Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

The wonders of Colombia's Caribbean coast

Bathed in sun, fringed with beautiful beaches and laden with both indigenous and colonial history, Colombia's Caribbean coast has the power to capture (and hold) the attention of travelers.   

Cartagena de Indias has been called the crown jewel of the coast for very good reason – it is stunning to look at and even better to wander. The beautifully preserved colonial section of town, beaming with buildings of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, is still surrounded by the 13km of original stone walls, which provide a heavy dose of historical atmosphere. When strolling within their confines, the narrow streets and the bougainvillea-draped balconies suddenly combine to frame some rather majestic views of towering church spires in distance. These streets spill into open plazas, each bordered by palms and grand architecture, and dotted with monuments to a bygone time.