Step into a coastal tropical dry forest just an hour from Cartagena where cotton-top tamarins and scrub-savvy plants show how life copes without rain. This half-day hike blends wildlife viewing, local food, and moderate walking on uneven trails.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Early light pulls apart the coastal haze as a private van slips off the highway and into the dry forest—where trees clutch the sun and the wind counts each fallen leaf. The Howling Trail Hike drops you into an ecosystem shaped by long dry seasons: twisted deciduous trees, thorny scrub, and pockets of green where water lingers. Cotton-top tamarins, the small, white-capped primates famous in Colombia, flit like restless punctuation through the canopy, and birds use the open branches as lookout posts.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours (hike); 8 hours total including transport
Fitness Level
Requires moderate fitness: steady walking for several hours on uneven ground and occasional short climbs
Wildlife
History
The Bolívar lowlands have been shaped by colonial-era agriculture and Afro-Caribbean communities; many local food traditions reflect that mixed heritage.
Conservation
Cotton-top tamarins are endangered and local guides often promote low-impact viewing; stick to trails and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the The Howling Trail Hike today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate early and often
Carry at least 1.5 liters of water and sip regularly—heat and sun are stronger in the dry forest than you expect.
Start before the heat
Departing early reduces midday sun exposure and raises the chance of animal sightings.
Sturdy, grippy footwear
Closed-toe hiking shoes with traction handle dusty slopes and occasional rocky sections better than trainers.
Protect against insects
Use repellent and long, breathable clothing—ticks and mosquitoes are common in shaded areas.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provide traction on dusty or rocky trail surfaces.
1.5–2 L hydration system or bottles
Keeps you hydrated through the dry heat of the forest.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong tropical sun during midday sections.
summer
Binoculars
Increases chances of seeing tamarins and resident birds in the canopy.