In this article, we’re going to tell you about the two-day hike to Cerro Kennedy, near Santa Marta
On the program: nature, altitude, and a view of the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada!
The beauty of the Sierra is being able to experience this crazy geography where the highest mountains in Colombia stand next to the Caribbean Sea, just a few kilometers apart
Cerro Kennedy, perched above Minca, rises to 3,100 meters above sea level and offers a unique natural viewpoint (since few areas are as easily accessible in the Sierra)
It’s a chance to feel the striking contrast between the crushing heat of the coast and the coolness felt at higher altitude
But if people go to Cerro Kennedy, it’s mainly for THE VIEW!
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2-Day Trek to Cerro Kennedy
Hiking from Santa Marta (or Minca)
Cerro Kennedy and the nearby Cuchilla de San Lorenzo are easy to reach from Santa Marta and Minca
Every year, they attract more and more hikers and nature lovers
The Cerro Kennedy trek might not be the most beautiful trek in Colombia, but it’s an authentic experience — perfect for discovering the Sierra Nevada from another angle, higher up, cooler, and closer to those mythical snowy peaks that remain off-limits
Day 1 – Cuchilla de San Lorenzo Viewpoint
The trek starts early, between 5:30 and 6:00 AM, with pickup in Santa Marta (or Minca)
The 4×4 drives through sleepy rural landscapes all the way to Vista Nieve, a remote hamlet about an hour from the Magdalena capital
That’s where the hike begins… but not before a warm country breakfast to recharge your energy!
Around 8 AM, it’s time to start the first day of hiking — a 10-kilometer trail through cloud forest
Mist clings to the branches, trunks are wrapped in moss, and the vegetation feels like something out of a storybook
The trail climbs slowly to the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, a natural ridge at 2,800 meters above sea level.
Once you reach the top, it’s time for a well-earned meal with a panoramic view of the Ciénaga Grande on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other… not a bad reward after the effort!
The afternoon is easy, with a short walk to another viewpoint to catch one of those stunning sunsets only the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta can deliver
At the end of the day, after a simple and hearty dinner served at the lodging, you wrap up the day under a starry sky, sharing stories with the guide and the locals about the history and environment of the Sierra
Day 2 – Cerro Kennedy Viewpoint
The alarm goes off at 4:30 AM You gear up to face the cold and darkness, headlamp on your forehead It’s a short 3-kilometer walk to the Cerro Kennedy viewpoint As the day breaks, the magic starts A hard-to-describe landscape slowly reveals itself in front of you
If the weather allows — it depends on the day — you can make out Pico Bolívar and Pico Colón They both rise above 5,700 meters They are the tallest peaks in the country! For the Indigenous communities who live in the Sierra (Arhuacos, Kogis, Wiwas, Kankuamos), these mountains hold a special place They are sacred mountains, guardians of the world
Cerro Kennedy is one of the rare places in Colombia where you can see the country’s highest mountains from such an easy-to-reach viewpoint
After this magical moment, it’s back to the finca for a hot breakfast, followed by a 10-kilometer descent to Vista Nieve A final lunch marks the end of the trek before heading back to Santa Marta (or Minca) in the early afternoon
Favorite things to do
Guide to Hiking the Cerro Kennedy Trail
A zone rich in biodiversity
Hiking to Cerro Kennedy
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a mountain apart in Colombia It’s not part of the Andes It’s a mountain on its own, sitting there between the sea and the desert This kind of isolation usually produces rather unique things, like the appearance of species that exist only in this region That’s especially true for birds
According to studies, more than 350 different species have been observed in the area (it’s one of the best birdwatching spots in Colombia) Three of them stand out: the Tanager, the Antpitta, and the “Santa Marta” Hummingbird All three have taken the name “Santa Marta” because they were discovered in the Sierra and are considered “endemic,” meaning they can only be seen here and nowhere else
On the human side, the story is more turbulent The region experienced years of conflict, with the guerrilla, coca cultivation, drug trafficking… Things began to change around 2010 Some communities turned to tourism It’s far from being a fix for everything, but tourism clearly has a role to play in helping to bring peace to the area
Favorite things to do
Guide to Hiking the Cerro Kennedy Trail
An alternative to Santa Marta’s classics
Trek to Cerro Kennedy
Next to the must-sees like Tayrona Park or the Lost City, Cerro Kennedy stands out as a quieter option, but just as interesting It appeals to those looking for a short hike near Santa Marta that gives some elevation
The trek is short, doable in two days, and doesn’t require much experience It can easily fit into a schedule of activities around Santa Marta And above all, it offers another perspective on the Sierra Nevada
Whether it’s for those staying in Santa Marta or those already in Minca, it’s an activity not to be missed
It allows you to go a bit further in discovering the Sierra and its unique natural surroundings, and to enjoy the most spectacular view in the region!
Get in touch with a local guide
Cerro Kennedy trekking
Responsible tourism
Cerro Kennedy is located in a protected area, and access is regulated
It’s therefore essential to go through a local guide or an agency, not only for logistical organization (lodging, transport, meals), but also to ensure respectful guidance of the place and local communities
Best season
You can visit Cerro Kennedy year-round During the dry season, it’s easier to access In the rainy season, the forest is stunning, and the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada are covered in snow
To get a clear sky and see the peaks clearly, the key is to be there at sunrise The mist caused by the tropical forest hasn’t started forming yet (it appears quickly after sunrise)
Gear to bring
- Light clothing for daytime (hot weather)
- Warm layers for nighttime (between 5 and 10°C)
- Headlamp for the early morning walk
- Hiking shoes with good traction
- Windproof rain jacket
- Water, snacks (in addition to what your guide provides)
- Binoculars or a camera for birdwatching
- Mosquito repellent
