The Lost City of Taironaka
Active
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
If you’d like to appreciate nature and how ancient cultures live in harmony, this is the tour for you!
Available options
The Lost City of Taironaka
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private Bilingual Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Collected from your Santa Marta hotel at around 7am you’ll start your adventure into the jungle of the Sierra Nevada with a relaxing drive of approximately 1.5 hours to the entrance of the beautiful Rio Don Diego. Once here, you’ll jump out of the car and into a boat for a short 15 min ride up the river to Tayronaka.
On arrival to Tayronaka, you’ll immediately see the wonderful nature surrounding this archelogy site and begin to understand the significance of this location to not only the ancestral history of the Kogui indigenous. But that of all of Colombia, if not the history of the entire Americas.
You’ll walk over these ancient ruins and visit the museum filled with ageless artifacts for approximately an hour with your guide freely answering all your questions about the past and present location.
2
Next, it’s a short walk to the Kogui community that calls this land their home, and to meet some of the direct descendants of the Tayrona people who built these structures and lived in this region for thousands of years.
Meeting these kindhearted people is an experience in itself, but while here you’ll also receive an “aseguranza” which will safeguard you for all your future travels. Ensuring a Kogui spirit will help and guide you into the future. (Please note, a Mamo is available 99% of the time to provide this experience. But on rare occasions they have other obligations, and are unavailable)
To finish off your time here you’ll head off back down the river. But this time on/in your choice of a Kayak, a paddleboard, or a large inner tube.
Arriving at the mouth of the river where it opens into the Caribbean Sea you’ll be in time to enjoy some relaxing beach time before setting off back to your hotel to reflect on yet another day in the Caribbean paradise of Colombia.
What's not included
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the plan
Personal expenses and tips (a small gift for the children is expected)
Transportation or services not mentioned in the plan
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and as the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park. This city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the Caribbean coast.
Top Attractions
Tayrona National Park
A stunning national park with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, camping, and relaxing.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Moderate (Entry fee around $10-15 USD)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A historic hacienda and museum dedicated to the life of Simón Bolívar, Colombia's legendary liberator.
Historical
2-3 hours
Budget (Entry fee around $2-5 USD)
Taganga
A charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Beach
Half day or full day
Budget to Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Arepas
Cornmeal cakes, often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Contains seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Trek to Ciudad Perdida
Surfing in Palomino
Beach relaxation in El Rodadero
Spa treatments
Coffee tasting in Minca
Visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Exploring Centro Histórico
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the dry season, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
26°C to 32°C
79°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services
Getting there
By air
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and slow.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
El Rodadero
Centro Histórico
Gairiga
Day trips
Minca
40 km • Full day or overnight
A picturesque mountain town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and eco-lodges.
Palomino
80 km • Full day or overnight
A laid-back beach town with beautiful white sand beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
40 km • Multi-day trek (4-5 days)
A challenging trek through the jungle to an ancient ruins site, older than Machu Picchu.
Festivals
Festival de la Autenticidad • January
Carnaval de Santa Marta • February/March (before Lent)
Feria de las Flores • July
Pro tips
- Visit Tayrona National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for a unique experience
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
- Try the local coffee and seafood dishes
- Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
