Northern Colombia: Barranquilla & Santa Marta
Embark on a captivating journey along Colombia's Caribbean coast. From the cultural fusion of Barranquilla to the natural beauty of Santa Marta beaches, our curated itinerary ensures a seamless exploration of these coastal gems. In Barranquilla, discover a fusion of culture at the Museo del Caribe, stroll along the Bocas de Ceniza and savor the Carribean breeze. In Santa Marta, hike to the ancient Lost City, and unwind on Taganga's idyllic beaches.
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Embark on a captivating journey along Colombia's Caribbean coast. From the cultural fusion of Barranquilla to the natural beauty of Santa Marta beaches, our curated itinerary ensures a seamless exploration of these coastal gems. In Barranquilla, discover a fusion of culture at the Museo del Caribe, stroll along the Bocas de Ceniza and savor the Carribean breeze. In Santa Marta, hike to the ancient Lost City, and unwind on Taganga's idyllic beaches. Renting a car is recommended to go at your own pace and enjoy the views along the way. Waterviews strives to offer accommodation options within walking distance of water and/or in an area of touristic interest. Our prices include taxes (but excludes local tourist taxes). Customize your trip to your personal preferences with optional activities (hit the “Add Activities’’) or change hotels, etc. Contact us for customization at no extra cost at: Service@waterviewstravel.com
Destinations
- Barranquilla
- Santa Marta
Itinerary
Barranquilla
A bustling port city in Colombia’s Atlántico region, Barranquilla is a vibrant and sun-soaked destination that dazzles with its authentic atmosphere. The city is renowned for its annual Carnival, where locals and visitors alike prepare for days of street parties and performances. When you’re not dancing the night away, be sure to wander the city’s streets, admire its historic churches and visit its interesting museums, you won't be disappointed.
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A bustling port city in Colombia’s Atlántico region, Barranquilla is a vibrant and sun-soaked destination that dazzles with its authentic atmosphere. The city is renowned for its annual Carnival, where locals and visitors alike prepare for days of street parties and performances. When you’re not dancing the night away, be sure to wander the city’s streets, admire its historic churches and visit its interesting museums, you won't be disappointed.
Additional Information
Barranquilla is a cosmopolitan and primarily industrial city, often visited by businessmen of all nationalities. However the main attraction for tourism is its carnival "Carnaval de Barranquilla," that takes place during the four days before Ash Wednesday. In November 2003, UNESCO proclaimed it as one of 28 different "masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity".
Barranquilla is also called by its residents and Colombians in general "Curramba" (from a language game, in synthesis, Curramba is a reference to "party") and the Golden Gate to Colombia (Puerta de Oro de Colombia), this due to its location on the delta of the Magdalena river, making it the most important commercial sailing port to the Atlantic Ocean for the nation.
Residents are known as "Barranquilleros" and are characterized by their outgoing and friendly attitude and relaxed behavior. This makes the average barranquillero an optimistic and open individual, as well as goal-directed and hard-working.
© Sourced from Wikivoyage
Santa Marta
Set on Colombia’s north coast, the city of Santa Marta is a mesmerising destination that offers both culture, history and nature. Santa Marta was the first European settlement in Colombia, and today offers a beautiful collection of colourful colonial-era architecture that will transport you back in time. The city also serves as the gateway to the magnificent Tayrona National Natural Park, where you can explore lush rainforest, secluded coves and crystal-clear coastal lagoons.
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Set on Colombia’s north coast, the city of Santa Marta is a mesmerising destination that offers both culture, history and nature. Santa Marta was the first European settlement in Colombia, and today offers a beautiful collection of colourful colonial-era architecture that will transport you back in time. The city also serves as the gateway to the magnificent Tayrona National Natural Park, where you can explore lush rainforest, secluded coves and crystal-clear coastal lagoons.
Additional Information
Santa Marta an important commercial port and tourist destination. Every day, there are cargo ships coming and going and the action is very much visible. From the beach, the view of the Caribbean Sea is more or less to the west (beautiful sunsets) with a huge rock of an island jutting up out of the water to make a somewhat dramatic effect. Off to the right is the port snug behind another even bigger rock. This is a decent beach if you like beaches that are right in town with lots of people, vendors, and noise. Vendors are extremely aggressive if you are on the beach.
Aside from the old center, the main attractions of Santa Marta are its two resort-like suburbs El Rodadero, to the south, and Taganga, to the north. El Rodadero has several high-end hotels and private "clubs" that cater mostly to wealthy Colombians, whereas Taganga used to be a fishing village and is very popular with (mostly foreign) backpackers. Taganga has many scuba-diving agencies.
There is a high season and low season. High season is December through April, with its peak from mid-December to late January (due to school and university vacations).
© Sourced from Wikivoyage
