Our flight was delayed about a half hour and then our van had a flat tire so we had some extra time soaking up the warm sun in the parking lot.
We had lunch at the fishing village of Taganga and then drove along the coast to our lodging just outside Tayrona National Park, which we included in our trip after hearing great things, even though it was a bit out of the way.
Our hotel was the quaint Villa Maria right in the rainforest (la selva), with beautiful ocean views.
The birds and the sunrise woke us up.
Iver had a blast in the hotel pool.
Kelvin enjoyed happy hour.
Iver reminded us that more people die each year from getting hit by coconuts than mauled by sharks!
Reading is now a hobby for Iver, who has stolen my kindle!
Mosquito nets were a cool new experience for the kids.
Niall was upset after losing a contentious round of dominoes (check out the bite mark!).
The grounds had many villa friends.
Loro (who apparently says, 'hola!')
Balcony gato
tortugas
Leaf bug and gecko
The "Neymar brothers" had a blast at this hotel and wearing matching jerseys (Iver's was a recent gift from my parents, and Niall's was a gift from Santa this year).
Hotel breakfast was a hit!
Arepa con huevo
We were guided by Joi into Tayrona National Park, a fairly new (60 year-old) park and home to original indigenous tribes including Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco.
Despite the heat and almost 100% humidity, the kids were little hiking troopers.
We saw a lot of wildlife!
Araña
hormigas...
... and their "river of leaves"
We saw both mico titi and capuchin monkeys.
Orugas (which cause fever if touched).
(spot the) Lagartijas
The rainbow lizard was stunning!
Joi spotted this three-toed sloth on a tree in the distance, which was neat! Iver also spotted a couple of agoutis and a laughing falcon (not photographed).
Blue crab
Niall insisted on hiking for a while holding this sprouting coconut, which he wanted to bring home!
Swinging from vines!
The coastline views were breathtaking!
We went as far as Cabo San Juan before returning on the same sendero.
The kids each insisted on being an "only child" for a photo.
We enjoyed lunch at La Playa "Piscina," where Iver crashed the waves.
We enjoyed some refreshing paletas on our return trek.
All in all, we hiked almost nine miles (Niall hiking almost all of it, excepting a few uphill stretches, on his own, which was a milestone!). We had an incredible day in a place of amazing natural beauty, and all who come to Colombia should make a visit here!
