Santamarta Cabo San Juan Del Guia Third Sector Tour of Tayrona Nnp: An Honest Review

Okay, so you’re possibly pondering a trip to Colombia, and Tayrona National Natural Park, with its gorgeous beaches and rainforest trails, seems pretty amazing, right? Many outfits run tours, and one that might be catching your attention is the Santamarta Cabo San Juan Del Guia Third Sector Tour. Here’s, more or less, my experience and some advice based on that so you can work out if this particular trip is your cup of tea. Hopefully, it offers that slightly off the beaten path experience that you want, that will stay with you long after you return home!

What Exactly Is the Santamarta Cabo San Juan Del Guia Tour?

In a way, it’s basically a guided tour focused, it appears, on reaching Cabo San Juan, probably one of the park’s most known spots. Many tours get you to Cabo San Juan, so in some respects you might wonder what is different, eh? Well, it usually stands out is their claim that they work with the “third sector,” too it’s almost saying they’re working alongside social enterprises or NGOs. Now, that means a portion of your money supposedly goes towards local community development. In other words, they say tourism with a heart, which potentially makes your visit feel just that little bit more worthwhile, right?

Getting There and First Impressions

You start early, like *really* early. Pick-up from your accommodation in Santamarta could be as early as 6 AM so is that what you expected?. It is best to set that alarm and maybe skip that extra snooze button because it is a long day! The transportation typically involves a van ride to the park entrance. As I was saying, the initial drive will give you views of the coastal scenery, too it’s almost starting the experience well before you arrive, that.

Once you get there, expect a little wait at the entrance. Tayrona is crazy well liked, and sometimes queues build up. So too it’s almost better to try and practice some patience here. The tour guides should usually take care of the entrance fees and the formalities, and stuff. After that is done, that, the real adventure begins!

The Trek: Through Jungle and Along Coast

The trek to Cabo San Juan could be fairly challenging. Remember to wear comfy hiking shoes, and maybe leave those cute sandals for the beach afterward! Expect to walk for about two to three hours, possibly, with several stops along the way, right? The path winds through the rainforest, opening up to views of the sea at frequent points. You know, humidity can be killer so you really should be bringing water, right, and reapplying sunscreen is pretty amazing as you’re trekking!.

Along the way, the guide might show you various plants, and just generally talk to you about the wildlife, too it’s almost like bringing the park to life for you. They could also provide historical and cultural insights. For example, in fact, there’s probably going to be info shared concerning the indigenous communities who once lived there. These types of insights definitely add another layer to the experience!

Cabo San Juan: Paradise Found?

Okay, you made it! Cabo San Juan often, seems to be straight from a postcard. A small isthmus, it appears, joins two beaches, and as you might guess, a little eco-hotel sits atop a rocky outcrop, in a way, dividing the beaches, right?.

The swimming can be awesome so it’s always best to bring your swimwear, definitely. This, of course, may rely on conditions that particular day but on the whole, pretty awesome, very! There are sunbeds and shade accessible for relaxing, which gives you a bit of rest right after your hike.

Keep in mind that this place, quite often, is packed. I mean you are talking top attraction. So it would be fair to say don’t expect solitude, and stuff, even though it sure feels magical. It’s a great place for photographs even with crowds; I mean who wouldn’t be, that is the question?

Food and Drink

Typically, this tour includes lunch, and frankly, a standard, locally made meal that could be pretty welcome after all that trekking. Fish, rice, and plantains perhaps, and that could be it but, in effect, pretty good! If you have dietary limitations, you possibly should inform the tour operator ahead of time so they can make any necessary preparations, or stuff.

Water and drinks tend to be available for purchase throughout the day, and of course bringing your own saves some money. It is worth noting to make sure that you bring enough as staying hydrated is actually a good idea in that heat! I am pretty sure you would agree.

The Third Sector Aspect: Does It Make a Difference?

Now, the thing is the ‘third sector’ aspect. Does your tour make a contribution, virtually? You know, it can be challenging to gauge the real impact on the community right away. The guides are sometimes locals, and just chatting with them, that’s always awesome!. Getting their perspectives can add an entirely separate dimension to the experience!

Asking certain questions regarding exactly where your money goes really would be alright too, eh? That would hold people liable, potentially. It’s always advisable to be informed, that’s worth remembering! Is it not, or something?

What to Bring

Comfortable Hiking Shoes: You’ll, quite likely, thank me later.
Swimwear: Should conditions be nice, you are going to be thinking you may need to take a dip, pretty!
Sunscreen: The sun does tend to be powerful.
Insect Repellent: Those mosquitoes can tend to be annoying so make sure you keep them away.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is actually great, as noted!.
Snacks: In the middle of those treks, it is amazing how useful they could be.
Camera: For just those postcard views.
Cash: In a way, for souvenirs or extra drinks.

Potential Downsides

Crowds: Especially at Cabo San Juan. This does, really, change the feel!
The Trek is Hard: Possibly not suited to people that are, perhaps, less mobile.
Questionable ‘Third Sector’ Impact: Assessing the real effect could be tricky.
Early Starts: Getting going could be difficult.

Overall Verdict

As a matter of fact, the Santamarta Cabo San Juan Del Guia Third Sector Tour sometimes, feels great! In a way, you’re experiencing the magnificent thing about Tayrona Park with the understanding you may, arguably, be helping the local community too, that’s important to know. Just bear in mind the early starts and also the crowds!

Alternative Tour Options

Actually, various alternative tours, possibly, may suit you according to your needs, that is just great. Shorter day trips for just those people who want less hiking could possibly be an idea. There also can be more intense multi-day treks that enable deeper explorations!. So in a way shop around and maybe get just the perfect one for you, yeah?

Eco-Tours: Try and find tours with stronger focus on conservation and sustainable practices as you want.
Private Tours: Consider a custom experience with personal attention as the very best possible thing.
Community-Based Tours: A small number of tours, seemingly, let you stay with local families and honestly, experience their everyday lives!

Tips for an Incredible Trip

Book in Advance: Basically, ensure availability particularly during peak season, that is great and awesome..
Pack Light: As I was saying, simpler hiking! Seriously!
Learn Some Spanish: Talking to locals usually makes the entire thing better, it seems so true, yeah!.
Be Respectful: Recall to be respectful of the surroundings, potentially.
Stay Open-Minded: Simply be able to accept whatever might be around the bend, as usual!