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Magical Realism
with
Sumaj Tours

TWO DAYS IN

STILT VILLAGES - MAGDALENA SWAMP

Venture into the stilt villages of Nueva Venecia and Buenavista, where water is home and amphibious culture reveals its charm. Explore mangroves that whisper stories, admire homes that float like a miracle, and share the daily life of unique communities. An unforgettable experience that unites nature, tradition, and the magic of the Ciénaga Grande. 🌊✨

TWO-DAY TOUR

MAGDALEN SWAMP AND STILT VILLAGES

Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours
Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours
Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours

Explore Ciénaga Magdalena

Day 1: The soul of Ciénaga

  • Imagine strolling through Plaza Centenario, where the palm trees seem to whisper tales of the past, while the Caribbean sun caresses the colorful facades. The imposing San Juan Bautista Church stands like a timeless guardian, and the Callejón de las Letras, with its bohemian atmosphere, transports you to a world of poetry and culture.

  • At midday, a typical Caribbean lunch awaits you: flavors that evoke the sea and the land in every bite. In the afternoon, the old Customs House becomes a portal to the past, revealing the secrets of this vibrant town. As night falls, Ciénaga comes alive with lights and laughter. Enjoy its nighttime charm before resting in a cozy local guesthouse.

Day 2: The magic of the Ciénaga Grande and the stilt villages

  • The second day begins with a canoe trip through the Ciénaga Grande, a mirror-like body of water surrounded by mangroves that seem to guard paradise. The birdsong and the serene movements of the fishermen paint a vibrant picture that connects you with nature.

  • Upon arriving in Nueva Venecia, you discover a floating world. Its colorful houses, suspended over the water, tell stories of resilience and community. You walk along its walkways and observe the daily life of its inhabitants, where every smile reflects pride and tradition.

  • Lunch, lovingly prepared on a houseboat, is an unforgettable experience: the taste of the Caribbean combined with the warmth of those who prepare it.

  • In the afternoon, Buenavista offers breathtaking views from its observation tower: a horizon where sky and water merge in an eternal embrace. There, a local fisherman shares his ancestral knowledge of artisanal fishing techniques, an art that resonates with the spirit of the region.

  • The day ends with a canoe trip back to the dock, as the sunset bathes the Ciénaga in golden and orange hues. Every moment is etched in the heart, an indelible memory of the magic of this land.

Included Activities

Day 1: City Tour in Ciénaga

  1. Morning: Visit to Plaza Centenario, San Juan Bautista Church, and the Callejón de las Letras.

  2. Midday: Traditional Caribbean lunch at a local restaurant.

  3. Afternoon: Visit to the former Customs House to explore the history and cultural heritage of the town.

  4. Evening: Free time to enjoy Ciénaga’s nightlife, followed by overnight stay in local accommodation.

Day 2: Pueblos Palafitos (Stilt Villages)

  1. Morning: Boat ride from Pueblo Viejo across the Ciénaga Grande.

  2. Throughout the ride: Observation of mangroves, birds, and local fishermen at work.

  3. Late morning: Exploration of Nueva Venecia, its floating houses, and vibrant daily life on the water.

  4. Midday: Traditional lunch in a floating home prepared by local residents.

  5. Afternoon: Visit to Buenavista, climb to the observation tower, and demonstration of artisanal fishing techniques.

  6. Closing: Canoe return to the dock and transfer back to the hotel.

Includes

• River and land transportation according to the itinerary.
• Travel insurance.
• Local guides.
• One-night accommodation in Ciénaga.
• Breakfast and lunch on the second day.
• All activities described in the itinerary.

Not Included

• Initial transportation to Ciénaga.
• Lunch and dinner on the first day.
• Activities not specified in the itinerary.
• Personal expenses.

Price: $560,000 per person

Reserve with 30% of the total value.

Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours

Price: $560,000 per person

Reserve with 30% of the total value.

Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours

Plan 2: Swamp and Stilt Houses

What are stilt villages?

The stilt villages, like Nueva Venecia and Buenavista , are unique communities located in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta , where daily life literally unfolds on the water. These villages emerged in the 19th century as a refuge for fishermen who sought a safe haven on the water, building their homes on stilts to adapt to the environment. Today, these villages exemplify amphibious culture , with their colorful houses, traditional fishing techniques, and a way of life that moves to the rhythm of the water, deeply connecting with nature and its history.

Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours
Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours

Why visit Ciénaga?

Traveling to Ciénaga, Magdalena, is to discover a hidden treasure of the Colombian Caribbean, where history, culture, and nature intertwine in a magical place. Recognized as a Heritage Town of Colombia and the Capital of Magical Realism , Ciénaga captivates with its colonial architecture, its streets steeped in history, and its connection to the work of Gabriel García Márquez.

Here, the imposing Plaza Centenario and the majestic Church of San Juan Bautista transport you to a vibrant past, while the landscapes surrounding the Ciénaga Grande offer a unique natural experience. This destination is not only a cultural gem, but also a place that invites you to experience the essence of the Caribbean region, enjoy its warm people, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that inspires and amazes. Ciénaga is not just a trip; it's an encounter with the magic that defines Colombia.

Cienaga Magdalena stilt towns Sumaj tours

How to get to Ciénaga?

  • From Santa Marta: Just 35 minutes by car or taxi via the Troncal del Caribe highway. You can also take buses from the public market.

  • From Barranquilla: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or bus from the Transportation Terminal.

  • From Cartagena: 3 hours and 30 minutes via the Vía al Mar; buses bound for Santa Marta stop in Ciénaga.

  • By plane: Arrive at Santa Marta Airport and take a taxi or bus to Ciénaga.

Fast, simple and connected to the main destinations in the Caribbean region.

Exploring Ciénaga and the Palafito Villages with Sumaj Tours SAS is to step into a world where tradition and nature intertwine in a unique way. Prepare to discover the magic of floating communities and landscapes that seem straight out of a dream!

Photo Summary

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Additional information:
Cancellation Policy: Full refund (less transfer fees) if cancelled one month in advance.


Responsibility:

Sumaj Tours SAS is not responsible for additional expenses generated by weather conditions that affect the schedule of activities.

Sumaj Tours SAS rejects exploitation, pornography, and sex tourism involving minors. Law 679 of 2001.

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