Costa Caribe

Travel Guide
Santa Marta Cathedral featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral
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

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

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

4/5(92 area reviews)

Boasting the city's most prominent hotels, this upscale area offers shopping at Plaza Bocagrande and Nao Mall, and is close to the popular Ciudad Amurallada. Enjoy various dining options and easy access to the Transcaribe station.

Bocagrande
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 Centenary Park while you're in town.

Getsemani
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Cartagena Centro

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

Cartagena Centro
Rodadero Beach showing a hotel, a sandy beach and a coastal town

El Rodadero

4/5(14 area reviews)

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
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
4.5 out of 5
Carrera 1 No 12-118, Cartagena, CO
The price is CA $301 per night from Apr. 14 to Apr. 15
CA $301
CA $301 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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! (1,310 reviews)
"Very clean, responsive and friendly."

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2024

Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Wyndham Garden Cartagena
Wyndham Garden Cartagena
3 out of 5
CRA 1 62 69, BOLIVAR, Cartagena
The price is CA $116 per night from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29
CA $116
CA $116 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 3-star property in Cartagena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (639 reviews)
"The rooftop pool was very nice with a great view and bar. restaurant inside hotel excellent food and breakfast buffet was also great a lot of food to choose from.staff very friendly and helpful on finding things to do around property,transportation also was very convenient"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2024

Wyndham Garden Cartagena
Hilton Cartagena
Hilton Cartagena
4.5 out of 5
Avenida Almirante Brion, El Laguito, Cartagena
The price is CA $276 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $276
CA $276 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this beach hotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and 6 spa tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Conveniently located at the Bocagrande area, close to shopping malls and restaurants. It’s also very close (10 min by car) to the historic downtown. Right in front of the beach and great swimming pools."

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2024

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. Popular attractions Marbella Beach and Casa de Rafael ...
8/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"Excelente simple y sencillo. Lo más fascinante fue el servicio al cliente. Gracias por hospedarnos en su hotel."

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2024

Bondo Estudio
Travelers Suites Orange Cartagena
Travelers Suites Orange Cartagena
3 out of 5
Cra 10 No 5a - 15 Castillo Grande, Cartagena, Bolivar
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Castillo Grande Beach Plaza and Castillo ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (98 reviews)
"The apartment was exactly as seen in the photos. Staff was very helpful. Only problem was lack of hot water"

Reviewed on Mar. 3, 2024

Travelers Suites Orange Cartagena
Poseidon By Wynwood House
Poseidon By Wynwood House
2 out of 5
1 -25 Cra. 1, Cartagena, Bolívar
Stay at this aparthotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bocagrande Beach and El Laguito Beach are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Nice view, area"

Reviewed on Feb. 20, 2024

Poseidon By Wynwood House
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Costa Caribe