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Bunkuany: 2-Day Sierra Nevada Trek, Beekeeping & Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (2 reviews)

Free cancellation

1/5

Duration2d

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · FR +1

PickupAt your hotel

Walk ancient terraces taste honey swim under waterfalls near Santa Marta

You’ll taste wild honey straight from Sierra Nevada hives, swim beneath Arcoiris waterfall after hiking through dense forest, and walk ancient Tayrona terraces at Bunkuany with a local guide who knows every story behind those mossy stones. This two-day trek includes pickup from Santa Marta, meals featuring regional flavors, and a night sleeping close to nature—hammock or tent under starry skies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Marta to Calabazo village

Depart Santa Marta at 7:00 am
Walk 2 hours to accommodation
Enjoy welcome cocktail
Learn about beekeeping and extract honey
Return to accommodation for lunch
Walk to Arcoiris waterfall
Spend afternoon at waterfall
Return to accommodation
Have dinner

Day 2 — Bunkuany terraces and return

Breakfast at 7:00 am
Walk 1 hour to Bunkuany terrace
Discover fauna, flora, and Tayrona history
Explore terraces and stone paths
Have typical regional lunch
Walk 3 hours back via Calabazo path
Return to Santa Marta at 4:45 pm

The Experience

I didn’t expect to start my Bunkuany tour with a sticky glove full of fresh honey, but that’s how it went. We’d barely finished the bumpy drive from Santa Marta to Calabazo when our guide handed out these big mesh suits—kind of awkward, honestly—and led us behind the house to the hives. The bees sounded like a soft engine in the heat. I was nervous at first (who wouldn’t be?), but our local baquiano made it feel almost calm. He explained how the bees here feed on native flowers—some names I couldn’t pronounce—and then let us try honey straight from the comb. It tasted wild and floral, not like supermarket stuff. My hands smelled sweet all day.

Lunch was rice and fish back at the accommodation—simple but good after walking in that thick Sierra Nevada air. Later we hiked out to Arcoiris waterfall. The water was cold enough to make you yelp but worth it after sweating up the path. There were birds everywhere—bright flashes between the trees—and some kids from Calabazo splashing around like they owned the place (maybe they do). That night I tried sleeping in a hammock for the first time; kept rolling over, listening to frogs and distant voices from another campfire somewhere down the hill.

The next morning started early with coffee that tasted smoky and strong, probably because I barely slept. We set off for Bunkuany’s terraces—a short walk but steep enough to remind you you’re alive. Our guide told stories about the Tayrona people and pointed out old stone paths tangled with roots. I liked how he paused sometimes just to listen; said you can hear history if you’re quiet long enough. The terraces themselves felt heavy with silence, even with our group there. After wandering through mossy stones and sunlight patches we had lunch at an eco-restaurant overlooking green hills—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

What’s included

Your journey includes air-conditioned pickup from Santa Marta, all entrance fees and contributions to local communities, insurance coverage throughout your trek, overnight hammock or camping accommodation near Calabazo village, all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinner), plus expert guidance by both professional and indigenous guides—including hands-on beekeeping activities before heading out for hikes and river swims each day.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by RUTA TAYRONA TOURS