Horseback riding to Duwanaby ancestral stone, Santa Marta

Five hours on horseback to a carved stone older than a millennium

Horseback riding from Santa Marta to Mama Duwanaby, an ancestral stone carved by the Tayronas over 1,000 years ago, climbing to 650 meters through wooded terrain with a live Spanish-speaking guide. The ride includes entry to the site, organic coffee, travel insurance and pickup. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the horses are quiet and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride to ancestral stone

• Start horseback ride from El Trompito
• Ride through wooded vegetation
• Enjoy sea and river landscapes
• Learn about Kogui community traditions
• Visit ancestral stone Mama Duwanaby
• Listen to stories of Tayrona carvings

The experience

The ride starts from El Trompito and climbs inland toward the stone, gaining 650 meters as you move through dense vegetation where the sea and river stay visible below. A Kogui guide accompanies the group, pointing out the different species of fauna and flora along the route and sharing the traditions of the Uldezhaxa community who live in the area. The carved stone itself, Mama Duwanaby, holds Tayronas symbols and sits at the heart of the day. Once you reach it, the guide walks you through the stories of the place and its surroundings, grounding the 1,000-year history in the landscape around you.

The full excursion runs 6 hours from start to finish. Pickup is included, and you'll have organic coffee during the ride. Travel insurance comes with the booking. Quiet horses mean the pace is steady rather than rushed, and the route suits all fitness levels. The climb is real, but the horses do the work. Children from age 5 can ride. Younger children sit with an adult.

What’s included

• Horseback riding on quiet horses.
• entry to Mama Duwanaby.
• organic coffee.
• travel insurance.
• live guide in Spanish.
• pickup from Santa Marta.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 23:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (19 to 34 years) · Senior (35 to 55 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 13

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tierra Nativa

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable riding for five hours straight and want to learn directly from a Kogui guide about their traditions while moving through the landscape at a pace that lets you take it in.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual ride time to reach Mama Duwanaby?

The full excursion is 6 hours total. Most of that time is spent on horseback climbing to the stone. The guide then spends time at the site itself explaining the carved symbols and the history of the Tayronas and the Kogui community.

What is Mama Duwanaby and why is it significant?

Mama Duwanaby is an ancestral stone carved by the Tayronas more than 1,000 years ago, with indigenous symbols still visible on its surface. The Kogui Uldezhaxa community maintains the site and its traditions. The guide shares stories about the place and its role in the region's history.

What kind of horses are used, and do I need riding experience?

The horses are quiet and selected for steady pacing. The ride suits all fitness levels, and no prior riding experience is required. The guide leads the group and the terrain, while steep, is manageable on horseback.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

Entry to the stone, organic coffee during the ride, travel insurance and pickup from Santa Marta are all included. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, bring water and sun protection, and dress in layers since the altitude and vegetation change as you climb.