Taironaka

We were grateful to be welcomed at Taironaka, a sacred archaeological and cultural site of the Kogi people. They shared so much about their traditions and the way they see themselves as guardians of the world’s ecological balance. We learned that they believe every mountain, river, plant, and animal has its own spirit and purpose. Their spiritual leaders, the Mamos, train for years, including spending years alone in caves to understand the spiritual laws of the universe. It was beautiful to learn from them, and we’re sharing these photos with their permission. 💗

It was amazing to see an original Tayrona village belonging to the Kogi tribe. Only a small section of what was once one of the largest towns remains, but it’s a really interesting place. More than 5,000 people lived here when the Spaniards arrived. After they lost the battle, they had to move high into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.

We had lunch, though we didn’t stay at the hotel. The pumpkin soup was really good, and the shrimp with coconut rice had a nice smoky taste. Dessert was included, a tasty traditional coconut and milk dish. Bring cash, as they only take cash, and the nearest ATM is in Santa Marta, about 35k away. We also looked around the indigenous displays and small museum, which were very interesting. Then we took the river tube down to the coast. The water was quite low because of the dry season.

The retreat here brought me healing, and I’ll always treasure the time I spent here. It was hosted at this beautiful space, where the location and service were great. The rooms were good for being in the Colombian jungle, and I’m grateful to everyone who cooked for us every day.