Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour
Active
3h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Between Santa Marta and La Guajira, there is a place that boasts nature and adventure. And we want you to know it. Come with us to Palomino. Take a motorbike. Hike across the forest and enjoy a walk by the song of birds. Gaze at the views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta’s surroundings. And then take your tires downstream the Palomino River and enjoy the rapids until you get to the point where it meets the Caribbean and take the motorbike back to Palomino. A perfect mix between adventure and deep chill connection with nature.
- A short hike among nature
- Tubing downstream the Palomino River by the rapids
- Getting to meet the place where Palomino river meets the Caribbean Sea
- A trip by motorbike across Palomino
Available options
From Palomino
From Palomino<br/>Pickup included
From Santa Marta
From Santa Marta<br/>Pickup included
What's included
All-risk insurance
Tour Guide
Life jacket
Floating tire
Hotel pick-up and drop-off by motorbike (from Palomino)
Detailed itinerary
1
If you are coming from Santa Marta, the guide will meet you at the bus stop and you’ll continue with the regular itinerary.
2
In this tour a guide will pick you up in a motorbike, which will be your transport for a part of the tour. Then, you will do a hike of 40 minutes across the surrounding forest of Palomino. There, the guide will give you a short lesson of flora and fauna of the area. And if you are lucky, and the sky is clear enough you’ll be able to see the two most important peaks of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Simon Bolivar and Colon peaks.
Once ready you will take your floating tires and life jackets downstream the Palomino River. There will be a part of rapids in this route, but you will also enjoy going down the river among nature. Finally, you will get to the Palomino River mouth, the exact place where it meets the Caribbean Sea.
3
If the tour starts from Santa Marta, the return is at 3:30 p.m. from the bus stop, so you’ll have some time to explore Palomino on your own or enjoy the beach.
What's not included
Extra purchase
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
10 reviews
5★
7
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Be aware that transport of this tour will be by motorbike
Be aware this tour is part walking and with the floating tires
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Bring comfortable shoes and water. Keep hydrating constantly and use sunscreen
The Tour Guide will contact you the day before in case you have any questions or assist you with any requirements
The tour from Santa Marta operates with shared transportation. Please keep in mind that you must arrive on your own at the meeting point located in Calle 10 #1 - 14 Rodadero, Local 1 at 7:15am
Meeting point
The tour from Santa Marta operates with shared transportation. Please keep in mind that you must arrive on your own at the meeting point located in Calle 10 #1 - 14 Rodadero, Local 1 at 7:15am.
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
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