Kogui Village Photography Tour in Chivilongui, Colombia
Overview
Three days with the Kogui in Chivilongui: a slow, respectful photography immersion built on trust before the camera comes out. In Mulkwakungui, the chief and villagers welcome you in Kogui tradition, and you learn through shared work — gathering and drying coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, weaving mochilas, cooking, and collecting fruit in the forest. Then a three-and-a-half-hour walk along scenic trails leads to Chivilongui, where you sleep in a hammock in a hut.
Day two begins before sunrise, climbing to a hill above the valley as mist lifts from the rooftops. Later, a gentle riverside path reaches a waterfall and natural pool, before an afternoon with families and community leaders.
Photographic opportunities
Photography here is slow, relational, and built on trust. In Mulkwakungui, after the chief and villagers welcome you in Kogui tradition, you spend time learning and connecting before any camera work begins. Daily life becomes your subject: hands gathering and drying coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, weaving mochilas, cooking, and collecting fruit in the forest. The light is whatever the day gives; your approach should be patient and respectful.
On day two, you climb to a hill above the valley before sunrise. As first light spreads over the jungle, mist lifts and the rooftops of Chivilongui emerge through the haze—a quiet, unhurried moment worth the early start. Later, a slow village stroll along a riverside path leads to a waterfall and a natural pool, offering gentle landscape and water details. The afternoon is for meeting families and community leaders, with opportunities for portraits and cultural documentation at an easy pace.
Who this journey is for
This itinerary will appeal to photographers who value respect over spectacle and are happy to let a journey unfold at its own rhythm. The group is kept to eight travelers, and the pace is moderate. Days begin early—before sunrise on the second morning—and include a three-and-a-half-hour walk along scenic trails to Chivilongui, where you sleep in a hut, in a hammock. Time is given to learning and connecting before photographing: gathering and drying coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, weaving mochilas, cooking, and collecting fruit in the forest. Come ready for shared activities, quiet conversation, and village life lived gradually.
Inspiration
Expedition highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Santa Marta to Quebrada Del Sol and Chivilongui
Departing Santa Marta, the journey follows the Troncal del Caribe to km 51 at Los Linderos before continuing to Quebrada Del Sol. There, a photo activity in Mulkwakungui offers time with the Kogui community, whose chief and villagers welcome visitors in their tradition; daily life includes collecting coca leaves, preparing fiqué fiber, drying coca, cooking, gathering fruit and weaving mochilas. A traditional lunch is included before walking to Chivilongui, roughly 3.5 hours along scenic trails, for an introduction to village life. The night is spent in a hammock in a hut.
Day 2
Night in an Indigenous Village
Begin before dawn with sunrise over Chivilongui from the hill above the valley, watching mist lift as rooftops appear below. After an included breakfast, stroll through the village and follow a riverside path to a waterfall and natural pool for a swim. Lunch is included, then local activities in the afternoon, meeting families and community leaders to learn about their culture. Dinner is included, followed by a night in a hammock in a hut in Chivilongui.
Day 3
Break Barlovento and Return to Santa Marta
Breakfast is included at Barlovento before the final stage of the Chivilongui trek. Lunch is also included in the package. From Quebrada Del Sol, a transfer continues to Troncal del Caribe km 51, known as Los Linderos, and then onward to Santa Marta. The journey concludes with a departure transfer, dropping you at the airport for your flight home.
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 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.
Unveiling Beauty Through the Lens with Tristan
The Luminous Journeys “VIVA Colombia” trip was fantastic for photographic opportunities in a country that is still largely unexplored by travel photographers. Tristan was an enthusiastic leader offering insights into his creative approach to photographing Colombia, including its indigenous peoples. His patient and sensitive approach dealing with locals allowed participants learn and appreciate Colombia’s many diverse customs. There was a good balance between street & culture photography, nature/tropical birds, and landscapes.
In addition, Tristan’s willingness to help participants with the technical and artistic aspects of photography was greatly appreciated. Plus he’s just great fun! The trip was well organized and the hotels and food were superb. Overall, Viva Colombia! provided diverse photographic opportunities that would have broad appeal to photography enthusiasts looking for untrammeled travel adventure in a fascinating South American country.Highly recommended!
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.
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