Trip to Colombia ► Mountain & Jungle Tribes

Trip to Colombia from 1 to 14 December 2026 / From 4,650€

Colombia is one of the most fascinating South American destinations for experiencing native communities. This trip to Colombia has been designed by the team of anthropologists and expedition experts at Last Places for those seeking deep contact with living indigenous cultures.The route combines visits to jungle tribal groups with indigenous mountain communities.

The first part of this trip to Colombia focuses on the remote Amazonian region of San José del Guaviare, home to the Nukak tribe, who were first contacted in 1988. Their isolation is like stepping into another world. During this journey, we will navigate the legendary Vaupés River to meet the Tukano people, who maintain a rich tradition of ancestral culture. To reach this remote territory, it is necessary to travel in small Cessna planes and continue by canoe along the jungle rivers.

After this immersion in the jungle, we’ll fly to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountainous region on the Caribbean coast with the highest peaks in Colombia. It’s isolated from the Andes Mountains and, therefore, completely different. The Sierra Nevada is inhabited by the Kogui tribe.

This part of the itinerary will take us to Palmor, a town with two faces: one with settlers from different parts of Colombia, established on the slopes of the high mountains, mainly dedicated to coffee production and other agricultural activities. The other face is that of the indigenous people, who come to Palmor to meet various needs. It’s a very lively yet peaceful town. From Palmor, we’ll hike to a traditional Kogui village in the Sierra. It’s almost surreal to see the difference from our Western world, and to think that we can find a completely different culture and way of life so close by is incredible.

The final part of this ethnographic trip to Colombia will take us to the territory of the Ember Eyabida, with their incredible pre-Columbian headdresses and striking red costumes, a powerful contrast to the urban might of the city of Medellín, the final point from where we will return home.

The guide for this trip to Colombia will be Joan Riera, anthropologist specializing in animist religions and cultural recovery processes among tribal societies.

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Discover the highlights of this trip to Colombia

Bogotá: living history and local perspectives on this trip to Colombia

We will begin the trip to Colombia in Bogotá, a vibrant and diverse capital. We will explore La Candelaria, the city’s historical and cultural heart. Here, we will walk among colonial houses, plazas and streets full of memory. Moreover, we will visit the Gold Museum, one of the most important collections in the Americas. We will discover pre-Hispanic pieces that explain the ancestral worldview of the region. Afterwards, we will move into the Mariposa neighbourhood, in Usaquén. This popular area stands out for its street art and strong community identity. Therefore, we will use public transport to enjoy a truly local experience. Finally, we will climb in local jeeps and walk between viewpoints and colourful murals.

Rock art at Cerro Azul

Next, the trip to Colombia will continue towards the Amazonian region of Guaviare. From San José, we will enter the rainforest to reach Cerro Azul. There, we will observe impressive rock paintings hidden among cliffs and caves. During the walk, an Indigenous guide will share his interpretation of the site. This direct contact will allow us to understand a different way of reading the past.

Daily life with the Nukak people

During this trip to Colombia, we will live with a Nukak family in their traditional maloka. This experience will bring us closer to one of the most fragile cultures in the country. In addition, we will learn about their recent history and their struggle for cultural survival. We will dedicate time to sharing daily life with the Nukak. We will take part in activities inside the maloka and the surrounding forest. Likewise, we will observe rituals, traditional techniques and ancestral body expressions. Furthermore, we will learn about the changes experienced after first external contact. This encounter will add a deeply human dimension to the trip to Colombia. Here, responsible tourism will become a real tool for cultural support.

Navigating the Vaupés River to meet the Tucano people

We will then continue the trip to Colombia into the heart of the Colombian Amazon. We will navigate the Vaupés River, passing isolated Indigenous communities. Along the way, we will enjoy river landscapes of remarkable beauty. Upon arrival, the Tucano community will welcome us into their maloka. Here, we will discover a complex and highly symbolic worldview. We will share days of traditional fishing and forest walks. In addition, we will observe agricultural work and the preparation of ritual foods. Music and chants will close the days around the fire.

Sierra Nevada: sacred territory of the Kogui people

Later, the trip to Colombia will take us to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. After a mountain journey, we will reach a remote Kogui settlement. This territory preserves one of the oldest spiritual traditions in the Americas. We will walk through the Sevilla River valley with local guides. We will learn about their sacred relationship with nature and world balance. Likewise, we will observe traditional practices such as weaving and the ritual use of coca. This section will offer a deep insight into Indigenous American thought.

Medellín: urban transformation and social memory

The trip to Colombia will continue in Medellín, a symbol of resilience and change. We will explore the historic centre and Botero’s sculptures. Afterwards, we will use the metro and cable cars to reach working-class neighbourhoods. In these communities, we will discover social projects linked to urban art. These initiatives will show how culture can transform lives.

Living with the Embera Indigenous people

Finally, we will enter Embera territory in the Ituango region. This is one of the largest Indigenous nations in the country. Here, we will spend time with families and traditional leaders, learning about the Dobida and Eyabida groups. We will discover their symbolic clothing and strong cultural identity. Moreover, we will take part in an ancestral body painting session. This ritual expresses protection, belonging and spiritual connection. This final encounter will close the trip to Colombia with an intense and transformative experience.

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Map of Colombia

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Colombia

Trip to Colombia: Mountain & Jungle Tribes

Download the itinerary for this trip to Colombia

Discover the highlights of this trip to Colombia