The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the tallest seaside mountain range in the world, hugs Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, joining the ocean, the jungle, and mountain-top glaciers in dramatic landscapes stitched together by crystal-clear rivers. This diversity creates some of the most spectacular sunsets I’ve ever seen, the vantage point from the ridge of the mountain offering a unique view of the sun setting behind the Caribbean Sea.
I’ve been very lucky to spend a lot of time in 7 Piedras, which is located at over 1,000 masl, perched high above the town of Minca and overlooking the coastal city of Santa Marta. When the sky is clear, you can even see Barranquilla, one of the country’s main ports which is located 100 km southwest of Santa Marta. I’ve taken thousands of photos up there over the years—of the view, the jungle, and the abundant nature that makes this mountain range, which is known by the indigenous communities as The Heart of the World, a sacred and incredibly biodiverse place. Here are some of my favourite photos of the magical sunsets that paint the sky in watercolours.
PINK & PURPLE • ORANGE • BLUE • YELLOW
Laura Restrepo Ortega 