Alternative tour during the closing of the Tayrona National Park

In one of our latest newsletters we have already reported about the closing of the Tayrona National Park. As the closure remains valid from January 28 to February 28, 2018, we would like to present a new touristic product that we are going to offer for our clients and which is also ideal as a substitute to the closed Tayrona National Park. By visiting an indigenous community of the Kogui population the tour focuses on the concept of a community-based-tourism. Afterwards we will visit the beautiful beach “Los Cocos”

This is the description of tour. Of course it can be adapted to the individual requirements of our travelers:  

Visit to Kogi village Duonomake and Cocos Beach

The indigenous Kogui, who are said to be the direct descendants of the ancient Tayrona civilization, inhabit the valleys of the Palomino, Don Diego, San Miguel and Ancho rivers. Their population is estimated to be more than 10,000 members and all of them are living at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Our so-called “Elder Brothers" take care of the natural treasure of the Sierra, a mountain that in their culture represents the center of the world and source of all life. Even today they naturally take the role of guardians of cosmic balance and are considered one of the most valuable ancestral cultures on the planet. From Santa Marta we drive through the interesting coastal road to the Los Naranjos area. Shortly after crossing the Piedras River we start a 4.5km walk (approx 1h) to the village, where we meet a native guide. Duonamake houses 20 families of the Kogi ethnic group and has 20 bohíos or typical houses and two Cansamaria or meeting centers. We get to look inside the village to learn about the way of life of the Kogis and about their culture. We also visit their cocoa crops and then we will have time to take a bath and cool down in a nearby stream. Afterwards we walk 5km (approx 1h) to the Los Cocos Beach where we have time to enjoy the sea and have lunch (not included, about 1.30-2.00pm). We begin return to SantaMarta at 4pm.

For more information, just write us: (Stephan.stober@neptuno.org or Christopher.romahn@neptuno.org ).