Who said a trip to the Caribbean coast was overrated? Terra Colombia’s latest field survey proves otherwise!
Guajira from another angle
A visit to Guajira doesn’t have to mean a long drive across the desert in a 4×4 to see the magnificent landscapes, but it does mean discovering a community and a way of life that, from a Western point of view, may seem completely unimaginable. Without water for most of the year and abandoned by the government, how has the Wayuu community managed to live in this hostile territory for several hundred years?
On a 2-day excursion, Terra Colombia invites you to Riohacha and Camarones, at the gateway to the desert, to meet Paula and Clothilde. Paula has set up an association to enable women to sell their mochillas, the handicrafts for which the Wayuu people are famous, under the fair trade label, thus ensuring a sustainable income for their families. She’ll explain all the ins and outs of her project while you learn how to weave with the Wayuu women. Mind you, it’s not an easy exercise!
The next day, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this way of life for yourself: you’ll leave early by boat to observe the pink flamingos on the desert lagoons with the local fishermen, then head for the rancheria (small village) where Clothilde lives, a Wayuu woman who promotes education through the creation of her school in the rancheria. This is your chance to chat with her over a typical lunch she’ll have prepared for you.
A hidden paradise in Tayrona Park
After two intense days in the desert, why not take a break in Tayrona Park? Tayrona has to be earned, » write the guidebooks. No need to walk 4 hours in the Caribbean heat to get your feet in the water, we’ll take you by boat to a magnificent beach exclusive to the park!
Relaxing, swimming and snorkeling to observe the beautiful coral reef, you’ll be in complete peace on this little piece of paradise. The bravest can even explore the jungle in search of howler monkeys!
The only problem is getting away from it all, so we suggest you sleep there: an aperitif in front of the sunset and dinner under the stars, it’s at moments like these that the magic of Tayrona Park takes place.
Bonda
To continue off the beaten track, we take you to Bonda, just a few kilometers from Santa Marta. This small village grew up thanks to the coffee and cocoa plantations cultivated on the heights of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a beautiful nature reserve and learn more about the region’s biodiversity, then find out all about the chocolate-making process on a traditional cocoa farm. For a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Sierra Nevada rivers.
Rum tasting in Cartagena
It’s time to leave the jungle behind and head for Cartagena, the final stage of our journey. And after all that effort, comfort! From aguardiente to the finest selections of rum, not forgetting the famous Juan Valdez (yes, they make rum as well as coffee), our specialist bartender will help you taste and appreciate Colmbian rums in a thousand ways. A great way to discover Caribbean specialities!
So, when are you leaving?
