Secret yoga destinations: Northern Colombia

Northern Colombia possesses some of the most diverse environments anywhere in the world. Choose a direction from the city of Santa Marta and the visitor will soon chance upon a new climate, terrain or experience — a mere 25 steps outside the airport doors from the arrivals area you’ll find the Caribbean Sea and the beach.  Santa Marta is a city experiencing growing pains due to a rise in visitors and those fleeing Venezuela (a 5-6 hour drive from the border). A city of approximately 500,000, still rough around the edges, acts as the main rest stop and launching area for the real reason most come this way…nature. Tourists will find all the necessary means of travel to venture further in any direction.

South of the airport brings you to the small community of Ciénaga where freshwater and saltwater join forces to create an ecosystem reminiscent of the everglades in Florida.  Ciénaga is experiencing an environmental resurgence. Once in a state of decline due to poor highway planning that cut off the sea from the rivers, adjustments are seeing new life return. It is safe to say, visitors to Colombia will not make a journey to this area specifically, perhaps only noticing it from the window of a bus to Barranquilla. The majority of adventure seekers and nature lovers make their way further north to the communities of Rodadero, Santa Marta and Taganga.

A ride east will give you the chance to discover a rainforest and the highest coastal mountain range in the world, known as the Sierra Nevada. The small village of Minca acts as the gateway to any travels further into the mountains. Here you will find another community in transition. Minca was, not long ago, a battleground for rebels, traffickers and other militant groups. Now, investment and curiosity has turned this tiny riverside mountain village into a place teeming with activity, still with the signature relaxed Caribbean feel.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains give birth to coffee, cacao, and varieties of fruit. The mountains play home to what seems to be an infinite number of birds, frogs and monkeys. They even possess a snow-capped peak with views of the Caribbean Sea, a truly unique combination.

Not to be outdone, the coastal path, northeast of Santa Marta, guides visitors to the Tayrona National Park, great for crystal clear beaches, jungle and strictly-guarded lands with access only by foot or by boat. The Colombian government goes to great lengths to ensure this land is not spoiled; even closing the park for the month of February each year, to let the land ‘rest’. This area also holds another secret: some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world at the most affordable prices.

The options do not end at Tayrona Park. Keep venturing north-east and you will reach a growing area known as Palomino, nestled right on the shore, along with other coastal paradises such as Costeno Beach.

Here is the point where a new transition begins: travel to the most northern tip of South America and a completely new terrain awaits. The lush forests melt away; now, you come face to face with a sprawling desert touching the sea in a place known as La Guajira. The yellow/orange sand, etched with waves created by the wind contrasted by the bright blue and white skies would seem the ideal surroundings for a meditation session.

The Magdalena region is an ideal locale for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, but one more group can truly benefit from a visit to this amazing land. Weaved into every area, yoga instructors are ready to help you release, relax and find your centre.

Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Acroyoga, to name a few, are available to anyone who makes yoga part of their being. Yoga instructors, men and women alike, all are willing to carve out space for a few mats, offering practice opportunities in almost every area of northern Colombia.