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Travel
the Colombia Coast the Green Way with Las Pleyades (Santa Marta)
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Travel
the Colombia Coast the Green Way with Las Pleyades by Laurel
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accommodation in Santa Marta
The alluring city of Santa
Marta is located on Colombia's northeastern coast. Affectionately named
'the pearl of the Colombian Caribbean,' Santa Marta's backdrop is one blessed
by gorgeous natural scenery, a powerful draw to travellers.
Key to preserving the area's
beauty for future generations is a strong environmental conscience, like
the one exhibited by Las Pleyades, a local tourism company operating in
the region since 2008 and setting green trends with its eco-conscious transfer
and ground transportation services on the Colombian coast. Now, Las Pleyades
is bringing its local efforts to a larger market by partnering with Green
Path Transfers, a new global environmentally friendly transfer service.
A Natural Transition
When Las Pleyades first got
started, its main aim was to provide access to accommodations and tours
in Santa Marta. According to Fabiola Duerig, the company's co-founder,
the decision to provide transfers as well came naturally, in response to
customer interest and desires.
Initially this was in the
form of complimentary taxi rides; however, as demand increased over time,
a key business opportunity was revealed.
Joining forces with Green
Path Transfers was the next logical step for Las Pleyades: a chance to
formalise its approach. "We became a Green Path Transfers partner because
we realised that transportation would become one of our new core businesses,"
Duerig acknowledged.
At present, Las Pleyades'
transfer services cover the entire Caribbean coast of Colombia, including
travel between the main coastal cities of Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Cartegena,
Buritaca, Palomino, Riohacha and La Guajira. The trips most frequently
requested run from Santa Marta to Cartagena or Tayrona National Park.
A Local Travel Experience
Las Pleyades-operated transfers
add to the well-rounded experience the company provides to travellers.
Their two bilingual drivers often even serve as tour guides; they help
in purchasing local goods or groceries and showing visitors around, in
addition to offering lifts to hotels, guesthouses or fincas (country estates
or ranches), so no one gets lost.
In a country with Colombia's
reputation, this level of attention promotes a vital element of security.
"Although security in Colombia, and even more in Santa Marta, is now much
better, we are still in Colombia and tourists have to be careful with whom
they interact," Duerig said. "So this transportation guarantees safety
from the beginning for people who don't like risks."
Green Goals
Drawing attention to the value
and importance of sustainable travel is a fundamental goal for this Santa
Marta transfer and tourism company. By offering green alternative transport,
the team at Las Playedes inspires travellers to think about how they can
help preserve the planet.
Las Pleyades' fleet of vehicles
includes four taxis, 10 14-passenger vans and a chiva (wooden traditional
Colombian open bus) with 40 seats. All vehicles use compressed natural
gas instead of normal gasoline whenever travelling in urban areas, and
whenever possible and accessible in rural areas as well.
"Here in Santa Marta, the
taxis work with natural gas - so it is cheaper, environmentally more responsible
and the taxi driver spends less, so he gains more," commented Duerig. "For
us it is important that local people like to work with us and deliver the
best possible service."
Local Gems
For responsible travellers,
ecotourists and adventure seekers, Duerig recommends two nearby must-see
natural paradises, both easily reached by vehicle.
Tayrona National Park, a
natural reserve of 60 square kilometres is a wonderland for birdwatchers
and site of some of the best beaches in the world.
It is located 40 minutes
east of Santa Marta. Minca, a small village in the Sierra Nevada
mountains, sits in a coffee-producing region and provides a tranquil escape
for birdwatching, waterfall exploration and relaxation in a lush environment.
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accommodation in Santa Marta
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