Nueva Venecia (Stilt Village) - Image 1
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Nueva Venecia Stilt Village

4.8
·5 reviews·Ciénaga, Colombia

A unique stilt village in Colombia where houses float on water, offering a glimpse into resilient aquatic life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Calm waters, best light

CrowdLow
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Nueva Venecia (Stilt Village) - Image 1

Nueva Venecia Stilt Village

Best Time

Dry season mornings

Calm waters, best light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique stilt village in Colombia where houses float on water, offering a glimpse into resilient aquatic life.

4.8
(5 reviews)

"This floating village is a testament to human adaptation and a truly unique travel experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚤 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Floating Homes

Floating Homes

The entire village

Witness houses built on stilts, a testament to human adaptation and resilience in this watery world.

Boat Life

Boat Life

The canals

Experience daily life from a boat's perspective, navigating the waterways that serve as streets.

Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta

Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta

Surrounding waters

Explore the vast swamp ecosystem, a vital habitat facing environmental challenges.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Waterways

Nueva Venecia is a stilt village, so expect to get around by boat! Pack light and be prepared for a unique aquatic experience. Many visitors arrive via Tasajera, so plan your transport accordingly.

Respect the Environment

This unique ecosystem is fragile. Be mindful of the invasive Hydrilla plant threatening the swamp and avoid leaving any trace behind. Support local conservation efforts if possible.

Best Times

When
Dry season mornings
Why
Calm waters, best light
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Local life activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mi amada comunidad de Nueva Venecia y Buena Vista- Magdalena 🤍 #magdalena #privilegio#empatia #luchadoresdecolombia#pueblospalafitos#cienagamagdalena
@yessicapriil
130.2K likes • 902.8K views

🚤 Boat is your car

All transport is by boat! Arrange your lancha rides in advance for a smooth experience. TikTok

☀️ Sun protection is key

The sun is intense on the water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. TikTok

En la Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, un pueblo palafítico está en peligro 🌊🏘️. La Hydrilla, una planta invasora, cubre ya cientos de hectáreas y amenaza la vida en Nueva Venecia.
@fotosintesiscol
28.1K likes • 487.5K views
La vida en los pueblos en el agua #colombia #pueblos #pueblospalafitos #nuevavenecia #viajes #documental #reportaje
@kevin.bolanos
23.2K likes • 978.8K views

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during boat tours. TikTok

🌿 Respect the ecosystem

Be aware of the Hydrilla plant and its impact. Leave no trace. TikTok

Este Pueblo vive en el agua (📍Nuev Venecia 🇨🇴) #nuevavenecia #travel #cienaga #palafito #seoane #viral #turismo #viajar #Vlog
@deviajeconseoane
9.9K likes • 1.1M views

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. TikTok

☀️ Sun protection is key

The sun is intense on the water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. TikTok

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry plenty of water, especially during boat tours. TikTok

🌿 Respect the ecosystem

Be aware of the Hydrilla plant and its impact. Leave no trace. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(5 reviews)

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

Unique stilt village
Boat-based life
Authentic experience

What People Dislike

Environmental concerns

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. TikTok

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! TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

You cannot drive directly to Nueva Venecia. You'll need to drive to a point like Tasajera and then take a boat. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

No, there's no specific admission fee to enter the village. Your primary costs will be for boat transportation and any guided tours. TikTok

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. TikTok

No formal booking is required to visit, but arranging your boat transport in advance can save time and ensure availability. TikTok

🎫 🧭 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. TikTok+1

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! TikTok

Absolutely! The unique architecture, the water, and the daily life offer incredible photographic opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light are particularly beautiful. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

Yes, locals are generally welcoming. Engaging with them respectfully, perhaps through a local guide, can offer deeper insights into their way of life. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

Expect simple, fresh local cuisine, often featuring fish caught from the surrounding waters. It's a taste of authentic coastal Colombian life. TikTok

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. TikTok

Some boat tours might include lunch, or your guide can direct you to a local spot. Freshly prepared fish is a common offering. TikTok

Dining is typically very local and affordable. Eating where the residents eat is the most budget-friendly approach. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

Early mornings offer soft light and a glimpse into the start of the day. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light and reflections. TikTok

A standard camera or even a smartphone is sufficient. However, a waterproof bag or case is highly recommended due to the proximity to water. TikTok

Be respectful when photographing people. Always ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals or their homes. TikTok

Capture the unique architecture of the stilt houses, the vibrant colors of the boats, and the serene or bustling activity on the water. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nueva Venecia offers a unique educational experience for families. Children can marvel at houses on stilts and learn about life on the water. The boat rides are often a highlight for younger visitors, providing a sense of adventure. Ensure children wear life vests during boat trips and stay supervised. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as options within the village are limited. TikTok

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Nueva Venecia is a dream destination. The reflections on the water, the colorful stilt houses, and the daily life unfolding on boats provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light. Remember to be respectful when photographing residents and always ask for permission. A waterproof camera bag is a must! TikTok+1

🌿 Eco-conscious Travelers

Travelers concerned about the environment will find Nueva Venecia a place of both beauty and ecological vulnerability. Learning about the Hydrilla invasion and its impact on the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta is crucial. Support local guides who practice sustainable tourism and avoid leaving any waste behind. Your visit can contribute to raising awareness about the importance of this unique ecosystem. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Life on the Water: The Stilt Village

Nueva Venecia is a remarkable example of human adaptation, with its entire infrastructure built on stilts over the water. The houses, schools, and even small businesses are all elevated, creating a unique aquatic landscape. This way of life is deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, a vast swamp ecosystem.

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

Environmental Challenges: The Hydrilla Threat

The Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the vital ecosystem surrounding Nueva Venecia, is facing a significant environmental threat from the invasive plant species, Hydrilla. This aggressive aquatic plant, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, is rapidly spreading and covering vast areas of the swamp.

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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