Tayronaka Indian Reserve
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Port
Santa Marta, Colombia
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$94.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Spend the day exploring the ruins of the Taironaka Indian Reserve, taking in the natural environment's stunning biodiversity and learning about Tayrona culture.
A highly scenic one-hour panoramic drive away from the city of Santa Marta leads through the Troncal del Caribe's beautiful landscapes and visual contrasts.
Access to Taironaka is by way of a pleasant 20-minute walk on an eco-path through the flora and fauna of the region. Here, in this landscape nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, you will encounter what used to be the stone city of Tayrona. You will see the ruins of paths, aqueducts, stairs, terraces and much more. Scraps of water vessels and the remains of grinding stones dot the landscape. The marauding Spaniards came here in search of gold objects, leaving only the clay and stone behind -- the remains of the city today.
The reserve's warm climate and fertile soils make for perfect conditions to cultivate colorful tropical flowers, sold to international markets. It is also a sanctuary for the thousand-year-old archeological treasures of the Tayrona people, showcased in the Tayrona Museum here. Your visit enlightens you on how the Tayrona lived and their remarkable prowess as goldsmiths, craftspeople, sailors and warriors.
Explore further on your own, and feel free to swim in the river.
You'll walk with your guide back to the minibus and travel back to the ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of easy-to-moderate walking. Terrain includes steps and uneven and natural surfaces. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Maximum age is 75 years. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing if you wish to swim; bring a towel and insect repellant. Swim at your own risk.