BUNKUANI
Bunkuani
Land of Ancestral Knowledge
3 Days 2 Nights
Option 1
1.200.000 COP
(Including Transport. Roundtrip)
Option 2
998.000 per person
(without transport)
Bunkuani is a small indigenous settlement that was built between 200 - 350 years after Christ by the first generations of the great Tayrona community.
It must be located between 350-400 meters above sea level, in the tropical rainforest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The Lost City of Bunkuani is a sacred archaeological site that was recently found by farmers in the Calabazo area.
For our Indigenous Koguis brothers, Bunkuani represents the "Land of Ancestral Knowledge", a place privileged by nature.
Indeed, the place is nowadays visited by small groups of explorers, visitors, and travelers looking for a different connection with nature.
At the same time, it is a very lonely place full of wonderful energy.
Indigenous people from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta walk to this sacred place at a certain time of the year for family meditation. Rituals and different ceremonies of their ancestral culture.
Day 1
7:00 am Meeting at TIENDA ENTRADA DE CALABAZO.
7:30 am start of the tour in 4x4 trucks.
1 hour 40 minutes from the town of Calabazo to the village of La Lisa.
On the way, you will stop at the stones of Donama to see the first archaeological site.
From the village of La Lisa, you will start a 10 km hike through a tropical rainforest trail, appreciating beautiful landscapes and coffee farms.
Lunch is on the way.
In the afternoon you will arrive at the farm La Momposina, where you will rest and take a refreshing bath.
The first night you will rest in bed.
Day 3
Teiku - Calabazo.
6:00 Am - You will have breakfast in the Teikú indigenous village.
7:30 am. Accompanied by a Kogui guide, you will receive different explanations and activities about their indigenous culture.
You will tour this beautiful Indigenous village and then depart to the viewpoint that allows you to have a 360 ° view.
You will continue your walk until you reach the place where you will be picked up by our 4x4 car to take you to Mary Nelsy's house.
Lunch at Mary Nelsy's house and you will have enough time to rest and finish this great adventure.
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What to Bring?
Every single day you will hike through a dense humid forest. Even if the sun is not extremely warm, we will be sweating so much because of the humidity.
The secret to success during this adventure is taking a light backpack with us.
Here you have some tips about what you will need to take to Bunkuani
Small /medium size backpack.
Light clothes to walk.
Long sleeves shirt, and long pants for the nights.
Comfortable shoes to walk (hiking boots / running shoes.
Flip flops, small towel, swimsuit.
Toiletries.
Insect repellent, sunscreen.
A hat.
Cash to buy souvenirs from the indigenous and the farmers.
Cash for alcohol or cold drinks at the camps.
Tips for the guides.
Our Adventure Includes.
Meals, fruits, and snacks.
Accommodation on beds the first night and hammocks the second night.
Contribution to the Kogui and Wiwa indigenous communities.
Contribution to the farmer's community that makes this adventure possible.
Entrance to the archaeological site Bunkuani.
Farmer Local Guide or Native indigenous guide and Bilingual guide.
(Spanish - English)
Health Insurance.
Hydration: Water.
Free luggage storage service in Calabazo.
Native Kogui Local Guide.
Transportation from Santa Marta, Palomino, or Minca (Only on request)
Day 2
La Composina farm - Teiku Indigenous Town
6:00 Am - You will start the morning very early, receiving a delicious cup of coffee and at the same time enjoying the sunrise.
6:30 Am You will receive breakfast to recharge your batteries.
7:20 Am: You will start with a demanding hike of approximately 13 km, passing through beautiful landscapes, farms of peasants, and indigenous people until you reach the stone city of Bunkuani Tayrona. In the company of the guide, you will recognize the second archaeological site.
Lunch on the way and rest.
You will pass through a cultivation area where you can see the agricultural practices free of chemicals and where its owner Mr. Ziro shares his experiences while you taste the fruits of the place.
On the way, you will stop to enjoy the warm waters of the Piedras River.
You will be picked up by transportation to take you to the indigenous village of Teikú where you will meet members of the Kogui culture.
Dinner at the Kogui dwelling.
The second night's lodging will be in hammocks in a traditional indigenous house.
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Keep in mind.
The Bunkuani trail is a tourist destination that is slowly developing, so do not expect high luxuries.
The guides who will accompany you, are natives of the area, with great experience; also focus on sustainable community tourism
The first night's lodging will be in a rural farm in a dormitory-style bed with mosquito netting, The second night's lodging will be in a hammock in a traditional indigenous house.
We recommend that you warm up before the hikes, wear trekking shoes to help you hold your feet, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Eating nuts is a good way to give your body energy.
Respect the privacy of the Indigenous people,
we should not enter their rooms.
Carry only the essentials, since weight is a determining factor when walking.
Be in good physical condition, and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages the day before.
Return all garbage to Santa Marta.
Do not damage natural or cultural property.
The weather is hot and humid during the day, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes, T-shirts and shorts for walking.
During the night the temperature drops to approximately 23°C and there is a greater presence of mosquitoes and other insects. It is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to sleep and use insect repellent.
We should not take pictures of them or their belongings without first asking permission or talking to the guide so that he/she can tell us the protocol to follow..