Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Caribbean Region

Pueblo Bello is a predominantly Indian municipio located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, with a pleasant climate. It is the gateway to the territory of the Arhuacos in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Its name honors its fauna and flora that can be appreciated in the Buzintana botanical garden created by the Arhuaca community. Pueblo Bello is reached by a road in good condition in 1 hour and a half by colectivo (about $15,000 per person). The excursion can easily be done by the day. Nabusimake, "the place where the sun is born," is a 2.5-hour jeep ride from Pueblo Bello, at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The village is the spiritual center of the Arhuacos. It is possible and even recommended to stay overnight in Nabusimake, in one of the traditional Baharek houses. There you will see the famous Arhuaca mochilas (traditional beige bags with brown, grey and black patterns, made of sheep's wool, cotton and fique). A lot of coffee is produced in this mountainous region, and the landscapes are very beautiful. It is more interesting and practical to visit the Indian villages accompanied by a local guide. In any case, this should always be done with the greatest respect for the communities visited: do not take pictures of the people without their permission, for example, or buy locally produced handicrafts rather than making donations so as not to encourage begging, especially among children.

Just 40 minutes from Trigana, you can reach the enigmatic "Forest of Giants". Set aside a day for a 15 km hike to observe the guardians of the jungle: known here as Bolao or Macondo, these trees are hundreds of years old and bear the scientific name Cavanillesia platanifolia. Along the trail, you can observe birds, monkeys and sloths. You'll bathe under beautiful waterfalls: a luxury when you're walking in 30°C temperatures!

In the heart of the Darien rainforest, easily accessible from Trigana or San Francisco, the Sasardi nature reserve alone protects 60 hectares of forest. Initiated in 1988 by a young woman named Betty, just 15 years old, the Sasardi reserve is the collective creation of a small group of ten or so families who, thanks to community purchase, were able to prosper until the end of the 1990s. However, with the paramilitary occupation of the region in the early 2000s, several administrators were forced to leave the reserve. Today, the project has risen from the ashes: a veritable civil society movement, the Sasardi reserve has been able to gain ground thanks to the purchase of private land by individuals. The aim? To conserve and protect the Darien jungle ecosystem. In the heart of the reserve, a charming camp has been set up with basic but functional infrastructure. Today, it welcomes volunteers, houses a small museum and has succeeded in implementing a responsible and sustainable use of natural resources. The archaeological exhibition showcases artefacts found in the region dating back to pre-Columbian civilizations (Cuevas and Cunas). In 2024, the Santa María La Antigua del Darién archaeological park team was studying the dating of these pieces. For those interested in volunteering, volunteers work approximately 5 hours a day, 5 days a week to carry out the activities.

Julio lives 15 minutes from the Muelle de Playa Soledad, in his little tropical bachelor pad overlooking the sea. Choco's leading wine producer, it's here that he makes his artisanal wine: from Capurgana to Medellín, he sells his homemade confections throughout the region. A lovable 70-year-old gentleman, he will enthusiastically welcome you for a tasting and a short tour of his small, unpretentious and unfussy property. He lives here year-round and, if you like the place, you can camp in one of his little corners of paradise among the banana trees.