Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta extends across 17,000 square kilometers, reaching an elevation of 5,750 meters near the Caribbean coast within three departments.

Spanish conquistadors first encountered this mountain range and its indigenous inhabitants during their exploration of northern Colombia in the 16th century.

Four indigenous groups - the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo - maintain their traditional practices and consider these mountains their sacred ancestral territory.

Visitors can access the mountain range through Santa Marta city, with guided tours available for hiking, bird watching, and exploring archaeological sites.

The mountain range contains thirty-six rivers that provide fresh water to 1.2 million people and supports over 3,000 plant species.

Location: Aracataca

Inception: 1964

Elevation above the sea: 5,730 m

Made from material: metamorphic rock

GPS coordinates: 10.83500,-73.67500

Latest update: June 6, 2025 10:22