Description 

The Cienega Grande’s fauna and flora sanctuary is the largest lagoon area in Colombia and one of the major ones in South America and considered one of the most strategic and vitally important water mirrors of the planet, therefore declared a Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The Cienega is 45,000 hectares and inhabited by around 2,500 people, dedicated mainly to local fishery. Those who visit this wildlife sanctuary will find themselves on an exciting journey through lagoons, swamps, interconnected by beautiful canals/channels inside natural landscapes and labyrinths of mangroves of unparalleled beauty. On top of the natural surroundings, you’ll have the opportunity to experience firsthand the traditional way of living of the locals and how they have adapted to this beautiful yet hostile environment.

The experience starts from your accommodation in Santa Marta or any of the hotels in the Tayrona/Palomino area. Your private driver and guide will meet you and drive you for approximately one hour to a small harbor where you will board a certified private speed boat.

During the trip, you will enjoy impressive views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Our tour guide will help to spot birds that live in the Cienega area like; Spoon Duck, the White Heron, the Blue-winged Barraquete and the Kingfisher. The boat will navigate through the many of the channels within the mangroves and in Cienaga “open” waters. You’ll have the opportunity to see the fishermen using the traditional fishing techniques, mastered from generation to generation.

Upon arrival to the stilt village of Nueva Venecia (New Venice), we’ll get an insight into the local live and traditions of this group of people living in what it is known as an “amphibious culture”, that for more than 200 years have managed to adapt to living on the water.

After this first experience, we will continue our boat trip to the next stilt village; Buena Vista, which is known to be one of the prettiest settlements in the Ciénaga Grande. The stilt houses are beautifully painted, some with murals representing their way of live, as well as reminisces
from the war. We’ll have a walking tour and the opportunity to “feel” the place.

We’ll return the tourist harbor and have a nice traditional lunch in one of the nice restaurants by the seaside. From there, you will drive back to your accommodation.

What’s Included

• Deluxe air-conditioned vehicle at your complete disposal
• Professional tour guide
• Traditional seafood lunch
• Private speed boat
• Entrance to water villages
• Travel insurance
• Bottled water

What’s Not 

• Extra food and drinks
• Gratuities

Tour Duration 

9 Hours

Operating Days

Daily

Meeting Point

At check-out, before your purchase is confirmed, you will be kindly asked to leave the written address of your accommodation or potential meeting point. This implies the name of the hotel, bed & breakfast or residence in which you will be staying as long as it is situated within the city.

Languages Available 

English and Spanish

Tour Highlights

• Meet and greet at the hotel lobby
• Enjoy a panoramic drive to the Cienega’s harbor
• Boat ride through beautiful landscapes, mangroves and crystal clear lagoons
• Visit the famous water villages
• Interact with the inhabitants and learn about their “amphibious culture”
• Boat ride back to mainland and enjoy a traditional seafood lunch
• Back to the hotel

 What to Remember

• Cash in case you wish to buy local souvenirs, water or gratuities
• Comfortable walking shoes and clothes
• Sunscreen and repellant
• Water resistant backpack to carry your belongings