Colombia Travel Guide
Eastern Caribbean Coast
Colombia
The eastern Caribbean coast in Colombia is a popular destination thanks to its many tourist sites. From bustling colonial cities and idyllic islands to natural parks and dense jungles, there is something to suit every traveler’s taste.
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Barranquilla
VISITING COLOMBIA’S EAST CARIBBEAN COAST
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general overview
An attractive destination with many tourist sites.
The eastern Caribbean coast of Colombia borders the Caribbean Sea in the northeast part of the country, and it shares a border to the east with Venezuela. It is part of the natural Caribbean region and includes the departments of Bolivar, Atlántico, Magdalena, Cesar, and La Guajira. Its population is nearly 9 million people, and its culture is a rich blend of indigenous, African, and European influences.
The eastern Caribbean coast features a vast array of landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (the world’s highest coastal mountain range and Colombia’s highest point with Pico Colón at 5,776 meters) to the Guajira desert, passing through the idyllic beaches of the Rosario coral islands. It has several national parks, such as the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, Tayrona Park, and Macuira Park.
The main cities on the eastern Caribbean coast include the famous Cartagena de Indias with its colonial charm, Barranquilla, known for its spectacular carnival, Santa Marta, and Riohacha, the gateway to the Guajira desert.
If you’re a history buff, you’ve probably heard of the romantic Cartagena de Indias and its magnificent colonial heritage. You’ll also love the quaint charm of Mompox on the Magdalena River.
If you dream of paradisiacal islands, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena.
From Santa Marta, hiking and nature enthusiasts will delight in exploring the stunning Tayrona National Park with its varied ecosystems or embarking on an expedition to discover the ruins of the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada.
If you’re drawn to the desert, plan a tour in La Guajira, where you’ll find an astonishing cloud forest surrounded by sand expanses and home to the fascinating Wayuu people.
After your desert adventure, relax in a coastal village like Palomino or Dibulla if you’re looking for more authenticity.
Kitesurfing enthusiasts will enjoy world-renowned spots like Cabo de La Vela, Riohacha, or Santa Veronica, with breathtaking landscapes as a bonus.
And if you’re traveling in February, don’t miss the famous carnival in Barranquilla.
The Caribbean region’s climate is generally hot and dry, with an average temperature of around 27°C. Of course, there are notable differences between the desert of La Guajira and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
There is a dry season from the end of November to March and a rainy season from April to October, with less rainfall in July and August. The showers usually don’t last very long.
If you plan to explore the desert of La Guajira, avoid coming in May and September-October; the rains make the paths impassable.
I recommend avoiding the high season; Colombia’s Caribbean coast is very busy during Semana Santa, the school holidays in June, and from mid-December to mid-January.
If you enjoy discovering a country through its culture and festivities as I do, note that the Barranquilla Carnival takes place in February (or March, depending on the year), and the Cartagena Independence Day on November 11 features many celebrations in the city. There is also a famous jazz festival in Mompox in October.
It depends on what you want to explore on the eastern Caribbean coast, which offers many tourist attractions.
A week will suffice if you just want to soak up the atmosphere of Cartagena, its surroundings, such as the Rosario Islands or Santa Marta, and nearby attractions, such as Tayrona Park or the Cienaga Grande.
Allow two weeks if you add a multi-day excursion, such as the trek to the Lost City or a tour of the La Guajira desert.
Lastly, if you wish to see all the major sites of the eastern Caribbean coast, you’ll need between 3 and 4 weeks.
© Tomplanmytrip
For a relaxing & fun holiday
A perfect setting for enjoying the good life.
The Rosario Islands, known for their paradise-like beauty, lie off the coast of Cartagena.
Isla Barú, the largest and nearest island (just a one-hour boat ride away), boasts the famous Playa Blanca with its white sands, turquoise waters, and the finest hotels.
For those who prefer peace and quiet, like me, head to the charming Isla Grande, ideal for a leisurely walk.
If you’re feeling festive, opt for a beach club or, even better, visit Isla Cholón, the party island. Enjoy a cocktail while swaying in waist-deep clear water to Reggaeton beats.
You can rent a boat to see the Rosario Islands, but I suggest staying one or two nights to experience the atmosphere after the tourists depart fully.
And if you want to celebrate a special event with friends or family, consider renting a private island like Isla Rosa.
If the allure of historic cities entices you, Cartagena, the pearl of the Caribbean, will charm you with its beautiful historic center and delightfully romantic atmosphere. Wander among the colonial houses and buildings adorned with flowered wooden balconies, and explore the streets of the San Diego neighborhood, more popular but equally charming.
Five hours by road from Cartagena lies another colonial gem, Mompox, nestled between two bends of the Magdalena River. I adore its ambiance, reflecting the grandeur of a past that has gently drifted into slumber. The town is known for its jewelers, who master the art of filigree.
Take a leisurely walk along the promenade by the Magdalena River, pause at a café for a drink, and soak up the place and the local life.
The eastern Caribbean coast features coastal villages with various atmospheres.
For example, Taganga, near Santa Marta, offers a large beach perfect for scuba diving with experienced instructors at reasonable prices. Budget-friendly accommodations are also available.
Palomino, once a peaceful village, has become a popular spot, great for relaxing at a nice hotel and mingling with other travelers. The beach here isn’t the most picturesque, though.
For more authenticity and peace, opt for Dibulla with its stunning white sandy beaches. This village remains largely untouched by tourism.
To visit some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches, such as Cabo San Juan or Playa Cinto, head to Tayrona Park.
Kitesurfers worldwide know about the fantastic kitesurfing spots on the eastern Caribbean coast, such as Cabo de la Vela and Riohacha in La Guajira. These locations offer perfect, consistent winds nearly all year, calm seas, and beautiful scenery.
You can also find great spots near Cartagena or Santa Veronica, which is 45 minutes from Barranquilla and hosts a World Championships event.
If surfing is more your style, you’ll love the waves up to 2.5 meters on the beaches of Barranquilla. Palomino is another great destination.
This activity is most famous in Palomino.
However, I’ll let you in on a little secret.
The Don Diego River, which flows through the Taironaka Reserve in the Sierra Nevada, is the ultimate spot for tubing down to the sea, all while taking in the beautiful landscape and watching for monkeys.
© Tomplanmytrip
For a cultural holiday
A rich heritage of colonial past and cultural blending.
Some coastal towns proudly uphold their origins and distinct cultures like indomitable little Gaulish villages.
La Boquilla, just steps from the modern areas of Cartagena, is a fishing village surrounded by mangroves. Here, you can fish for crabs and enjoy your catch with a local family.
San Basilio de Palenque, founded by runaway slaves and located an hour from Cartagena, is the first free town in the Americas. UNESCO recognizes it as an intangible cultural heritage. It ardently preserves its culture through dances, music, and its unique Spanish Creole language, Palenquero.
For an even greater escape, less than an hour’s drive south of Santa Marta, you’ll find the remarkable Ciénaga Grande ecosystem, a mix of fresh and saltwater, with stilt villages like Buenavista and Nueva Venecia, a world on the water.
If, like me, you love engaging with local people, explore the desert of La Guajira. You’ll get to know the Wayuus, a remarkable people who live by their own rules and have a strong bond with nature. The best way to experience this is by staying overnight in a rancheria, a traditional Guajira house, where the Wayuus will share their meals, dances, and many legends with you.
The Sierra Nevada is also home to the descendants of the Tayrona, including the Koguis, Wiwas, and Arhuacos. Some villages welcome visitors (either for a day or overnight) to share their knowledge about Pachamama.
If you love chocolate and the famous Colombian coffee, take a trip to Paso del Mango, a hidden hamlet in the Sierra Nevada 18 km east of Santa Marta, or to Minca, a peaceful village 45 minutes by bus south of Santa Marta.
You can visit a coffee farm and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
If you’re looking to bring back a souvenir, check out the jewelers of Mompox, who inherit their craft from a long tradition of goldsmiths. They weave silver threads into incredibly fine jewelry. If you’re interested, you can even create your own piece in a workshop.
For something more rustic but just as stunning, when you’re in La Guajira, you’ll likely be tempted to buy a Wayuu bag, an ancient art the community’s women continue. If you’re curious, they’ll show you how they make them. It’s a lovely souvenir and a wonderful way to support the Wayuu people.
History enthusiasts will not want to miss the fascinating Cartagena. A tour with a local guide will help you better absorb its rich history. As you wander through streets filled with remnants of its colonial past, your guide will tell you about its role within the Spanish Empire and how its prosperity made it a prime target for pirates, including the famous Francis Drake.
Equally fascinating is the history of Mompox, once a strategic and prosperous river port on the Magdalena River, renowned for its skilled goldsmiths. I loved visiting the city with a local guide who explained how this beautiful town gradually fell asleep, trapped in the river’s silt.
Did you know that Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombia’s most famous writer and Nobel Prize winner, lived in Cartagena? Several graffiti in the Getsemaní neighborhood pay homage to him. In his writings, he drew much inspiration from the Caribbean coast and Mompox, his wife’s hometown, which he only knew through her stories, as he didn’t want to disturb his imagination by visiting it himself.
© Tomplanmytrip
For a Nature holiday
Landscapes and animals.
Colombia is home to 20% of the world’s bird species, and the birdwatching sites on the eastern Caribbean coast are plentiful.
The village of Minca in the Sierra Nevada is a paradise for ornithologists. You’ll have excellent sightings if you hike Cerro Kennedy, visit the El Dorado Reserve, or explore the San Lorenzo ridge.
The vast marshes of the Ciénaga Grande near the town of Ciénaga host 200 bird species, including a large colony of cormorants.
If you have time while passing through Riohacha, visit the Sanctuario Los Flamencos, where you can see flamingos up close.
Strolling through the peaceful marshes (Ciénaga Pijiño) surrounding Mompox, you can observe numerous bird species like falcons, kingfishers, and cormorants.
Finally, Macuira Park, nestled in the La Guajira desert, is also a beautiful bird conservation site, home to protected species such as the golden metaltail.
For those who love the underwater world, the professional dive centers in Taganga, near Santa Marta, offer fantastic trips in the waters of Tayrona Park at very reasonable prices. You can even get PADI certifications.
Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands archipelago is another favorite for diving. The island features two dive centers, Diving Planet (the most renowned) and La Cocotera, which have partnerships with local hotels.
If you seek wild nature and mystery, head to the Sierra Nevada, a coastal mountain range of nearly 500,000 hectares, designated a World Heritage site. The main gateways are Santa Marta and Valledupar.
One of Sierra Nevada’s notable sites is Tayrona Park, which combines lush, diverse vegetation with beautiful beaches. It boasts a rich array of wildlife and flora, with numerous well-marked trails, making it a beloved spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Overnight stays are possible in basic accommodations.
Another intriguing site in the Sierra Nevada, The Lost City, houses the ruins of a city built by the Tayrona people. For those up for a challenge, a four-day trek to this historic site is highly popular.
A more affordable option is the 3-day trek to Bunkuany, which emphasizes discovering indigenous culture.
If you want to discover one of the planet’s most stunning and serene landscapes, explore La Guajira, where the ocean and desert meet. It’s an adventure that isn’t physically demanding and offers a glimpse into a unique world.
Experience breathtaking landscapes such as the Taroa Dunes plunging into the sea at Punta Gallinas, sublime sunsets from El Faro at Cabo de la Vela, or the Macuira Park, a true oasis in the desert with its cloud forest and the enduring legends of the Wayuu people.
Los Montes de María is a day trip from Cartagena (about a 2-hour drive). They host a tropical dry forest, an endangered ecosystem. During the hike, you’ll discover amazing trees like the Ceiba, mysterious petroglyphs, and spot monkeys such as the Cotton-top Tamarin, an endemic species, or the Howler Monkey!
© Tomplanmytrip
WHERE TO STAY
The best hotels on the East Caribbean coast.
If you appreciate cozy and intimate settings with a hint of luxury, like I do, opt for the charm of a boutique hotel. These hotels, often situated in old colonial homes, typically offer few rooms and merge comfort, historical ambiance, and personalized attention.
In Cartagena de Indias:
- Hotel Boutique Amarla should charm you as it did me with its refined, vintage décor and prime location in the historic center.
- For a more budget-friendly option in the historic center, Casa la Cartujita, a former convent, is ideal for a luxurious yet affordable stay.
In Mompox:
- I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Hotel Bioma, which combines modern amenities with the charm of a traditional Momposina house.
In Santa Marta:
- Don Pepe in the city center is a stunning mansion with a patio and two pools, offering a blend of elegance and comfort. Alternatively, Casa Gaitana provides excellent value for money.
The eastern Caribbean coast offers beautiful options if you prefer to sleep in luxury with a last glance at the sea.
On the Rosario Islands, Las Islas and Sofitel Baru Calablanca are ideal for a relaxing stay with their stunning beaches and luxurious ocean-view rooms.
My favorite hotels are near Playa Naranjos, between Tayrona Park and the fishing village of Buricara. I adore the charm of Senda Casa Tayrona, located on the beach between the sea and a river, with only 5 rooms. Another similar option is Casa Bambu Tayrona.
In Palomino, I find the quality doesn’t always justify the price. In my opinion, the best place is Aite. Its pleasant setting, excellent staff, and superb cuisine make it worth the expense.
In Cartagena, you can find resorts in the Bocagrande area (Hyatt Regency) and along the long beach of Manzanillo (Dreams Karibana).
In Santa Marta, the upscale areas of Pozos Colorados and Bello Horizontes host resorts like the Santa Marta Marriott.
If you enjoy combining eco-friendly living with designs that blend into the natural environment, staying in an ecolodge should be perfect. Be aware that reaching these places can often be difficult.
Sol de Minca Ecolodge in Minca, located in the Sierra Nevada, offers wooden structures that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding vegetation, creating an authentic atmosphere. They also serve delicious vegetarian food.
Another great option in Minca is Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge, a superb hostel ecolodge featuring an impressive infinity pool with views of the Sierra Nevada.
The Reserva Biologica Caoba in Paso del Mango is a cozy retreat in the heart of nature, home to various animals and waterfalls.
Staying on a farm is a pleasant and educational way to share the daily life of plantation owners.
Minca:
- Minca Sintropia is a paradise with its charming cabins featuring terraces that open to an extraordinary landscape and attentive hosts.
- Terramia Estate is a superb glamping site located on a coffee farm, where you can tour the plantation and enjoy tastings.
- Finca San Rafael is a small farm that produces both coffee and chocolate.
Buritaca:
- To learn about cocoa culture, choose La Selvita. This rustic and charming accommodation is nestled in nature with an incredible sea view, and the owner will share his passion for chocolate with you.
Glamping is becoming increasingly popular in Colombia. It involves staying in luxurious and very comfortable “canvas domes” set in stunning surroundings. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway—although I always find it a bit too expensive.
Near Minca, Trekker Glamping is simply fabulous, with its elegant bubbles whose terraces seem to float above the lush vegetation.
Selva Minca offers astonishing treehouses perched atop towers, open and scattered amidst lush vegetation. With healthy cuisine and yoga classes, it exudes a very zen ambiance.
© Tomplanmytrip
eating and drinking
Some specialties on the East Caribbean coast.
I love discovering a country through its local cuisine.
Street Food:
Among the most typical specialties of the Caribbean coast are the famous arepas de huevo (made from corn flour and stuffed with beef and egg), patacón with Costeño cheese, and kibbe, meat-filled fritters. For dessert, try the tangy mango biché made from unripe mango.
If you’re a foodie, consider joining a street food tour in Cartagena.
Traditional Dishes:
The eastern Caribbean coast has other famous specialties such as coconut rice and Posta, a beef dish served with a sweet sauce, particularly popular in Cartagena. If you’re interested, you can take cooking classes with a chef who will take you to the bustling Bazurto market to choose your ingredients before cooking them.
Also, don’t miss the Cazuela de mariscos. I find this seafood dish divine. Another must-try is camarones al ajillo, shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, which I adore.
In Mompox, enjoy Lomo Monposino, a specialty made with pork.
If you love good food, Cartagena has several gourmet restaurants where you can enjoy refined cuisine and delicious dishes, particularly those featuring fish and seafood.
- Alma, located in the historic center, serves very fine Caribbean cuisine in a romantic setting with excellent service.
- At Jardin Santa Clara, you can savor a succulent Posta among other dishes, in a beautiful tropical garden.
- Candé Carmen skillfully combines culinary heritage, music, and dance.
Colombia is famous for its coffee. It’s a must-try, whether you’re an enthusiast or just curious.
While in Cartagena, after lunch, savor an excellent coffee at Café San Alberto or Epoca Espresso Bar in the old town. I also love Café del Mural in the Getsemaní neighborhood, with its quirky decor and passionate coffee-loving owner.
Not a fan of fried food and sauces? No worries, there are two spots where you can eat particularly healthy (besides big cities):
In Minca, ecolodges like Sol de Minca and Mundo Nuevo typically serve delicious vegetarian dishes.
Palomino, with its yoga centers and spiritual retreats, has also attracted many vegetarians. Laurel Vegan Bistro and Holss are my little secrets.
Personally, I love ending my day on a rooftop in Cartagena, sipping a cocktail with good music in the background while watching the sunset. My favorites are Movitch and Townhouse.
The sunsets in Santa Marta are breathtaking, and the best way to admire them is to head to the beach.
For the ultimate experience, to add a jungle ambiance to your sunset, retreat to one of the ecolodges in Minca in the Sierra Nevada—the higher you go, the more impressive it is.
© Tomplanmytrip
TRANSPORTATION
Getting around the Eastern Caribbean Coast
Cartagena has a small international airport (Rafael Núñez), about 15 minutes by taxi from the historic center. It offers numerous daily international and national flights (Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Bogotá, Pereira, Neiva).
Santa Marta also has an airport (Simón Bolívar), 25 minutes by taxi from the historic center. Many national flights land directly in Santa Marta from Medellín, Cali, Bogotá, Pereira, Neiva.
Riohacha has a local airport with daily flights to and from Bogotá and Medellín.
It is also possible to reach Mompox by plane from Medellín—only 2 weekly flights.
Only one road runs along the coast between Santa Marta and La Guajira.
The main cities on the eastern Caribbean coast are connected by a good bus network, but some villages don’t have terminals. You can stand by the roadside and signal a bus to stop, hoping there will be space; this practice is common. For example, you will need to do this if you want to go to Palomino from Tayrona.
You can also use shuttle services that operate quite well between destinations along the Santa Marta and Cartagena route. These are mini-buses or vans run by companies like Marsol and Berlinastur. However, you won’t have much room for your luggage or legs.
To reach the beaches of Tayrona Park, you can take the boats that leave from Santa Marta or Taganga.
You’ll also need to take a boat to reach the Rosario Islands from Cartagena (2 hours to Isla Grande). The tourist port is a 5-minute walk from the Clock Tower.
You can also rent a private boat for more freedom and to save time. If you’re traveling with a group or family, this is an interesting option, and your captain will show you the best spots.
Taxis don’t have meters. They will likely try to increase the fare if they see you’re a foreigner. Always ask for the price of the ride before getting in.
Moto-taxis are very common, especially in Minca, Palomino, and Paso del Mango. If you’re a nervous passenger, forget it!
Otherwise, my favorite type of taxi is the tuktuk. You’ll mostly find them in Mompox.
Shared cars are often used between Palomino and Valledupar. Usually, there are 3 or 4 people in the car, so you’ll need to travel light.
This is the best option for saving time and traveling comfortably. However, it can quickly become expensive on the coast.
Depending on your destination, you might have no choice but to use a private 4×4 transport.
This is the case in the Sierra Nevada (if you want to go above Minca or to Paso del Mango) or in the La Guajira desert.
© Tomplanmytrip
my last tips
Useful tips for preparing your trip to the eastern Caribbean coast.
If you’re a digital nomad, insist that your hotel confirms the internet connection quality, which is often unreliable in remote areas like Sierra Nevada, the La Guajira desert, or certain parts of the Rosario Islands.
Many places don’t have ATMs. Remember to withdraw enough cash, preferably in small bills, whenever you can.
This is the case for Palomino, Minca, La Guajira, and Paso del Mango
Or shitty bad things will happen
The Caribbean Sea is inviting, but many beaches are dangerous due to strong currents and waves.
Tayrona Park has 34 beaches, but you can swim on only 7. So heed the warnings.
On the beaches and in the Sierra Nevada, you might be bothered by these pesky little critters, but don’t let them ruin your trip!
Nopikex is a good mosquito repellent, and in case of bites, apply Trigentax; this ointment helps heal and soothes itching.
Against sandflies, try coconut oil, which works quite well.
© Tomplanmytrip
Favorite experiences in Cartagena, Colombia
Directly contact the best local agencies for this destination
Cartagena: Rent a boat to explore the Rosario Islands 1d
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A tailor-made boat trip to enjoy the Rosario Islands: Find the most stunning islands and either dodge the tourists or party with them.
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Hop on a private boat with friends to Cartagena's most festive island. Reggaeton, turquoise waters, and an epic party await under the sun!
View this tourCartagena: charter a yacht to visit the Rosario Islands 1d
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A comfortable and luxurious tailor-made boat trip to enjoy the most stunning islands of the Rosario Archipelago.
View this tourCartagena: sailboat to enjoy the Rosario Islands 3d
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Booking a sailboat for a few days is the perfect way to explore the Rosario Islands in peace, catching the magic of sunrise and sunset.
View this tourCartagena: Historic center and Getsemani guided tour 0,5d
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Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Cartagena, its battles, influence, and luminous architecture.
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Keep your senses sharp, observe, listen, smell, touch, and taste to fully immerse yourself in this experience.
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Enjoy the tranquility of the mangroves and immerse yourself in the ambiance of La Boquilla's residents.
View this tourCartagena: the fascinating history of San Basilio de Palenque 1d
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Immerse yourself in the extraordinary cultural heritage of the first free village in the Americas.
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