|
Bogota
Colombia: Enjoy An Andes Vacation Experience
Carnaval
De Barranquilla - High Dose of Excitement
Cartagena, Colombia - 4 Ways To
Visit Before Leaving Home
Colombia
Travel Advice For Visitors
Colombian
Coffee - The Best in The World
Take
Spanish lessons and visit Colombia
Travel
the Colombia Coast the Green Way with Las Pleyades (Santa Marta)
Traveling
to Medellin, Colombia
When
Colombia Calls, You Travel - Colombia Travel Information
Travel
the Colombia Coast the Green Way with Las Pleyades by Laurel
Browse
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.
Browse
accommodation in Santa Marta
Top
|
