8 Best Places on the Caribbean Coast, Colombia

My journey along the Caribbean Coast began in the Western part of Colombia. After moving through some of the biggest cities in Colombia, it was time for proper Caribbean vibes! I spent here over a month moving along the Caribbean Coast and exploring best places to stay in Colombia!

Here is a list of 8 best places on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia!

1. Capurgana and Sapzurro

Located just next to the Panamanian border, Capurgana was a first little spot on the map that I was dying to visit. The laid-back village seems to have all the positive vibes that gives you the feeling of real and beautiful life. Amazing land covered by jungle, mountains and blazing white beaches is a perfect location for diving, snorkeling and hiking. One of my favorite places on the Caribbean coast in Colombia!

It might be a bit challenge to get there, as the little town can be reach only by boat or by small plane from Medellin. However, the piece of a paradise without cars and traffic lights, it is definitely worth it.

At the weekends, Capurgana can be a pretty crowded place.If you want to stay away from the tourists, take a trip to the nearest jungle and explore the El Cielo waterfall. The refreshing water under the green shadow of the jungle is just perfect spot during a hot day.

To fulfilled my stay in Capurgana, I took a hike to the neighboring Sapzurro. It is an amazing occasion to cross the Colombia-Panama border and explore the La Miel beach located on the Panamanian side. All you need is to take plenty of water, some snacks and your passport. So much fun guarantee!

2. Rincon del Mar

My next stop was completely unplanned. After talking with my Colombian friend, I discovered that on my way to Cartagena, there is a little-know place called Rincon del Mar. As you probably know, I am freaking love off the beaten path destinations, so I packed my backpack and hit the road. Rincon del Mar was a pleasant surprise. I call it the Colombian’s best kept secret. This is kind of place, where you really can enjoy being a member of the local ”family” and get connected with people living there.

Every morning, I used to spend time with a Colombian lady at her house, eating empanadas and carimañolas for a breakfast. Then, I was watching fisherman coming back to the coast in boats filled with all goodness caught in the sea. There are plenty things to do around and I wrote special article about it.

3. Cartagena de Indias

When talking about the best places on the Caribbean coast in Colombia, I couldn’t miss this one!

Finally arrived to Cartagena de Indias, the place I have always dreamed about. The place that gives you the special, little moment of wonder. It is like a rainbow. Colorful and vibrant. 

I loved all these mornings when I could ensconce myself in the small local cafes in Getsemaní neighborhood, observing locals, reading books of Gabriel Garciá Márquez and drinking a perfect cup of coffee.

Then I used to roam through the narrow cobblestone streets. Looking for some unique colonial architecture to photograph to keep that moment with me. There was also time for some salsa vibes. I used to visit the most popular bar among locals but also visitors called Donde Fidel. This is a place to be in Cartagena! It is pretty crowded almost every night but it just doesn’t matter! The impressive collection of classic salsa music, playing there, makes everyone to sway to the rhythm.

4. San Bernardo Islands

The San Bernardo Archipelago contains 10 gorgeous islands located around 80 kilometers away from Cartagena. The piece of paradise is reachable only by boat from Cartagena, Rincon Del Mar or Tolu. However, the most common connection among tourists is a boat from Cartagena, which takes around 2 hours. From 10 crystal blue water islands, Mucura, Tintipan and Santa Cruz are the most visited by tourists. 

5. Santa Marta

Santa Marta was the first Spanish colony in South America. Set along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and sunshine coast on the Caribbean Sea, it is a gateway to Colombian’s most gorgeous jungle hikes, beaches and wildlife. It is definitely worth a stop on the way to the Tayrona National Natural Park or Palomino.

I also liked to do shopping in the center, when for example I run out of socks ( they always disappear on the way :)) or to prepare myself for next hikes.

6. Tayrona Natural National Park

Tayrona Natural National Park perfectly blends the white sand Caribbean beaches and lush tropical rainforest. This is a place to be in Colombia! I recommend you give yourself some time and discover the land in a proper way. Incredible hikes across the green jungle and some of the most impressive wildlife in Colombia. This is all waiting for you! It is known as one of the most popular places on the Caribbean Coast in Colombia!
I will stop talking here and give you a little taste of the green paradise!

7. Palomino

Palomino was a next stop, I put on the list ”places to explore on the Caribbean Coast”. This small tranquil town was exactly, how I imagined it. And, if could compare it to any other place in the World, I would say Palomino is kind of similar to Pai, the little hippie town in Thailand! The front beach yoga classes, white sand, where artisans are selling handmade products, plenty of cool hostels and organic cafes.

However, I came here for something else. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains are inhabited by indigenous people from four ethic groups called Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo. 

Known in Spanish as Pueblos Indígenas, these tribes are placed widely across Colombia’s landscape, from Amazonia and the Andean highlands to the Caribbean and Pacific lowlands.

The Kogi are the last surviving civilization from the world of the Inca and Aztec. Their villages are untouched by ”our” world. They own extensive knowledge of natural medicine and know how to cure plenty of diseases. The power of their mind is beyond comprehension. They believe that Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta mountain is the “Heart of the World” and the Amazon is the “Lung of the World”.

8. Taganga

Taganga is a small fishing village located around 5km north of Santa Marta. It attracts backpackers for it’s very affordable diving courses, fresh seafood and nightlife. Taganga is not one of the cleanest places on the Caribbean Coast, I’ve seen. However, I decided to give a try to this land. I knew there are some hidden treasures that need to be explored.

The following day, I wear suitable shoes and hit the the road to discover surroundings. Walking up hills along the gorgeous bay, I came across to Playa Grande with incredible view of green mountains in the background. Most of the tourists finish the trip here but you can keep going further. There are few more tiny beaches that you can have only for yourself. My two favorite are Plata Rosita and Playa Sisiguaca.

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