Colombia’s Boquilla Mangrove Tour takes you on a canoe through the beautiful mangrove forests. Near Cartagena, Colombia this is a must-see attraction for anyone travelling in this region. I enjoyed the Mangrove Tour and fishing village, so read on to learn about why to visit this site.
La Boquilla Mangrove Forest and Fishing Village
Just a half-hour drive from Cartagena, La Boquilla Mangrove Tour offers the best of Colombian biodiversity and culture. Because the Cartagena area was once a place for freed slaves, its culture maintained a strong African influence. This is especially true in La Boquilla. The culture is a mix of Afro-Caribbean customs, such as, foods, clothing and music. Also, the residents rely on fishing for their livelihoods. Thus, La Boquilla remains a unique and authentic fishing village. Plus, visitors arrive early in the morning and witness the traditional nets and crab boxes for fishing.
Mangrove Forests spread in estuaries along coastal areas. They are an important ecosystem due to their biodiversity and protection of land from tsunamis and the like. A mangrove is a small tree that grows in coastal brackish water. These salt-tolerant trees adapt to harsh coastal conditions. Their roots systems are very complex above water, designed to tolerate salt and waves. Also, they adapt to low oxygen conditions of waterlogged mud.
Colombia’s Boquilla Mangrove Tour
The three-hour tour is a wonderful blend of nature and culture. We set off on canoes with about 4 passengers and a guide into the “La Cienaga de La Vergin” or mangrove tunnels. The guide stood at the back of the canoe with a long pole dredging and steering us through the tunnels of mangroves. At times one of the guides literally jumped in the water and pulled the canoe in the right direction.
It was both intriguing and mysterious, lurking through the convoluted mangrove roots, unaware of what was around each corner. I saw several regal White Herons or egrets, with their white shadows reflecting on the lime green waters. Also, local children stood in the water up to their necks selling seashells and souvenirs, as we floated by.
After the canoe ride, we walked in the village. This was the best time to interact with the colorful locals. They played their upbeat music and danced to their Afro-Caribbean genre. Plus, the children were so friendly and happily playing near us. The wonderful locals here left just as much of an impression on me as the beautiful mangroves.
Overall…
This is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Cartagena, Colombia. Even more, it is a wonderful blend of culture and nature for all to discover and enjoy!
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