Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Rivers Private Day Trip

Embark on a private day trip to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Rivers, where the natural beauty near Valledupar awaits. This journey will lead you through picturesque towns and provide opportunities to refresh in the inviting waters.

Tour Options

When booking, you can select from three different itineraries based on your schedule and preferred sites in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Each option includes hotel pickup and return from Valledupar, along with a personal English-speaking guide.

Explore the details of each tour below:

Private Tour Río Candela (7 Hours)

Choosing this tour means we begin with pickup at your hotel and then venture into the lush landscapes of the Colombian Caribbean coast. Our first stop will be the park dedicated to Vallenato composers, where you’ll discover the significance of this musical style in Colombian culture.

Next, we will head to a stunning area near La Mina along the Río Candela. Here, in this vibrant and warm locale, you can take a refreshing swim in the river’s clear waters, enriched by waterfalls cascading from the surrounding mountains.

A traditional lunch awaits you at the El Mojao balneary. Following your meal, you'll have time to dive back into the river.

We’ll also engage with one of the local Indigenous communities to learn about their heritage and visit the town of Atanquez. Here, you can meet the artisan Aura Montero, who will provide insights into the region’s traditional crafts.

Finally, we will return to our starting point to conclude the day’s adventure after a total of seven hours.

Private Tour Río Manaure (7 Hours)

Opting for this experience allows us to delve into the ancient practices and rich cultural tapestry that forms the bedrock of Colombian folklore.

Our journey leads us to San Diego, a source of inspiration for songs by famed Colombian composer Leandro Díaz. Next, we continue exploring Vallenato culture in La Paz, the birthplace of renowned artists like Jorge Oñate and Hermanos López.

We proceed to the Balcón del Cesar in Manaure, celebrated for its exquisite plant life and river. You’ll receive insights into the agricultural lifestyle here before plunging into the waters.

A delightful traditional Colombian lunch will follow, and you'll have the chance to swim in the Río Manaure. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Serranía del Perijá from the Mirador Otero to round off your day perfectly!

After seven hours, we will conclude our expedition and return to the starting location.

Private Tour Ciénaga de Zapatosa (12 Hours)

If you have the time for a longer adventure, this tour takes you to the extraordinary Ciénaga de Zapatosa, recognized as the largest freshwater wetland in Colombia.

Beginning at the town pier in Chimichagua, we board a chalupa, the local boat, for a thirty-minute journey across the swamp. You’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery during this trip.

Upon arrival at Francahela Island, you will be treated to a delicious lunch. Following your meal, we’ll explore the rich biodiversity of the Ciénaga, which is home to 500 types of vascular plants, 45 fish species, and 30 mammal species. It's a true natural wonder!

Keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see native and migratory birds, including the Caribbean chachalaca, red-billed emerald, coastal woodpecker, rastrojero, and chavarrí among others, if you’re fortunate.

Following this remarkable experience, we will return to the starting point, completing our 12-hour journey.

Day Trip Schedule

Note that departure times may differ based on the selected tour:

Río Candela private tour: available daily at 8 am, 9 am, and 10 amRío Manaure private tour: available daily at 8 am, 9 am, and 10 amCiénaga de Zapatosa private tour: available daily at 4 pm and 5 pm