RESERVATION
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights.
Venture into the majestic mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and experience a deep immersion in cultural tourism, nature, and ancestral connection. This 3-day, 2-night journey will take you from the coffee-growing region of the Palmor district to the sacred territory of the Kogui Zbeinzhi people.
Accompanied by local guides and members of the community itself, you’ll hike trails surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and exotic biodiversity. You’ll learn about the cultivation and processing of organic coffee, beekeeping, and the traditional production of panela. As you venture into the heart of Kogui territory, you’ll experience an authentic connection with Mother Earth: from enjoying the mystical Pozo Zbeinzhi to sharing sacred spaces—such as the Aseguranza ceremony, ancient stories told by the Mamo, fique weaving workshops with the women of the community, and an introductory workshop on the Kogui language and writing system.
Rest under the stars in traditional Kogui huts, savor ancestral cuisine, and let yourself be transformed by the wisdom of one of the world’s most influential and well-preserved living cultures.
TOUR DETAILS
Start of the experience: We pick up our travelers in Santa Marta, Barranquilla, or at the previously agreed-upon meeting point to begin an experience specially designed to connect with the region, nature, and the ancestral world.
8:00 a.m. · Departure from Ciénaga, Magdalena, in a 4×4 SUV to Puente Sevilla. There, we’ll switch to another mode of transportation (car or motorcycle) due to the condition of the access roads. From Puente Sevilla, we’ll continue by motorcycle to Zbeinzhi, where we’ll be welcomed by members of the indigenous community. We’ll take a break and enjoy a traditional lunch by the edge of this well before setting out on a hike to a magical place called “Zbeinzhi Well,” where visitors can enjoy and admire the beauty of the surroundings. Afterward, we’ll return to Zbeinzhi. In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a cultural exchange with the indigenous community. In the evening, the women of the community will perform ancestral dances and music, lead interactive activities to introduce us to the ancestral Kogui culture, and share ancient stories with the mamo. Afterward, we’ll have dinner and rest in preparation for the next day’s activities.
Overnight: Accommodations in a Kogui hut and a traditional dinner.
8:30 a.m. After breakfast, we’ll observe the fique harvesting process, and the women will explain how to prepare the materials for making the backpacks that are representative of their culture. At the farm, we’ll learn about the organic coffee production process: its history, planting, cultivation, production, harvesting, and processing. It will be an opportunity to learn, converse, and appreciate the work of farming families and their sustainable practices. Throughout the day, we’ll also have opportunities to connect with the local culture and nature, including explanations of traditional knowledge, observation of the surroundings, and time to enjoy the landscapes of the Sierra Nevada.
Evening: Return to the lodging, dinner, and rest at the Kogui hut.
8:30 a.m. · After breakfast, we’ll take the Sacred Waters tour (optional), participate in a Kogui language and writing class with the women and children of the community, and meet with the mamo, or community leader. Craft workshop. When the activities are finished, we’ll head back to the starting point of the experience. Estimated arrival time: 3:00 p.m., subject to road conditions and transportation schedules.
Closing: Farewell and return.
- Coordinated transportation from Ciénaga / Santa Marta to the destination, according to the itinerary.
- Traditional lodging in a Kogui hut.
- Meals included in the program and a traditional welcome dinner.
- Local guide and support from community members.
- Mamo and traditional guidance sessions, subject to availability and the community’s schedule.
- Ancestral Kogui music, an introductory course in the Kogui language and writing, and cultural integration
activities. - Visit to a coffee farm, organic coffee tasting, organic panela, and beekeeping experience.
- Hiking trails, nature connection activities, and traditional beverages.
- Accident insurance coverage during the activity, in accordance with the terms of the tour.
- Services or expenses not specified in the itinerary (internet, phone calls, boutique, laundry, etc.).
- À la carte lunches or dinners and non-traditional beverages.
- Additional tours in Ciénaga.
- Expenses at airports or along the route.
- Mule rides during the tour.
- Any additional services requested by the traveler.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, moisturizer, personal medications, and toiletries.
- Wear comfortable sneakers, boots, or sandals; bring a light sweater, socks, and cool, breathable clothing.
- Carry a suitable backpack and avoid heavy luggage.
- When making your reservation, please inform us of any allergies, dietary restrictions, pre-existing conditions, medications, or
special needs. - Follow the guide’s and the community’s instructions: do not litter, do not remove flora or fauna, do not
feed animals, and do not photograph Indigenous children. - Do not consume alcoholic beverages or cigarettes during the experience.
- Stay with the group and respect natural and cultural sites.
- Personal hygiene items
- Personal medications (if needed)
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Biodegradable insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle or thermos for hydration
- A suitable, lightweight backpack (avoid heavy luggage or wheeled suitcases)
- Sneakers, hiking boots, or comfortable walking shoes; comfortable shoes or sandals for relaxing in the huts
- Lightweight cotton clothing (T-shirts, light sweatshirts, or shorts)
- Long-sleeved shirt and light sweater for the evening
- Long pants or sweatpants for the evenings
- Swimsuit
- Headlamp with batteries
Handicraft Workshops and Fique: Live demonstration of the fique extraction process and a chance to learn from Kogui women about preparing materials and crafting their traditional backpacks.
Kogui Language and Writing: An interactive cultural exchange and workshop led by women and children from the community to learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and native expressions.
Spiritual Guidance and Ancestral Wisdom: A space for spiritual guidance and a protective ritual led by the Mamo (community leader), accompanied by ancient stories.
Night of Dance and Music: An evening of fellowship with the community, featuring traditional dances, indigenous music, and a cultural bonfire.
Ecological Trail and Zbeinzhi Spring: An immersive hike along natural trails in the Sierra Nevada to the Zbeinzhi Spring and its sacred waters, offering a place for contemplation and rest.
Organic Coffee Process: An agrotourism tour of a coffee farm to learn about the history, planting, care, harvesting, and processing of coffee.
Beekeeping and Panela: An opportunity to learn about organic and ecological beekeeping practices and the traditional process of making panela.
TOUR GALLERY
