The Howling Trail

Language Eng & Spa
Duration   8 hs
Physicality Moderate
 Group   2 – 8
  Language    Eng. & Spa.
    Duration     8 hs.
Physicality Moderate
 Small Group     2 – 8 Pax

$119 USD p/p*

Overview:

Explore with us on a nice hike the Tropical Dry Forest.

Discover this amazing ecosystem with incredible species that are able to adapt to the no rain season. Within the unique fauna, there is a charismatic specie, the Cotton Top Tamarin, a squirrel-sized primate that takes the first place as one of Colombia’s most appealing endemic monkeys.

This unique off-the-beaten-path trip will make you enjoy the flora and fauna of this forest while you´re learning of it, having fun and exercising yourself.

Itinerary:

At 6:00 a.m. we drive north of the Bolivar´s department, one hour away from the walled city, we find a natural area where we hike, here there is a trail in the Tropical Dry Forest, we discover the flora, the fauna of this incredible and little-known ecosystem. At 12:00 p.m. approx., we have a typical lunch from the area. At 1:00 p.m. approx. we leave the region.

Approximate Driving Time: 2,0 Hours in total.

Approximate Hiking Time: 3,5 Hours.

Trail Distance: 4 – 6 Miles Approx.

Ecosystem Description

Colombia’s tropical dry forest ecosystem once covered 9 million hectares. Today, less than 8% remains, according to the Alexander Von Humboldt Institute.

Tropical dry forests are important carbon sinks, regulate the climate, protect the soil, store and release water.

Thousands of people and several endemic species call this unique ecosystem home. The need to conserve and restore the tropical dry forest in Colombia is urgent.

Map

Highlights:

  • Spend a day submerged in the forest surrounded by the sounds of nature.
  • Hike the Tropical Dry Forest and discover its amazing wildlife.
  • Discover by yourself why this hike is called “the howling trail”.

*Prices:

  • 119 per person

Details:

  • Pick up time: 6:00 a.m.
  • Duration: 8 hours (Approx.).
  • Small & shared group trip: 2-8 Pax.
  • Language: Spanish, English.

Includes:

  • Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Typical lunch.
  • One Liter Bottled water.
  • Trip leader.
  • Local guide.
  • Hiking poles.

Does not include:

  • Personal expenses.
  • Beverages and meals not specified in the plan.
  • Additional services and items to those listed in the plan.

Physicality, Travel Style & Cultural Shock:

These trips involve hiking or walking for up to 3,5 Hours, 5 Miles approx. and 669 ft of Elevation Gain a day at a slow pace on undulating terrain, with small rocks and sometimes mud. We cross shallow streams.

The itinerary takes place in remote areas, involve various types of transport and rough roads. To enjoy these adventures we suggest reasonable fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions (Rain May-Nov).

Due to the nature of the activities undertaken in this trip, pregnant women, children under 10 years old and minors unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardians are not allowed.

What to Bring:

  • Your personal medication
  • Extra water. (We provide one liter bottled water for the hike).
  • Sunscreen (No sweet smell) and a cap.
  • Insect repellent.
  • A day pack for you to carry your personal items.
  • Long pants and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Keep in mind that we’ll be walking in the forest, thus clothing items constitute elements of protection (i.e. in case of thorns, spikes, bugs).
  • If needed, an extra change of clothes and shoe wear for after the hike (comfy clothes and sandals or flip-flops), as our clothes/shoes may get wet and/or muddy.
  • A light rain jacket. Let us know if you don´t have one, to bring a poncho for you.
  • Masks and sanitizers
  • Cash for souvenirs and gratitudes (tips)
  • Madison Stringfellow

    "Wildlife and great company!!"

    Such an amazing experience!!! Olinto is an incredible guide with amazing stories and knowledge! We had a delicious traditional Colombian breakfast and lunch. We ventured into the dry tropical forest with another local guide named Ale! I felt extremely safe on this adventure! I saw so many butterflies, monkeys, birds (a tucán!!) and an anteater!! Phenomenal from start to finish.

Coming Soon!

Overview:

Explore with us on a nice hike the Tropical Dry Forest.

Discover this amazing ecosystem with incredible species that are able to adapt to the no rain season. Within the unique fauna, there is a charismatic specie, the Cotton Top Tamarin, a squirrel-sized primate that takes the first place as one of Colombia’s most appealing endemic monkeys.

This unique off-the-beaten-path trip will make you enjoy the flora and fauna of this forest while you´re learning of it, having fun and exercising yourself.

Itinerary:

At 6:00 a.m. we drive north of the Bolivar´s department, one hour away from the walled city, we find a natural area where we hike, here there is a trail in the Tropical Dry Forest, we discover the flora, the fauna of this incredible and little-known ecosystem. At 12:00 p.m. approx., we have a typical lunch from the area. At 1:00 p.m. approx. we leave the region.

Approximate Driving Time: 2,0 Hours in total.

Approximate Hiking Time: 3,5 Hours.

Trail Distance: 4 – 6 Miles Approx.

Ecosystem Description

Colombia’s tropical dry forest ecosystem once covered 9 million hectares. Today, less than 8% remains, according to the Alexander Von Humboldt Institute.

Tropical dry forests are important carbon sinks, regulate the climate, protect the soil, store and release water.

Thousands of people and several endemic species call this unique ecosystem home. The need to conserve and restore the tropical dry forest in Colombia is urgent.

Map

Highlights:

  • Spend a day submerged in the forest surrounded by the sounds of nature.
  • Hike the Tropical Dry Forest and discover its amazing wildlife.
  • Discover by yourself why this hike is called “the howling trail”.

*Prices:

  • 119 per person

Details:

  • Pick up time: 6:00 a.m.
  • Duration: 8 hours (Approx.).
  • Small & shared group trip: 2-8 Pax.
  • Language: Spanish, English.

Includes:

  • Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Typical lunch.
  • One Liter Bottled water.
  • Trip leader.
  • Local guide.
  • Hiking poles.

Does not include:

  • Personal expenses.
  • Beverages and meals not specified in the plan.
  • Additional services and items to those listed in the plan.

Physicality, Travel Style & Cultural Shock:

These trips involve hiking or walking for up to 3,5 Hours, 5 Miles approx. and 669 ft of Elevation Gain a day at a slow pace on undulating terrain, with small rocks and sometimes mud. We cross shallow streams.

The itinerary takes place in remote areas, involve various types of transport and rough roads. To enjoy these adventures we suggest reasonable fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions (Rain May-Nov).

Due to the nature of the activities undertaken in this trip, pregnant women, children under 10 years old and minors unaccompanied by their parents or legal guardians are not allowed.

What to Bring:

  • Your personal medication
  • Extra water. (We provide one liter bottled water for the hike).
  • Sunscreen (No sweet smell) and a cap.
  • Insect repellent.
  • A day pack for you to carry your personal items.
  • Long pants and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Keep in mind that we’ll be walking in the forest, thus clothing items constitute elements of protection (i.e. in case of thorns, spikes, bugs).
  • If needed, an extra change of clothes and shoe wear for after the hike (comfy clothes and sandals or flip-flops), as our clothes/shoes may get wet and/or muddy.
  • A light rain jacket. Let us know if you don´t have one, to bring a poncho for you.
  • Masks and sanitizers
  • Cash for souvenirs and gratitudes (tips)
  • Madison Stringfellow

    "Wildlife and great company!!"

    Such an amazing experience!!! Olinto is an incredible guide with amazing stories and knowledge! We had a delicious traditional Colombian breakfast and lunch. We ventured into the dry tropical forest with another local guide named Ale! I felt extremely safe on this adventure! I saw so many butterflies, monkeys, birds (a tucán!!) and an anteater!! Phenomenal from start to finish.

Coming Soon!

TRIP GALLERY

THIS IS WHY WE LOVE WHAT WE DO

SergioSpizzirriSergioSpizzirri
15:15 30 Apr 23
My friend and I went on the Howler hike and it was a fantastic experience. The jungle was teeming with life: we saw howler monkeys, an anteater, thousands of butterflies, lizards, snakes and much more.I've traveled alot and can say without hesitantion that Olinto was one of the best tour guides I've ever had. He has endless information about the forest, Colombia and cartagena and you can really see the passion he has for his job.As an additional cherry on top, I had the fish option for lunch and it was fantastic.This was a perfect day and should be a must do for any nature lover visiting cartagena. 10/10
Jonathan RiverinJonathan Riverin
20:40 05 Mar 23
My #1 highlight of my trip to Cartagena. Qe hiked the Howling Trail with Oli, an amazing and passionate guide. Were we lucky?… We saw lots of monkeys, saw three sloths, and birds and butterfly. Oli explained and shared lots of is knowledge about the dry forest and the animals! It almost felt like a ritual this hike. We were often quiet, listening to the forest, it was calming and contrasting with the noisy Cartagena and the crowded beaches. If you like authentic experience, and sharing a real nice moment with a Colombian and also a family (cause you eat your snack in a little house with a family), go, and book it!
Erin IsermanErin Iserman
16:37 06 Jan 23
We did the Howling Trail Tour. From start to finish this was a fabulous day! Oli is a great guide (and host) full of knowledge and love for this unique ecosystem and everything in it, especially this rare type of monkey. You will get unique information from the locals living on the land and share with them in the excitement of exploring all the wonders to be found. You will also enjoy some tasty local food!Highly recommend this off the beaten path adventure so close to Cartagena! Many locals still have yet to learn of this treasure. 🙂
Patrick ShawPatrick Shaw
22:29 18 Nov 22
We did the Howler Monkey Trail with Olinto (Oli) and could not be more impressed. This was truly so authentic and amazing that it couldn't be recommended any stronger by my wife and I. It's a tiring but well worth it tour where on our day we got to see 3 separate howler monkey troops and also some cotton-top tamarins. The experience was heightened by Kike and Ali who guided us through the forest. Unforgettable and if you're reading this review just go and book with Oli now, you will not regret it. He is the most interesting AND interested* host, he was just as excited to see new things in the jungle as we were. Spectacular does not say enough.
Amy MorrisAmy Morris
13:50 14 May 22
I went with 2 girlfriends on the “Jaguar” excursion yesterday and if you like the idea of hiking and walking through unique environments like a (tropical, dry) rain forest, meeting new people (especially musicians!) hearing and learning about indigenous music; it is a wonderful way to spend a day! Oli and Rodrigo were wonderful guides! We saw petroglyphs, wildlife including monkeys, toucans and other birds and even a small crocodile that Rodrigo caught with his bare hands!Following the hike, we went to a good restaurant for lunch where we got to to drink guanabana (delicious!) and were treated to a live concert with drums, flutes and maracas! We even got to choose our own instrument so we could participate. It was so much fun! A great shared family and or friends’ experience. We all highly recommend this experience!
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