Full Day Guided Tour in Cienaga Grande of Santa Marta
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Colombia's largest lagoon and swamp complex, the Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, nestled between Santa Marta and Barranquilla. This hidden paradise invites you on a magical journey through unexplored nature and centuries-old fishing villages like Buenavista and Nueva Venecia. Encounter diverse wildlife amidst a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering a profound glimpse into ancestral lifestyles and vibrant community heritage.
Available options
Full Day Guided Tour in Cienaga Grande of Santa Marta
Pickup included
What's included
Local guides
Travel insurance
Snack
Private vehicle
River transportation with safety regulations
Bilingual guide
Lunch
Hydration
Detailed itinerary
1
Nestled between Santa Marta and Barranquilla, Colombia's Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is a vast complex of lagoons and swamps, one of the world's largest. Explore this hidden gem with a 45-minute drive from Santa Marta to Tasajera, followed by a scenic two-hour boat tour on a motorized canoe. Encounter unexplored nature, traditional fishing villages like Buenavista and Nueva Venecia with their stilt houses, and diverse wildlife including monkeys, manatees, alligators, and otters. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, it offers a glimpse into a timeless way of life amidst vibrant waterborne communities dedicated to preserving their environment and heritage.
2
Discover the hidden paradise of Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombia's largest lagoon and swamp complex. Glide through waterways on a motorized canoe, marvel at wildlife, and explore traditional fishing villages. Experience the harmony between nature and culture in this magical reserve.
What's not included
Specific Food and Beverage
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions to arrange it.
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
Instant confirmation
