Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour in Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta, Colombia

Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour

Outty Ranking 69 4.8 · 17 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $43
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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour worth booking?

Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour is a 3-hour experience in Santa Marta, Colombia, from $43 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (17)
Duration
3 hours
From
$43 per person

Between Santa Marta and La Guajira, there is a place that boasts nature and adventure. And we want you to know it. Come with us to Palomino. Take a motorbike. Hike across the forest and enjoy a walk by the song of birds. Gaze at the views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta’s surroundings. And then take your tires downstream the Palomino River and enjoy the rapids until you get to the point where it meets the Caribbean and take the motorbike back to Palomino. A perfect mix between adventure and deep chill connection with nature. - A short hike among nature - Tubing downstream the Palomino River by the rapids - Getting to meet the place where Palomino river meets the Caribbean Sea - A trip by motorbike across Palomino

What you get

    About this experience

    Between Santa Marta and La Guajira, there is a place that boasts nature and adventure. And we want you to know it. Come with us to Palomino. Take a motorbike. Hike across the forest and enjoy a walk by the song of birds. Gaze at the views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta’s surroundings. And then take your tires downstream the Palomino River and enjoy the rapids until you get to the point where it meets the Caribbean and take the motorbike back to Palomino. A perfect mix between adventure and deep chill connection with nature. - A short hike among nature - Tubing downstream the Palomino River by the rapids - Getting to meet the place where Palomino river meets the Caribbean Sea - A trip by motorbike across Palomino

    What's included

    Included

    • Life jacket
    • Floating tire
    • Tour Guide
    • All-risk insurance
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off by motorbike (from Palomino)

    Not included

    • Extra purchase

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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

    2. Palomino

      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 hike of 40 minutes across the surrounding forest of Palomino. There, the guide will give you a short lesson of flora and fauna of the area. And if you are lucky, and the sky is clear enough you’ll be able to see the two most important peaks of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Simon Bolivar and Colon peaks. Once ready you will take your floating tires and life jackets downstream the Palomino River. There will be a part of rapids in this route, but you will also enjoy going down the river among nature. Finally, you will get to the Palomino River mouth, the exact place where it meets the Caribbean Sea.

      180 minutes here

    3. 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

    El tour desde Santa Marta opera con transporte compartido. Por favor, ten en cuenta que debes llegar por tu cuenta al punto de encuentro ubicado en el Hotel Playa Blanca - Rodadero, CRA 3 # 9-70, a las 7:15 a. m.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    El tour desde Santa Marta opera con transporte compartido. Por favor, ten en cuenta que debes llegar por tu cuenta al punto de encuentro ubicado en el Hotel Playa Blanca - Rodadero, CRA 3 # 9-70, a las 7:15 a. m.

    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
    • Be aware that transport of this tour will be by motorbike
    • Be aware this tour is part walking and with the floating tires
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Bring comfortable shoes and water. Keep hydrating constantly and use sunscreen
    • 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 Edificio Playa Blanca, Cl. 10 #9-70, Gaira at 7:15am

    Photos

    Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour in Santa Marta, photo 2Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour in Santa Marta, photo 3Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour in Santa Marta, photo 4Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour in Santa Marta, photo 5Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour in Santa Marta, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    17 verified traveler reviews for Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    willf956 · March 2026

    Be a little careful...

    Great trip, no fault of the tour but the river was very murky due to recent rain falls. Very well looked after and they were just 2 of us, so it was very informative. The only reason I knocked off 1 star is because I contracted both Weils disease and Dengue Fever. Wear loads of mozzies spray, and do not walk around barefoot

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed and honest review. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the trip overall and felt well taken care of, especially with the more personalized experience. We’re sorry to hear about your health issues following the tour—that must have been very difficult. We truly appreciate you sharing this important advice for future travelers. Your feedback is very valuable, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with another, much smoother experience in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    Stephanie T · March 2026

    Don’t miss this adventure while in Palomino or nearby areas!

    We absolutely loved this tour! Everything was as described and Luis was so great and helpful every step of the way, from being responsive on Whats App helping me to figure out the transport from Tayrona ( we took the public bus to meeting point in Palomino which was super easy), to carrying my tube for me while on the moto-bike ride. Moto-bike ride was super fun, the hiking portion was also great, along with the tubing. We ended with a great lunch at the spot where the tubing ended on the Caribbean in Palomino afterwards, before our moto-bike ride back to where we had to meet the bus. This tour was the perfect mix of adventure, beauty and relaxation. Tubing down the river was beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. We brought a couple beers with us to enjoy on the river which was nice, but there was also a guy set up in the middle of the hike selling drinks and snacks that you can purchase that stuff from. Our group consisted of just us and one other couple who by the end of the day we felt like we had made new friends in both them and Luis. Luis also took some great pictures of us throughout the tour which I always appreciate. Such a great day! I highly recommend doing this exact tour with this company.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your amazing and detailed review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a memorable experience and that everything—from the coordination and transport to the adventure activities—went smoothly. It’s wonderful to know Luis made such a positive impact with his helpfulness, great attitude, and attention to detail throughout the day. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Colombia with Gran Colombia Tours for another unforgettable experience soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    736jacquesv · January 2026

    Great experience!!!!

    Great, very relaxing experience with clean explanation from Jaïr, our tour guide. We also went with Jaïr to the Tayarona parc, where he showed us around. We recommend Jaïr as a great, wide experienced tour guide for the area!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We're glad you enjoyed such a relaxing and well-explained experience, and that your time in Tayrona felt so special. It’s wonderful to hear Jaïr’s experience and guidance made a great impression. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back to Colombia with Gran Colombia Tours soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    MrsMac65 · October 2025

    Great fun and worth the money

    Our tubing guide, David, was wonderful. Kind, careful and fun. The tubing bit was peaceful and relaxing. A few words of advice: it's a long day out (7am - 5.30pm) and having a Spanish speaker in your group would be helpful. An email with practical advice on what to bring, what to wear, schedule etc would have been appreciated. We were quite confused at times as to what was going on! Also be warned, the trip involves mototaxis which are exhilarating but not for the nervous traveller! Overall a great day out!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the experience and that David made the day so special. We have taken your comments into account and have already made some adjustments to improve communication and provide clearer pre-trip information, helping future travelers feel more prepared and comfortable. Your feedback is very valuable as we continue enhancing our experiences.

    via Tripadvisor

    NicolasCLon · August 2025

    Peaceful River tubing in Palomino

    Our guide arranged for the pick-up from our hotel, a jeep brought us as far as possible and then we walked for 25 mn in the forest before reaching the river. We then went down the river for 2 hours. Our guide, Davide, was very friendly and indicated spots where kids could jump off and swim. The river is very safe and it was a very peaceful experience.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your river adventure with David as your guide. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again in Colombia with Gran Colombia Tours

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $43 to $87
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    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 runs

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)52
    Booking momentum (14% weight)43
    Value for money (12% weight)74
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Santa Marta.

    How much does Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $43 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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour take?

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    Plan for about 3 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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 17 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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour?

    +

    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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour?

    +

    Around 6 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?

    +

    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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour?

    +

    Included: Life jacket; Floating tire; Tour Guide; All-risk insurance; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off by motorbike (from Palomino). Not included: Extra purchase. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour?

    +

    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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour?

    +

    Across 17 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. 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 Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Tubing Across Palomino River Including a Hiking Tour.

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