Things to Do in Caribbean Coast

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique natural ecosystem along the of the northern coast of Colombia. This majestic mountain range is the tallest coastal mountain range in the world, with the snow covered Simón Bolívar and Cristóbal Colón peaks rising 18,700 feet above sea level.

Amazingly, all the climatic zones and biomes present in Colombia can be found within the 6,600 square miles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. That makes it an excellent place to come into contact with animals and plants from around the country in just one park. Jaguars, tapirs, páramo deer, condors, endemic parrots and important groups of endangered wildlife call the Sierra Nevada home.

The Sierra Nevada and Tayrona parks have a combined 300 recorded archaeological settlements along the coast and in the highlands. The largest is the Teyuna Archaeological Park, known as The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), testimony of the country’s most important ancient Indian civilization. At present, around 30,000 members of the Kogui, Arhuaco, and other indigenous communities continue to live in the park and maintain many ancestral beliefs and customs.

Hiking is the main tourist activity in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. In this virtually untouched paradise of animals and plants, visitors climb mountains, observe endemic plants and animals and explore indigenous cultures. Birding is also quite popular. The El Dorado Bird Reserve, located on the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is the top birding site in Colombia. Some of the 21 endemic species that can be seen in the reserve and around the lodge are the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Screech Owl and the Santa Marta Toucanet.

A birding lodge, trails, hummingbird and antpitta feeders, an observation balcony and six rooms make up the lodge and reserve. Hummingbird feeders and Antpitta feeding stations create excellent photo opportunities.

Iglesia Santo Domingo, founded in 1534, is the oldest church in Cartagena and one of the first in the hemisphere. The original stone structure, finished in 1551, was so badly damaged by Sir Francis Drake in 1586 that a new church needed to be built; the current incarnation was finally completed some time during the 1700s.

The cool, spacious interior, with its imposing central nave lined with massive stone columns and inspiring marble altar are unusual, and certainly worth a look. Most travelers will spend more time on Plaza Santo Domingo, right out front, the spot to enjoy a little rest and relaxation of a premium-priced beverage. Surrounded by some of the city's finest architecture, and filled with umbrella-shaded cafe tables, the plaza is also a magnet for souvenir vendors. Be sure to bargain.

Taganga is a sleepy fishing village and beach town near the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Tayrona National Parks. The view from Taganga's coast is spectacular, as are the sunsets. The small town has just a few paved roads and the rest are dusty - or muddy "“ depending on the season.

Taganga is next to the stunning Tayrona National Park, though it's a bit of a trek getting there. If you're interested in visiting the beaches at Tayrona, it takes an hour by bus to get to the park, followed by a couple of hours of hiking through the national park to get to a beach. Another option is to get a boat directly from Taganga to the beaches of Tayrona.

Both diving and getting a diving certification are inexpensive, which draws diving enthusiasts to Taganga. Many of the activities that can be booked in Santa Marta can also be booked from Tayrona. This is the place to head out not only to The Lost City and Tayrona National Park, but also farther east to La Guajira. Or go take a short hike over one of Taganga's hills to Playa Grande.

With a number of beach bars and a few discos, the nightlife is often considered to be better in Taganga than Santa Marta, attracting both Colombians and foreigners. Even if your travels take you away from the town during the day, head back to Taganga in time to watch the sunset and join the rumba (party) on the beach.

Santa Marta, surrounded by beaches and mountains, was the first city founded by the Spaniards in Colombia. Due to its cultural and historic importance, the historic center of Santa Marta was declared a national monument in the 1960's. Five years ago it underwent a costly renovation and is proud to show off its new face and is best explored on foot.

The best place to start is from the center point of all towns in Colombia, the Simon Bolivar Plaza.  The nearby Bank of Republic Library presently houses the Tayrona Gold Museum. Take time to see the displays of the fascinating gold pieces made centuries ago by the Tayrona indigenous group.

Construction of the white-washed Santa Marta Cathedral was completed towards the end of the 18th century. Some of the features of the cathedral are its dome-shaped bell tower, the floor plan in the shape of a cross, the main area's vaulted ceiling and the side chapel marble screens. There's also a statue of the Virgin that accompanied the Spanish founders.

The Customs House (La Casa de la Aduana) is another example of Colonial architecture and the first building erected in the area. Other buildings to see are the Santo Domingo Convent and the Town Council.

Don't miss the statue of the beloved national football (soccer) hero Carlos Valderrama, who was born in Santa Marta. Known as El Pibe (The Kid), Valderrama was an outstanding Colombian football player. This immense statue stands outside the football stadium in Santa Marta shows off the football player's distinctive blond hair and playing style.

Afterward the tour of the historic center, spend some time at one of the restaurants or cafes around the beautiful Parque de los Novios.

Cartagena’s strategic significance as Europe’s conquest of the Americas intensified cannot be overstated. Some say that if the British had won the 1741 Battle of Cartagena, that South America would now speak English. They didn’t, largely because of massive El Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the largest and most formidable Spanish colonial fortress in the hemisphere.

Begun in 1536, almost immediately after the conquistadors arrived, the massive megastructure sits atop San Lazaro Hill, with flawless views across the harbor. Bristling with cannons and other armaments, it was enlarged and re-fortified in 1657 and 1763 as part of an ongoing arms race against other European powers. A marvel of military engineering, the compound’s angles and parapets offer maximum coverage, and are connected by a warren of secret tunnels threading the mountain of stone.  

It’s worth hiring a guide to explain the significance of the structure, though the beautiful views from the gracefully aging old turrets are stunning in and of themselves. Come close to sunset, when trumpet players take advantage of the crumbling structure’s acoustics.

Just outside the fortress is the Old Shoe Monument, a popular photo op that commemorates a poem by Cartagena wordsmith Luis Carlos Lopez, who famously compared the old city to a worn, but comfortable, pair of shoes.

Tayrona National Park, just 34 km from Santa Marta in northern Colombia, has abundant natural and archaeological attractions. Named after one of the most important indigenous tribes in Colombia’s history, the Tayrona National Park was established in 1969 with an area of 19,000 hectares.

Eco-tourism is popular in this complex biological ecosystem. There are over 300 bird species, including the endangered Andean condor and woodpeckers. Puma, deer, bats, howling monkeys, iguanas, jaguars and marine turtles also call this forest home. Hikers can spot multicolored land crabs, reptiles and butterflies on the trails.

To get to the beaches, visitors walk along marked trails or hire a guide with horses. Explore the many golden sand beaches and snorkel near coral reefs and underwater treasures hidden around the huge rock formations.

The largest archeological remains in the park are found in Pueblito, an ancient commercial center used by the Tayrona Indians of the Sierra Nevada. It is estimated that it was inhabited by about 2,000 people between 450 and 1,600 A.D. Since the hike only takes about 2 hours, these ruins are a good alternative to observe the architecture of the Tayronas if you don't have enough time or the physical condition to visit the Lost City. And for many travelers, the trek through streams and past giant boulders is more of an attraction than the destination itself. Remember that the trails are often muddy, so it’s advisable to wear suitable walking shoes.

Lodging in Tayrona Park is also exciting, ranging from hammocks to luxurious eco-habs inspired by indigenous dwellings. Remember there’s no electricity in the park at night, so flashlights are useful.

For a tropical paradise experience, Playa Blanca is about as good as it gets. A short boat ride from El Rodadero beach on Santa Marta, this calm beach away from the larger concentrations of tourists is ideal for leisurely swimming as well as snorkeling and water sports like banana boats or mini diving classes.

Every day boats head out in the morning from the El Rodadero beach. The boat ride is a bit rough and fast but is an adventure to remember.  There are no docks when you arrive at Playa Blanca, so be ready to jump from the boat.

Playa Blanca is set in a protected bay with mountains rising in the background. As its name suggests, the sandy beaches are white and are lined with palm trees. Thatched roof huts, ranging in size from individual to large buildings, line the beach. The smaller ones near the water are available to rent for the day, and don't be afraid to haggle to get a good price.

As on nearly all the beaches in Colombia, vendors will come along to offer necklaces, pearls, cocktails and beachside massages. That gives a chance to see the local culture and cuisine. Try Colombia's version of ceviche or taste delicious cocktails like Coco Loco. Some huts offer a seafood lunch, usually fried fish with coconut rice and plantain.

At Playa Blanca, kick back and enjoy the incredibly clear water and beautiful white sand beaches with a cocktail in hand.