Costa Caribe

Travel Guide

Taganga Beach showing a bay or harbor, a sunset and boating
Santa Marta Cathedral showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Costa Caribe which includes rocky coastline, boating and a bay or harbor
Blanca Beach which includes fishing as well as an individual male
Blanca Beach which includes rocky coastline, mountains and general coastal views
In this spectacular coastal region you’ll find a mix of colonial towns, idyllic beaches, tropical islands, varied microsystems and the culture of the Wayúu, Colombia’s largest indigenous group.

Stretching for around 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) along Colombia’s northwesterly shores is the Costa Caribe (Caribbean Coast). Be amazed by a topography of rainforest-clad coastline, remote jungles, rolling mountains and salt plains. Visit sun-drenched beach resorts with access to blissful islands, explore colonial towns, experience Wayúu traditions, go scuba diving and hike to a hidden city.

A star attraction of the Costa Caribe is the ancient walled city of Cartagena. Gaze up at colonial palaces as you wander the serpentine streets of the UNESCO-protected Old Town. Catch a boat to the nearby Baru Island peninsula, Rosario Islands and Tierra Bomba Island. The islands’ white-sand beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun and snorkeling alongside colorful aquatic creatures.

Travel northeast to the bustling port town of Barranquilla, which attracts thousands of visitors for the flamboyant festivities of the Barranquilla Carnival. A 3-hour drive south of Cartagena is Tolú, an easygoing resort and gateway to the San Bernardo Archipelago. Travel inland to Mompox, a 16th-century colonial settlement set on a freshwater island. See a slice of Afro-Colombian life in San Basilio de Palenque, a settlement formed by escaped slaves in the 17th century.

Discover some of Colombia’s finest beaches tucked away in the forested coves of Tayrona National Natural Park. It’s just a short drive from the nation’s oldest city, Santa Marta. Nearby Taganga offers age-old fishing customs, a lively nightlife scene and affordable scuba diving classes. Enjoy hiking adventures in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, including a multiday trek to the ruins of the mystical Ciudad Perdida. Sample organic coffee and spot myriad birdlife in Minca.

Escape the crowds in La Guajira. Go kitesurfing at Cabo de la Vela and feast on fresh lobster in Punta Gallinas. Walk across huge sand dunes and visit Wayúu settlements in Macuira National Natural Park. Appreciate the Wayúu way of life while staying at a rancheria (rural village).

Cartagena and Santa Marta’s international airports are the main entry points to the Costa Caribe. Expect hot year-round temperatures, which gives you the perfect excuse to dive into the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea.

Where to stay in Costa Caribe

Ayala Center featuring modern architecture

Cartagena Walled City

Cartagena Walled City is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Clock Tower and Cartagena Cathedral while in the area.

Cartagena Walled City
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Bocagrande

Bocagrande is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Bocagrande Beach and Rio Cartagena Casino, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cartagena.

Bocagrande
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Cartagena Centro

Unique features of Cartagena Centro include the museums and historic sites. Make a stop by Cartagena Cathedral or Plaza Santo Domingo while you're exploring the area.

Cartagena Centro
Ayala Center featuring modern architecture

Getsemani

Travelers come to Getsemani for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Plaza de la Trinidad and Los Pegasos Dock while you're in town.

Getsemani
Rodadero Beach showing a hotel, a sandy beach and a coastal town

El Rodadero

El Rodadero is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping Center.

El Rodadero
Market place in Cartagena for traditional tourist souvenirs.

San Diego

San Diego is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Plaza de San Diego and House of Gabriel Garcia Marquez while in the area.

San Diego
InterContinental Cartagena De Indias by IHG
InterContinental Cartagena De Indias by IHG
4 out of 5
Bocagrande Carrera 1 No. 5-01, Cartagena, Bolivar
Fully refundable
The price is P8,977 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P8,977
P8,977 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
"The staff is amazing, very attentive to your needs making sure your vacation is enjoyable."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

InterContinental Cartagena De Indias by IHG
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
4.5 out of 5
Carrera 1 No 12-118, Cartagena, CO
The price is P10,332 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P10,332
P10,332 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,313 reviews)
"Excellent hotel beachfront in Cartagena, very close to the walled city. Beautiful pool area over three levels with spectacular views and bar scene."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Hilton Cartagena
Hilton Cartagena
4.5 out of 5
Avenida Almirante Brion, El Laguito, Cartagena
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,054 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P9,054
P9,054 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Cartagena. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

Hilton Cartagena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bondo Estudio
Bondo Estudio
3.5 out of 5
Barrio Marbella Carrera 2A #49-60, Cartagena, Bolívar
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (342 reviews)
"Bondo Estudio had everything as advertised. I booked the family apartment for myself and 3 friends for 10 nights and it was perfect. Rooms were very clean and elegant, the kitchen had all the essentials for making a quick meal and coffee. I really enjoyed the rooftop terrace , that had the pool , ..."

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Bondo Estudio
Apartamento Vista al Mar en Cartagena
Apartamento Vista al Mar en Cartagena
3 out of 5
2100 Cra. 3, Cartagena, Bolívar
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cartagena. Enjoy free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Bocagrande Beach and Clock Tower are located nearby.
Apartamento Vista al Mar en Cartagena
The Garden Suites
The Garden Suites
3 out of 5
Calle 17 N. 1B 34 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
Excellent Stay!
"Excellent accommodation, including good air-conditioning, assistance, location, access to good meals."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025

The Garden Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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