Edit Document

Data is Null. This method or property cannot be called on Null values.

ID #

Type

Title

Created By

Created At

Author(s)

Keywords

Subject

Document

PLAYA CRISTAL

 

Playa Cristal is located in Colombia, specifically in the Tayrona National Natural Park, on the Caribbean coast of the country.

If you plan to travel, here we will tell you how to get to Playa Cristal, by land:
From Santa Marta
To get to Playa Cristal from Santa Marta, follow these steps:
Transportation to Taganga: From the center of Santa Marta, head to Taganga Bay, which is the starting point to get to Playa Cristal.
Boat to Playa Cristal: In Taganga, you can find tour operators that offer boat trips to Playa Cristal. Generally, these trips include stops at other beaches and sites of interest along the way. Make sure to negotiate the price and agree on the return time.
Travel time: The boat trip from Taganga to Playa Cristal usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

From Rodadero

To get to Playa Cristal from Rodadero, you can follow these steps:

Transportation to Santa Marta: If you are in Rodadero, you must first get to downtown Santa Marta. You can do so using a taxi, public transportation service, or any other means of transportation you prefer.

Head to Taganga: From downtown Santa Marta, you can take a taxi or bus to Taganga, a nearby fishing village and starting point to get to Playa Cristal. The trip from downtown Santa Marta to Taganga is usually short and inexpensive.

Boat Trip to Playa Cristal: In Taganga, you will find tour operators offering boat trips to Playa Cristal. These trips usually include stops at other beaches and sites of interest in the Tayrona National Natural Park. You must purchase a ticket for the boat trip.
Bus

If you want to get to Playa Cristal by bus in the Tayrona National Park, follow these steps:
Head to Santa Marta: From your current location, travel to Santa Marta. You can get to Santa Marta by bus from several nearby cities.

From downtown Santa Marta: Go to the Santa Marta public market, which is known as “Mercado Nuevo.” This is where you can take a bus that will take you to the entrance of Tayrona National Park.

Board a bus to the park entrance: At the Mercado Nuevo, look for buses that have the entrance of Tayrona National Park as their destination. These buses usually have signs that say “Tayrona” or “El Zaino,” which is the main entrance to the park.

Pay the entrance fee: When you arrive at the entrance of Tayrona National Park, you will need to pay an entrance fee. Make sure you have enough cash with you for this purpose.
From the park entrance: You can either walk or take an additional shuttle (usually a jeep) that will take you to Playa Cristal. This service usually has an additional cost and will take you through paths inside the park to the beach.

PRICES 2024

Prices at Playa Cristal may vary depending on the services and activities you wish to enjoy. Here I provide you with a guide of approximate prices for different aspects at Playa Cristal.

Tour to Playa Cristal: The cost of the tour to Playa Cristal from Santa Marta is approximately $200,000 COP per person. This price may vary depending on the provider and the season.

Transportation to Tayrona Park: Transportation from Santa Marta to Tayrona Park costs 8,000 pesos per person and can be taken at the Santa Marta Market Square.

Mandatory Insurance: It is mandatory to take out insurance that has a value of 5,000 pesos per person per day to visit Tayrona Park. This insurance is necessary to deal with possible emergencies within the park.

Entrance to Tayrona Park: The entrance fee to Tayrona Park varies depending on age and nationality. For those over 25 years old, the cost is 26,000 Colombian pesos for Colombians and 57,500 pesos for foreigners in low season.

The price of the boat from Taganga to Playa Cristal: approximately $100,000.
If you want to snorkel, you can expect an additional cost of approximately $35,000, which usually includes vest, fins, mask and face shield.

Prices may fluctuate depending on the season.




PLAYA BLANCA

 

How to get to Playa Blanca from Santa Marta?
To get to Playa Blanca you need to take a bus or taxi to El Rodadero. If you decide to go by bus you should know that it costs $3,600 COP (1 USD), although there are several routes, you can identify the one that works for you because the sign or board says Rodadero. Once you have arrived, walk west towards the beach, it will take you a maximum of 10 minutes. You can also get there by taxi and the trip will take approximately 20 minutes (from the city center).
Once you are in El Rodadero, the next step to get to Playa Blanca is to find sea transportation that will take you there, for this you have two options: the Taxi Marino company and the boatmen's association.
In the case of Taxi Marino, the transportation schedules are from 8:30 am in high season, leaving every 30 minutes until 2:00 pm. To return to the point of origin, the tours are from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. This trip costs approximately $50,000 COP round trip.
For private boats that transport tourists in Rodadero, the approximate cost is $20,000 COP per trip.
How much does it cost to go to Playa Blanca?
Prices depend on the season and the activities you want to do, so this is not an exact budget, but it is the most up-to-date estimate so that you can plan your trip to this destination well:
Boat transportation: $20,000 COP (5 USD) per trip
Water transportation Taxi Marino: $50,000 COP (15 USD) round trip
Lunch: from $40,000 COP (10 USD)
There are other things you can do in Playa Blanca, such as having a few beers or other drinks, doing canopy from $80,000 (20 USD), visiting the Aquarium from $80,000 COP (20 USD per person), or renting a tent $70,000 COP (15 USD), among others, in which case you would have to add these costs to your budget*.
What to do in Playa Blanca?
In Playa Blanca you can do a wide variety of activities, such as swimming in its crystal-clear waters, practicing water sports like kayaking, snorkeling or simply sunbathing. We share with you the must-see places in Playa Blanca so you can add them to your list:
1. Visit the Aquarium and Museum of the Sea
At the Rodadero Aquarium there are more than 150 marine species, among which you can find seahorses, octopuses, starfish, dolphins, and different species of fish.
During your visit you can feed sharks or fish and this experience lasts approximately 45 minutes. You will also find suitable scenarios to simulate the habitat of marine animals and species, ensuring that your stay is also a learning experience. This activity is ideal for children.
The entrance to the Rodadero Aquarium costs $65,000 COP per person.
2. Canopy (Zipline)
Can you imagine doing Canopy over the sea? In Playa Blanca, jumping off a zipline or canopy is an unmissable and adventurous plan, for those daring people looking for the best fun. So, if you are an adventurous traveler, do not hesitate to do it!
This activity costs $40,000 COP one way and $50,000 COP for both ways, round trip by Canopy.
3. Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a spectacular activity in Playa Blanca, due to the different fish you can see in the area. Another beach where you can snorkel and see more diverse marine life, including corals and other species of marine animals, is in Bahía Concha, located in the Tayrona National Park, a very good recommendation to make your visit to Santa Marta even more special.
Likewise, in Playa Blanca it is easy to find the staff that is dedicated to providing the necessary equipment for snorkeling and they also offer you the opportunity to take pictures with the fish so you can take the best souvenir.
4. Kayaking
You can also do this water activity in Playa Blanca! Kayaking is one of the favorite activities of many travelers because they have contact with nature while they paddle and relax.
BAHIA CONCHA
 


Bahía Concha, which according to some local fishermen, gets its name from the number of shells found in the sand, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the city of Santa Marta, its water is crystal clear and suitable for bathers. It is one of the bays that are part of the Tayrona National Natural Park, therefore its mangrove ecosystems and natural wealth are a natural reserve.

In this article we will tell you the most important information about this beach: How to get there, what to do and the best recommendations.

Location
Bahía Concha is located about 35 to 45 minutes from the city of Santa Marta, it is famous for being the most accessible beach in Tayrona Park and closest to the urban area. This position has made it the preferred option for many visitors who easily reach it by land, on private or shared tours; or by sea, by boat, sailboat or yacht.

How to get to Bahía Concha from Santa Marta?
By land
If you go by private means, from the center of Santa Marta you will be in Bahía Concha in about 45 minutes. You must take Avenida del Libertador towards the Bastidas neighborhood, get to Calle 9 and turn right, to continue along this road, which will take you directly to the entrance of Bahía Concha. Keep in mind that the final part of the stretch will be on an unpaved road and that from the entrance to the beach it will take you about 15 minutes on foot.

Other options to go by land are mototaxis, public service bus, motorcycle or for a more relaxed trip, on a tour.

By sea
Although you can arrive on your own, most trips by sea to Bahía Concha can be organized with a travel agency, giving you more confidence in the service. The trip takes between 50 minutes or an hour and a half, if they make stops at other nearby beaches.

The boat is the most common form of transportation, but there are other means to choose from. As we mentioned above, you can also go by yacht or sailboat. These boats leave from the bays of Taganga, Santa Marta or El Rodadero. To help you decide, we will tell you which tours reach this sun and beach destination, while you take a trip by sea.


PLAYA GRANDE

 
Going to Playa Grande is almost a tradition that you must fulfill when visiting this city of magical beaches.
It is located about 5 minutes by boat from Taganga, although, if hiking is an option for you, you can get there walking along a rocky path in less than 15 minutes. The experience is really fun, you will enjoy it!
Here you can rest in the calm, clear and warm waters of a beach very popular with tourists and locals, Playa Grande is therefore, one of the most popular and recognized beaches in the city.
With beautiful corals to observe while practicing diving or snorkeling and numerous tourist services such as hotels and restaurants, it will provide you with the comfort and attention so that you do not want to leave.
The first step to experience the magic of Playa Grande is to get to Santa Marta, a coastal city that acts as a gateway to this paradise. From Santa Marta, you have several options to get to Taganga and, finally, to Playa Grande.
From the center of Santa Marta, you can take a local bus that will take you to Taganga in approximately 30 minutes, the bus fare is 2,300 COP. Once in Taganga, you will have the option of taking a boat that will take you directly to Playa Grande for a price of 15,000 COP round trip per person.
Taxi or Indriver
Another convenient option is to take a taxi or Uber from downtown Santa Marta to Taganga for 20,000 COP. Once in Taganga, you can board a boat that will take you to Playa Grande in just a few minutes.
Organized Tour
If you prefer a more organized experience, you can join a tour that takes you from Santa Marta to Playa Grande. This option will provide you with comfort and an expert guide who will show you the charms of the place.
Attractions and Activities in Playa Grande
Once you set foot in Playa Grande, you will find yourself surrounded by stunning natural beauty. In addition to its dream beaches, this place offers a variety of activities for all tastes:
Snorkeling and Diving
The crystal-clear waters of Playa Grande are perfect for exploring the rich marine life. Bring your snorkeling gear or join a snorkeling tour with a kayak rental for 30,000 COP to discover the wonderful biodiversity hidden beneath the sea.
Hiking and Exploring
Are you a nature lover? There are trails and paths that will take you to panoramic viewpoints with stunning views of the coast and surrounding areas.
PLAYA DE CABO SAN JUAN

 

Cabo San Juan is one of the most visited places within the beaches of the Tayrona National Natural Park. It is a magical, paradisiacal place that captivates its visitors with its unique sea of ??multiple blues and the imaginable tropical jungle of the low mountains of the mystical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Bus
The cheapest option to get to Tayrona is by bus. You can take this bus at the transport terminal or from the public market in Santa Marta, where green and white buses leave for La Guajira.
The fare costs about $10,000 Colombian pesos ($2.45 USD) and the trip takes about 50 minutes to the El Zaino entrance.

Boat

If you prefer to avoid the long walk and go directly to Cabo San Juan (the best beach in Tayrona Park) it is possible to get there by boat. The boats leave from Taganga, one of the beaches in Santa Marta.

The boat trip per person costs about $50,000 Colombian pesos ($13 USD) each way and takes about 40 minutes to get to Cabo San Juan.

The disadvantage is that by doing it this way, you do not get the experience of walking through the park and seeing the different landscapes in the area.
We hope that this article will be useful for you in planning how to get to Cabo San Juan from Santa Marta, as it is a destination that we highly recommend and we are sure that it will not disappoint you.

PLAYAS CERCA A CENTRO HISTÓRICO

RODADERO

El Rodadero is a beach located in the bay of Santa Marta, Colombia and is the most visited spot in the city. Just 5 km from the city center, this beach is a symbol of the city as it is known nationwide as a beach resort of excellent quality. El Rodadero is quite popular among tourists and locals as it is a classic example of the geographical area of ??the city, which is suitable and valued especially for recreation.

It takes approximately 9 min to drive 6.5 km from El Rodadero to Santa Marta.


BELLO HORIZONTE

A very popular area for tourists is the beaches of Bello Horizonte, in the west of Santa Marta. This is an area characterized by the construction of multi-story hotels and tourist residences where visitors find a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment venues. This is a good place to travel with the family.

Bello Horizonte is 9 km from the center of Santa Marta


PLAYA DEL AEROPUERTO

Santa Marta Airport Beach is located just 10 km from Rodadero and 17 km from the center of Santa Marta, it is a popular destination among the people of Santa Marta, who constantly visit it on weekends.














SIDE TRIPS FROM SANTA MARTA

TAGANGA
On Colombia's warm Caribbean coast, near the historic town of Santa Marta, lies Taganga, a small fishing village that has captivated travelers with its authentic charm and rich maritime heritage.
Taganga has its roots in the pre-Columbian era, when it was inhabited by the indigenous Tayrona people, who took advantage of the region's abundant marine resources. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the area became a strategic point for maritime trade and fishing. Over the centuries, maritime activities have been the central axis of Taganga's economic and cultural life, shaping its identity and social dynamics.
Taganga's fishing fleet is diverse and dynamic, reflecting both tradition and adaptation to modern demands. Traditional boats, known as "lanchas," are central to the daily lives of local fishermen. Typically built from wood and decorated in bright colors, these boats are not only used for fishing, but are also used to take tourists to explore the crystal-clear waters and nearby coral reefs.
The construction of these boats is an art passed down from generation to generation. Local artisans use ancestral techniques to build robust and durable boats that can face the changing conditions of the Caribbean Sea. This artisan tradition not only sustains the local economy, but also preserves an invaluable cultural heritage.
Tourism and marine conservation
In recent decades, Taganga has emerged as a popular destination for ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Tourists visit the area to explore the coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity that characterizes the region. Activities such as diving and snorkeling allow visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant underwater world full of life. However, this tourism growth has also posed challenges in terms of environmental management and marine conservation. The community has actively worked to implement responsible tourism practices that protect the fragile ecosystems of the area and promote sustainable development.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite its natural charm, Taganga faces several challenges. Tourism growth can negatively impact the daily lives of local residents and environmental sustainability. In addition, preserving Taganga's cultural identity in an increasingly globalized environment is crucial to maintaining its authenticity and uniqueness.
The balance between environmental conservation and sustainable economic development is a priority for Taganga. The community works closely with environmental organizations and local authorities to implement responsible fishing practices, waste management, and protection of marine ecosystems. In addition, the use of renewable energy and the reduction of the carbon footprint are encouraged to minimize the environmental impact of growing tourism.
Taganga from Santa Marta
Taganga is located 7 kilometers from the Historic Center, this means that it takes about 18 minutes to get there. The truth is that getting to Taganga from Santa Marta is very easy. There are only two options and both are very simple.
The first and easiest option is to take a taxi from Santa Marta to Taganga. This option is obviously also the fastest but also the most expensive.
The second option is to take a bus from Santa Marta to Taganga. At the moment there is only one route that goes to the town, so it is not possible to get confused. To take the bus to Taganga, just go to Carrera Quinta if you are in the Historic Center and wait for one of the blue buses that says 'Kra 11 Taganga'.
PALOMINO
Palomino is a small town in Colombia, located in the department of La Guajira, in the Caribbean region. It is known for its natural and cultural wealth, and for being one of the best destinations to enjoy the beach, the river and the jungle.
Palomino is located on the north coast of Colombia and is a district of the municipality of Dibulla, in the department of La Guajira. It is located between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea, which gives it a diverse landscape that combines paradisiacal beaches, beautiful rivers and dense jungles.
The distance between Santa Marta and Palomino is approximately 80 kilometers, which is equivalent to a land trip of maximum 2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. In addition, it is located approximately 90 kilometers from Riohacha, the capital of the department of La Guajira.
To get to Palomino from Santa Marta, you can take a bus from the Transport Terminal or the Public Market bound for Riohacha. The trip takes 2 hours and will leave you right at the entrance of the town. Buses are an economical option.
In the town of Palomino you will find a variety of accommodation options, ranging from hostels and inns to hotels and private cabins. Most accommodations have a relaxed atmosphere and are close to the beach or the river.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN PALOMINO COLOMBIA:
1. ENJOY THE BEACHES OF PALOMINO
One of the best things about traveling from Santa Marta to Palomino is enjoying its beach, which connects to the river mouth and stretches for several kilometers of white sand, perfect for walking and sunbathing.
The sea in Palomino usually has strong waves, ideal for water activities such as surfing and bodyboarding. However, it is important to respect the safety instructions, especially if there are flags indicating that, due to weather conditions, swimming is not allowed at certain times.
If you love sunsets, we recommend taking a walk along Palomino beach at dusk. Although in some parts you can see coastal erosion and the advance of hotels, it is still possible to find incredible places and places to sit on the beach to contemplate the view.
2. TUBING ON THE PALOMINO RIVER
One of the best things to do in Palomino is tubing. This activity is an exciting and relaxing experience that consists of letting yourself be carried by the river current while sitting on a tube. During the ride, you will be able to hear the birdsong and contemplate the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Tubing in Palomino is very popular among travelers, with several routes available on both the Palomino River and the San Salvador River. We recommend the route that begins at the point known as Pozo Caimán. We were fascinated by it because it left us on the beach, right next to the mouth of the river.
To get to Pozo Caimán, you will have to travel by mototaxi for 15 minutes and then walk 30 minutes through the jungle. During this walk, you will be able to see the flora and fauna of the region. The tubing tour lasts about 2 hours and is generally safe, although remember to wear a life jacket at all times.
3. QUEBRADA VALENCIA
If you are a traveler interested in history and pre-Hispanic peoples, you should know that 30 minutes from Palomino is the Taironaka Archaeological Park, a fascinating place where you can learn about the legacy of the Tayrona civilization and the cultural wealth of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
In this place you will find a window to the pre-Columbian past, as it preserves and exhibits in a small museum ceramics and tools that reflect the skill and ingenuity of the Tayrona. In addition, you can explore a small hiking trail that will take you to discover ancient terraces, similar to those of Ciudad Perdida.
MINCA


Minca, Colombia, is located in the foothills of another natural charm, the Sierra Nevada, thus earning its title of the country's ecological capital. This district is located 21 km from the city of Santa Marta, Magdalena and used to be the settlement of the Tairona indigenous community.

Before you get lost among the spectacular ecological trails of Minca, Colombia, we invite you to get to know the town, an earthly paradise where you will find an area of ??restaurants and bars with the best gastronomic offering in the region.

In addition, you can visit the Cacao Museum, where the only artisanal chocolate factory in the area is also located and where you will find products organically grown by the four indigenous ethnic groups that inhabit the Sierra Nevada: the Archuacos, the Wiwas, the Kogis and the Kankuamos. All this and more is what makes this destination a special place to find unique charms of the most welcoming country in the world.

What to do in the wonderful Minca?

The wonderful Minca is one of the must-see attractions on your trip through the great Colombian Caribbean region, thanks to its: spectacular trails, refreshing waterfalls, fragrant coffee farms, healthy ecological walks, colorful landscapes, and bird watching, which make it a paradise for nature lovers, alternative plans and those who want total disconnection.


Places you must visit in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Marinka Waterfalls, an experience you must live
Marinka Waterfalls are a spa with two natural pools, located 3.3 km from the town. You can get here by hiking, the journey takes approximately 90 minutes.
To enter you must pay a very small amount, but it will be worth it once you immerse yourself in its sweet waters; you rest in the hammocks that are suspended between the trees and you lose yourself in the tranquility of nature. Disconnect from the routine and immerse yourself in all the wonders that this place offers.

Pozo Azul, a place full of color
Another ecological trail that this destination offers and that you cannot miss is the one that takes you to Pozo Azul, a wooded valley with multiple waterfalls full of wonders and charm, crossed by the Minca River. It is 4.8 km from the town and you can get there on foot, in a journey of approximately 55 minutes, or by car through a private route that will leave you just 5 minutes from your destination.

As a curious fact, the well was named after the refraction of the solar spectrum, a phenomenon that generates rays of light of different shades of blue, which pass through the branches of the trees and are reflected in the waterfalls. Have you heard something similar?

Before you dive into Pozo Azul, you should know that even though its waters are very cold, they are ideal for receiving hydrotherapy massages and thus achieve a relaxing effect on you.

Coffee farms, full of an exquisite artisanal smell
Coffee with an exquisite flavor and unmatched aroma is one of the greatest Colombian prides, especially in places like Minca. Between 1815 and 1915, coffee farming was established in the area and its splendor was given thanks to people from different parts of Colombia, as well as foreigners from Germany, France and North America.

Once you arrive in the town of Minca, Colombia, ask about the coffee tour so you can visit the most important coffee farms in the area. Without a doubt, a different tourist experience that will remain etched in your memory.

On this tour you will be able to learn about the different stages and machines used for the coffee process and you will also learn about the system for collecting its beans.

Finish this fantastic tour by tasting the types of coffee that are handled in the area: coffees of origin (whose process is of high quality and is associated with the place where it is produced); sustainable coffees (high quality processes carried out under the concepts of environmental sensitivity) and socially responsible coffees (produced under a program to help small producers and plantation workers).

El Tabor, a spiritual center with wonderful energy
We know that there are times when we need to renew our energies to heal and be at peace with ourselves. If this is your case, we invite you to the spiritual exercise house, El Tabor, a refuge for meditation and contemplation, ideal for being at peace and relaxing.

The most interesting thing about this place is that no matter your idiosyncrasy, all its visitors come with the goal of achieving a connection with their inner self and what better way than in the middle of Colombian nature.

El Tabor is located 900 meters from Minca, via Cerro Kennedy. It will only take you 12 minutes walking from the town. Go ahead and visit it, you may gain an experience for a lifetime.

Notes

Draft

Status

Country

City

Placename

Cancel