Day Tours / Santa Marta

Don Diego River: Tubing and Taironaka

Float down the Don Diego River through jungle and howler monkeys, visit the Taironaka archaeological park and finish by kayak where the river meets the sea.

RiverAdventureCulture
Travelers paddleboarding on the Don Diego River in the jungle
Duration
1 day · departs 6:00 am
Departs from
Santa Marta

About this tour

Don Diego is a small village near the mouth of the river of the same name. Within its limits is an Indigenous reserve, with Tayrona terraces and paths up into the Sierra Nevada. Just 5 minutes by boat up the river is Taironaka, where traces of the first inhabitants of the Santa Marta region survive.

The river beaches invite a swim in fresh water coming down from the Sierra, and tubing, floating down the river on inner tubes, has become a favorite for locals and travelers. The humid tropical forest holds trees up to 40 meters tall.

It is the only place in the Sierra Nevada where you can choose between warm and cold water of the Don Diego River. The only requirement: comfortable water shoes, sunscreen and a good attitude.

Itinerary

  1. 6:00 · Pickup and transferPrivate transport from Santa Marta.
  2. Morning · "Following the Tayrona trail" walkAn ecological walk to Don Dieguito, where you choose between warm and cold water.
  3. Morning · Tubing down the riverFloat past 20 to 30 meter trees, howler monkeys and herons, down to Taironaka.
  4. Midday · Taironaka and lunchVisit the archaeological park: terraces, house rings, stone paths and a traditional hut. Regional lunch.
  5. Afternoon · Kayak to the seaPaddle to the river mouth where it meets the Caribbean, with toucans and migratory birds.
  6. Afternoon · ReturnBoat back to the Taironaka parking area and transfer to Santa Marta.

Included

  • Private transport
  • Tubing descent
  • Taironaka entrance
  • Lunch and hydration
  • Guide service
  • Travel insurance

Not included

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Expenses not listed in the tour

Questions

What should I bring?

Comfortable water shoes, sunscreen, clothes you can get wet and a change of clothes.

What is Taironaka?

An archaeological park on the site of an old Tayrona city, with terraces, house rings and stone paths.

What time does it start?

It departs at 6:00 am from the agreed spot in Santa Marta.

Is it suitable for children?

Tell us the ages in your group when you ask for a quote and we will confirm.

How much does it cost?

We do not publish fixed prices because they depend on group size, date and options. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp and we reply within a few hours.

Boat with travelers on the Don Diego RiverDon Diego River between green mountains

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