About this tour
The Gotsezhy Indigenous refuge belongs to the Wiwa community, one of the four peoples living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, descendants of the Tayrona civilization that built vast networks of stone paths and ceremonial centers such as the Lost City.
Ecotourism and ethnotourism meet here: Indigenous guides take you to discover the natural wealth and traditions of the communities in these mountains, and through the region’s history and conflicts you learn how the territories and sacred places of the ancestors were recovered.
The itinerary can change with weather or road conditions. Respect the community’s space and ask permission before photographing people.
Itinerary
- Day 1 · Leave Santa MartaYou head to Guachaca and then along a dirt road by 4x4 (about 2 hours) to the community. On the 1-day version departure is around 6:00 am; on the 2-day version around 8:00 am, with about 3 hours of walking from Guachaca.
- Day 1 · Gotsezhy village and refugeA short ecological walk (about 1 km, 20 minutes), the village school, traditional huts and the Wiwa refuge.
- Day 1 · Talk with the Mamo and craftsVisit ancestral places with an Indigenous guide and spiritual talks; a display of Wiwa crafts.
- Day 1 · Lunch, hammocks and Matuna waterfallLunch prepared by the community's women, rest and a swim of over an hour at the ancestral Matuna waterfall.
- Day 1 · Return or dinner and rest1-day: walk and 4x4 back, arrival around 4:30 pm. 2-day: dinner and night at the refuge.
- Day 2 · Morning in the community and descentBreakfast, more cultural sites and talks, lunch and the descent to Guachaca. Estimated arrival in Santa Marta 5:30 pm.
Included
- Native Indigenous guide
- 4x4 jeep transport
- Meals by length of stay: lunch and dinner on day 1; breakfast and lunch on day 2
- Bed or hammock lodging (2-day option)
- Group talk with the Mamo
- Wiwa crafts exhibit
- Contribution to the Indigenous and farming communities
- Travel insurance
Not included
- Expenses not listed in the plan
Questions
What should I bring?
Comfortable trekking boots, a small backpack, clothes for cold weather and a jacket, personal items, repellent, sunscreen, swimsuit, flashlight and plastic bags against the damp.
Is it cold?
Days are hot and humid; at night it drops to about 15 °C, with more mosquitoes. Bring long pants and a long-sleeve shirt for sleeping.
What is the difference between 1 and 2 days?
In 1 day you do the visit and the waterfall and return the same day; in 2 days you sleep at the refuge, share dinner and have more time with the community.
Can I take photos?
Always ask people for permission before photographing them.
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.
