Travel guide: how to get to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park is a protected area of great ecological and cultural significance, spanning over 573,000 hectares across the departments of Magdalena, Cesar, and La Guajira. This coastal mountain hosts diverse ecosystems, ranging from beaches to snow-covered peaks, and includes territories belonging to indigenous communities of the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo.

In 1979, UNESCO designated it as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. Additionally, in 2013, the International Union for Conservation of Nature declared it the most irreplaceable ecosystem on the planet in terms of its contribution to the survival of endangered species.

A notable feature of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, allowing visitors to enjoy the sound of the waves even from high altitudes. If you plan to explore this natural wonder, here we provide information on transportation options and important recommendations.

Transportation options:

• By air: the closest airport is Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta. From there, you can take a taxi or the La Sierra bus.

• By bus: ground transportation companies offer routes from major Colombian cities to Santa Marta, from where you can continue your journey to the Sierra Nevada.

• By personal vehicle: you can drive your own car to Santa Marta and then proceed to the towns near the Sierra Nevada, though some roads may be difficult to access.

Special Recommendations: the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park and the indigenous communities remind visitors that tourism activities are not allowed in the highlands, lagoons, moorlands, and snowy areas due to the fragility of these ecosystems and their cultural importance.

Safety recommendations:

• Wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun and insects.

• Maintain good physical condition to access the sites.

• Follow the instructions of the Park staff and authorized guides.

• Carry valid ID and medical insurance.

• Do not bring alcoholic beverages, psychoactive substances, or firearms.

• It is prohibited to make bonfires, throw cigarette butts, burn trash, cut down trees, or capture wild animals.

Activities you can do:

• Bird Watching: the Sierra Nevada is home to up to 635 bird species thanks to its climatic diversity.

• Eco-hiking: explore trails to appreciate the landscape, wildlife, and vegetation, and meet indigenous communities.

• Lost City Colombia: don't miss visiting this archaeological site and learning about the Tairona culture.

• Cerro Kennedy: enjoy panoramic views from this natural lookout in Santa Marta.

• Coffee in Sierra de Macondo: experience unique coffee culture on this farm located in the Sierra Nevada.

Are you ready to explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta? Plan your visit responsibly and safely with the help of tumap.travel/en, where you will find all the information necessary to enjoy this unique experience in Colombia.

For more information on plans and activities in the Sierra, visit Tumap's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Tours Blog.