Urban Hiking: From Pozos Colorados to the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada

Pozos Colorados: where the city ends and the mountain begins

Pozos Colorados is one of those corners of Santa Marta that most people associate with large hotels and the beach right in front of the road leading to the airport. But few pay attention to what lies behind: a strip of tropical dry forest that climbs up the slope toward the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. There, among the thorny vegetation and the hills rising to the east, you feel an authentic connection between the sea and the mountain, a route you can enjoy on foot or by bicycle, without the need for expensive tours or high-mountain gear.

This guide is for those who want to walk, not just take photos on the beach. You can check prices and more information at malokal.com, where you will also find interactive maps to help you navigate the neighborhoods (Locals vs. Foreigners), live holiday schedules, and the option to book directly via WhatsApp. Keep in mind that the information we share here is valid until October 2026 and may change.

Before continuing, an important clarification: the hike from Pozos Colorados toward the slopes of the Sierra is not a marked route or an official national park trail. It is an approach route along rural roads and farm trails that connect the urban corridor with the Reserva Biológica Caoba, in the Bonda district. So don't expect ticket booths or park rangers on every corner; the responsibility of informing yourself falls on you, the walker.

Context: what Pozos Colorados is and why it matters for hiking

Pozos Colorados is located on the Troncal del Caribe, right between Simón Bolívar Airport and the Bello Horizonte area, at the northern end of Santa Marta. It is a transition zone: to the west, the Caribbean Sea and the ciénaga; to the east, the hills that announce the Sierra Nevada. This location makes it one of the few places in the city where, in less than an hour of walking, you can go from the sand to a hillside forest.

The landscape surrounding the area is tropical dry forest: trupillo trees, dividivi, cactus, aromo, and a variety of thorny shrubs that, in the rainy season, are covered in green and, in the dry season, look gray. It is not the humid jungle that many imagine when thinking of the Sierra Nevada, but it is an equally fascinating ecosystem and much more fragile than it seems.

Pozos Colorados

The area itself is an elongated strip of hotels, residential complexes, and some roadside restaurants. The beach has moderate waves and does not have the same crowds as el Rodadero or Taganga, which makes it perfect for quiet walks at dawn. The natural starting point for urban hiking is the intersection where the Troncal del Caribe meets the roads that climb toward the hills; there the transition from asphalt to dirt begins.

What you should know: there is no marked entrance or sign indicating "trail." The route is pieced together by following the rural roads that lead toward the farms and toward Bonda. Ask at the local shops before setting off; locals know which paths are public and which are private farms.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Sierra Nevada is the highest coastal mountain system in the world: its snowy peaks rise to more than 5,700 meters above sea level, just a few kilometers from the beach. From Pozos Colorados you won't see the snow, but you will appreciate the green wall that rises to the east and, on clear afternoons, stands out against the clouds.

The hike we propose here does not go deep into the Sierra or reach the peaks. It stays in the foothills, in the buffer zone where the dry forest begins to mix with taller vegetation. It is an approach hike, ideal for understanding the geography before venturing onto more demanding routes that depart from Minca or Tayrona National Park.

Reserva Biológica Caoba

Reserva Biológica Caoba is the natural destination of this hike. Located in the Bonda district, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, it operates as a private reserve with accommodation, a restaurant, and trails. It is a place you can verify through traveler reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor and Booking.

The reserve offers a family-friendly and romantic atmosphere, with rooms that have private bathrooms, balconies with garden views, a solar terrace, and an outdoor bathroom. For the urban hiker, Caoba is the goal: to arrive on foot or by bicycle from Pozos Colorados, rest, eat something, and return before the afternoon falls.

Important: the reserve is a private accommodation and attraction, not a public park with free access. If you plan to enter, it is advisable to contact them in advance to find out if they accept walk-in visitors, if there is availability at the restaurant, and if they allow entry without lodging. Prices and schedules change by season; confirm directly before going up.

What to do: the route step by step

The route we describe here is an approximation, not an official GPS track. Rural roads can change with the rains, some farms close paths, and locals open others. So take this as a general guide and verify on the ground.

Section 1: Pozos Colorados – start of the climb

Start in the Pozos Colorados area, on the Troncal del Caribe. Look for the roads that branch off to the east, toward the hills. The first few minutes are a transition: you go from the paved road to dirt streets, between residential complexes and lots with vegetation. The terrain is flat and the sun hits hard from early on, so start hydrating from the first kilometer.

This part is the most "urban" of the route. You will see motorcycles, farm trucks, and locals moving around. It is a good idea to greet people and ask about the condition of the road; the information changes every season.

Section 2: tropical dry forest on a slope

As you advance, the landscape closes in. The tropical dry forest becomes dense: trupillos, dividivis, candelabra cactus, aromos, and vines. In the rainy season (roughly May to November), the green is intense and the path can be muddy. In the dry season (December to April), the landscape turns gray and dusty, and the heat feels stronger.

This is where the slope begins to make itself felt. It is not a technical climb, but it is constant. The recommended pace is slow with breaks. Take the opportunity to look back: views of the city, the ciénaga, and the sea open up as you gain altitude.

Section 3: natural viewpoints

There are no built viewpoints or platforms. The "viewpoints" are curves in the road where the forest opens up and allows you to see the panorama. From there you can appreciate Santa Marta spread out, the airport, the ciénaga Grande, and, on clear days, the line of the sea all the way to Taganga. It is the best place to rest, drink water, and eat something light.

Watch the edge: there are no railings or signage. Stay on the road and avoid getting close to the embankments.

Section 4: arrival at the foothills and Caoba

The final section connects with the roads that lead to the Bonda district and the Reserva Biológica Caoba. The landscape changes: crops, wire fences, farmhouses, and more shade appear. If you make it to Caoba, that is where the hike ends and the rest begins.

The return is along the same path. Estimate that the descent takes between half and two-thirds of the ascent time, depending on the condition of the terrain.

Birdwatching and wildlife

The tropical dry forest of this strip is home to birds typical of the region: parrots, parakeets, blue-gray tanagers, hummingbirds, herons in the lower areas, and birds of prey that soar over the slopes. In the higher parts, near Caoba, it is more likely to see larger birds and some small mammals such as squirrels and opossums.

Don't expect spectacular wildlife or guaranteed exotic birds. This is opportunistic observation: if you go early, in silence, and with binoculars, you will have a better chance of sightings. Do not feed animals or leave the path to chase a photo.

Where to eat and drink

Pozos Colorados is not exactly a reference gastronomic zone. The offerings are concentrated in hotel restaurants, roadside food, and local shops. For the hiker, the most practical thing is to stock up before going up and eat on the way back.

Restaurante de la Reserva Biológica Caoba

If you make it to the reserve, its restaurant is the most comfortable option for lunch. The atmosphere is family-friendly and romantic, with outdoor areas and garden views. The menu usually includes mountain cuisine and regional dishes; prices and the menu change by season, so confirm them when you book. It is not a place for a quick meal: if you are going to eat there, let them know in advance.

Roadside shops and food in Pozos Colorados

Along the Troncal del Caribe there are shops, bakeries, and fast food stands that open early. There you can buy water, fruit, arepas, and snacks before starting the hike. Prices are urban-area prices, not premium tourist zone prices. Carry cash in small bills; not all stands accept cards.

Options in Bonda and nearby areas

The Bonda district, further up, has shops and small home-style restaurants. The offerings are limited and the hours are irregular. If your plan is to eat there, go with a margin and don't depend on a single place.

How to get there and transportation

Pozos Colorados is on the Troncal del Caribe, between Simón Bolívar Airport and Bello Horizonte. It is easy to locate and has good connectivity.

• By city bus: routes heading to the airport and Bello Horizonte pass through the area. Ask the driver if they will drop you off at the intersection toward the hills.
• By taxi or app: from the Historic Center, the trip takes between 20 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic. From el Rodadero, between 15 and 25 minutes.
• By private car: there are parking lots at hotels and some lots in the area. Don't leave your car on dirt roads without confirming it is allowed.
• By bicycle: the Troncal has a partial bike lane and the area is frequented by road cyclists. The climb toward the hills is for mountain bikes, not road bikes.

If you plan to do the full hike to Caoba, consider coordinating your return in advance: public transportation in the upper part is scarce and apps don't always find a driver.