Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta

What your day looks like

Nestled between the cities of Santa Marta and Barranquilla, the Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is Colombia's largest complex of lagoons and swamps. This hidden paradise offers a magical world often overlooked by travelers on the Colombian Caribbean route. Your adventure begins with a 45-minute trip from Santa Marta to Tasajera, near the main highway. From there, you'll board a motorized canoe, typical of the region, and embark on a two-hour boat tour. As you glide through the waterways, you'll feel as though you've entered another world, surrounded by unexplored nature and traditional fishing villages that have thrived in this area for hundreds of years. Witness the impoverished "palafitos" or stilt houses of Buenavista and Nueva Venecia, each boasting about 300 houses amidst the vast swamp, which was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. As you navigate through numerous lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, you'll encounter a plethora of wildlife, including white-faced monkeys, manatees, alligators, and otters. The unique charm of these municipalities lies in the simple, ancestral way of life led by their inhabitants, a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for over a century. Visitors from around the world are now able to explore their colorful houses, bridges, schools, canoes, and small settlements that rise from the water to support a community dedicated to preserving their environment and heritage. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and cultural richness of the Ciénaga Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, where the harmony between nature and traditional life offers a profound and unforgettable journey.