The Global Meaningful Travel Map

Marimbea - Guapi

Immersive Afro-Colombian Pacific journeys co-designed with communities, linking living heritage, biodiversity, and fair local income.

Note: base camps for Marimbea experiences are located in both Tumaco and Guapi.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Marimbea in Guapi offers community-based cultural retreats rooted in the riverine and coastal ecosystems of the Cauca Pacific. Travelers stay in a riverside hostel and explore mangroves, the open sea, and nearby protected areas, including Isla Gorgona Natural Park. Through workshops in marimba music, traditional singing, storytelling, and nature immersion, guests connect deeply with local knowledge holders. Each journey concludes with a community farewell gathering celebrating traditional music and shared experience.

ABOUT US

Marimbea is a social and cultural enterprise that safeguards Afro-Colombian Pacific heritage while generating sustainable income for local communities. Through community-led cultural experiences, immersive travel, and education, we connect travelers with living traditions, strengthen cultural transmission, and promote dignified, locally driven economic development.

IMPACT

Governance / Business Model: Marimbea operates a community-centered social enterprise model where cultural experiences generate direct income for local knowledge holders. Since 2019, we have delivered 120+ cultural experiences in Colombia and abroad, ensuring fair payment and long-term collaboration with communities.

Social, Cultural & Community Impact: We work with over 80 cultural practitioners and 20+ community-based organizations in Afro-Colombian Pacific territories. More than 400 community members—women, youth, and elders—have received direct income through tourism, performances, and education, strengthening cultural pride and local economies.

Education & Awareness: Through immersive travel, workshops, and residencies, we have engaged 1,500+ participants, fostering respectful intercultural exchange and challenging extractive tourism narratives.

Environmental Impact: Our experiences integrate nature-based learning and community conservation practices, linking cultural heritage with territorial care and environmental awareness.

DETAILS

To learn more, contact: info@marimbea.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1–14

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Yes

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes

What languages do you offer your services in?
Spanish, English, French

When are you open?
Available through digital channels Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Colombia time). Closed annually from December 23rd to January 7th. Cultural experiences and trips operate on a scheduled basis and are planned in advance in coordination with community partners and seasonal conditions in the territories.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
Many of the communities where we operate are rural and have limited infrastructure, and unfortunately fully accessible facilities have not yet been developed locally. We are transparent about these limitations and communicate them clearly to travelers in advance. When possible, we work with participants to explore reasonable adaptations on a case-by-case basis and prioritize safety, dignity, and informed decision-making. Accessibility is an important area for growth, and we are committed to learning and advocating for more inclusive infrastructure alongside our community partners over time.