Cacao, Taironaka & Don Diego: Santa Marta Private Shore Tour
Active
9h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into the living heritage of Colombia on this immersive full-day private shore tour combining indigenous culture, ancient history, and lush river landscapes. Designed for curious travelers, this experience reveals the spiritual and natural heart of the Sierra Nevada.
With private transport and expert guidance, you’ll explore sacred cacao traditions, archaeological treasures, and rich wildlife, all with a relaxed pace and guaranteed return to your ship.
Available options
Private Tour for 5 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Santa Marta Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 4 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Santa Marta Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 3 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Santa Marta Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 6 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Santa Marta Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Driver-Only Tour
No guide, fixed 7:30 AM pickup: Private transportation only. No guide, no entry tickets. Available on Tuesdays with a fixed 7:30 AM pick-up.
<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 1 passenger
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Santa Marta Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
Private Tour for 2 passengers
Private transportation: Includes private transportation to and from the Santa Marta Port
<br/>Private guide: enjoy the company of a private guide<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Entry fees
Professional guide (English, Spanish)
Lunch
Kayak or boat
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your private guide at the port and travel toward the Don Diego River region.
2
Learn about sacred cacao cultivation, indigenous traditions, and enjoy handmade chocolate tasting.
3
Taironaka Archaeological Site – 120 minutes
Walk ancient stone paths, explore terraces and artifacts, and connect with the living culture of the Kogi people.
Riverside Lunch – 60 minutes
Enjoy a traditional local lunch with regional flavors by the Don Diego River.
4
Don Diego River Descent:
Descend the river by kayak or boat, spotting birds, lush jungle, and howler monkeys.
5
Return comfortably to the port in the late afternoon.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and as the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park. This city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the Caribbean coast.
Top Attractions
Tayrona National Park
A stunning national park with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, camping, and relaxing.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Moderate (Entry fee around $10-15 USD)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A historic hacienda and museum dedicated to the life of Simón Bolívar, Colombia's legendary liberator.
Historical
2-3 hours
Budget (Entry fee around $2-5 USD)
Taganga
A charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Beach
Half day or full day
Budget to Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Arepas
Cornmeal cakes, often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Contains seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Trek to Ciudad Perdida
Surfing in Palomino
Beach relaxation in El Rodadero
Spa treatments
Coffee tasting in Minca
Visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Exploring Centro Histórico
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the dry season, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
26°C to 32°C
79°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services
Getting there
By air
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and slow.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
El Rodadero
Centro Histórico
Gairiga
Day trips
Minca
40 km • Full day or overnight
A picturesque mountain town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and eco-lodges.
Palomino
80 km • Full day or overnight
A laid-back beach town with beautiful white sand beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
40 km • Multi-day trek (4-5 days)
A challenging trek through the jungle to an ancient ruins site, older than Machu Picchu.
Festivals
Festival de la Autenticidad • January
Carnaval de Santa Marta • February/March (before Lent)
Feria de las Flores • July
Pro tips
- Visit Tayrona National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for a unique experience
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
- Try the local coffee and seafood dishes
- Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
