Image by DC_Colombia / Getty Images

Caribbean Coast

Sun soaked and rich in culture, Colombia's dramatic Caribbean coastline is its dazzling crown, capping the country with myriad ecosystems, from the dense jungles of the Darién Gap on the border with Panama to the hauntingly atmospheric desert of La Guajira near Venezuela.

The jewel along the coast is Cartagena, known for its multifaceted culture and extensive colonial-era architecture. Journey inland to find gorgeously isolated Mompós, a quiet hamlet in the forest whose star is truly in the ascendant. Other attractions are more natural: the PNN Tayrona, a wonderful stretch of perfect beach and virgin rainforest, and the thrilling and arduous Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek, which will satisfy adventurers keen to learn about the remnants of an ancient civilization against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Explore Caribbean Coast

0

Latest Stories from Caribbean Coast

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Caribbean Coast.

  • Old Town

    Old Town

    Cartagena's old city is its principal attraction, particularly the inner walled town, consisting of the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego…

  • Museum

    Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

    This hacienda is where Simón Bolívar spent his last days in 1830 before succumbing to either tuberculosis or arsenic poisoning, depending on whom you…

  • Fortress

    Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

    The greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas still dominates an entire section of…

  • Beach

    Cabo San Juan del Guía

    Cabo San Juan del Guía is a beautiful cape with a knockout beach. It's also by far the most crowded area of the park, although lack of road access deters…

  • National Park

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

    This dazzling slice of mountainous jungle, vast boulders and golden-white sand makes up one of Colombia's most stunning national parks and is a popular…

  • Museum

    Casa Museo Gabriel García Márquez

    This excellent museum is housed in a reconstruction of the house where García Márquez was born in 1927. The original house was sold by the family and…

  • Beach

    Playa Taroa

    This exceptional and extremely remote beach at the very northern tip of the South American continent is La Guajira's highlight. Massive sand dunes drop…

  • Museum

    Museo del Oro

    Oro (gold) is only half of what this fabulous museum is about. Housed in the impressively renovated Casa de la Aduana (Customs House), which features in…

  • Island

    Isla Grande

    The most developed of the islands, Isla Grande is indeed also the biggest. There's a large lagoon perfect for swimming in the unbelievably blue waters,…

  • Museum

    Palacio de la Inquisición

    The Palace of the Inquisition may today be one of the finest buildings in the city, but in the past it housed the notoriously grisly Inquisition, whose…

  • Museum

    Convento & Iglesia de San Pedro Claver

    Founded by Jesuits in the first half of the 17th century as Convento San Ignacio de Loyola, this convent later changed its name to honor Spanish-born monk…

  • Church

    Convento de la Popa

    On a 150m-high hill, the highest point in Cartagena, stands this convent. The views from here are outstanding and stretch all over the city. The convent's…

  • Village

    Pueblito

    From Cabo San Juan del Guía a scenic path goes inland and uphill to the small indigenous village of Pueblito, providing some splendid tropical-forest…

  • Church

    Catedral

    Work on Cartagena’s cathedral began in 1575, but in 1586, while still under construction, it was partly destroyed by the cannons of Francis Drake. The…

  • Volcano

    Volcán de Lodo El Totumo

    This intriguing 15m mound looks like a miniature volcano. However, instead of erupting with lava and ashes, it spews forth lukewarm mud that has the…

  • Nature Reserve

    Ciénega la Caimanera

    This 1800-hectare nature reserve is a part-freshwater, part-saltwater bog with five varieties of mangroves. The red mangrove's roots twist and tangle in…

  • Area

    Getsemaní

    Getsemaní, the outer walled town, is less obviously impressive than Cartagena's old city but has some charming parts and is well worth exploring. In…

  • Nature Reserve

    Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos

    Pink flamingos inhabit this tranquil, 700-hectare nature preserve in great numbers: up to 10,000 in the wet season (usually September through December)…

  • Viewpoint

    Pilón de Azúcar

    Pilón de Azúcar looms over the eponymous beach and provides the area's most telescopic viewpoint, with the whole of Alta Guajira displayed before you and…

  • Beach

    Playa Cristal

    This gorgeous boat-in beach on Bahía Neguange used to be known as Playa del Muerto (Beach of the Dead) – little wonder they decided on a name change. It's…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Caribbean Coast.