Palomino in Colombia. Visiting Paradise.

Palomino in Colombia. Visiting Paradise.

This little piece of paradise will take you back to another time.

Although Wi-Fi is accessible, the atmosphere and vibe of the place is way different from the modern tourist towns we have become used to. 

No hi-rise, Little traffic, no traffic lights, and secluded B&B’s .

 If you are done visiting the same old, same old  tourist traps The Eastern Caribbean Coast will be a breath of fresh tropical air for any traveler

Santa Marta

Santa Marta, is the oldest city in Colombia and second oldest city in South America, founded in July 1525. As well as being an important hub during the war of independence from Spain, it is also the place where Simon Bolivar died and was interred at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (English: Quinta of Saint Peter of Alexandria) until 1842 when his body was exhumed and return to Caracas in Venezuela. 

Getting to Palomino from Santa Marta.

 Buses run at set times throughout the day to Palomino. From your hotel it is quite easy to catch a cab to the Mercado Publico de Santa Marta, or they may be able to recommend a private vehicle. (More on that below), or direct you to a bus stop within walking distance from the hotel. 

There are numerous bus companies to choose from, I am not recommending any as they are all much the same, but look for something that looks to be a late model bus. 

Torcoroma and Unitransco bus companies run hourly services.

Copetran goes once a day and Rapido Ochoa runs 4 services a day.

To go past Riochaca up to Bora Bora, you need to hire a taxi in Riochaca, or make arrangements for a private tour guide at your accommodation.

The costs don’t vary much, but they can fluctuate between seasons. 

Other options include hiring a car or motor bike in Santa Marta and travel to your own timeline.

Other options include a pre-booking service. You can try this site for up to date pricing and other options.

From Santa Marta, it is an easy drive, about 2 hours to Palomino and less than 4 hours to Riochaca.

Our Starting Point.

Our plan was to stay a couple of days in Santa Marta and link up with Germain (who runs Kashi Moon accommodation), in Palomino.  (His details below).

Upon arrival at Palomino, Germain met us and told us he would have been happy to pick us up from Santa Marta. I cast a glance at the organizing committee, but the bus ride was not so bad, certainly better than those running around Barranquilla.

He also suggested we take a tour of the region around Palomino up past Riochaca, towards the Venezuelan border, an offer we jumped at.

(Try to) Go Prepared

As well as taking in the sights , sounds, and nightlife of Santa Marta, it is convenient for buying those essentials we sometimes forget. 

Beach towels, hats and sunscreen, toiletries, board shorts, ( if you left yours at home).

 Palomino is the perfect place to use as a base for further excursions along the Caribbean coast and experience truly unique culture and scenery.

So lets begin at the BORA BORA beach club, which is above Palomino and right on the Caribbean Sea.

Totally unlike the Bora Bora Beach Club in the Photo Below.

This BORA BORA (in the image below), is the popular Beach Club on the  Isle Del Rosario,  where on weekends, boatloads of people travel from Cartagena to relax and party.

The Other Bora Bora,

IS Above Riohacha in the La Guajira department in North Eastern Colombia. Long inhabited by the Amerindians of the Wayuu ethnic group.

In the past  Riohacha  had a reputation as a place where Pearls were easily found in the Harbour. It became a magnet for English and French pirates (Sir Francis Drake being the most famous ), who would raid the place looking for Pearls and Gold.

Above Riohaca the landscape becomes almost desert like, inhabited by goats (and a few people).

You are off the main tourist track.   

Although this is changing as more people expand their horizons on their visits to Colombia.

Like the other Bora Bora, it is situated along the Caribbean coast,  with one difference.

This Bora Bora is accessible by vehicle.

Why come here?

• Uncrowded Beaches
• Clear tropical waters
• A changing Desert Landscape
• Flamingo Sanctuary
• Sand Dunes that meet the sea
• Wind Surfing
• Beach Parties
• Family fun
• Secluded Beaches
• Original Traditional Handcrafts
• Friendly People
• Historical Sites
• Also…
• Santa Marta has quite a few dive boats and is one of the most inexpensive places in the world to get diving accreditation’s. 

A typical tropical beach, with the remnants on life washed ashore by the high tide, seashells which were (are), homes to critters and sea grass lay along the tidal reach.

The water is clear but like all open water offering an invitation… If you cannot swim or are not a good swimmer, be careful and stay near the shoreline.

Unlike the other Bora Bora there is more to do here than lay about, drink alcohol and swim. 

And you can still get refreshments.

There is more to see and do along the coast above Riohacha. Kite Surfing, if your into it, 4wheel driving across sand dunes. Our trip was more exploration than tourist oriented. 

As you travel back towards Palomino there is a Flamingo Sanctuary. Located in a huge tidal lagoon near Camarones

Getting out to view them can only be by sail boat.

Not your average sail boat, but a dugout sail boat. One of the great things about doing things along here is the authenticity of it all.

The tours out to the Flamingos, are only done by Amerindians, using their traditional boats.  

Forget about water skiing, surf kiting or any of that stuff on the Lagoon. It is not going to happen. But on the ocean side of the lagoon you have options for those and other water sports.

The Deckhand.

The Flamingos coming into view.

 

Note: The people who live in this harsh environment are the poorest of the poor, If they approach with items to sell, be polite and if possible, generous.

The items they sell are handcrafted and colorful, all done in the traditional manner. For what they are asking for their quality handicrafts or produce, you are getting a bargain. 

An Esky with Ice comes in handy if you like prawns.

Germain somehow managed to produce one and we bought enough to fill a small esky to take back with us.

 Palomino

Palomino is a must visit. For the past 5 or 6 years it has been slowly developing, as more tourists realize the uniqueness of the area.

It is very diverse, within about a 100 klms you have snow capped mountains, tropical jungle, fresh water rivers, desert and deserted beaches.

From Wikipedia.  Palomino’s paradise attracts a low number of tourists even though the jungle landscape is exotic, there is vast biodiversity, and the beaches are white and uninhabited.

Palomino is close to the entrance to Sierra Nevada National Park and close to the Resguardo Indigena, (Indian Reserve area).

Especially popular, is tubing down the Palomino River.

With a laid back atmosphere, and the majority of accommodation, (B&B’s), located among the lush vegetation,  you are taking yourself back to a simpler era.

Accommodation.

The Kashi Moon Hostal is at the end of a lane way away from the noise of the main street. 

Photo from inside the gate. It was Senor Germain’s cat, that encouraged this shot. 

Why Stay Here?.

No Car?,  No problem. Host Snr. Germain runs ( no rush), tours in his 4×4 

Car Parking inside the Hostel grounds

New spacious units, separate bath and shower.  External Showers to wash the sand and salt off before going to your unit.

Personalized friendly service.

It pelted down rain on our first night there. Our intention was to walk to town and try out one of the cafes in the town.

Senor Germain solved our problem. He took orders and drove up to the cafe and returned with ginormous Brazilian burgers for everyone.

Other options include: Visiting the indigenous people of Tuquenca and learn more about their culture (about 45 minutes away). 

There are 4 tribes  ( Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo ), who have separate tribal areas in the Sierra Nevada.

Not all are able to be accessed by tourists.

We were lucky, as Germain has permits from the tribes that allow him to enter some tribal areas. See video below.

Indian village video

Tubing in the River.

A Go- Pro  is useful here, as you could see monkeys or Toucans in the trees along the river bank as you meander down the river.

Waterproof bags to carry your things can be purchased in Palomino if you forgot to get one in Santa Marta.  

Generally you can buy one from who-ever you hired a tube from.

Excellent Photography Opportunities

Kids can be Kids and adults can relax on the beach, or surfboards can be hired and surfing lessons are available.

Santa Marta (Again)

Santa Marta  is South Americas oldest (European), town.

As well as being a busy working port it is also the gateway to many of the best destinations in Colombia.

• Tayrona National Park and its excellent beaches and lanscapes
• Lost City of The Sierra Nevada 
• And of course the Caribbean Coast to Riohaca and beyond.

To visit

You can contact Snr.  Germain here.   

Or by Phone.  +57 300 2028810

For Flights and expert help with all your worldwide travel needs Go Here 

PM me: Here.

Please Note:-

Santa Marta and Palomino are often tagged as unsafe because of their past. I have not had any problems in either of them. ( I have visited Santa Marta many times over the years). 

My only issue was with a Canadian near the beach this year, but that was a no big deal really.

I met some Venezulean youths in Santa Marta this trip and I enjoyed their company for a short while.   I do not think it any more unsafe than many other cities / towns in the world.

My eyeballs tell me backpackers and retirees are increasing, even with all the trouble next door in Venezuela. However, do a Google search for up to date information.

The night life in Santa Marta is more on the scale of a large town than a big city, and with many party hostels popping up all over the place, you have lots of choices as to where you party.

And, yes drugs are here… be careful, if your caught with drugs your next “B&B” will not be very comfortable.  

The markets and out door dining scene around Parque de los Novios  is a great place to visit on Friday and Saturday nights.

The street performers are great to watch and listen to. Don’t forget to put some pesos in the hat or tray.

Michael.