Best Things to Do on Colombia's Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean Coast of Colombia is anchored by three cities: Cartagena, the colonial walled city that is the region’s signature destination; Santa Marta, the oldest surviving European city in South America and the gateway to Tayrona National Park; and Barranquilla, the largest city on the coast and home of Gabriel García Márquez’s hometown parade, the Carnival. The things to do on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia are as diverse as the coastline itself. Tayrona National Park, 35 km from Santa Marta, protects a stretch of Caribbean coast where jungle-covered Sierra Nevada mountains meet white-sand beaches; its interior is reached only on foot or horseback. The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) is a 4-6 day jungle trek to a pre-Columbian city built around 800 AD, older than Machu Picchu. The Guajira Peninsula, in the far north, is desert landscape reaching into the Caribbean, inhabited by the Wayuu people and accessible only by 4WD.Best time to visitDecember through April is the driest season and generally considered the best time. The heat is consistent year-round (30-35°C). May through November is the wetter season; heavy rains can close trails in Tayrona and make the Lost City trek more difficult. The Barranquilla Carnival (February/March, four days before Ash Wednesday) is the largest carnival in Colombia and the second-largest in Latin America after Rio. Book accommodation very early for Carnival.Getting aroundCartagena and Santa Marta have international airports with connections to Bogotá and other cities. Buses run along the coast; the journey between Cartagena and Santa Marta takes 4-5 hours and passes through Barranquilla. For Tayrona, shared minibuses (colectivos) run from Santa Marta’s market area. The Guajira Peninsula requires a jeep tour from Riohacha or Uribia. The Lost City trek is only accessible with licensed tour operators based in Santa Marta.What to eatThe coast’s food is distinct from the Andean interior. Arepas de huevo (fried corn cakes filled with egg) are the coastal breakfast staple. Cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew) is the most representative dish. Fried fish with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantain) is the beach restaurant default. In Cartagena, La Cevichería (credited with inspiring Rene Redzepi’s visit) is a landmark. Street food in the walled city includes buñuelos and fruit with lime and salt.Key destinationsCartagena – The walled colonial city. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the Palacio de la Inquisición, and the sunset views from the city walls are the main sites. Getsemaní, the neighborhood outside the walls, is the city’s creative district.Tayrona National Park – Entry requires advance online reservation (day visitors) or multi-day stays at eco-camps inside the park. Cabo San Juan is the park’s most famous beach, reached by a 2-hour hike from the park entrance.Santa Marta – Quieter and less touristy than Cartagena. The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (where Simón Bolívar died) and the historic El Rodadero beach are the main town attractions.Palomino – A small beach town between Santa Marta and the Guajira, becoming increasingly popular with backpackers. Tubing on the Palomino River into the sea is the signature activity.