Caribbean Activities List
Palomino - La Sirena Hostel/Campground
La Sirena offers inexpensive cabanas and campsites and provides travelers an atmosphere of utter tranquility. Guests seem to be swallowed up by their hammocks for hours at a time. La Sirena does not offer Wi-Fi, but by all other standards, incorporates the best of hostel traveling.
Palomino - Palomino Beach
Palomino Beach looks to be the heir apparent of the Santa Marta tourism boom that is attracting backpackers from across the world, and a number of hostels and restaurants are racing to get a piece. The beach is spectacular, and offers a great deal of privacy from the rest of the town.
Palomino - River Tubing
For a relaxing day in the sun and a chance to see the abundance of wildlife in the Sierra Nevada NP, try the 1-2 hr float trip down the Palomino. Guided tours will cost 25.000 COP, or rent your own tube for 5.000 and catch a cab or moto-taxi to the drop-off point for an additional 8.000 COP.
Santa Marta - Boat Tours
From El Rodadero, it is possible to visit nearby islands and beaches if you are seeking extra privacy. Prices can be negotiated with captains located on the south of El Rodadero. Looking for an alternative route to Tayrona NP? Captains can drop you off at one of Tayrona's beaches.
Santa Marta - Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
Unforgettable 5-6 day hike to Tayrona Indian ruins dated to the 8th Century, during which you will experience waterfalls, wildlife and gorgeous views. Prices range from 500.000 to 600.000 COP depending on tour. Tours must be arranged through Turcol or Expotur.
Santa Marta - El Rodadero Beach
Located 5km to the south of Santa Marta sits El Rodadero Beach, a launching point for sailing and diving tours to Playa Blanca, and vacation spot for Colombian tourists.
Santa Marta - Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
A visit to La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the house where South American liberator Simon Bolivar died, offers visitors a chance to experience a historical sanctuary of Latin America without leaving Santa Marta. The property features a museum dedicated to Bolivar and beautiful gardens.
Santa Marta - Tayrona National Park
Just 1 hour NE of Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park offers some of the most beautiful coastline in South America. 35.000 COP pays for entrance into the park. Once inside, tent camping and accommodations from 10.000 COP hammock rentals to luxury outdoor suites are available.
Taganga - Calipso Dive Center
Calipso offers 7 diving certification courses (including a 3-4 Day diving certification class for beginners for $350) out of Taganga, located just 10 minutes to the NE of Santa Marta. Accommodations are included in Taganga, with dives featuring many of Colombia's beautiful reefs.
Taganga - Hotel Mirador
A hotel with an indoor/outdoor discotheque on the rooftop with great music and atmosphere. The presence of hotel security and the club's location on the north end of town contribute to a more relaxed vibe than you might find elsewhere in Taganga.
Taganga - Sensation
The most popular discotheque in Tanganga, Sensation plays a variety of international experimental music with great ambiance. Located on Calle 1, 150m south of the police station.
Tayrona - Bahía Concha
Bahía Concha is the most accessible beach in Tayrona because you can reach it directly in a car without hiking in. It is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon if you are want to experience Tayrona's beauty without the overnight camping experience.
Tayrona - Cabo San Juan
All the beaches in Tayrona offer incredible views, but Cabo San Juan is a hands down favorite. San Juan is perfect for swimming or snorkeling, and tent camping and hammocks are available. If you arrive between 12 and 3, try to get one of the hammocks in the tower for an amazing sunset.
Tayrona - Hike to Pueblita Ruins
A 3 to 4 hour uphill hike from Cabo San Juan to Tayrona Indian ruins provides a nice change of pace from lounging on the beach and offers a chance to experience both the Tayrona National Park's wildlife and history on a deeper level. Map to Pueblita available at park entrance.
Tayrona - Playa Arrecifes
While rip currents can be extremely dangerous at Arrecifes, the community of back packers, restaurants, and general store make Arrecifes beach a great place to camp for the night, chill out and relax in the sun. Swimming beaches are just a 15 minute hike to the west.
Tayrona - Snorkeling at Cabo San Juan
Cabo San Juan has two bays which are protected from the strong currents that make swimming dangerous at many of Tayrona's beaches. Here you can see a variety of tropical fish that inhabit the area. Snorkeling gear is available at the general store but is expensive and in short supply.
Tayrona Cañaveral
Cañaveral beach is just a 5 minute walk from the Tayrona parking drop off point, but as it is in the opposite direction from the rest of the parks beaches, it is incredibly secluded. You may be the feeling that you are walking through paradise in a bottle. Luxury accommodations available.
Valledupar - Bike Ride to Guacochito
If you're looking for a relaxing bike ride with beautiful scenery, smooth safe roads, local artisans, and a good chance to see monkeys, you will enjoy this ride. Begin the ride by going NW along the Rio Guatapuri, cross the bridge, and turn right on the first road after Club Campaste.
Valledupar - EcoParque Los Besotes
Eco-Parque Los Besotes is a 1,000 hectare reserve located just 10km north of Valledupar on the road towards La Mina and Maruamake. Situated at the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas de Santa Marta, the park is home to over 250 species of birds, monkeys, ocelots, pumas, and jaguars.
Valledupar - La Mina / Maruamake
For an incredible freshwater swim without the crowds of Rio Guatapuri, catch a ride in the Sierra Nevada mountains to visit La Mina. This other worldly swimming area is just a 60 minute drive from Valledupar. You can catch a truck from La Galleria Popular for 7.000 COP.
