Community & Impact

Travel That Creates Real Change: At Domek Tours, we believe tourism should do more than create beautiful memories.
It should create opportunities, strengthen communities, and protect culture.

We are more than a tour agency — we are a community-based rural tourism project rooted in San Isidro de la Sierra, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

"Did the Bunkuany trek and really loved everything about it. The views, the people, the hikes, the local culture you get to experience"

Sanne Kroeze

Our Commitment to Rural Community Tourism

Domek Tours was created by two local friends who grew up in the Sierra Nevada. From the beginning, our goal has been clear:

To grow tourism in a way that benefits the people who live here.

We work directly with:

Indigenous communities
Local farmers
Young rural guides
Local cooks and families
4x4 drivers and mountain hosts

Every tour we operate generates income for families in the region.
When travelers visit, they are not just exploring nature — they are supporting real people.

30+

12

Local guides

Supported families

Working with Indigenous Communities

We collaborate respectfully with indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada, creating opportunities for cultural exchange while honoring their traditions and autonomy.

Our experiences:

Promote learning, not spectacle
Encourage respect for sacred spaces
Provide direct economic benefit to local families
Help preserve ancestral knowledge
We believe tourism should empower communities — not exploit them.

Supporting Local Farmers & Rural Families

San Isidro is primarily a farming town. Coffee, avocado, mango, and sugar cane are part of everyday life.

Instead of bringing outside suppliers, we:

Source food locally
Hire local cooks
Use local accommodations
Promote farm-based experiences

This keeps money circulating inside the community and strengthens the rural economy.

Empowering Local Guides Through Education & Opportunity

At Domek Tours, our impact goes beyond operating tours.

We actively invest in people.

Today, we work with 12 local guides, all born and raised in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Most of them grew up as farmers, working the land with their families. Tourism opened a new door — and we chose to walk through it together.

12+

4

Years of experience

Local Guides

From Farmers to Professional Mountain Guides

Our guides are proof that opportunity transforms lives.

Through hands-on experience, self-learning, and continuous practice with international travelers, they have developed strong communication skills in:

English
French
German

Many of them learned these languages largely on their own — driven by curiosity, discipline, and the desire to grow.

They are intelligent, capable, and deeply knowledgeable about their territory because they have lived here their entire lives.

A New Perspective for the Next Generation

In rural territories like the Sierra Nevada, opportunities can be limited.

Tourism provides something powerful:

A dignified and sustainable income
Access to global perspectives
Cultural exchange
Personal and professional growth

By training local youth as mountain guides, we create long-term alternatives rooted in pride, education, and community leadership.

Our guides are not just employees — they are ambassadors of their culture and protectors of their land.

Meet Our Team

At Domek Tours, our dedicated team is passionate about providing you with authentic and memorable experiences. Together, we are committed to offering real, affordable, and unforgettable adventures in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Franklin

Owner and General Manager, Franklin ensures everything runs smoothly, bringing his vision and leadership to the heart of our operations.

Kevin

Owner and Expert Local Guide, Kevin's extensive knowledge of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Kogi culture guarantees an enriching and immersive journey.

Brenda

Brenda is the creative force behind our social media, sharing the heart of Domek Tours with the world. But her magic doesn’t stop there—she also prepares our delicious homemade chocolate and oat cookies, adding a warm, personal touch to every trek. Her snacks have become a favorite treat for hikers on the trail.

Dani

One of our most passionate and knowledgeable guides—and he also happens to be Kevin’s brother. Growing up together in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Dani developed a deep connection with the land from an early age.

Andres

Andrés is a young local guide who truly loves what he does. Fluent in French and English, he shares his deep connection to the Sierra Nevada with passion, kindness, and a genuine desire to make every traveler feel at home. His enthusiasm, cultural knowledge, and warm energy turn every trek into an unforgettable experience.

Angie

Passionate about the mountains and her culture, Angie is an experienced guide for the Bunkuany and Cerro Kennedy treks. With her warm personality and deep local knowledge, she offers travelers a unique and authentic experience through the Sierra Nevada.

Felipe

Felipe is our main guide for the Cerro Kennedy trek. With a strong background in birds and natural history, he brings every trail to life with his sharp eye and deep knowledge of the Sierra Nevada's ecosystems. Friendly and fluent in both English and Spanish, Felipe offers an enriching experience for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

Stiven

Steven is one of our expert guides on the Bunkuany tour. Currently studying tourism, he combines academic knowledge with a deep passion for his work. Raised in the Sierra Nevada, Steven offers rich insights into the region’s indigenous traditions, making every step of the trek a cultural journey full of meaning and connection.

Jose

Known as the “altitude goat,” José is a top-level hiker with unmatched endurance, perfect for travelers seeking a real physical challenge. As a Spanish-speaking guide for both the Cerro Kennedy and Bunkuany treks, he leads with strength, precision, and a deep respect for the mountains he calls home. Ideal for athletes and adventure lovers.