Born in Bogotá, Colombia and based in New York, Castañeda is known for adapting the Colombian harp to jazz and improvised music settings. His work combines elements of jazz, Latin American music, and folkloric traditions, and he has performed internationally as both a bandleader and collaborator.

Over the course of his career, Castañeda has appeared at major concert halls, festivals, and jazz venues and has worked with artists from across jazz and world music. His performances are recognized for combining rhythmic complexity, improvisation, and extended techniques on the harp.