Colombia has a range of protected area categories, such as national, regional and private reserves. Carpe Diem tries to preserve some 40 hectares of private evergreen forests and is located right in between the famous and touristic Tayrona national park and the lesser known Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta national protected area, not far from Minca. This makes the forests of Carpe Diem and the locality of Paso del Mango a corridor for a range of animal species that travel between both these nature monasteries.

The Sierra Nevada is not so well known for people who are not familiar with Colombia or nature conservation on a global scale. However, it is a pretty crazy place. At least partly, the whole Sierra Nevada can be linked to processes that made Colombia famous or infamous: armed conflict, internal displacement and the illegal drug business. Nowadays, the safety situation has improved a lot but this does not mean that the area is devoid of problems. The Sierra and the region of Minca is being colonized by thousands of farmers and inhabited since long times by a diversity of indigenous groups. All these groups have their own interests. For example some communities penetrate the forest to clear lands for farming, cultivating of illicit crops, cattle grazing, mining, road building, etc., while others look for optimal arrangements to counteract nature degradation and protect the valuable national heritage in a peaceful manner. In general terms, it is easy to underestimate the complexities regarding nature conservation in this area.

This notwithstanding, the Sierra Nevada is now a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, making it one of the most important nature conservation areas of the world. Furthermore, this mountain range was called by a new study published in Science as the most irreplaceable nature reserve, according to a landmark analysis of every protected area on the planet. It is easy to underestimate the importance of this natural paradise for the local and global community. For example, the forests and wetlands of the Sierra are essential for the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change on a global scale. Furthermore they are important for the provision of drinking water and food for the whole Minca and Santa Marta population, and contribute to the regional economy through educational activities and ecotourism. Also, it is the homeland of many Arhuaco, Kogui, Kankuamo and Wiwa indigenous families, providing a place in which they are able to maintain their traditional lifestyles.

People who want to experience a part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are welcome to stay in our guesthouse. We encourage the visitor to do some hikes in the surroundings, for example to our from Minca, and connect with nature. Several natural wonders are easy to visit, such as hidden waterfalls, pozo del amor and viewpoint of Santa Marta.

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