The Caribe has a lot to offer when it comes to Nature and Adventure. Believe it or not, but besides ecosystems like the extreme dessert in la Guajira, and the tropical rainforest from NP Tayrona and the jungle of the Darian, the Caribe also has the highest mountain of Colombia. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta goes up to almost 6000m. Add some National Parks and nature reserves together with the coral reefs of San Andres and Providencia, and you have a wide range to choose from. Adventure goes hand in hand with the variety of ecosystems. Of course scuba diving is an option, but also lot of other watersports like wave- and kitesurfing. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is maybe the best spot in Colombia for hiking, and definitely is a highlight for birders, just like the many cienagas (swamps) around the Magdalena and Shinu River, housing many endemic species.
Tayrona National Park is undoubtedly one of the most important natural reserves in Colombia. Its small, pristine, clear blue beaches in the Caribbean Sea, lined with palm trees and rocks that resemble huge bird eggs, are impressive. Plus, at sunset, you can hear the sounds of howler monkeys from the nearby rain forest. The natural reserve, just 35 kilometers from the city of Santa Marta, has 29,640 acres of jungle and the most beautiful beaches in Colombia.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a mountain region on the Caribbean coast with the highest peaks in Colombia. It is isolated from the Andes Mountains and is therefore completely different. From the beaches of Tayrona at sea level, the Sierra Nevada rises at a rapid pace to the snow tops of around 5800m. Due to these height differences, we encounter all ecosystems in this relatively small area..The Sierra Nevada area is inhabited by indigenous peoples, descendants of the former "Tayrona", who live largely according to their traditional culture. "Kogui", "Arhuacos", "Wiwas", and "Kankuamos". They speak their own language, wear traditional cloths, live in traditional villages, but most importantly, they have their own beliefs and traditions about their world and way of life.
The two main rivers of Colombia – Magdalena and Cauca – join each other at the Caribbean coast forming huge ‘cienagas’. These networks of water, swamps, and rivers, are an absolute highlight for nature lovers. Unique ecosystems full with birds and other fauna, are a must see, even more because they combine nature with traditional Colombian culture and history.
La Guajira is the most northern department of Colombia, bordering Venezuela and encompassing most of the La Guajira peninsula. It is distinguished by its desert landscapes, giant sand dunes, and remote fishing villages of the indigenous Wayuu people. The beautiful coastline full with palm trees, beaches, and craft stalls, serves as a gateway for adventure tourism in the region.
Surrounded by the dense jungle of the Darien, on the last piece of land that separates Colombia from Panama, lies the small coastal village of Capurganá. This village on the Colombian Caribbean coast is the perfect place to find complete relaxation in nature, far away from civilization.
