Kogui Community Tour from Santa Marta: Sacred Ritual & River

The mamo performs a sacred ritual that opens the visit to the community.

An eight-hour guided tour from Santa Marta into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta reaches the Kogui Sewiaxa community, where you receive teachings and a sacred ritual from the mamo, walk through forest home to hummingbirds, toucans and monkeys, and end with a swim in the Palomino River. Tubing downstream to the sea is optional. The tour includes transport, guide in Spanish, entrance, refreshment and travel insurance. Children from age five are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Kogui community and optional tubing

• Walk two hours to first Kogui house
• Receive teachings and insurance from mamo
• Explore Kogui community and learn history
• Enjoy fauna and views of Sierra Nevada
• Relax at Palomino River
• Optional tubing from river to sea

The experience

The day starts with a ten-minute motorcycle ride to the trailhead, then two hours of walking through the Sierra Nevada until you reach the first Kogui house. The mamo, the spiritual leader, greets you and offers teachings and a sacred ritual that frame the rest of the visit. From there you continue to the main community where around twenty-five families live off the land, growing cassava, corn and beans. The walk and the community visit take four hours in total.

The forest around you carries constant wildlife: hummingbirds, toucans and monkeys move through the canopy, and on clear days the peaks of the Sierra Nevada stay visible. At the end of the community time, you descend to the Palomino River for a swim. If you choose the optional tubing, you drift downstream toward the sea over three hours of relaxation on the water. If you skip it, you walk back out instead.

What’s included

• Transport by motorcycle to the trailhead.
• Spanish-speaking guide.
• entrance to the community.
• refreshment and fresh fruit.
• travel insurance.
• restroom facilities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (20 to 45 years) · Senior (46 to 55 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 25

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 20 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

Moderate 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?Eight hours leaves room for breakfast before pickup and dinner after you return, but rules out other activities that day. The walk and community time demand at least moderate fitness. The optional tubing adds three more hours if you choose it, or you can walk back in less time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 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 walk to reach the Kogui community?

The initial hike takes two hours to reach the first Kogui house, then another two hours of walking through the community itself, for four hours of walking in total across the day.

What does the mamo do during the visit?

The mamo gives teachings and performs a sacred ritual that opens the experience with the community.

Can I choose to tube down the river instead of walking out?

Yes, tubing down the Palomino River to the sea is optional and takes about three hours. You can walk out instead if you prefer.

What animals might I see in the Sierra Nevada?

Hummingbirds, toucans and monkeys live in the forest around the community and are commonly seen during the walk.