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The Bunkuany tour is a new hiking experience in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta that combines cultural visits, nature, ecological hiking, rivers and ancestral history of the ancient Tayrona indigenous people.
Over two days, tourists explore featured attractions such as Piedra Donama (a rock full of pictographs that reveals the grandeur of the Tayrona civilization), traverse rural trails, visit natural pools and hike to the archaeological terraces of Bunkuany, one of the best-preserved ancient indigenous settlements in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The tour includes interaction with rural families, accommodation in a natural setting at Finca La Playita and the possibility of experiencing traditional beekeeping. It’s an ideal route for travelers seeking contact with nature, cultural connection and accessible trekking without major physical demands.
Day 1: Piedra Donama, Natural Pools and Arrival at La Playita
Total distance for the day: 13 km
The tour starts at 8:30 a.m., when travelers are picked up from their accommodations in Santa Marta to head toward the rural area of Bonda. Once in the village, they visit the magnificent Piedra Donama, following a trail of approximately 4 kilometers that leads to this rock formation painted with pictographs, considered a cultural landmark of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The tour begins at 8:30 a.m., when travelers are picked up from their accommodations in Santa Marta to start the transfer toward the rural area of Bonda. Upon arriving at this historic village, the group enters a trail of approximately 4 kilometers that leads to the imposing Piedra Donama, a rock formation marked with ancestral pictographs and recognized as an important cultural landmark of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
After a brief pause, the group continues forward and undertakes an additional 2-kilometer stretch toward the páramo of San Isidro, a village where they explore rivers, natural pools and enjoy a fun cliff jumping experience for those who wish to try it.
Around 12:30 p.m., travelers arrive at Domek Tours House, where they'll enjoy a delicious country-style lunch before resuming the journey. After resting, at 2:00 p.m. a final 6-kilometer hike begins toward Finca La Playita, where they'll spend the night. There, tourists will settle in, relax and enjoy a natural environment surrounded by mountains.
Depending on the host's availability, they can also participate in a local beekeeping experience, where the traditional honey collection process is explained. The day ends with a quiet dinner and rest in beds.
Day 2: La Playita → Bunkuany Tayrona → Calabazo → Santa Marta
Total distance for the day: 14 km
The second day begins with an early breakfast at La Playita. At 8:30 a.m., the group prepares for an 8-kilometer hike to the archaeological terraces of Bunkwunay, ascending along ancestral trails that lead to the ancient Tayrona settlement. Upon arrival, around 11:00 a.m., a guided tour is conducted where the history of Bunkuany, the cultural importance of its terraces and the spiritual connection this site maintains with the native indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are explained.
After the tour of the archaeological ruins, travelers begin the trek back along another route until reaching Calabazo via a 5-kilometer trail, arriving at approximately 4:00 p.m., an ideal time to hydrate or enjoy a cold drink. Finally, at 4:15 p.m., the group will be picked up by the vehicle that will return them to Santa Marta, concluding the experience around 5:00 p.m., depending on weather and trail conditions.
What is the difficulty level of the Bunkuany tour?
Moderate. No previous trekking experience required, but good physical condition is needed for continuous 5-8 km hikes.
Where do you sleep?
At Finca La Playita, in beds with mosquito nets
Are there bathrooms and showers at Finca La Playita?
Yes, there are basic bathrooms and cold water showers.
Is it necessary to bring a guide?
Yes. Access to the archaeological site requires an authorized guide for territory protection and tourist safety.
Is there cell phone signal during the tour?
For most of the Bunkuany trek there's no signal. At La Playita and some points near Calabazo there may be connectivity.
Can you swim in the natural pools?
Yes, as long as river conditions allow it and the guide indicates so.
Is vegetarian or vegan menu accepted?
Yes. You must inform us when booking so the logistics team can be notified about your dietary needs.
Can I bring a lot of luggage?
Not recommended. Your backpack should be light to avoid fatigue during the hikes.
