Nueva Venecia Stilt Village
A unique stilt village in Colombia where houses float on water, offering a glimpse into resilient aquatic life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, best light
Nueva Venecia Stilt Village
Best Time
Calm waters, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique stilt village in Colombia where houses float on water, offering a glimpse into resilient aquatic life.
"This floating village is a testament to human adaptation and a truly unique travel experience."
🚤 Boat is your car
All transport is by boat! Arrange your lancha rides in advance for a smooth experience.
☀️ Sun protection is key
The sun is intense on the water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Homes
The entire village
Witness houses built on stilts, a testament to human adaptation and resilience in this watery world.
Boat Life
The canals
Experience daily life from a boat's perspective, navigating the waterways that serve as streets.
Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta
Surrounding waters
Explore the vast swamp ecosystem, a vital habitat facing environmental challenges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterways
Respect the Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat is your car
All transport is by boat! Arrange your lancha rides in advance for a smooth experience.
☀️ Sun protection is key
The sun is intense on the water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during boat tours.
🌿 Respect the ecosystem
Be aware of the Hydrilla plant and its impact. Leave no trace.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat is your car
All transport is by boat! Arrange your lancha rides in advance for a smooth experience.
☀️ Sun protection is key
The sun is intense on the water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
💧 Stay hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during boat tours.
🌿 Respect the ecosystem
Be aware of the Hydrilla plant and its impact. Leave no trace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Nueva Venecia to be a natural and unique place, offering a glimpse into a distinct way of life on the water. The stilt village and boat-based transportation are consistently highlighted as memorable aspects. However, some acknowledge the environmental challenges facing the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.
"Natural place to visit. Recommend."
Sean Liu
""
Enilda Sanchez
""
Diego Diaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to travel to Tasajera, which is about an hour from Santa Marta or Barranquilla. From Tasajera, you'll need to hire a lancha (boat) to reach Nueva Venecia. This journey offers a unique perspective of the stilt village.
Finding a lancha from Tasajera is generally straightforward, but it's wise to confirm arrangements beforehand if possible. The journey itself is part of the adventure!
The entire village is navigated by boat. You'll likely hire a local guide with a lancha to take you through the canals and show you around.
No, Nueva Venecia is a stilt village built over the water, so there are no roads. All access and movement within the village are by boat.
You cannot drive directly to Nueva Venecia. You'll need to drive to a point like Tasajera and then take a boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal entrance ticket system for Nueva Venecia itself. However, you will pay for boat tours and potentially for any services you use within the community.
As a residential village, Nueva Venecia doesn't have set opening hours. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours, but it's respectful to avoid very early mornings or late evenings.
No, there's no specific admission fee to enter the village. Your primary costs will be for boat transportation and any guided tours.
Yes, Nueva Venecia can be visited as a day trip, typically from Santa Marta or Barranquilla. Plan for travel time to Tasajera and then boat time.
No formal booking is required to visit, but arranging your boat transport in advance can save time and ensure availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is experiencing the unique stilt village life, taking boat tours through the canals, observing local customs, and learning about the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta ecosystem.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended. Comfortable shoes that can get wet or are easy to slip on/off are ideal, as you'll be getting in and out of boats. Don't forget sun protection!
Absolutely! The unique architecture, the water, and the daily life offer incredible photographic opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light are particularly beautiful.
The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, where Nueva Venecia is located, faces environmental challenges, including the threat of invasive plants like Hydrilla, which impacts the ecosystem and local livelihoods.
Yes, locals are generally welcoming. Engaging with them respectfully, perhaps through a local guide, can offer deeper insights into their way of life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not a typical tourist hub with many restaurants, you might find small local eateries or opportunities to try fresh fish prepared by residents. It's best to inquire locally or with your boat guide.
Expect simple, fresh local cuisine, often featuring fish caught from the surrounding waters. It's a taste of authentic coastal Colombian life.
Small shops might be available for basic necessities like water and snacks, but options are limited. It's advisable to bring some supplies with you.
Some boat tours might include lunch, or your guide can direct you to a local spot. Freshly prepared fish is a common offering.
Dining is typically very local and affordable. Eating where the residents eat is the most budget-friendly approach.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire village is a photo opportunity! Focus on the stilt houses, the reflections on the water, the boats, and the daily life of the residents.
Early mornings offer soft light and a glimpse into the start of the day. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light and reflections.
A standard camera or even a smartphone is sufficient. However, a waterproof bag or case is highly recommended due to the proximity to water.
Be respectful when photographing people. Always ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals or their homes.
Capture the unique architecture of the stilt houses, the vibrant colors of the boats, and the serene or bustling activity on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🌿 Eco-conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Life on the Water: The Stilt Village
Visitors are often struck by the ingenuity and resilience of the community. The canals serve as streets, and boats are the primary mode of transportation, making every journey an exploration. The vibrant colors of the houses and the constant gentle movement of the water create a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere, though the reality of daily life involves constant interaction with the aquatic environment.
This unique setting offers a profound glimpse into a different way of living, far removed from urban norms. It's a place where community bonds are strong, and life is lived in harmony with the natural surroundings, albeit with growing environmental concerns.
Environmental Challenges: The Hydrilla Threat
The proliferation of Hydrilla poses a serious danger to the local biodiversity and the livelihoods of the people who depend on the swamp. It chokes out native vegetation, disrupts the food chain, and makes navigation difficult for fishermen and residents. The visual impact is stark, with large sections of the water surface becoming dense mats of green.
Efforts are underway to manage and control the spread of Hydrilla, but it's a complex and ongoing battle. Visitors can help by being mindful of the environment, avoiding any actions that could exacerbate the problem, and supporting any local initiatives aimed at conservation. Understanding these challenges adds another layer of appreciation for the resilience of Nueva Venecia and its inhabitants.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit