Nov 21, 2024
Incredible Experience - My partner and I try to do hiking trips whenever we travel, and I I can say that what Leo and his farmer partners are putting together out in Santa Marta is something extremely special. We traveled from Cartagena specifically to do this trip, and we're so glad we did -- it was the highlight of our time in Colombia.
This is a tough 3-day hike. Don't let the distances fool you, Day 1 and Day 2 are no joke. But you'll be rewarded with spectacular views, great wildlife, warm people, and a journey way, way off the beaten path. Leo is a joy to spend the days with and helps keep things interesting with his encyclopedic knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Some tips: Bring something warm to sleep in. The farm stays are comfortable, but it can still get cold up in the mountains. Would also recommend bringing a life straw or filter water bottle -- the main source of water along the way are mountain streams (which look perfectly clean, but we didn't want to risk it). If you have any questions, Leo was super communicative by Whatsapp.
If you like to hike, don't miss this one.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 17, 2024
Greatest Trek I’ve ever completed - This is the best trek that I have ever been on. The scenery the whole way was incredible, passing through different environments constantly. Every place I slept had everything you could need and all the hosts were extremely kind and enjoyable to be around. The different creatures and animals you will see along the walk are like none you will have ever seen before. My guide Leo was incredible, very knowledgeable on everything in the areas we walked and was a great hiking partner to guide you. The whole trek you are secluded from the rest of the world, and this create the perfect environment for the walk. The whole experience was perfect, highly recommend this to anyone who is up for a tough but rewarding challenge.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 10, 2024
What an adventure!! - Lenin and Leo have created an amazingly unique experience, and Marga our translator kept things light & fun!
Truly a magical 3 days trekking through uninhabited indigenous jungle and cloud forest, followed by comfortable private rooms with welcoming local families. Be ready for an adventure, and a challenging journey, but also for the tranquility and invigoration in sharing this beautiful piece of Colombia. My wife and I feel luck to have found this tour, and have no regrets besides not wearing long sleeve shirts and pants (the insects are very friendly!).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 28, 2023
Like stepping back in time - This hike was fantastic! Highly recommended to experience the rainforest and meet some local people. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.
Leo is an excellent guide, friendly and kind, with loads of knowledge about the local flora and fauna. The forest is stunning, intertwining green life everywhere. The various folks whose farms we stayed at were very warm and welcoming. And it was a treat to meet several Wigwa on the trail and see their villages. If you want to do something a bit different, make time for this hike in your visit to northern Colombia.
I went for the 3 day Sierra Nevada Experience. I'm an experienced hiker, I live in East Tennessee and visit the Smokies and various parks in the area and happily hike 10-12 miles in a day. 14 or a little over on a good day. Also backpack once or twice a year for a few days. This trek stretched my abilities. The terrain is steep and hard going and those km's are long! Though mostly in the shady forest there are some areas exposed to the hot sun. On the last part of the last day you hit the "Macho Killer" -- a steep 1 km vertical over 5 km hike out of the valley. I needed help w my bag (thank you Leo!) and I wasn't traveling v heavy. But wow, what a hike!
The 3 day is the same route as the 4 day and I thought I'd save time but would recommend taking 4 days if you can. The extra time spent at the Cloud Palace farm will not disappoint! Such a beautiful farm and garden on a steep ridge overlooking the valley. Señors Antonio and Lenin are really cool.
A couple of recommendations: wear some light long-sleeve clothing in bed to keep mosquitoes away & take a lightweight water filter for water from the streams that you'll want to drink.
100 % recommend this hike or anything else with this company. Well worth the time and money to experience local cultures and ecology.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 14, 2023
A tour to remember - One of the most memorable tours we’ve ever done.
To see Colombia from this side was nothing but a blessing. The tour was filled with beauty, amazement and wonder. The tour guide was extremely helpful and patient with us and gave a much information about the surroundings of animals we encountered. We feel very lucky to have experienced this and cannot wait to continue hiking in future after having such a wonderful experience the first time.
To anyone doubting about this tour, we can fully recommend it, the Sierra Nevada is something to see in your lifetime!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 30, 2023
Authentic and Fun - Leo is an amazing and fun guide. This was a great authentic insight into the nature and culture of the Sierra Nevada and its people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sep 22, 2023
Tayrona Park Hike - walk about 35 km, The road is difficult but it is worth it with magnificent landscapes in the middle of lush vegetation, visiting waterfalls, etc. Well organized, very well received and installed on the two peasant farms. I was able to see the indigenous community called Wimake. But not the lost city, the only thing I needed was to know the lost city walks about 35 km,
The road is difficult but it is worth it with magnificent landscapes surrounded by lush vegetation, visiting waterfalls, etc. Well organized, very well received and installed on the two peasant farms. I was able to see the indigenous community called Wimake. But not the lost city, all I needed was to know the lost city
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 11, 2023
Incredible Rainforest Experience - If you are looking for a pure and true rainforest adventure, look no further - this tour is the one for you. I had an unexpected change in vacation plans and decided to book this trip the NIGHT before, and my guide Leo was very accommodating and had an amazing attitude despite my rude last-minute booking. Haha. We saw countless birds (including toucans, macaws, and parrots), a mountain crab, a tarantula hawk attack, and even howler monkeys. Leo was very knowledgeable of all the species. The beautiful scenery was just as abundant as the wildlife, as was the friendliness and hospitality of the families we stayed with. I would recommend this tour to anyone in decent hiking shape wanting an unforgettable Colombian experience. I certainly will be back someday!
Review provided by Viator
Aug 21, 2022
Awesome viewpoints tour - We did the trip in June 2022.
It was a tough hike (do not underestimate it!) but Leo is an awesome guide who supports you and does everything to help you. In this way, you can still enjoy the difficult parts and views, which are indeed AWESOME.
We didn't meet any other people, except for the farmers where we slept. They were extremely hospitable, served tasteful food and it was great to spend some time with them.
Leo is knowledgeable about the nature and animals in Sierra Nevada and shares a lot of interesting information while hiking.
If you are in good shape and would like to do an off the beaten path hike in Sierra Nevada, i can definitely recommend this one. Bring good walking gear, as some paths go through dense jungle and creeks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 17, 2023
The secrets of coffee from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia - It is an adventure to go to the Sierra Nevada which is the highest coastal mountain in the world. The coffee grown in the mountains is the “Castilla” variety, which predominates in the region due to its resistance to rust (pests or diseases) and also because it allows coffee farms to benefit economically, among others. allows it to be sustainable and friendly with nature.
This farm is looking for a better international positioning, which is why it has been called “special coffee.” It is a brutal experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor