The Jaguar´s Footprint: Hike and Music Day Trip from Cartagena

We were on the Jaguar Footprint tour in mid-July 2025. Booking had been done over the internet without any problems. Immediately after this, the organizer contacted us and arranged everything necessary, such as clothing, food and other personal items, which should be carried. Pick-up was meticulous at the hotel and the journey to the hiking trail began. After about 1.5 hours Car ride was stopped and a typical Colombian breakfast was organized. ES then continued to the trail entrance. Another local guide was already waiting for us here. We put on the appropriate clothes, checked the backpacks and started ES. The trail first led along rural paths and finally led into various river beds, some of which had fallen dry or were also filled with water. (Here the rubber boots brought by the organizer were the only right choice) On the way, constant attention was paid to the animal and plant world and each was shown and explained. We encountered many different bird species, monkeys and unique insects. ES provided extensive explanations of tropical dry forest and environmental protection in the area, on the life of the indigenous people. The highlight is the graphics carved into the rock by the indigenous people, including the footprint of the Jaguar, which is still based in Colombia today. Back at the entrance ES continued by car to a nearby village. In a small family restaurant, we met a group of musicians who play music exclusively with handmade instruments made from natural materials that we previously got to know in nature. Here we were introduced to the construction of the instruments and their function and played several pieces of music. Afterwards we were invited to try and play along, which gave us a lot of fun. ES ended with a typical Colombian lunch prepared in the open kitchen and tasted great. ES then returned to Cartagena, where the trip ended on schedule in the late afternoon. For us, an unexpectedly beautiful and very insightful excursion that brought us closer to much of Colombian nature and culture. All in all highly recommended! Thanks for everything Jeannine, Ales and Jens.

Our day with Oli on the Jaguar’s Footprint tour was the best part of our trip to Cartagena! His knowledge of and enthusiasm for Colombia’s environment and culture resulted in a rich and truly memorable excursion. Through him, our farmer-guide, musicians and lunch hosts, we experienced a bit of the joy of the Colombian people. The trip was also well planned and orchestrated.

This was a terrific trip and well worth the cost. Oli is knowledgeable and has a passion not only for Colombia’s natural treasures but also traditional Colombian culture and how the two intersect. He was easy to communicate with prior to the trip, accommodating my special request for a vegetarian meal, and clear about what the trip would entail and how to prepare. The drive to the hike was spectacular, the hike fun with very cool (“Chevere”) petroglyphs. I had expected the post hike music part to be touristy but instead we spent a fun afternoon with a wonderful group of young musicians and enjoyed a delicious meal. By far our best Cartagena experience so far