Caribbean Colombia Travel Guide: Santa Marta, Tayrona, Palomino & Cartagena
Colombia’s Caribbean coast offers a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the country. Think tropical heat, palm-lined beaches, Afro-Caribbean culture, slow-paced coastal towns, and vibrant colonial cities. This region blends nature, culture, and relaxed Caribbean vibes like nowhere else in Colombia.
The Caribbean part of Colombia feels worlds apart from the Andean cities and coffee regions. After traveling across the country during our 3-week Colombia itinerary, we flew internally from Medellín to Santa Marta to begin exploring the Caribbean coast.
In this article, we share everything you need to know to discover Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park, Palomino, and Cartagena. From the best activities and places to visit to hotel recommendations, restaurants, and transportation tips, this guide will help you plan a smooth and unforgettable Caribbean Colombia experience.
Bogotà
Salento
Guatapé
Medellin
Santa Marta
Tayrona
Cartagena
Cocora Valley
Palomino
Santa Marta: Gateway to Colombia’s Caribbean Coast
Santa Marta feels local, authentic, and full of life. The pace is slower than in major cities, yet the atmosphere remains dynamic and vibrant. It’s a great place to observe everyday Colombian life, with locals filling the streets, parks, and waterfront at all hours of the day.
We stayed in Santa Marta for 3 days, and here are the highlights we loved most:
Bahía de Santa Marta
The bay is the heart of the city, offering beautiful sea views, fresh breezes, and a lively atmosphere. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Paseo Bastidas
A pedestrian street connecting the historic center to the marina, lined with cafés, street performers, and local vendors. It’s one of the best places to feel Santa Marta’s daily rhythm.
Parque de los Novios
This is where locals gather in the evenings. Surrounded by bars and restaurants, the park comes alive at night with music, conversations, and a friendly, social vibe.
Playa Taganga
A small fishing village just outside Santa Marta with stunning scenery and strong local character. The beach atmosphere is raw and authentic, with few tourists and mostly locals enjoying the sea.
Where to stay in Santa Marta ?
In Santa Marta, staying near the historic city center, around the area of the Cathedral, is the perfect choice. It gives you direct access to restaurants, bars, important landmarks, and the seaside promenade.
Our stay : 👉 Casa Charlotte - Alma Hotels ($$) , A beautiful boutique hotel with stylish rooms and anintimate atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after long days of exploring.
👉 Oasis Fresh Hotel ($$)
👉 Masaya Santa Marta ($$)
👉 Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina ($$$)
Tayrona National Park: Jungle Trails & Caribbean Beaches
Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most iconic natural destinations, famous for its lush rainforest, wildlife, and pristine Caribbean beaches.
While some travelers visit Tayrona as a day trip from Santa Marta, we chose to spend one night inside the park to fully enjoy the experience and explore at a relaxed pace.
How We Got There
We used public transportation from Santa Marta. We headed to the bus stop called Bus Parque Tayrona (easily found on Google Maps) and took an Uber to get there. Once at the stop, small minibuses labeled “Tayrona” depart once full. The ride takes about 45 minutes and drops you directly at the park entrance.
We arrived around 9:30 a.m. to maximize our time inside the park.
Entry & Shuttle Inside the Park
We bought our tickets directly at the entrance. A very useful option is the internal shuttle, which either drops you near your accommodation inside the park (as we did) or takes you directly to the start of the hiking trail. The shuttle ride can take up to 25 minutes and saves a lot of walking time.
What We Saw During the Hike
After checking in, we immediately started hiking. In one full day, we were able to visit:
Playa Arrecifes: A long, wild beach with powerful waves
Playa La Piscina: Calm waters, perfect for swimming
Cabo San Juan: The most iconic spot in Tayrona, absolutely breathtaking
Along the way, we spotted many bird species and even heard the distant roar of a jaguar (that was insane!)
Second Day in the Park
We woke up early for a short morning walk. The atmosphere was peaceful, refreshing, and deeply rejuvenating, surrounded only by jungle sounds and the sea.
we checked out, and went outside the park to the station we got off from the first tile, awaiting for the bus to continue the journey to Palomino
Where to stay in Tayrona ?
We opted to stay inside Tayrona National Park for a truly unique adventure. Inside the park, you can choose between camping areas for nature lovers or eco-lodges for more comfort. Spending the night here is magical, we disconnect completely and wake up surrounded by untouched jungle, wildlife, and the sounds of nature.
Our Stay : 👉 Tiny Houses Unique Tayrona – Dentro del Parque Tayrona ($$$), breakfast included, A very comfortable two-story eco-lodge, perfect for disconnecting and immersing yourself in Tayrona’s extraordinary ecosystem.
👉 Zirumake Hostel Dentro del Parque Tayrona ($$)
👉 Zirwa Hotel Boutique Dentro del Parque Tayrona ($$$$)
Practical Tips for Tayrona
The park closes at 6 p.m.; no entry is allowed after that time
If you stay inside the park, you can still walk back to your accommodation after 6 p.m.
Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent
There are almost no restaurants inside the park; meals are basic and usually provided by lodges
We brought sandwiches, fruits, and water for the day
Palomino: Barefoot Life & Caribbean Nature
Palomino is raw, peaceful, and full of potential. This small coastal village feels untouched, with wide beaches, few tourists, and a strong backpacker spirit. It’s the perfect place to slow down, connect with locals, and enjoy a simple way of life.
Tubbing in Palomino
The most famous activity is river tubing. You start upstream and float down the river on an inflatable tube, ending directly in the ocean. The experience is relaxing and scenic, surrounded by jungle landscapes.
Duration: around 2 hours
Price: approximately 30,000–40,000 COP
Best done in the morning to avoid strong sun
Where to stay in Palomino ?
In Palomino, the ideal location is close to the beach, where you can enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle and the sound of the waves—all while being near restaurants and surf spots.
Our Stay : 👉 Tiki Hut Hostel ($$), A fun, tropical stay with a pool, great social areas, and a perfect beach front vibe
Cartagena: The Soul of Caribbean Colombia
Cartagena is the heart of Colombian Caribbean culture. Its colors, music, history, and architecture make it one of the most captivating cities in South America. The city is lively day and night, filled with street performances, live music, and locals and travelers enjoying the atmosphere.
We stayed for 3 days and never got bored—there’s always something to see, taste, or experience.
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
A UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial facades, artisan markets, historic churches, and charming cafés. Walking here feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Getsemaní Neighborhood
Bohemian, artistic, and vibrant. Known for its street art, nightlife, and local energy. Plaza de la Trinidad is the heart of the neighborhood and a must-visit in the evening.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
One of Latin America’s largest and most impressive Spanish colonial fortresses, this fortress offers panoramic views over the city and Caribbean Sea. The tunnels, walls and cannon positions are fascinating to explore. Entrance is ~33,000 COP (~$8 USD) for foreign visitors
Las Bóvedas
Once prison vaults, this historic structure now houses dozens of artisan shops and galleries inside the walls of the old city. Great place to pick up handicrafts, souvenirs and local art
Plaza Santo Domingo
A lively square in the historic centre with street performers, cafés and the famous bronze sculpture “La Gordita”. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy a drink, and watch the world go by.
Sunset Walk on the City Walls
One of the most magical experiences in Cartagena is walking atop the colonial walls at sunset, with views over the Caribbean Sea and terracotta rooftops. It’s free and especially beautiful in the golden hour.
Convento de la Popa
Perched on the highest point in Cartagena, this historic convent offers sweeping panoramic views of the whole bay and city below. Entry is typically around 12,000 COP (~$3 USD), and you can reach it by taxi or local bus.
Iglesia de San Pedro Claver & Museum
Located in the historic centre, this colonial church and accompanying museum honor San Pedro Claver, a Jesuit priest known for his work with enslaved people in the 17th century. Its history and architecture make it a rewarding stop.
Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario)
A perfect day trip from Cartagena for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and snorkeling. Many tours include hotel pick-up and lunch; expect tours around 40,000–80,000 COP (~$10–20 USD) plus a port exit tax (~17,000 COP).
Bocagrande
This modern district contrasts sharply with the old city — beaches lined with high-rises, cafés, bars and boutiques. It’s great for a beach day, shopping, and casual seaside meals.
How to get to Cartagena from Tayrona/Palomino/Santa Marta
Traveling to Cartagena from the Caribbean coast is easy and affordable using public transportation.
From Santa Marta, you can take a direct long-distance bus from the main bus terminal with companies like Expreso Bolivariano or Berlinas, with a journey time of around 5 to 6 hours.
From Tayrona National Park, first take a local minibus or bus back to Santa Marta (around 45 minutes), then continue onward to Cartagena the same day.
If you’re coming from Palomino, buses heading toward Santa Marta stop directly on the main road; once in Santa Marta, you simply transfer to a Cartagena-bound bus. Total travel time from Palomino is approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Buses are comfortable, reliable, and run frequently, making this route one of the easiest ways to move along Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Where to stay in Cartagena ?
For Cartagena, it’s best to stay in the Getsemaní neighborhood. This area is vibrant, colorful, and full of murals, local cafés, boutique hotels, and lively plazas. It’s close to all major attractions and offers a more authentic, budget-friendly alternative to the walled city while still being just a short walk away from it.
Our Stay :👉 Balcones de Venecia ($$), A cozy hotel with super warm staff and a great location in the heart of Getsemaní.
👉 Casa Bugó Centro Histórico Hotel Boutique con Desayuno ($$$)
👉 Cartagena Royal Hotel Boutique ($$$)
👉 Casa Del Curato ($$$)
