Often confused with the Arawak peoples, the indigenous Arhuaco communities inhabit the highlands of the Sierra de Santa Marta, in the valleys of the Chichicua, Piedras and Ariguaní rivers, among others. Their population is estimated at 25,000, and their lands are recognised by the State of Colombia as collectively owned protected area.
The Arhuaco are a people with recognized social and political consciousness, and although they live scattered across the Sierra de Santa Marta, meetings and ceremonies bringing all the communities together take place in the main villages. The most important of these is Nabusímake.
The Arhuaco people’s main activity is agriculture, particularly production of tobacco and coca leaves. Despite pressure from the Colombian government, the Arhuaco have not stopped cultivating the famous leaf, and justify its cultivation as medicinal plant rooted in its traditions.
“The Arhuaco are deeply spiritual people with a profound understanding of their own all-encompassing philosophy. They believe in a Creator and Great Father, Kakü Serankua, from whom came the first gods and material beings, other fathers such as the sun and snow-capped peaks, and other mothers such as the Earth and Moon. They regard the Sierra as the heart of the world, from which it originated in the different stones.”
Text of The Arhuacos on Wikipedia
A chance to share the magic and enchantment of this natural paradise.
We will plant a tree and practise weaving and crafts alongside indigenous people.
The Arhuaco communities have planted the coca leaf for the last 500 years as a medicinal plant.
The most able men receive special education in philosophy, religion, medicine or community counselling, which can last from 9 to 15 years.
Our trips to Colombia 2023
✔️ Travel to Colombia
✔️ 16-day nature trip
✔️ Departures 1 MAY > 1, 15 AUG > 1, 30 SEP 2023
✔️ Price from 3850€
After a day in the capital, we begin in the tropical Andes, amid coffee estates and lush nature. We climb to the páramo and walk beneath the palms of the Cocora Valley, then continue to Tayrona National Park and the Guajira Peninsula, one of the continent’s most fascinating and remote places. We explore it on a two-day 4×4 safari before finishing in Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean.
✔️ Travel to Colombia
✔️ 16-day nature trip
✔️ Special departure 3 July 2023
✔️ Price from 4580€
After a day in the capital, we begin in the tropical Andes, amid coffee estates and lush nature. We climb to the páramo and walk beneath the palms of the Cocora Valley, then continue to Tayrona National Park and the Guajira Peninsula, one of the continent’s most fascinating and remote places. We explore it on a two-day 4×4 safari before finishing in Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean.
