PUEBLO BELLO AND NABUSIMAKE
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.
