The oldest city in Colombia, Santa Marta is a beautiful historic town framed by beach and shadowed by mountains. It is the launchpad town to the National Parklands of Tayrona, not to mention magical Minca and the captivating Ciudad Perdida (Lost City).
Do you like activities? I sure do! So I get all excited by the fact that there's an awesome, super friendly surf camp here, that there's hardcore hiking, mountain biking and yoga retreats. Yay! Activities! I'll include some of these below..
But I also love the opportunity to get all up in nature's face and just relax in her abundant beauty. Hey nature! How you doin'?
From Cartagena, most people bus on down to Santa Marta then hotfoot it directly to the National Park. There you can tent, hammock, hostel or eco-hut it until you get your groove back. Entrance to the park costs 35,000COP for foreigners and 13,000COP for Colombians. Below are some of the things you can do in and around Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park.
SANTA MARTA
Where to stay:
There's lots of air bnb apartments available in the beach neighbourhood of Rodadero but you will need to factor in lots of taxis. Most accommodation options in Santa Marta Ciudad Vieja tend to target backpackers, I stayed in Mayasa Hostel and really loved the rooftop in particular.
Where to eat:
Ikaro restaurant /cafe for breakfast, lunch, coffee - great to work from, healthy options
Carmesi - great ambience, good Caribbean fusion with lots of seafood options
Radio Bemba - great meeting spot right on parque de los novios for a burger and local beer
Where to drink/play: La Puerta, La Azotea, Charlie's Bar, La Brisa Loca (rooftop hostel party) Parque de Los Novios (not a bar or club but often a fun scene and meeting/ jumping off point)
Do you like activities? I sure do! So I get all excited by the fact that there's an awesome, super friendly surf camp here, that there's hardcore hiking, mountain biking and yoga retreats. Yay! Activities! I'll include some of these below..
But I also love the opportunity to get all up in nature's face and just relax in her abundant beauty. Hey nature! How you doin'?
From Cartagena, most people bus on down to Santa Marta then hotfoot it directly to the National Park. There you can tent, hammock, hostel or eco-hut it until you get your groove back. Entrance to the park costs 35,000COP for foreigners and 13,000COP for Colombians. Below are some of the things you can do in and around Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park.
SANTA MARTA
Where to stay:
There's lots of air bnb apartments available in the beach neighbourhood of Rodadero but you will need to factor in lots of taxis. Most accommodation options in Santa Marta Ciudad Vieja tend to target backpackers, I stayed in Mayasa Hostel and really loved the rooftop in particular.
Where to eat:
Ikaro restaurant /cafe for breakfast, lunch, coffee - great to work from, healthy options
Carmesi - great ambience, good Caribbean fusion with lots of seafood options
Radio Bemba - great meeting spot right on parque de los novios for a burger and local beer
Where to drink/play: La Puerta, La Azotea, Charlie's Bar, La Brisa Loca (rooftop hostel party) Parque de Los Novios (not a bar or club but often a fun scene and meeting/ jumping off point)
WATER & EARTH YOGA RETREAT
A very special, once-in-a-lifetime journey awaits the lucky folk who sign up for this extremely limited retreat. The Water & Earth Yoga Retreat organised by the much-loved Life Force Project is taking place against the stunning backdrop of the Colombian Coast this MARCH 29 - APRIL 4.
Here's their blurb and how to book: Join our exclusive trip to the exotic coast of Colombia and immerse yourself in an adventurous, one-of-a-kind Yoga experience. Rejuvinate yourself on a 7 day retreat and practice ancient cleansing yoga techniques with a Colombian Yoga master. Unwind on a remote, private beach near Tayrona, explore the Sierra Nevada mountains that National Geographic just ranked as one the "World's 6 most irreplaceable places," and trek to a lost indigenous civilization high above the clouds. Roll out, have fun and discover a hidden gem. Please visit us here to book your trip and receive more details. http://www.lifeforceproject.com/#!booking-colombia/c18pf |
Costeño Beach Surf Camp
Surfers' paradise; a school for those who've got "learn to surf" on their life bucket list; or an eco-chill hostel for anyone who just wants to escape.. Costeño Beach Surf Camp and Ecolodge is a pretty incredible experience whatever your experience.
Get in touch to arrange your stay at the eco-friendly lodging.. everything from a single night (non-surfers welcome), through to an intensive month (or months) of surf lessons and star/soul gazing. |
CIUDAD PERDIDA- LOST CITY TREK
Some people really like to EARN their holidays.. you know.. really work for them. For those people, and for everyone who wants to experience an archaeological site that dates back to 800AD (older than Machu Picchu), there's the Lost City of the Sierra Nevada.
This ancient city of stone terraces, carved into the devastatingly beautiful and lush Sierra Nevada mountains, is reached by way of a challenging (euphemism) 4, 5 or 6 day hike filled with bug bites, hot and humid weather and blisters. Still reading? It's also filled with refreshing swims in natural pools, incredible wildlife, beautiful vistas, and knowledgeable local guides. Then there's the satisfaction of making it to the top and realising all you overcome to be there. Back pat. The hike is the same price whether you opt for the 4, 5, or the 6 day option. The difference is the 4 day people will be expected to move more quickly, with less breaks for swimming and disfrutando. The price is 600,000 pesos (roughly $300), and your spot is confirmed with a 10% deposit in advance. The guided hikes leave every day.. but numbers are kept small.. so reservations are recommended. If this seems like something you'd like to experience, send us an email. |
SUMMIT TO SEA ADVENTURE YOGA RETREAT
Meg and Mandoline (life adventurers and kickass yogis) have created a dream retreat designed to develop complete well-being whilst experiencing a backdrop of waterfalls, golden beaches, snowcapped mountains and untouched sacred communities. Wow.
Launching from Santa Marta, there are 7 and 10 day retreats happening March 4-15. Here's more: Mundo Adventures and S2S Retreats is a destination retreat, meaning that we travel together within Colombia, and each day we are charmed by a different world. We practice Asana, climb down waterfalls, try new foods, connect with native peoples, watch the sunrise over snow capped mountains, learn to identify monkeys in the jungle, surf caribbean beaches, and much more. This is your opportunity to develop total well-being, which is the practice of being Happy and Healthy. This practice can be broken down into 8 simple yet vital components: Exercise, Diet and Nutrition, Time in Nature, Contribution and Service, Relationships, Recreation, Relaxation & Stress Management, and Spiritual Connection. You will leave this paradise refreshed, after having pressed the reset button on your busy mind; and prepare to see the lasting benefits manifest in your everyday life. Sounds good, right? More info here: POSTPONED |