Kogui Village Photography Tour in the Sierra Nevada
Overview
This is a photography journey built on trust and patience: an immersion in the Kogui community of Chivilongui, high in the Sierra Nevada. From Santa Marta you travel to Los Linderos and Quebrada Del Sol, where the chief and villagers of Mulkwakungui welcome you in Kogui tradition. Only after sharing daily activities—gathering and drying coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, weaving mochilas, cooking, collecting fruit in the forest—do you photograph.
The group is limited to eight. You walk three and a half hours to Chivilongui and sleep in a hammock in a hut. Before sunrise you climb above the valley as mist lifts from the rooftops.
Photographic opportunities
Photography here is built on trust and time rather than spectacle. In Mulkwakungui, after the chief and villagers welcome the group in Kogui tradition, the day turns to shared activities — gathering and drying coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, weaving mochilas, cooking, and collecting fruit in the forest — giving you unhurried situations to work with available light and observe hands, tools, and gestures before you raise a camera. The three-and-a-half-hour walk along scenic trails to Chivilongui opens broad landscape views and forest detail along the way.
On the second day you climb to a hill above the valley before sunrise, when mist begins to lift and village rooftops slowly emerge through the haze. Later, a slow village stroll leads toward a waterfall and natural pool. The moderate pace, small group, and quiet rhythm of the days support patient, respectful documentary work rather than hurried shooting.
Who this journey is for
This itinerary will appeal to photographers drawn to cultural immersion and slow, respectful image-making. The pace is moderate, with a three-and-a-half-hour walk on the first day, a pre-dawn climb for sunrise on the second, and a village stroll to a waterfall and natural pool. Nights are spent in a hammock in a hut. Group size is capped at eight travelers. It suits those who value trust and connection over spectacle, and who are happy to let the journey unfold at its own rhythm while photographing daily life in a Kogui village.
Inspiration
Expedition highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Santa Marta to Quebrada Del Sol and Chivilongui
The journey begins with a transfer from Santa Marta to Troncal del Caribe km 51 at Los Linderos, then continues to Quebrada Del Sol. There, a photo activity in Mulkwakungui offers time with the Kogui community, learning about daily life such as collecting coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, cooking, gathering fruit and weaving mochilas. A traditional lunch is included. In the afternoon, walk roughly 3.5 hours to Chivilongui, with an introduction to village life and an overnight stay in a hammock inside a hut.
Day 2
Night in an Indigenous Village
Begin with sunrise over Chivilongui, walking to a hill above the valley as mist lifts and rooftops emerge. After included breakfast, take a village stroll and a riverside path to a waterfall with a natural pool for a swim. Lunch is included, completing the Chivilongui 3 days (3/3) stay. Then transfer from Quebrada Del Sol to Troncal del Caribe km 51 (Los Linderos), continue to Santa Marta, and finish with departure and an airport drop-off.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Price details
Price per person
2 people
Per person
3 to 4 people
Per person
5 to 6 people
Per person
7 to 8 people
Per person
9 to 10 people
Per person
11+ people
Per person
Prices are per person and based on twin share, unless stated otherwise.
Additional costs
Deposit
30% deposit (299 USD approx.)
What is included
Included
- Accommodation throughout the journey
- Meals indicated in the programme
- Transportation during the itinerary
- Pre-trip planning assistance
Not included
- Tips
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the programme
- Camera equipment
From past travellers
A few kind words
A Multifaceted Adventure with Tristan
My wife and I were fortunate to have Tristan as our leader on our recent trip to Colombia. Tristan brings so much of his skills as a photographer, organizer, logistical expert, and more to enhance the participants’ experiences.
He relates to the locals in a warm, welcoming, and personal manner. He is multilingual and effortlessly switches between English, Spanish, French, and some of the indigenous languages. When locals meet him, the affection they feel for him is palpable. He can and does literally work magic with children.
It’s a joy to see their expressions when he magically extracts a coin from their ear. It makes for wonderful photos. He’s constantly in search of photo opportunities. He creates them spontaneously and we walked away with great photos so many times.
As the oldest one on the trip, Tristan was always ready to assist me with an inordinately heavy suitcase. Whether dealing with a technical camera issue or the best way to compose a shot, Tristan was there with great advice. He also provided very helpful photo editing sessions.
I would highly recommend him as a leader, no matter the destination.
A Compassionate Journey with Tristan
As the wife of a photographer, I’ve gone a half dozen photo tours. I try to make them my own and usually am successful in doing so. If I had to pinpoint anything that made the trip successful, it would be Tristan’s humanity shown so many times in the way he treated participants and native
Colombians. Visiting native tribes (not painted-face imposters) was a treat for me and my iPhone camera. Tristan planned well, explained things in detail and also found local experts who taught a great deal.
Uncovering Colombia’s Magic with Tristan
I’ve been slowly reviewing all my shots from the Viva Colombia tour. It makes me relive all the incredible experiences Tristan put together for us! His love and enthusiasm for Colombia and its people was obvious. He had a good bond with all his drivers and guides, and he shines when he’s around children with his magic tricks. His people skills were excellent.
Tristan was responsive and went out of his way to make everyone happy. He took feedback to heart. I wanted to highlight how diligent he was. I have never been on a tour where the leader had prepared such a thorough talk with slides and examples of some of the creative concepts he was trying to teach.
I am so happy I managed to pull it together last minute to get onto this tour. It was SO worth it! There are a few Luminous Journey tours that I have an interest in so I’m not out of your hair yet.
Why travel with us?
Expert, trusted guides
We work with carefully selected local guides chosen for their experience, knowledge of wildlife, and ability to find unique encounters ethically and safely.
Carefully selected accommodations
We choose each accommodation to find the perfect balance between comfort, location, and access to wildlife, so you can make the most of every moment of your journey.
Schedules designed for the best light
We organize activities and outings at key times of day to take advantage of the best light conditions and increase opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
You’ll come home with incredible photographs
We design each expedition to maximize opportunities for observation and help you enjoy unique encounters and capture the best photographs possible in the wild.
About your guide
Tristan Quevilly
At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
To confirm your spot we request a first payment of 50% of the total trip price. The remaining 50% can be paid up to 3 months before the departure date.
We accept payments in euros and US dollars via bank transfer. Once your booking is made, we will send you all the information and details needed to make the payment.
No, anyone who loves nature is welcome. We always recommend bringing binoculars to enjoy a closer view, and if you have a camera you'll surely capture excellent images too.
You can find all the details about cancellations, refunds and booking conditions on our page: Terms and Conditions.
No. Our trips are designed both for people with experience in photography and wildlife watching and for travelers who simply enjoy nature and want to live a different experience.
The most important thing is to have interest, curiosity and a desire to enjoy the environment and the animals.
Yes. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, we can arrange additional nights of accommodation, activities and transfers. Just let us know your plans and we'll adjust the itinerary to your preferences.
Yes, of course. Many of our travelers join the expeditions on their own. Our groups usually bring together people with similar interests in wildlife, photography and nature, so the atmosphere tends to be very friendly and it's easy to connect with other travelers.
Start a conversation
Ask about this tour
Tell me what you would like to photograph, your preferred dates, and any questions about the journey.
- Flexible dates and custom itineraries available
- Response within 24 hours guaranteed
- No payment required to customize an itinerary
