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September 15-22, 2027

Santa marta

Santa Marta, Colombia

Ascend into Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and experience extraordinary biodiversity. Every step supports the Arhauco community and Fundación Atelopus, guardians of Colombia’s endangered wildlife.

Joined by world-renowned photographer Jaime Culebras, featured on PlanetEarthIII, this is Colombia as few have ever seen it.

a journey that gives back

Explore the beauty of Santa Marta while directly supporting indigenous communities and vital wildlife conservation. Every moment combines adventure, impact, and connection; led by world-class experts and guided by purpose.

Itinerary

Welcome to Santa Marta! After a warm welcome lunch, we head straight to the beach to unwind by the Caribbean Sea. Our first evening will be spent at a serene beachfront resort, the perfect beginning to our journey.

Day 1
DAY 2

We set off toward the El Dorado Reserve, pausing at Finca La Victoria for a guided tour of one of Colombia’s oldest coffee plantations. After savoring the aromas of freshly roasted beans, we continue into the misty Sierra Nevada to El Dorado—home to an astonishing array of bird species found nowhere else on Earth.

DAY 3

An early morning adventure takes us to the summit of Cerro Kennedy (3,100m/10,000 ft) to witness a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. After descending, we return to El Dorado for lunch before continuing to the San Lorenzo Research Station, where Fundación Atelopus works to protect endangered species and collaborates closely with the local indigenous community to preserve the region’s fragile ecosystem.

Today we journey to Katansama, an indigenous Arhuaco village nestled in the mountains. Guided by community members, we’ll learn about their culture and daily life, meeting the inspiring women behind Café Wirakoku—a women-led coffee project thriving in the highlands. In the afternoon, we descend to the Caribbean coast, where we’ll spend the next few nights on the sand, surrounded by sea and jungle.

Day 4
DAY 5

A day of rest and rejuvenation by the sea. Enjoy the resort’s spa, lounge beneath the palms, or simply let the rhythm of the waves carry you away.

DAY 6

After breakfast, we take a 2 hour drive to Tayrona National Park (stopping for the amazing views on the way) to the area where we launch on the boat. 15 minute boat ride to Playa Cristal for the afternoon and an epic sunset. We return to the van after dark and make our way back to our beach resort for our final evening there.

DAY 7/8

Day 7: We adventure to the beautiful Quebrada Valencia waterfalls for a refreshing dip among stunning waterfalls. We stop for a local lunch and return back to our resort for our final evening among the waves.

Day 8: After breakfast, we bid farewell to Colombia's Caribbean coast, departing with hearts full and memories that will last a lifetime.

Protecting the Sierra's Wildlife

Fundación Atelopus protects endangered species in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and works hand in hand with the local indigenous community to preserve the region's fragile ecosystem. You'll visit their San Lorenzo Research Station on Day 3. Learn more about their work or support it directly.

What to Expect