Welcome to the Caribbean Coast!

With everything from historic cobblestone streets to sandy white beaches; Colombia’s Caribbean coast is a must-visit.

Located in the north, the Caribbean region occupies 51,077 square feet; or, about 10% of the country. When my wife, Carrie, and I arrived there, we were wrapping up a 6 month backpacking adventure across South America.

As such, it was the perfect place to kick back and relax for a while!

 

A full rainbow above the Caribbean coast at Tayrona National Park.
A full rainbow above the Caribbean coast at Tayrona National Park.

Finca Los Angeles

What we wanted most was to be completely off the grid: away from worries and right next to the ocean. However, since we were looking inside a national park, we couldn’t find anything like that.

It took lots of searching, but we eventually stumbled across Finca Los Angeles. For four glorious nights, Carrie and I relaxed in hammocks, body-surfed in the ocean, slept in a luxurious hut and drank a large amount of fresh fruit smoothies.

Ahhh… paradise!

 

Finca Los Angeles is surrounded by a lush jungle.
Finca Los Angeles is surrounded by a lush jungle.

 

Sunset at Finca Los Angeles in Colombia
Sunset at Finca Los Angeles in Colombia

Tayrona National Park

Perhaps the most popular natural destination on the Caribbean coast is Tayrona National Park.

Along with our friend Gosha, we stayed at Playa Arrecifes: an amazing resort where we slept in hammocks under mosquito nets.

Although the waves were a bit extreme by our place, a short walk up the beach revealed magical blue coves: perfect for a swim.

Plus, the beach in front of the resort was completely empty every day for the sunrise… making it a great place to do some acro yoga.

A lovers' sunset on Playa Arrecifes in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
A lovers’ sunset on Playa Arrecifes in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

 

Gosha does yoga at the Playa Arrecifes in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

 

A 3 minute exposure of the stars above Playa Arrecifes in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
A 3 minute exposure of the stars above Playa Arrecifes in Tayrona National Park, Colombia

The Historic City of Cartegena

When you are all beached-out, head West towards Cartegena:  a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, horse and carriage rides and a million works of art to point your camera at, it’s a must-visit.

 

If you like colonial architecture, you will love Cartegena.
If you like colonial architecture, you will love Cartegena.

 

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in Cartegena
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in Cartegena

 

Reflections in the streets of Cartegena, Colombia