I need some help.
I am planning on flying into Cartagena from Leticia via Bogota on Feb 1. The plan was a day or two in Cartagena then a couple days up in Tayrona before flying to Bogota via Santa Marta Feb 6 and home on the 7.
Just found out that the park will be closed at that time so wondering where to spend those last couple of days.
Bogoto - Santa Marta - Palomina - Minca or ????
Thanks for any ideas.
Well, you have plenty of options on the Caribbean. The stretch of highway in between Santa Marta and Palomino goes past Tayrona, and there is plenty to do in the area without having to visit the park. There are a lot of lodging options, with plenty of opportunities for day treks and trips. Visiting the Tayrona area is definitely worth it, even if you don't go to the park. When I go there, I always stay with these guys:
They have private cabanas available and a dormitory as well. The owner is full of information about the area, and it is easy to catch a bus to anywhere in that area from the Yuluka Hostel. Personally, I find Tayrona to be overrated and terribly mismanaged. I have been to that area many times, and I have had a good time without entering the park. You won't want for things to do in that area.
You might look at spending some time in Minca as well. It's far from the beach, but the cooler temps and beautiful scenery make it pretty awesome. There is plenty to do in the immediate area, and fantastic opportunities for birding (if you're into that kind of thing).
It sucks that Tayrona is closed! I really enjoyed it cause it was a pretty hike and the beach was really pretty. There's honestly not much to do in Santa Marta itself though.
Palomino tubing down the river is something I definitely recommend, very peaceful and then just ending up right on the beach is pretty amazing.
Here's what I did in Colombia if that helps give you any ideas, maybe consider heading to Medellin if you have some time? I really liked the vibe there :) https://theoccasionaltraveller.com/singaporean-in-colombia/
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