Immersion in the Kogui Community in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Day 1

We will leave early from Santa Marta. We will have breakfast on the road. We will begin the walk from the Caribbean trunk road, the walk to reach the community has a distance of approximately 8 km, with an ascent of 700 meters of positive gradient. The entire walk is uphill, and lasts 4 hours according to the pace of the people and the group. Upon arriving at the community you can rest and enjoy the beautiful view of the Tayrona PNN. They will have lunch and in the afternoon we will take a walk through the community, the community is organized into dispersed farms, they will be able to learn how families are organized, their relationship with nature and their way of life around agriculture and crafts.

The Sierra is considered a sacred place, because the mountain geography is compared to a human body, as previously stated. The hills and mountains are masculine, they are mystical characters that give rise to life. The water sources are considered the blood that irrigates the entire body, and the Sierra itself is considered the center of the world.

Within the town there are two temples, one female (un-hũĕ) considered the “elder sister's house” (Kankurua) and another male (hui-téma) considered the “big house” (Kansamaria). We will stay in one of these places where we will have a short talk about its special importance for the communities.

Day 2

Those who want to take a walk to the La Sierra viewpoint should get up at 6 am. After a snack we will make a 1-hour ascent to the top of the mountain where, depending on the weather conditions, you can see the peaks Gonavindua (Pico Bolívar) and Aloglue (Pico Colón). We will return for breakfast. And we will visit a family where we can share their worldview on human existence and their connection with Mother Nature.

After this we will return to pack. You will be able to enjoy this beautiful place. We will have lunch and begin the descent path. On the way we will make a stop at the La Danta well where you can have a refreshing swim. We will finish to return to Santa Marta.

Uldezhaxa Community

This is a Kogui community located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It is made up of 40 families who live on dispersed farms with a great affinity with nature.

Travel equipment: Sunscreen. Insect repellent. Sunglasses. Canteen, thermos or camelback. Towel. Small backpack for personal things.

🥾Travel clothing: It is important to wear comfortable and fresh clothing, it can be quick-drying synthetic clothing. Tennis or closed shoes for hiking, since the path is necessary to protect the foot and have good grip for areas of ascent and descent with slopes. You can also bring some additional sandals. Swimsuit, hat or cap. Backpack, towel (preferably microfiber, because they are light)

It is recommended to bring a diver because it can get cold at night.

🤓 Special recommendations: It is very important to be well protected from the sun and constantly hydrated during the trip. Bring your camera and binoculars to facilitate the observation of fauna and flora.

In these places it is advisable to have the Yellow Fever vaccine. If you take specific medications, take them with you. It never hurts to carry a personal first aid kit.

It is important to carry some identification document