Festival Marimba Santa in San Cipriano 2026: Music, Culture, and Nature in the Colombian Pacific

What it is and context

If there's a plan that combines jungle, river, drums, and the best cuisine of the Pacific, it's the Festival Marimba Santa 2026 in San Cipriano. This event, which will take place on April 3 and 4, 2026 during Holy Week, is not just another festival: it's a celebration that turns this village in the Colombian Pacific into the epicenter of Afro-Colombian culture, with the chonta marimba as the great protagonist.

San Cipriano, located in the municipality of Buenaventura (Valle del Cauca), is known as one of the last natural sanctuaries of Colombia. It's a place where cars don't enter: you arrive on "brujitas," platforms on rails powered by adapted motorcycles that cross the humid Pacific jungle. That simple journey is already an experience that disconnects you from the city noise and immerses you in a landscape of crystal-clear rivers and imposing vegetation.

The festival was born as a bet by the Buenaventura Mayor's Office and the local community to boost community tourism and make the traditions of the Pacific visible. In its past edition, the event brought together more than 7,000 visitors, which meant an important economic boost for the families of the village. For 2026, expectations are even higher: two days of programming that include music live, traditional dances, gastronomic samples, and a special welcome for tourists looking for something more than the beach during Holy Week.

What makes this festival special is that it's not an event put on for tourists, but a celebration that comes from the community itself. The marimba groups, traditional songs, and dances presented are living heritage passed down through generations of Pacific families who have kept these expressions alive despite violence and state abandonment. Attending is, in a way, witnessing a cultural resistance expressed with joy and rhythm.

For travelers in Santa Marta looking for a different experience this Holy Week, the Festival Marimba Santa is an opportunity to discover another side of Colombia: that of the deep Pacific, with its warm people, flavorful food, and music you feel in your chest. The trip is worth it because what you experience there is unlike anything you'll find in the nightclubs of Zona Rosa or the Caribbean beach resorts.

Event details: dates, program, and what you'll see

The Festival Marimba Santa 2026 will be held on April 3 and 4, within the framework of Holy Week festivities. The programming is designed so visitors can enjoy both the artistic performances and the area's natural attractions. Although the detailed official agenda is published closer to the dates, the general structure of the event includes:

Friday, April 3: Welcome and opening

The first day kicks off with the welcome for tourists at the Terminal Tourist Dock of the village. There, the community welcomes visitors with traditional songs and dance performances. It's the perfect time to settle in, meet the hosts, and start exploring the town. During the afternoon and evening, local marimba and currulao groups perform, with shows extending into the night when the sound of drums resonates over the river.

Saturday, April 4: The big day

The second day is the most intense. From the morning, there are percussion and marimba workshops for those who want to learn firsthand how to play this ancestral instrument. At noon, community eateries and restaurants offer typical dishes like encocado de pescado, arroz atollado, and tapao, while musical performances don't stop. At night, the grand central concert brings together invited groups from the region and local masters who have dedicated their lives to keeping the tradition alive.

One of the most anticipated moments is the marimba procession, where musicians walk through the streets of San Cipriano playing together, followed by attendees. It's a powerful image: the jungle in the background, the river flowing, and the music of the Pacific playing without amplifiers, only with the strength of the wood and the hands of the musicians.

In addition to the music, the festival includes:

• Traditional dance performances such as currulao, berejú, and juga, with typical costumes and choreographies that tell stories of the region.
• Handicraft exhibitions made by women and men of the community, including items made from tagua, coconut, and natural fibers.
• Local cuisine with food stalls where you can try traditional dishes and drinks like viche and arrechón (in moderation, of course).
• Spaces for children, with recreational activities aimed at passing on the culture to new generations.

How to get to San Cipriano: the adventure begins on the way

Getting to San Cipriano is part of the experience. The destination is in the municipality of Buenaventura, in the department of Valle del Cauca, about 2 hours from Cali. From Santa Marta, the trip is longer: you need to take a flight or bus to Cali (approximately 1 hour by flight or 20 hours by bus), and from there continue by land.

The journey from Cali

From Cali, you can take an intermunicipal bus to the entrance of San Cipriano, located at kilometer 32 on the road towards Buenaventura. The trip lasts about an hour and a half. Once at the entrance, the fun begins: access to the village is via the famous "brujitas", platforms on rails powered by adapted motorcycles that travel about 5 kilometers through the jungle to reach the town. The journey takes between 15 and 20 minutes and costs around $5,000 COP per person (reference price as of September 2026, subject to change).

The brujitas are an experience in themselves: you ride sitting on a wooden platform, wind in your face, surrounded by vegetation, with the engine noise mixing with the sounds of the jungle. It's important to hold on tight and enjoy the scenery. It's not a ride for those who suffer from vertigo, but it's completely safe if you follow the instructions of the local drivers.

Transportation options from Santa Marta

If you're in Santa Marta and want to make the trip, you have two main options:

1. Flight to Cali: The fastest option. Several airlines operate direct flights from Santa Marta to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Cali. The flight takes approximately 1 hour. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the transport terminal and then a bus towards San Cipriano.
2. Night bus: If you're looking to save money, there are buses that cover the Santa Marta – Cali route in about 20 hours. It's a long and tiring trip, but many backpackers prefer it for the lower cost. It's recommended to take a bus from a recognized company and travel at night to make the most of your time.

For the return trip, it's important to note that during Holy Week there is high demand for transportation. It's recommended to book your return bus in advance or keep an eye on departure times from the San Cipriano entrance towards Cali.

Beyond the festival: what to do in San Cipriano

The festival is the hook, but San Cipriano has much more to offer. If you're spending several days, take the opportunity to explore the natural attractions that make this place a unique destination in the Colombian Pacific.

Rivers and natural pools

The San Cipriano River is the heart of the village. Its crystal-clear, fresh waters are perfect for swimming and cooling off after a day at the festival. There are several natural pools along the river where locals spend their afternoons, and some have small waterfalls that create natural swimming holes ideal for floating and relaxing. The most well-known are Pozo Azul and Charco del Amor, although any point in the river is suitable for a dip (always with caution and respecting the locals' advice).

Hiking and wildlife watching

The humid Pacific jungle is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Around San Cipriano, there are trails that go into the forest, where you can observe howler monkeys, toucans, poison dart frogs, and an impressive number of butterflies. There are local guides who offer interpretive tours, explaining the medicinal uses of plants and

Prices and how to get tickets

...

Tips for attendees