Best Palomino Hotels: Easily Decide Where To Stay

Among the growing selection of hotels in Palomino, my favorite beachfront hotel is Casa Chapolin for its super friendly and relaxing atmosphere. I also love Finca Escondida, a social hostel where you can enjoy music events.

If you’re looking to be pampered in a hidden paradise, then choose Aite. You’ll pay more, but it’s the best in the area.

TOM’S TIP

Before picking your hotel, make sure to check out our guide on Palomino. If you’re looking for more stunning beaches than Palomino’s, visit Tayrona Park, which is about an hour away by bus.

Best Palomino Hotels in Town

Palomino Restaurant - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Tom

By choosing your hotel in the village of Palomino, you have the advantage of being close to the few good restaurants and bars in the area. The best spot for a drink is at the intersection of Calle 3a and Carrera 6a. Try to find a place slightly away from Carrera 6a. This area is a bit noisier in the evening (especially at weekends).

This option is ideal for saving money. The establishments have a better value for money, and you will be more tempted to eat out.

The only downside, the beach is 20 minutes away, and when it’s hot, 20 minutes is loooong.

$ – Hostel Coco Sankala Palomino – Cheap

Coco Sankala

Coco Sankala Hostel is a paradise for small budgets. There is a small garden with a dozen hammocks to rest when the heat is too oppressive. The hostel is built of bamboo, and this gives a certain charm to the rooms and dorms. The hostel is not a party place. You will have to go out for a drink or a meal (if you don’t want to cook). It feels great, and Ophelia does her best to make your stay enjoyable. The only drawback is that there is no swimming pool.

$$ – Villa Eden Palomino – Value for money

Villa-eden-Palomino
Villa Eden

Hotel Villa Eden in Palomino is an ideal choice for couples who want to rest for 1 or 2 nights before continuing their adventure. The building is very well arranged, with rooms of a refined design surrounding a small swimming pool. Perfect for cooling off during the day. Don’t forget to savor one of their delicious breakfasts before going on a stroll.


best hotels on the way to Palomino Beach

East Caribbean Coast - Palomino - Drone view from the beach

You can’t miss it! All kinds of accommodation and restaurants flank this road. I’m talking about the famous Carrera 6a.

You can decide whether you’d rather be by the beach or stay close to the city center. The vast majority of establishments close to the sea offer restaurant and bar service, so you don’t have to walk around (and consume more).

You need to have a higher travel budget to be able to take full advantage of it. Cocktails with a slice of pineapple and a small umbrella cost more than a national beer.

Even if some hotels are pretty comfy, don’t count on sleeping in luxury accommodations without any grain of sand on the floor. Lower your expectations. You’re on the Caribbean coast.

$$ – Casa Chapolin Palomino – my favorite hotel

Casa Chapolin Palomino La Guajira Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast
Casa Chapolin

Situated on the beach, Casa Chapolin is a small, friendly hotel that thinks about the well-being of its guests and the planet. No, there is no air conditioning. However, there is a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast. It’s much nicer than waking up with a hoarse throat. Choose between a small wooden hut or a spacious room with a sea view. In both cases, you are granted your own personal Chinchorro. They’re from La Guajira, we’re talking about the Rolls-Royce from the hammock. Don’t forget to get out of it from time to time to take a surfing course organized by the hotel or go for a ride in the Sierra Nevada.

$$ – Finca Escondida Palomino – Toes in the ocean

Finca Escondida

With a mix of backpackers, families, and young couples, the Finca Escondida de Palomino doesn’t really have a label. The property is indeed quite large, and there’s not that intimate side of boutique hotels. On the other hand, if you are looking for a place where everything is within easy reach, then you will be delighted. The swimming pool, sun loungers, cocktails, and the delicious restaurant make it easy to stay busy when the sea is in a bad mood. You can even hear the waves crashing on the coastal part of the property. Finca Escondida is a social place with occasional musical events, so it might not be ideal if you are looking for a quiet place.

Best Boutique Hotels in Palomino

If you’re looking for peace and comfort, then you’ll have to move a little further to the east side of Palomino Beach.

You can get there by moto-taxi from the center of Palomino for 5,000 COP, or walk for 20-30 min.

You will find smaller hotels with comfortable rooms and more personalized customer service. However, the price-quality ratio is generally a little less good than in other parts of Colombia. You are paying for the location and popularity of Palomino.

If your only wish is to find an upscale hotel by the beach, then I advise you to have a look at our article on hotels near Tayrona Park. There are more choices!

$$$ – Hotel Makao Palomino – few rooms

Makao-Palomino-hotel
Makao hotel

For the Makao Hotel, offering a comfortable stay is very important. This goal is achieved, especially if you choose one of the rooms with a balcony on the second floor. The building has modern architecture with many wooden elements, such as the staircase and platform leading to the rooms. A narrow alley of fine sand, sheltered by palm trees, leads to the beach. The few tables laid out in the sand make it possible to taste the good small dishes that come out of the kitchen. The only thing missing is a small communal area with hammocks and a swimming pool.

$$$$ – Aite Hotel Palomino – best upscale hotel

Aite Hotel

The prices of the Hotel Aite in Palomino are a little high for Colombia. However, you won’t find any better around here. In any case, the setting of the property is so pleasant that you will soon forget your wallet. Splendid little houses are scattered over a wide area, surrounded by palm trees, swimming pools, and colorful deckchairs. Each guest has his own small terrace with a hammock to listen to the sound of the waves. There is no one around, so you won’t have to listen to the poetic boom-boom of the bars in the village (or the neighbor’s). With such an attractive place, a top-notch staff, and delicious food, you hesitate to go back to the real world. You’ll probably drag your feet to leave.


What to do in Palomino?

Tubing in Taironaka - Palomino - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Tom Adrien

Well, not much on-site, but some activities in the surroundings.

The main activity is tubing, which is, in short, going down a beautiful river with your bum resting on a buoy. It’s easy, pleasant, inexpensive, and risk-free.

Feel free to do so if you feel like it. By the way, remember to wear sunscreen before you go and keep your shirt on during the activity 😉

There is also an exciting cultural activity starting from Palomino. Indeed, you have the possibility to spend two days in an Arhuaco community in the middle of the Sierra Nevada.

Usually, you come to Palomino to meet other travelers and drink cocktails on the beach during the day. If you are looking for an authentic experience with a few tourists, you will probably be disappointed. If this is the case, I invite you to discover Dibulla instead of Palomino, you might be delighted with the trip.

You are also close to the Guajira desert and the Wayuu culture. You can book a tour from Palomino. Alternatively, you can also travel to Riohacha on your own and organize this tour with a local agency directly on-site.