FAQ
Antes de llegar estas son las preguntas que realmente importan
Playa Pikua Ecolodge is a place with its own rhythm. Most people who arrive discover it's exactly the rhythm they needed.
But only if you arrive knowing what to expect.
Where are we?
Kilometer 39 toward La Guajira, seven kilometers beyond Tayrona's end (10 minutes by car). We sit where the Mendihuaca River meets the sea, where forest grows thick and the Sierra Nevada rises above.
We exist between two living systems: the Caribbean below and the Sierra above. Mountain rivers flow down to fill our taps with fresh water.
We're intentionally removed from the main route. Everything here moves at a slower pace.
How do I get there?
From Santa Marta (1 hour):
We arrange private transport from the airport through our partners. Give us 48 hours notice of your flight, and we'll handle it. The driver knows where to take you.
If you prefer to drive, search "Playa Pikua Ecolodge" on Google Maps. Take the Troncal del Caribe toward Riohacha. After Tayrona, continue toward La Guajira. Everyone in the area knows us if you need directions.
By bus: Mercado Público or Mamatoco in Santa Marta (departures every 20 minutes). Tell the driver: río Mendihuaca, entrada de Costeño Beach. From there: 2 km on foot or a moto that takes you to the ecolodge entrance. The journey in is where you start to shift. Coconut palms, dense forest, the sound of the jungle. If you're traveling light, walk it. You need those 20 minutes in the forest for your body to understand where it's arrived.
Are we close to Tayrona National Park?
Yes. A 10-minute drive from Playa Pikua takes you to the main entrance (El Zaino) of Tayrona Park, Colombia's second most visited national park.
A 15-minute drive away is the trailhead to Ciudad Perdida (UNESCO Heritage Site).
From Pikua you can explore Tayrona in a full day and return. Or tackle Ciudad Perdida if you want a multi-day adventure.
Do you have air conditioning and hot water?
We're a sustainable ecolodge. That means we depend on the ecosystem around us. If we damage it, Playa Pikua ceases to exist.
Air conditioning systems release refrigerants more potent than CO2 that heat the atmosphere. That pollution travels directly to the Sierra and the sea you hear from your bungalow. There's no sense bringing that technology here.
Instead, we work with what the place provides:
The bungalows sit meters from the Caribbean. The sea breeze is constant, flowing through windows, doors, open spaces. Mid-afternoon, when the heat peaks, that breeze drops the temperature 5 to 6 degrees. Clean energy, straight from the ocean.
We have fans if you ever need extra air movement. And solar panels for the power we genuinely need.
After a day, you acclimate. Trust us.
What's the climate like?
Tropical heat. Days of 28–32°C that drop to 25°C in the afternoon when the Sierra releases cool air. The Caribbean stays between 25–30°C year-round.
December to August: dry, clear skies, sunsets with breeze.
September to November: tropical rain. Heavy but brief, then sun again. The landscape turns even greener.
Every season works here. The rain is music. The heat forces you to slow down. These things happen together.
How would you describe the sea?
You can swim, but with total awareness of what that means.
What you need to know about the Caribbean here:
The ocean in front of Pikua is real. It responds to tidal cycles, seasonal winds, deep water movement. Some days it's calm and blue. Others bring 1–2 meter swells and visible currents flowing north.
Coastal current: It exists always, even on apparently calm days. During swell days, the current is pronounced and can move you 50+ meters north in minutes if you enter perpendicular to shore. Inexperienced swimmers get scared. That's normal. Respect that fear.ç
Tides: The zone has moderate tidal range. High and low tide change conditions. It's safer to swim in deeper water during mid to high tide than at low tide, when rocks and reefs sit shallower.
Seasonal swell: September–November (rainy season) brings stronger swell from the southwest. December–August is relatively calmer, though never truly "calm"—this is the Caribbean.
Can I bring my pet?
Birds live here, iguanas, monkeys, butterflies, species that make this a living place. A pet, no matter how loved, stresses that life. Nesting birds leave. Iguanas change their behavior. The balance breaks in ways you don't see immediately.
We understand your dog or cat matters. But if we made one exception, we'd have to make them all. And then Playa Pikua stops protecting what it protects.
Are there ATMs nearby to withdraw cash?
The nearest ATMs are in Santa Marta. There's one at the airport and several in the city center.
Better strategy: bring cash or exchange Colombian pesos in Santa Marta before you arrive at Playa Pikua. It's easier and avoids surprises.
Is there parking?
Yes, free. If you're coming by car, let us know when you make your reservation. Secure space.
What meals are included with my stay?
Breakfast. Every day.
Breakfast is regional coffee, fresh fruit from Tropikua (our farm), arepa, savory and sweet items. We serve it in your bungalow or on the terrace facing the sea. You choose.
Lunch and dinner: You eat in the area, which is part of the point.
A 2-minute walk away are hotels with varied dining options, different styles, accessible prices, quiet atmosphere.
A 15-minute walk brings you to Mendihuaca Beach. There you'll find restaurants serving regional food: fresh fish, seafood, local preparations. The walk itself is part of the experience: palms, beach, forest, the sound of the Caribbean following you.
The idea is that you explore, eat in different places, discover what you like.
Do you have a pool?
We have the Caribbean steps away. Living water, salt, movement. That's the pool.
There are stretches of beach where the water is calmer if you want something different. Hammocks, shade, terrace. You can be by the water, watch, submerge yourself when you want, or simply be present.
If you want a traditional pool, we have a partner hotel right next door with day-use pool access. No additional cost. It's a 2-minute walk.
Can we book for a large group?
Yes. We have 8 bungalows available.
If your group fits that capacity, we can make it work.
Write to us: number of people, dates, what kind of experience you're looking for.
We'll figure out how to make it happen.
What do you recommend I pack for the climate and environment here?
Playa Pikua is tropics plus sea plus mountain plus nature. That defines what you bring.
The basics for the Caribbean:
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Swimsuit
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Sandals
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Sunscreen SPF 50+
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Insect repellent (we have it at reception too, but bring your favorite)
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Hat
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Sunglasses
For sunset (the Sierra cools things down):
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Lightweight pants or skirt
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T-shirt
If you're hiking toward the Sierra:
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Trekking shoes
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Long pants
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Water bottle
For your mind (equally important):
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Notebook (people write here)
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Book (we can suggest some)
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Camera
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Whatever keeps you well without connectivity (ask us about board games)
That's all you need. Less clothing, more space in your head.