01/07/2026
One of the routes of our daily bike rides here in Santa Marta, Colombia, is ‘Ciénaga’, a rather flat and not too long ride we usually choose for softer outings.
The turnaround is about 5k before the settlement itself, but had recently been extended by a scenic stretch that circumvents the town on the way towards Barranquilla and Cartagena.
Cyclists love this new extension because of the beautiful morning light with the sun rising above the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
They usually turn around half way of this new ‘Variante’ at a roundabout for convenience. I prefer the extra mile to stop and see the real Ciénaga, which is a a massive, ecologically vital wetland and lagoon system of global importance.
There is an abundance of endemic and migratory birds to observe. And watching the local fishermen peacefully going about their business has an equally grounding and energising effect.
No better way to start the day in our Colombian paradise.