Colombia’s stunning Caribbean coast is not to be missed, from the colonial city of Cartagena to the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s a coastline full of wonder and natural beauty. You’ll find stunning coastal landscapes with white sandy beaches, an abundance of wildlife, rainforests, jungles and a rich indigenous culture. Check out our list of places to explore this tropical lush part of the world.
Cartagena
Cartagena has a rich history and vibrant culture mixed with a Caribbean charm. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s clear why, you’ll get swept up in its magic, walking through the picturesque streets lined with colourful colonial buildings and charming plazas. From salsa rhythms that spill out onto the streets to the endless local eateries, every corner of Cartagena invites you to immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. Take a stroll along the ancient walls that overlook the Caribbean sea or venture out to the nearby Rosario Islands for a day of snorkelling and relaxation on pristine beaches.
Santa Marta
At lot of people use Santa Marta as a base to explore Tayrona National Park, it’s a place worth exploring in itself during your trip in Colombias Caribbean. It has a small colonial town where you will find the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta. It also has a Museum del Oro, although not as impressive as the one in Bogota, it is free to enter and they have some interesting exhibits. There are lots of restaurants and coffee shops in Santa Marta, it’s quite the foodie hub. The beaches are great for people and boat watching, but if you want a swim head to Taganga village, you will find a nice beach and a backpacker vibe!
Minca
Minca is a small town that has become rather popular with backpackers, only one hour by bus from Santa Marta, you’ll find yourself in the mountains surrounded by the jungle. It has chilled vibes and there’s lots of accommodation to choose from, Airbnb have some quaint places. Check out our hacks to save some money, 7 Hacks to Save you money on Airbnb. Hang out drinking delicious coffee or go on an adventure to the waterfalls, there’s always something happening in Minca. Don’t forget to check out the large hanging hammock over the jungle, the views are spectacular!
Tayrona National Park
At the foothills of the Sierra Nevada stands Tayrona National Park, where you’ll find the best beaches on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast! They say good things are harder to reach and ain’t that the truth, to reach the pristine sandy beaches at Tayrona, you have to trek but luckily the route is through the jungle where you’ll pass lots of wildlife. You can rent cabins and stay in the National Park, when all the tourists leave, you’ll have the place to yourself! Tayrona is rich in biodiversity, rainforests, coastal lagoons, it even has a trail leading to El Pueblito, an archaeological site hidden in the jungle.
Be aware that some of the beaches are not suitable for swimming due to strong currents. Also, the park is closed for one month of every year, this is so the indigenous communities can perform their sacred ceremonies, as this is their land after all.
Palomino
Palomino is a laid back hippie village, it has a big surfer and backpacker vibe. We loved its slow paced energy, the long sprawling beach and all the amazing restaurants, it really is a special place.
We found the sea at Palomino beach to be a bit rough to swim in, it has strong riptides and currents, it’s not the most relaxing swimming experience but if you fancy surfing some waves you can rent a body board or surf board from one of the beachfront surf shops. If you don’t fancy a tumble in the water, grab a refreshing drink from one of the beachside bars with seats overlooking the sea, perfect for watching people getting taken out by the waves.
If you walk further up the beach you’ll get to the point where the river meets the ocean, this is a really cool spot, a popular activity is tubing down the river, there are a lot of places offering this on the main street. If you walk in the other direction down the beach you’ll have a quieter experience and you can find some peaceful moments, the beach goes on and on so you can really get your steps in. We did notice some giant tyres that had been left on the beach, this was a little creepy, apparently it’s from an old mining site.
Palomino beach is a great spot to watch the sunset, the setting sun lights up the beach in a beautiful orange glow, grab a refreshing beverage and watch the show, aim to get to one of the bars a little early if you want to nab one of the front row seats.
Sadly there are a lot of stray dogs in Colombia but in Palomino there’s an incredible dog shelter, you can give a small amount and do a tour, a great opportunity to contribute to the shelter and spend some time frolicking with fur babies!
Lost City
The lost city who’s actual name is Ciudad Perdida, is an ancient city located in the Sierra Nevada of Colombia. It is estimated to have been established around 800AD, actually making it older than Machu Picchu!
The trek to the Lost City is challenging but rewarding, as the Lost City is located in the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains , you need a tour guide and expect a 4-6 day round trip through the jungle, covering around 46 kilometres/ 28 miles, you’ll trek through rugged terrain, dense vegetation, river crossings and steep ascents and descents. What adds to the strenuous hike is the humidity, you’ll need quality gear like good hiking boots that have been broken in, insect repellent and lightweight clothing.
You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lush jungle, cascading waterfalls and indigenous villages of the Kogi people. You’ll see a lot of wildlife along the way, birds, insects and monkeys, completely immersed in nature. A real unforgettable adventure for those who are up for the challenge!