Two distinctive features of Tasajeras are the work of the Asociación de Mujeres Resilientes and the fish trade at El Mercadito. In the wider region, the Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca adds a natural dimension with its protected area, trails and wildlife observation. For planning, it is useful to distinguish between them: local themes shape the choice of destination, while a park visit raises its own questions about getting there, trails and guides.

Mangrove Work and the Fish Trade in Tasajeras

The Asociación de Mujeres Resilientes de Tasajera takes part in restoring mangrove stands and establishing nurseries. The association also makes and sells products from mangroves. Conservation work and product sales thus go hand in hand. Anyone interested in the relationship between nature and the local economy will find a concrete focus here that goes beyond the landscape itself.

Another perspective on the town is the fish trade. At El Mercadito in Tasajera, artisanal fishers, entresacadores, desembuchadores and fixed-location vendors are involved in the trade and distribution of fish. These distinct named roles make the fish trade a multifaceted subject: the people involved in trading and distribution are part of the town’s character, alongside the fish itself.

Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca as a Regional Natural Area

The Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca is a national protected area within Colombia’s National Parks system, with a strict conservation purpose. It lies in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta lagoon complex, in the Department of Magdalena and within the municipalities of Sitionuevo and Pueblo Viejo. Its area is 56,200 ha. For current visitor information, it is advisable to check with the park administration before your visit.

Trails and Wildlife Observation

The park has three land trails: El cangrejo, Olivos y Clemones and El Cocodrilo. There is also a raised platform above Caño Clarín Viejo on the El Manglar trail. Two water routes, La cuna del caimán and Ciénaga de Marchena, are currently operating and are staffed. The trails offer opportunities for bird, animal and plant observation, as well as environmental interpretation.

The Vía Parque is considered an “international airport” for migratory birds, including waterbirds and shorebirds such as gulls and terns. Thus, in addition to the trail names, birdlife is another specific natural feature. Visitors to the park must hire an authorized guide or environmental interpreter. The community group Birding Ecovivetour offers interpretation services in the park, as well as walks by water and on land. Its telephone number is 605 4230722.

Getting There and Where to Stay

From Santa Marta, the road to the Vía Parque follows the Troncal del Caribe toward Ciénaga/Barranquilla and passes the toll booth near the corregimiento of Tasajera. The visitor center, Los Cocos, is about 40 km farther on. This provides a point of reference for getting to the park; check current road conditions before setting out.

Explore more destinations: Guachaca, Carretal, San Fernando, Bonda, Santa Marta, Playa Blanca, Minca, Nenguange.

For the overview of the wider region: Magdalena.