Costa Caribe

Travel Guide

Taganga Beach which includes a sunset, boating and a bay or harbor
Santa Marta Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Costa Caribe featuring rugged coastline, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Blanca Beach showing fishing as well as an individual male
Blanca Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and mountains
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(1,184 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

4.5/5(928 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
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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 Santisima Trinidad Church while you're in town.

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

El Rodadero

3.5/5(62 area reviews)

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

El Rodadero
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La Boquilla

4/5(157 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to La Boquilla. A stop by La Boquilla Beach or Las Americas International Convention Center might round out your trip.

La Boquilla
Hilton Cartagena
Hilton Cartagena
4.5 out of 5
Avenida Almirante Brion, El Laguito, Cartagena
The price is NT$4,546 per night from Jun 24 to Jun 25
NT$4,546
NT$4,546 total
Jun 24 - Jun 25
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! (1,055 reviews)
"Great views"

Reviewed on 2025/5/28

Hilton Cartagena
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
Hyatt Regency Cartagena
4.5 out of 5
Carrera 1 No 12-118, Cartagena, CO
The price is NT$5,348 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
NT$5,348
NT$5,348 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
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! (1,322 reviews)
"Had a very relaxing stay. The food was delicious, the ambiance was wonderful and the staff were so friendly!"

Reviewed on 2025/5/28

Hyatt Regency Cartagena
InterContinental Cartagena De Indias by IHG
InterContinental Cartagena De Indias by IHG
4 out of 5
Bocagrande Carrera 1 No. 5-01, Cartagena, Bolivar
The price is NT$5,080 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
NT$5,080
NT$5,080 total
Jun 30 - Jul 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! (1,045 reviews)
"It was a great time"

Reviewed on 2025/5/28

InterContinental Cartagena De Indias by IHG
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! (422 reviews)
"An oasis in the disquise"

Reviewed on 2025/5/25

Bondo Estudio
Soy Local Centro Historico
Soy Local Centro Historico
3 out of 5
Avenida Escallon Diagonal 35 # 34-63, Cartagena
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (111 reviews)
"La ubicación muy buena en el centro histórico"

Reviewed on 2025/5/28

Soy Local Centro Historico
Casa Morales Getsemani
Casa Morales Getsemani
3.5 out of 5
Calle Larga, Calle 25 8B-178, Getsemani, Cartagena, Bolivar
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and airport drop-off service (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (96 reviews)
"They were very helpful and wonderful."

Reviewed on 2025/5/26

Casa Morales Getsemani
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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Cities near Costa Caribe