Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino worth booking?
Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino is a 5-hour experience in Santa Marta, Colombia, from $68 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $68 per person
If you enjoy exploring the less known treasures of a region: you are in the right place. In this tour you will go to the Seviaka indigenous town. You will have a motorbike ride. And you will also talk to a Kogui indigenous leader who will teach you about their cosmology, customs and beliefs. Besides this cultural approach, you will enjoy a tire ride down the Palomino River and its rapids to enjoy surrounding nature in a different way. - A 3-hour hike among nature - The unique experience of learning and interacting with the indigenous of the Seviaka town - A trip by motorbike - Tubing downstream the river - A lesson about medicinal plants and indigenous beliefs and customs.
What you get
About this experience
If you enjoy exploring the less known treasures of a region: you are in the right place. In this tour you will go to the Seviaka indigenous town. You will have a motorbike ride. And you will also talk to a Kogui indigenous leader who will teach you about their cosmology, customs and beliefs. Besides this cultural approach, you will enjoy a tire ride down the Palomino River and its rapids to enjoy surrounding nature in a different way. - A 3-hour hike among nature - The unique experience of learning and interacting with the indigenous of the Seviaka town - A trip by motorbike - Tubing downstream the river - A lesson about medicinal plants and indigenous beliefs and customs.
What's included
Included
- Life jacket
- Floating tire
- Tour Guide
- All-risk insurance
- Entry to Seywiaka
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off by motorbike (from Palomino)
Not included
- Extra purchase
What you'll see and do
Santa Marta
If you are coming from Santa Marta, the guide will meet you at the bus stop and you’ll continue with the regular itinerary.
60 minutes here
Palomino
La Guajira area is the perfect place to find all kind of wild and adventurous experiences. And, at the same time, is home to several ethnics that work to protect their territory and their legacy. So what better plan than combining adventure and culture! In this tour a guide will pick you up in a motorbike, which will be your transport for a part of the tour. Then, you will do a 3-hour hike across the surrounding forest of Palomino. Then you will get the Seviaka indigenous territory. Here, you will be able to talk, interact and listen to the mamo (the indigenous leader) about their customs. He will teach you the importance of medicinal plants, the meaning behind their beliefs, and the way they live. After the experience, you will go to Palomino River to start the aquatic part of the tour. The guides will provide with the life jackets and floating tires. And you will be dragged downstream. Part of this will be in calm waters and another part will be down the river rapids.
300 minutes here
Santa Marta
If the tour starts from Santa Marta, the return is at 3:30 p.m. from the bus stop, so you’ll have some time to explore Palomino on your own or enjoy the beach.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Santa Marta
The tour from Santa Marta operates with shared transportation. Please keep in mind that you must arrive on your own at the meeting point located in Hotel Playa Blanca - Rodadero CRA 3 # 9-70 at 7:15am
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
The tour from Santa Marta operates with shared transportation. Please keep in mind that you must arrive on your own at the meeting point located in Hotel Playa Blanca - Rodadero CRA 3 # 9-70 at 7:15am
Options you can book
From Santa Marta
From Santa Marta: The tour from Santa Marta operates with shared transportation from the meeting point.
From Palomino
From Palomino Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gran Colombia Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Bring comfortable shoes and water. Keep hydrating constantly and use sunscreen
- Be aware this tour is part walking and with the floating tires
- Be aware that transport of this tour will be by motorbike
- The Tour Guide will contact you the day before in case you have any questions or assist you with any requirements
- The tour from Santa Marta operates with shared transportation. Please keep in mind that you must arrive on your own at the meeting point located in Hotel Playa Blanca - Rodadero CRA 3 # 9-70 at 7:15am
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding Trip & Guide
Face to face look at indigenous village. Very enjoyable & real. Hike was thru beautiful jungle …up & down hiking. Be ready to walk. The tubing was relaxing & an extreme contrast to the village. Our guide was fantastic, helpful & accommodating to our needs.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this review. We love hearing that Juan helped make Tayrona even more special for you. It’s awesome knowing his knowledge of the area and ability to spot wildlife made the experience feel even more unique. Thanks for spending part of your trip with us!
via Viator
Must-do experience
We had an absolute blast tubing in Palomino! Our guide, Snider, was the best! Super fun, easy to talk to, and incredibly knowledgeable. He taught us so much about the area and the local Indigenous communities, which made the whole experience feel really special and meaningful, not just adventurous. The motorcycle ride to get there was exhilarating, and the hike was about an hour. Some of the uphill parts were a little challenging, but overall it was very manageable and totally worth it once you get to the river. Highly recommend doing this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you had such an amazing time tubing in Palomino and that the adventure felt both exciting and meaningful. It’s wonderful to hear Snider made it so special with his knowledge, friendliness, and insights into the local Indigenous communities. The combination of the ride, hike, and river experience truly makes it unique. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Colombia with Gran Colombia Tours!
via Tripadvisor
A unique experience
It was a unique experience. The walk through the jungle, the sharing with the indigenous community and closing with the gomon ride through the middle of nature is something I never imagined doing. The landscapes are amazing and our guide Day Jose a divine. For those who like to experience nature 100%, this is an excursion for it.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that the experience felt so unique and memorable, from the jungle hike to the time shared with the indigenous community and the river tubing surrounded by nature. It’s great to know Day José made the experience even more special with his kindness and guidance. Thank you for choosing Gran Colombia Tours. We hope to welcome you back again soon! ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Nos alegra saber que viviste una experiencia tan única, desde la caminata por la jungla hasta el encuentro con la comunidad indígena y el paseo en gomón rodeado de naturaleza. Qué bueno saber que Day José hizo el recorrido aún más especial con su amabilidad. Gracias por elegir Gran Colombia Tours. ¡Esperamos recibirte nuevamente muy pronto!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Super Mario with his super chanclas
Mario was awesome and taught me a lot. The hike was super easy and i had an amazing time. Thank you so much for taking care of me
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Mario made the experience so enjoyable and that you had an amazing time on the hike. Thank you for choosing Gran Colombia Tours. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Once in a Lifetime
While taking part of this day adventure, I kept thinking to myself wow I’m really doing this? I’m from California used to the city life in the Bay Area and this experience so out of my norm but worth every moment. You get picked up in Palomino (note be sure to know that your driver and guide will pick you up in the city of Palomino, if you’re staying outside of the city be sure to make arrangements to get to Palomino). I hopped on the back of his motorbike and rode off to the beginning of the mountain (honestly a really smooth ride no need to worry). And then you hike into the mountain for 1-1.5 hours until you reach the Seviaka indigenous people and learn about their customs, culture, and language. Be sure to bring little snacks and treats for the kids ands watch their face light up. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy some handcrafted items with pesos if you choose. And then afterwards you float down the palomino river via tubes. The floating is pretty gentle with a couple bumps in the current but never did I feel like I was going to flip in the water and my guide did a great job of steering us both. The views, the experience, were all breath taking honestly. I wish I brought more cash to purchase more from the indigenous and that I didn’t have to drive back to Santa Marta right afterwards to really soak in the experience that took place. Make sure to pack good water for the hike because while it’s not brutal, you will be sweating. I’m glad that I did this!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your detailed experience! It’s incredible to hear how this adventure took you outside your comfort zone and left you with such amazing memories. It sounds like the combination of hiking, meeting the Seviaka community, and floating down the Palomino River made for a truly unforgettable day. Your practical tips about bringing snacks, water, and extra cash will definitely help future travelers. We’re thrilled that you enjoyed it and hope to see you again in Colombia for more unique experiences!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $106
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gran Colombia Tours, who run 78 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.0 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Gran Colombia Tours runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Marta.
How much does Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino cost?
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Prices start at $68 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Santa Marta usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Santa Marta is not rushed.
Is Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Santa Marta, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Santa Marta can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Santa Marta and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Santa Marta within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Santa Marta?
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On Outty we rank every Santa Marta experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hike for 4 days to the Lost City, Santa Marta, 4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta, 4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Santa Marta?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Santa Marta?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino?
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Included: Life jacket; Floating tire; Tour Guide; All-risk insurance; and Entry to Seywiaka. Not included: Extra purchase. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 14 listed pickup locations in and around Santa Marta. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Santa Marta. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino?
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Across 10 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Seviaka Indigenous People and Tubing Tour in Palomino?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including From Santa Marta, From Palomino. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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