Welcome to the birthplace of Magical Realism — the department of Magdalena!
In case you’re unfamiliar, Magdalena is the home department of Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel García Marquez, the brains behind the literary style that defined Colombia. And exploring the stunning coastlines and towering mountains of the department, it isn’t hard to see how García Marquez blurred the lines between fantasy and reality.
The department of Magdalena is also the indigenous homeland of 4 different groups — the Wiwa, the Kogi, the Arahuaco, and the Kankuamo people. These groups are still concentrated throughout the department of Magdalena and nearby La Guajira and have deep ties to the land. All four groups are descended from the precolumbian Tayrona people, who actually built a civilization deep within Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. We actually began our time in Magdalena with a hike to this “Lost City,” a 44-kilometer trek through the mud and heat. But as we say, vale la pena.
Want to learn more about the indigenous traditions that define this region, or just watch me befriend cats at every turn? Check out the video!
More About Magdalena
If I’ve written any articles about Magdalena, you’ll see them listed here!
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In my journey to visit all 32 departments of Colombia I’ve written extensively about the different places I’ve traveled and people I’ve met. Click below to view all of my guides, stories, and tips from my travels around Colombia.
Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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