Private Tour
The Native Expedition - Sierra Nevada (4 days path Of Waterfalls)
Overview
Available languages
85 hours
Mobile ticket
This project was started by a group of peasant families who have decided leave aside activities with a negative impact on the environment (like intensive agriculture and livestock) and work in tourism. These families saw that the place what has always been their home is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity and cultural experiences. And now they want to show this paradise, and everything it offers, to the rest of the world. This trek is outside of others tourist treks saturated with visitors, wildlife full, ancient rainforests, impressive waterfalls, friendly people and stunning views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
Of course, to get to the most beautiful places requires great effort, hiking along steep slopes, grass fields, forests and mountains. As such, it is necessary to be in a good physical and mental condition. You will be rewarded at the end of each day, when we will be welcomed, eat and sleep in the peasants houses where we will have a cultural exchange.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Días 1, 2 y 3
Días 1, 2, 3 y 4
Días 2, 3 y 4
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Level: Experts. Day 1: - starting at 06:00 AM from you location in Santa Marta. - travel of 29 km in motorcycle before starting the trekking. - warm-up 3 Km hiking to a peasant house (La Esperanza). - spend the afternoon and prepare for next day. Day 2: - get up early (05:30). - first great day of hiking through the deep mountains and forest, about 12 Km hiking along a path that goes through the most wooded heart of the mountains. - arrive to second guest farm (Palacio de las Nubes). - spend the rest of the afternoon and evening . Day 3: - wake up 05:40 AM to see the awesome sunrise that the Palacio de las Nubes farm offers. - start the hike at 09:00. About 5 Km downhill hike most. - from 1.600 M to 800 M high. - have the chance to explore one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the entire mountain range, "El Salto". - spend the afternoon and the night at La Estrella Farm. Day 4: - get up early (05:30) to face our second great day of hiking, about 20 Km. - hiking through the territory of Wiwa native community. - our final destination, La Tagua town (1.600 M high). - we'll take the lunch (about 14:30). - start our return to Santa Marta. Average arrival time in Santa Marta: 17:30.
Options
The Native Expedition - Sierra Nevada (4 days path Of Waterfalls)
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10 out of 10
jaapvE707EX,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've had an excellent experience in the jungle with Leo! He's an amazing guide, he's experienced, calm, and able to speak good English as well. The hike was really cool, what a beautiful nature! The farmers where I slept were gave me a warm welcome, and their food was good. Beds were btw also way more comfortable then I expected and the mosquitoes were not a big deal. Don't do the hike if: you are not fit or if you are afraid for downhills in the mud.
One of my all time favorite travel experiences
MK31632,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. My mother and I were deciding between this and the Lost City trek and are so grateful we made the right choice. The hike: isolated, at times quite steep rocky paths straight through the heart of the Sierra Nevada jungle. The waterfalls: Breath-taking and all to yourselves — we didn't see any other tourists until the last mile of the last day. The accommodations: The spare rooms inside the houses of local farmers who are incredibly welcoming and genuine and as interested in learning about you as you are them. The guides: Knowledgable, supportive, and well-organized (Thank you Leo!) The weather: Hot and humid - we went during the rainy season and I don't think we dried out for 3 days. Bring a couple pair of quick dry pants and shirts and several pair of wool socks. The level of difficulty: It's certainly expert level. There is a mule to carry your packs part of the way which enhances the experience because you can focus more on your surroundings. But you need to be able to steadily hike uneven terrain for 4-8 hours a day. The jungle: Wow. Spiders, butterflies, birds, howler monkeys and more. Highlights: Standing under a waterfall, climbing an ancient stone path only recently rediscovered, and meeting the wonderful locals each night. Tips: Bring a filter with your water bottle so you can drink freely from the streams. We brought heavy-duty picaridin lotion to avoid mosquitos in the rainy season. Sunscreen and ball cap is a must.
One of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
Wander425027,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was experience was one I’ll never forget. The views, the hike, the families that opened their homes to us way out in the Sierra Nevada mountains. If you are looking for a more adventurous, intimate experience in this area of Columbia you won’t be disappointed. Leo was a great guide and knew so much about the area and the flora and fauna. There wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer about history, the people we met, or the forest. A couple tips: 1. bring snacks. The hike is hard and food is provided at the beginning and end of each hiking day. Leo did arrange for us to have food during the hikes when we asked which was awesome. 2. Bring a water filter to fill at streams. This gave us clean access to water the entire time. We used the “be free” filter our entire time in Columbia. Not just the trek. 3. You will carry all your things part of the first and last day. A mule carry’s it the rest of the time. So nice. We took day packs with us the whole time with sunscreen, bug spray, rain gear, water and food. 4. Bring a first aid kit with basic first aid supplies. 5. Do the 4 day trek and ask lots of questions. Leo is very experienced and knows so much!
Best Colombia Nature experience!
christiankN2344LO,
Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leo is amazing :) We enjoyed the three-day hike with Leo to the fullest. We felt very safe and happy in his presence and were infected by his enthusiasm. The hikes are strenuous, but never dangerous or risky. The breaks are well planned and Leo is considerate and motivating at the same time. The overnight stays were both in very beautiful places. His team of drivers, helpers who take care of the luggage transport with the mules and the hosts at the overnight stops were all very friendly. We felt very welcome everywhere we went! The Sierra Nevada di Santa Marta was a highlight of our trip to Colombia in every respect. Looking back, I can really only recommend one thing: Go on the four-day hike! THANK YOU LEO
Couldn’t be happier
caraplanetary,
Jan 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I feel so very lucky to have found Native Expeditions while looking at alternatives to the Lost City trek. My friend and I just finished the four day Sierra Nevada trip, and by the end of the first day I knew that this experience was really something special. Leo is a great guide, teaching us about the plants and birds we saw along the way. Each day you walk through incredible landscapes and in between you get good meals, warm hospitality and a comfortable bed. The hosts we stayed with each night treated us like friends their son or brother brought home for a visit. I will be recommending this trek to everyone I meet who likes a good hard hike, wants to practice speaking Spanish (Leo speaks excellent English but talking with the hosts is such an encouraging environment to try your Spanish), or wants a truly unique travel experience. Some notes: - I’m a vegetarian and was very happy with the veggie meals on offer - I did the hike in non-waterproof trail runners but often ended up with wet feet. I would have been happier in waterproof shoes. - Our big backpacks were carried on a mule most of the time, but you need to be able to carry everything part of the way (a few hours). So bring a small day pack in addition to your main bag, and if you have a way to store anything unnecessary for the trek, you’ll want to do that.
Incredible Experience Worth Every Step
Brigid F,
Jan 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this as a less-crowded alternative to the Lost City treks. Leo is a knowledgeable and helpful guide and we enjoyed our time with him. We did the 4-day Path of Waterfalls and had an incredible experience that felt respectful of the indigenous Wiwa people while seeing natural wonders and meeting some of the warmest, friendliest hosts and families I have ever encountered. The physical challenge is real - make sure you can handle the elevation gain, altitude, and distance as advertised (and bring a pair of waterproof boots). Fortunately, Leo is very patient and checked regularly to make sure I was doing OK on the tougher sections. You do have to carry all your stuff on the last day, so pack accordingly. The sights, sounds, and people of this beautiful part of Colombia are totally worth the challenge!
A truly unique adventure in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
piotrdS7033LV,
Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This three-day hike was an unforgettable adventure through breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests to stunning mountain views. The organization was flawless, with expert guides providing both safety and fascinating insights about the region. What made it truly special was meeting the indigenous communities and experiencing, even briefly, their way of life in such a remote place. It was a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural connection—a journey I’ll always treasure.
Amazing tough trek with very friendly and service minded guide Leo!
456kristoffert,
Sep 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing trek with Leo. We did not have a lot of time due to a tight travel schedule but Leo was very accommodating and tailormade the 3-day trek into 2 days. He also helped us book transfer from Santa marta to Cartagena directly from the end of the trek. The trek was pretty though but we knew that since we had to walk 29 km in just two days and both me and my friend are in very good physical condition. The trek itself was just amazing. Started with riding on motorcycles through the jungle to the start of our trek. Steep climbs, magnificent views, lovely lunch at a farm. Would recommend this to anyone adventurous and in good physical condition that can take steep climbs in both heat and rain. Oh, and make sure you wear good shoes and functional clothes. They will be muddy and sometimes wet as you cross waterfalls and creeks. 10/10 in my book! Thank you Leo!
Unique routes, a great adventure!
25katea,
Jun 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Would highly recommend this tour company. They offer routes that you can’t find anywhere else. My husband I had the most marvellous 3day trip with Leo. It was the highlight of our trip to Colombia!
Four great days hiking in the Sierra Nevada with Leo!
W7258MXpeterp,
Feb 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So far I have done three hiking tours in Colombia, but the hike with Leo / NATIVE EXPEDITIONS was by far the best! Leo is a passionate ornithologist and showed me many birds that I would otherwise have missed. His knowledge of the country and its people is impressive. The conversations with him and the farmers on the fincas where we stayed were super interesting. This hike is not a walk in the park! You should bring mountain hiking experience and stamina. Next time I wouldn't hike in shorts (ticks and mosquitoes). The list of recommended hiking equipment should be followed. MUCHIAS GRACIAS LEO!!!
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