gather in Los Naranjos right of Rio Piedras, but due to the presence of alligators, activities in the river are not recommended, so keep out of the water.
Don Diego
The Don Diego River is located 56 kilometers from the city of Santa Marta. The river connects from the snowy peaks to the sea in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Tayronaka
Tayronaka, is an eco-lodge and a place where recreation and culture are combined. You can enjoy the magic of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and learn about who the Tayrona and their cultural legacy. Inhouse guides will walk you through restored terraces where the natives built their homes and an archaeological museum with original pieces. For the Koguis, the area is of great importance
A visit to Tayronaka may include:
- Ecological trail 15 min trek or 10 min upriver boat ride.
- Guided tour for 45 min, observing beautiful gardens and fruit trees characteristic of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Visit to the Tayrona culture museum, where you can see archaeological pieces of the Tayrona culture.
- Free time to enjoy the river.
Sport And Artisanal Fishing in The Don Diego River
Fishing tours allows you to understand, experiment and connect with local communities and their environment.
The tour begins in Tayronaka where you take a boat downriver while observing the fauna and flora. Howler monkeys, endemic and migratory birds can be spotted until you reach the fishing spot. Local fishermen will briefly explain how to place the bait, cast the hook, and how to get the fish out of the water. In the meantime, you will learn about the species found in the region (white snapper, goat, grunt, etc.).
You can ether release the fish or take it with you for a local fish cooking lesson.
Buritaca
The Buritaca river runs through the heart of the Sierra, passing through Teyuna, until it empties into the sea. Its small delta is frequently visited by locals.
Done Travels
Guachaca
The Guachaca River Basin is located via Santa Marta to Riohacha, Kilometer 49. Here you will find Gotsezhy, Indigenous Village famous for its Cultural Conservation, upriver.
Mendihuaca
The Guachaca River is found via Santa Marta to Riohacha, Kilometer 37. Touristic hotels and hostels are found walking distance from the Mendihuaca River.
Río Piedras
With cold waters and huge stones, hence this name, it is located at kilometer 28 via Santa Marta – Riohacha, near Tayrona Park flowing into the Naranjos Beach. Visitors can surf on the Los Naranjos Beach, next to the edge of Tayrona Park in the far north, a place to find good quality waves. This place is often used to hold sport championships and is surrounded by exclusive hotels and resorts, concentrating a major part of the high-end accommodation options in the Tayrona area.
Quebrada Valencia
Quebrada Valencia is a popular destination among locals and travelers. It has easy going treck 30-min trek and refreshing pools water flowing down natural waterfalls from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Laguna Encantada
Located 37km from the city of Santa Marta about 2 kilometers from the entrance of Tayrona Park, its name refers the magic, beauty and charm of the place that captivates visitors, according to locals. The trair is easily accessible and will take you around 40 minutos until you reach a quiet lagoon fed by small waterfall.
Other nearby activities
Tayrona Park
The Tayrona National Natural Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona) is a natural protected that covers approximately 30 square kilometers of maritime area in the Caribbean Sea and approximately 150 square kilometers of land.
Bonda & Paso del Mango
Bonda is a small village of indigenous origin that lives off the agriculture and ecotourism. Located in the vicinity of the Manzanares River, its main natural attractions revolve around the spaces adorned by waters that descend from the Sierra Nevada.