tour palomino santa marta

• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Palomino, Disfruta Rio y Playa Con Todo Incluido

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Tour Diario

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Descripción General

Palomino es un destino único ubicado en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, entre La Guajira y el Magdalena. Este pequeño pueblo de pescadores está rodeado de montañas y se encuentra cerca del río Palomino, cuyas aguas cristalinas descienden desde las alturas de la Sierra hasta el mar Caribe. A solo 26 km de Dibulla, 72 km de Santa Marta y 90 km de Riohacha, este sitio turístico es un verdadero paraíso para aquellos que buscan combinar hermosas playas, abundante vegetación y atardeceres inolvidables.

Palomino es una mezcla de caribeños e indígenas de la Sierra, como los Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa y Kankuamos, lo que le da un encanto especial. Este lugar es perfecto para disfrutar unas vacaciones únicas. Si te encuentras en Santa Marta y deseas conocer lugares exóticos propios de La Guajira, te recomendamos que visites Palomino.

En este destino, podrás disfrutar del refrescante río, la hermosa playa Palomino con sus olas perfectas para el surf, y de los increíbles paisajes de la zona. También podrás contratar actividades como tubing (descenso de flotadores por el río), cabalgatas y más.

Palomino se ha convertido en el sitio preferido para turistas nacionales y extranjeros, tanto para pasar el día como para pasar varias noches. No pierdas la oportunidad de conocer este lugar único en Colombia.

PALOMINO, DISFRUTA RIO Y PLAYA CON TODO INCLUIDO

El Tour comienza temprano, entre las 7 a.m. y 8:00 a.m. aproximadamente desde Santa Marta, para dirigirnos hacia Palomino en un trayecto de 2 horas aproximadamente.

Una vez que lleguemos al sector de Palomino, comenzaremos una caminata ecológica de 25 minutos por un sendero húmedo tropical, donde podrás apreciar los más hermosos paisajes y llenar tus pulmones de aire puro.

Al finalizar la caminata, llegaremos a la playa Palomino donde se aprecia la desembocadura del río con el mar.

En Palomino podrás disfrutar de hermosos paisajes, maravillarte con la unión del río y el mar, y refrescarte con un baño ya sea en el río o en el mar (con precaución).

A la hora del almuerzo, podrás consentir tu paladar con un delicioso almuerzo con opciones de pollo, carne o pescado.

Estaremos de regreso en Santa Marta después de las 5.00 p.m.

Notas Importantes

• Si desea agregar la actividad de tubing el adicional es de $40.000 por persona.
• Los niños menores de 2 años pagan solamente $6.000
• Los niños de 3 a 4 años pagan el 50% y deben ir cargados.
• Los niños de 5 años en adelante pagan normal
• No incluye comidas de Infante (niños iguales o menores a 2 años)
• La salida es desde el Rodadero, los pasajeros deben llegar al punto de salida en el Rodadero.
• Los horarios pueden variar según temporada.

Salida 7.30 a.m. aproximadamente - Regreso 6 p.m. aproximadamente

Incluye/no incluye.

• Transporte terrestre ida y regreso
• Disfrute de río y mar
• Guía profesional
• Actividad de tubing
• Comidas y bebidas no especificas en el plan
• Gastos no especificados en el plan

Ubicación del Tour

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Practical Guide to Palomino, Colombia’s Hippest Beach Town

Palomino, colombia, a small beach town north of santa marta at the start of the guajira peninsula, has become a popular destination.  sporting a laid back vibe, it has nice beaches and is a nice stop on a trip to colombia’s caribbean.  in this travel guide to palomino, la guajira you will learn how to get there, what to do in palomino, and where to stay in palomino, guajira, along with some practical travel tips and a suggested packing list for palomino, colombia..

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy.

Palomino, Colombia Travel Guide – Contents

• Intro – Is Palomino Worth Visiting?
• Where is Palomino Colombia?
• What to Do in Palomino
• Where to Stay in Palomino
• Packing List for Palomino
• How to Get to Palomino

Is Palomino Safe?

When is the best time to visit palomino.

• Where to Eat in Palomino
• More Practical Tips for Planning Your Trip

Too Long, Can’t Read it All Quick Guide

Top things to do in palomino.

• Chill out on the beach
• Tube down the Palomino River
• Hang out in the bars and cafes
• Enjoy the food at the restaurants

Top Places to Stay in Palomino

• Best Beach Bungalows: Aite Eco Resort
• Best Palomino Hotel on the Beach: Hukumeizi Hotel
• Best Value Hotel on the Beach: Makao Beach Hotel
• Best Palomino Hostel: Dreamer

Want to take the hassle out of planning your trip? Let the experts at our partner BnB Colombia Tours help you! Fill out this form and they will get back to you with a free, personalized itinerary based on your interests, no strings attached.

Is Palomino Worth Visiting?: Why You Should Visit Palomino, Colombia

Located about 90 minutes north of Santa Marta, Palomino is a cool place to hang out for a few days by the beach, meet some fellow travelers, enjoy some chilled out nightlife, and eat some good grub.

It makes for a nice inclusion on just about any Colombia itinerary that includes a trek up the Caribbean coast. Right at the border of the Magdelena and La Guajira provinces, Palomino is also a gateway to explore more of Colombia’s La Guajira Peninsula.

My wife and I stopped at Palomino for two nights in July 2018 on our way back from Punta Gallinas (an incredible trip!).  It was a nice respite from the more roughing it style of travel we did there and in Cabo de la Vela .

I also spent a night in Palomino with my friend Brian in April 2019.  It was the cool vibe and food that drew me back more than anything.

Palomino has in many ways replaced Taganga as a cool stop off point for backpackers , and it reminded me quite a bit of the vibes in Taganga years back, basically a quiet beach town that has been turned into a destination with a proliferation of trendy hostels and restaurants/cafes/bars.

In my opinion, there are prettier beaches on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, like those in Tayrona National Park or at Costeño Beach , not to mention the much prettier ones in the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca near Cartagena and the San Bernardo Islands south of Cartagena.

Still, Palomino’s laid-back vibe and cool restaurants and bars make for a nice happy medium between the city and nature and a cool way to spend a couple days. It is the perfect place to stop, chill out, and enjoy some drinks and good food if you are touring Colombia’s north coast between Santa Marta and La Guajira .

It would make for a great place for a couple days of relaxing downtime after doing the Lost City Hike .

Here, I will give you a run down of my experiences in Palomino.

In this practical travel guide to Palomino, you will learn how to get there, what to do, where to eat, as well as the best Palomino hotels and hostels, along with some useful tips and a suggested packing list to help you plan your own travel to Palomino, La Guajira, Colombia.

What to Do: Best Things to Do in Palomino, Colombia

Wondering what to do in Palomino, Colombia?  There are a number of fun things to do in Palomino. Here are some the top activities in Palomino.

Tubing in Palomino

This is probably the most popular of the things to do in Palomino . The Palomino River is an offshoot of the Magdalena that runs through much of Colombia. It empties out into the Caribbean just south of Palomino, and floating down the river is one of the most popular activities in Palomino.

Honestly, I haven’t done it either time I’ve been to Palomino.  I know, I know, just what kind of travel blogger am I? The truth is, the first time I was there, we were worn out and by the time we got moving on our full day, we didn’t want to brave the sun after several days in the desert of La Guajira.

The second time, I was only in Palomino for a day.  My friend Brian and I preferred to enjoy the food and drinks in Palomino rather than do the tubing.

That being said, tubing on the Palomino River seems like a great way to spend a few hours , and I am going to have to make a point of doing it next time I visit. It’s also possible to rent kayaks or paddle boards, and here’s a great guide to rafting in Palomino from someone who has actually done it.

I’ve heard from several friends that it is totally worth it.  The river is calm and shallow throughout the float down, and the guides make sure you don’t get hung up anywhere. 

Tubing down the river seems like a great way to spend a few hours while getting some great views of the nature and scenery of the lush forest of the Sierra Nevada and maybe enjoying a few beers.

I did ask around, and the price for tubing in Palomino should be around 40,000 pesos a person and includes the tube and a guide to make sure you don’t get lost and guide you along the river. 

The trip should take 3 hours:  about an hour hike and 2 hours down the river.  I’d recommend going early before it gets too hot and sunny.

I’ve read elsewhere that you can solely rent the tube and do the tubing in Palomino independently, but we were told that wasn’t allowed.  Rather that is something that had changed or good salesman gamesmanship, I’m not sure.

It is probably worth asking around.  By the same token, it’s worth keeping in mind there aren’t many opportunities for people in the town, and 40,000 pesos is the price of a few cocktails at most places in Palomino or Colombia.  For 3 hours it seems like a fair price.

You can also consider booking this tour that includes a visit to an indigenous town. Although it leaves outside of Santa Marta, I’m sure they would pick you up in Palomino or it could be a good option if you’re interested in the tubing but only have time for a day trip. If visiting an indigenous town sounds interesting to you, then this tour of a more remote village and waterfall might also be of interest (it does only leave from Santa Marta). Use the discount code ExploreColombia10 when you reserve either of those to get a special 10% discount.

Visit the Quebrada Valencia Waterfalls

The Quebrada Valencia are a group of waterfalls near Palomino. When Susana and I were there, it was reportedly dried up due to lack of rain, so we didn’t go, but pictures online make it seem worth it if the falls are flowing.

You can take a mototaxi from the main road there and hike up to the falls.  It is worth asking around before you go to make sure they aren’t dried up.  I haven’t made it to the Quebrada Valencia in my two visits, but it seems like a cool way to spend half a day if you can and one of the best things to do in Palomino.

If you like waterfalls, be sure to also check out the pretty mountain forests of Minca , just outside of Santa Marta and a great place to include as a stop before or after Palomino.

Enjoy Palomino Beach

As I said earlier, the Palomino beach is nice but not spectacular (then again, maybe I’ve been spoiled). There are some spectacular photos out there of it, and while I’m far from a spectacular photographer myself, I think there’s a good editor or really good capture at the perfect time.

The waves and currents are strong (swimmers beware of dangerous riptides)  and the beach isn’t as wide as in other nearby places as the forest comes up close to it and there is a bit of a steep drop down to the water.  There are surf lessons on the beach in Palomino , so check those out if you want to learn to surf.

Given the how popular a destination the town has become, it also can get crowded around the main exit, but a short walk either direction sees the crowds thin out considerably.

That being said, you can’t go to Palomino and not at least check the beach out.  It’s about a 10 minute walk from “downtown” Palomino , and if you walk down a ways it is nice once the crowds dissipate.

To the left with your back to town, you’ll find mostly deserted beach until you run into the river, where you can see people arriving to Palomino beach after tubing down the river. To the right , you’ll find lots of the beach Palomino hotels. Many have little beach bars where you can enjoy a drink even if you aren’t a guest.

So, check out the beach, have a piña colada (or several), and go for a wade. For the canine lovers, this Doggy Picnic that raises money for the strays sounds like it’d be fun.

However, in my opinion at least, it’s better to save your beach energy for the other places nearby like Tayrona and the Rosario Islands. In Palomino, I’d recommend spending more time hanging around town and if you’re up for it, head to the beach for the afterparty.

Enjoy Some Great Food

One of the things I really liked about Palomino was the many little cafes and restaurants. Given how popular it has become with backpackers, there’s also a good variety here. While you can definitely enjoy the Colombian Caribbean classic fried fish plate, you can also get falafel, a sandwich, or a good burger. Prices are also pretty reasonable here, definitely less than what you’ll find in Cartagena.

See the section below on where to eat in Palomino to see the places we enjoyed.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Part of the reason Palomino has become popular backpacker and hipster traveler town is the vibrant and hip scene .  Therefore enjoying a night on the town is undoubtedly one of the things for what to do in Palomino, Colombia.

While not exactly nightclubbing, many of the bars and restaurants in Palomino have frequent live music and/or DJs. So, you will undoubtedly have the opportunity to get your groove on in Palomino.

One note:  since Palomino is still a small town at heart, by law the bars in Palomino have to close down at 11 pm .  The beach seems to the place for the afterparty if you want to continue your partying afterwards.

Where to Stay in Palomino, Colombia

There are a lot of options for places to stay in Palomino.  There are a number of hostels and hotels in the town itself as well as hostels, hotels, and lodges along the beach or in the forest outside of town.

The best places to stay in Palomino will depend a bit on what you want. If you are looking primarily to just relax on the beach, then go for one of the Palomino hotels or Palomino hostels that are beach front. If you are going to beach it elsewhere and here more for the tubing, food, and nightlife then one of the places to stay in Palomino in town itself may be a good option.

For that reason, I’m splitting this list of places to stay in Palomino up into the following three parts:

• Best Palomino Hotels on the Beach
• Best of the Rest Hotels in Palomino
• Best Hostels in Palomino

5 Great Palomino Beach Hotels

Hotel chiniu – beach escape in palomino.

Hotel Chiniu is located just off the beach and has a gorgeous and large property covered in palm trees and sporting a gorgeous pool! It has an onsite lounge, bar, and even karaoke. Located just a bit off the main area of town, it would be perfect to treat yourself to a nice romantic escape or for a family getaway. Note that it does have a 2 night minimum stay.

Aite Hotel Beachfront Bungalows – Palomino Beach Bungalows

Aite Hotel is among the best hotels in Palomino.  It does offer nice standard rooms, but if you opt to stay here you have to go for one of the bungalows!  There are larger bungalows for groups up to 4 or or standards for couples.  With two pools and a fabulously rated restaurant on site, you may never want to leave.   This would be the perfect place for a romantic get away in Palomino with your special someone.  If you do decide to stay on the beach itself, treat yourself to staying here!

Hukumeizi Hotel – Secluded Luxury

Located down the beach after most of the other hotels, Hukumeizi Hotel is the Palomino beachfront hotel for those looking to get away from it all. A gorgeous and large property, it has beautiful grounds, and a nice pool along with a beach that is sure to have hardly anyone there. Although on the high end price wise, it would be great for a relaxing escape whether it be for couples or families.

Hotel Casa Coraje – Beachfront Modernity

Hotel Casa Coraje has a trendy modern look to its very nice rooms but manages to still fit the Palomino vibe perfectly. It has an onsite bar and pool and is located just off the beach. There is also a nice beach here. It would be an especially good option for where to stay in Palomino for a couple.

Makao – Beachfront Value Hotel in Palomino

If you want to stay at one of the beachfront hotels in Palomino for a friendlier price, then check out Makao .  The rooms are gorgeous and there’s a great private beach front sitting area and bar.  There is also a restaurant and even surf board and bike rental available for guests.  This would be another great place for couples, and it is terrific value.

Best Palomino Hotels not on the Beach

One santuario natural – amazing, secluded mountain lodge.

Located in the mountains above Palomino, ONE Santuario Natural (previously known as Reserva One Love), has a beautiful property with a stunning view.  It is all inclusive and offers that special type of natural, escape it all luxury.  If you’re looking for a great Palomino hotel outside of town proper, look no further.  While on the higher end of prices for hotels in Palomino, ONE Santuario is an absolute excellent place to spend a few days taking in the beauty of the area and disconnecting from the world at large.

La Rivera Playa Palomino – Great New Hotel Near the Beach

La Rivera is one of the newest places to stay in Palomino. It is located just a bit receded from the beach and has nice accommodations on a lovely property with a terrific, little pool. This would make for a good place to stay in Palomino for couples, families, or solo travelers.

Casa del Pavo Real Boutique – Sweet Beach Town Lodge

Casa del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel , despite the hostel in the name is really more of a boutique style hotel. It does offer family rooms and a bungalow, but there are no dorms, and there are standard private rooms on site too. With a neat beach but modern vibe, it has a gorgeous pool on site and is just a bit off the main road to the beach, offering easy access to both town and the beach.

Casa Chapolin – Great Bang for Your Peso Just off the Beach

Casa Chapolin is a nice property that offers nice rooms and even bungalows nestled among the palm trees not far from the beach. A family run establishment, it has a nice, relaxed vibe, and would be another great choice for couples on a budget in Palomino.

Luz de Luna and Spa – Nice Lodge on the Edge of Town

Similar to the Pavo Real above, Luz de Luna and Spa calls itself a hostal but is more like a hotel with only standard double and triple rooms available. It is located just on the edge of the main strip in town and is still within a short walk to the beach. There is a nice pool on site here and the rooms are nice. It’s a good value for couples in particular who don’t want to splurge for the nicer places on the beach itself.

5 Best Palomino Hostels

Dreamer hostel palomino – most popular palomino hostel.

The Dreamer Hostel Palomino (sister property of the hostel in Santa Marta), has a beautiful property with a pool, bar, and restaurant.  There are dorms and private rooms available, and it has the perfect location on the main road in town just off the beach. That makes it the perfect happy medium between town and the beach.  It is among the most popular places to stay in Palomino, so you will definitely want to make reservations here before hand.

Primaluna Hostel – Nicest Palomino Hostel

Primaluna also has a terrific pool and cool vibe, making it another one of the best hostels in Palomino.  Located on the main road, it is about a 3 minute walk to the beach.  There are dorms, family/group rooms, privates, and even a small private bungalow available.  There are also a bar and restaurant on site.  A great place for solo or group travelers and for couples .

Tiki Hut Hostel – Best Value Palomino Hostel

Tiki Hut Hostel  is a great value. It too sports a nice pool in addition to the restaurant on site, garden lounge, and game room with a pool table.  There are dorms as well as privates, and the prices here, especially for dorms, are among the most budget friendly in town.  That makes it one of the best value hostels in Palomino.

Palomino Hostel – Cheapest Hostel in Palomino (allows camping)

Susana and I spent a night in Palomino Hostel the first time I visited.  We stayed in a group private room.  Nothing spectacular here but it was clean, and it was cheap, being close per person to dorms in the nicer hostels.  There are also standard privates, dorms, and tents available.  It is centrally located in town near lots of restaurants.  A great option for visiting Palomino on a budget!

Bikini Hostel – Decent Hostel (where we stayed, mixed experiences)

We spent a night at Bikini Hostel back in 2018 when I visited Palomino the first time in a group private, liked it, and I decided to return when I visited again in April 2019.  It is a pretty little property, has a nice little pool, and it has good prices. Two things will most likely lead me to look elsewhere next time.  First, the dorm I stayed in the second time was an oven at night and the fan didn’t work.  Second the owner was quite rude to us on our second visit.  Still, the private and group rooms are decent and the property is pretty, but I would definitely avoid the dorms.

What Should I Pack for Palomino?: Packing List

Wondering what to wear in Palomino?

You’ll want to dress comfortably as it is hot and humid.  Palomino has a relaxed, beach town vibe so there’s no need to bring anything formal, even for going out.  A pair of jeans and possibly a long sleeve shirt or light jacket would be good to have in the off chance it gets chilly in the evening, but you could probably get by without it.

What to Pack for Her

• This casual short dress with pockets  is comfortable and laid back for bumming around town or having drinks in the evening.
• This floral print halter top  can be worn to the beach or around town as well.
• These Columbia Anytime Capris  are light and dry quick, making them perfect for travel in Palomino or anywhere.
• This halter top bikini  with floral and leaf prints is sporty and also fits right into Palomino’s vibe.
• This cute drawstring bag  also screams Palomino and would be useful to have to carry your things around town, to the beach, or tubing.
• This floral print sarong  would make a great beach cover up and can even be tied up as a dress.

What to Pack for Him

• These linen shorts  are stylish and perfect for the weather.
• For something that’s still comfy and laid back but a bit more formal, check out this long sleeve linen shirt .
• Don’t forget your trunks,  these APTRO board shorts with palm trees  would be great.
• These Reef flip flops with built in bottle opener  are great for relaxing with some beers at the beach or around town.
• This Panama hat is perfect for the beach and can be safely rolled up and packed without being damaged.

Travel Gear to Pack for Palomino

• Dock and Bay’s Microfiber Travel Towels  dry quick, are easy to pack, and have a cool retro style.  If you’re looking for something more plain,  Rainleaf’s Microfibers  are the best in the biz.
• I love my  Roam collapsable day pack .  It is sturdy but packs up nicely to be carried in another, bigger bag ( see review here ).
• Speaking of bigger bags,  the Osprey Farpoint 40  holds a ton but is still small enough to be easily carried, packed on buses, or used as a carryon.
• If you’re backpacking and staying hostels, then a good lock for your bag and locker is important to have.   This Masterlock  lets you set your own combination so you don’t have to worry about a key and is TSA approved for use on luggage. For even more security, consider getting a  Pacsafe , nearly impossible to open up, it will keep your cash and valuables secure.
• There are sometimes power outages in Palomino, so if you rely on your phone for pictures or will need other electronic devices, consider packing a  Anker Powercore 1000 backup battery and charger .

Accessories to Pack for Palomino

• These RawWood Bamboo Sunglasses  are not only snazzy, they also float, making them perfect for tubing in Palomino.  I recently got myself a pair and love them ( see review here ).
• If you do go tubing, you will want to keep your money and phone dry.  This  3 piece dry bag set  has a phone pouch, a smaller bag, and a larger one.
• Some shops have water bottle refills for cheap and most hostels in Palomino will let you refill a bottle free.  Having a good water bottle is therefore not only environmentally friendly, but budget friendly as well.   This Nomader collapsable water bottle  would be perfect for travel.  If you’re looking to drink tap water in Palomino or anywhere, you might also consider investing in a  Steripen .
• You’ll definitely want plenty of sunscreen.  It can be found at shops in Palomino, but at a premium.  In fact, it tends to be expensive in all of Colombia.  If you decide to bring some from abroad, I recommend  Coppertone Sport , which holds up well through sweat, river, and ocean.
• Finally, mosquitos can get bad, especially in the evening, so you will want some bug spray.  If you pick it up in Colombia, I recommend Stay Off Amazonic.  You can also find natural repellent for sale in some of the shops in town.  If you bring it from abroad, I recommend  OFF! Deep Woods  (also available in  towelettes ) or check out  OFF! Botanicals  for an all natural option.  If you want a sunscreen/repellent combo, check out  Avon’s Skin So Soft Bug Guard .

How to Get to Palomino, La Guajira, Colombia

Located at the start of the Guajira Peninsula north of Santa Marta and Tayrona and south of Riohacha, Palomino is best reached by bus, charter vans, or private transportation from Santa Marta or Cartagena. Below, I’ll run down different ways to get to Palomino.

Can You Fly to Palomino?

No. There’s no airport in Palomino.  If you want to arrive to Palomino by air, you will have to fly into Cartagena or Santa Marta.

You can check out flights into both cities on Colombia’s flagship airline Avianca , look for a great deal at CheapOair.com , or look for a package deal at Expedia.com . Follow the instructions below to get to Palomino from either city.

Private Transportation to Palomino

This is of course the most convenient and safest way to get to Palomino, but also the most costly. You can book private transportation with our partners BnB Colombia from Santa Marta to Palomino or from Cartagena to Palomino and get 10% off with the discount code ExploreColombia10.

If you wanted to do a unique trip, you could also opt to do this motorcycle tour of the Colombian Caribbean that includes a stop in Palomino.

How to Get to Palomino by Bus

You can reach Palomino by bus from Santa Marta, Tayrona, or Riohacha . *These prices were last confirmed in mid-2019, so it’s possible they have increased slightly.

How to Take the Bus from Santa Marta to Palomino

From the market in Santa Marta, there are buses that leave every 15 minutes (they are the same buses that go to Tayrona).  The cost from Santa Marta to Palomino is 10,000 pesos.   *Pro tip:  get a window spot on the coast side (to the left on the way there) as you can get some great views of the ocean as you approach Palomino.

How to Get the Bus from Tayrona to Palomino or Costeño Beach to Palomino:

Catch them on the main road heading north (far side of the road), the cost should be 2,000 pesos to get to Palomino from Tayrona or Costeño Beach.

How to Get the Bus from Riohacha to Palomino:

Get the bus from Riohacha to Palomino at the terminal in Riohacha.  The cost should be approximately 15,000 pesos .

Marsol also offers charter van service to Palomino and can be taken from Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Santa Marta.  Cost will depend on where you get the van.  

From elsewhere, I’m not sure if there are buses directly to Palomino from other cities in Colombia, so you will most likely have to bus into Santa Marta, then hop the bus from Santa Marta to Palomino. You can check a limited amount of bus schedules and costs at Busbud.com .

How to Get to Palomino from Cartagena

You have a couple options to get from Cartagena to Palomino .

Charter Bus to Palomino from Cartagena

Marsol has two daily direct buses to from Cartagena to Palomino.  The depart from Cartagena to Palomino at 6 am and 10 am and have a cost of 80,000 pesos.   (*I have not been able to confirm if this route is still in operation but have written Marsol to ask; last price check:  February 2020)

They also have buses to Santa Marta.  There are a number of semi-direct buses (they make a stop in Barranquilla) that depart every two hours between 6 am and 4 pm. They have return trips from Santa Marta to Cartagena at 5:30 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.  The cost is 70,000 pesos   (price and schedule last confirmed August 2021). You can make reservations using the contact info on  Marsol’s Facebook Page  (they are pretty good about responding, although you’ll want to ask in Spanish).

Once in Santa Marta, follow the above directions to travel from Santa Marta to Palomino.

Berlinas does not have a direct bus from Cartagena to Palomino, but you can take them from Cartagena to Santa Marta .  I prefer Berlinas to Marsol as a service, and they are also cheaper.

They have several buses that go from Cartagena to Santa Marta via Barranquilla from 6 am to 3 pm. The price is 60,000 pesos (price and schedule last confirmed in August 2021).

Once in Santa Marta, follow the instructions above.

From the Bus Terminal

You can also take a bus from Cartagena to Palomino from the main bus terminal.

It should cost 40-60,000 pesos depending on company.  You can check prices and reserve online at Busbud, although in my experience they only have a fraction of the actual buses listed there.

Generally, I would recommend using Marsol or Berlinas to get from Cartagena to Palomino .  While a bit pricier, their offices are a 5 minute rather than half hour plus taxi ride from the Walled City, not to mention the price of a taxi to the terminal will more than offset the savings on the cheaper bus .

However, if you’re in a group and not pressed for time, you can save a few pesos by taking your bus to Palomino from Cartagena from the terminal.

To return from Palomino to Cartagena, you can use any of the above options as well.

Maybe you’re wondering about safety in Palomino, Colombia. The times I have been to Palomino, I felt plenty safe .  It’s fairly well traveled and like much of small town Colombia, all the residents know each other and crime is generally low. 

That being said, you should still follow some basic tips for safety in Palomino.

It is a small town where most of the residents are borderline impoverished, and many of the businesses that have come in are not owned by locals.  Now their formerly quiet little beach town is overrun with foreigners.  I found locals nice, but not overly friendly.

Of course the influx of tourists brings its own set of problems anywhere.  Doing things like buying drugs is done at your own risk engaging with people who are, by nature, criminals.

Petty crime can also happen, so besides that, I would be wary of walking around at night, especially off the main road and alone.

There was a murder on the road in late 2019, where a robber was stealing the car of a couple, and the town of Guachaca to the south has experienced paramilitary and drug trafficking incursions.  I would discourage traveling from elsewhere to Palomino at night and check local news to ensure there has not been any recent problems.

Maybe that sounds alarmist, but always better safe than sorry.  In all likelihood you’ll be just fine as long as you stick to these basic tips on safety in Palomino, Colombia.

The weather in Palomino is warm year round like the rest of Colombia’s Caribbean, so just about any time of year is good. The rainy season does run from October-December, so it can rain a bit then, but usually the majority of the hard rains are in October and even then they are usually hard, quick showers.

Expect the beaches to be crowded around major Colombian travel holidays like Christmas, New Years, and Easter as well as on the weekends of Monday holidays, so you may have a nicer time avoiding those times, but you should be able to have a good time regardless of when you go to Palomino.

Where to Eat in Palomino, Colombia

As noted above, grubbing out is my favorite of the things to do in Palomino .

Here’s a rundown of my favorite restaurants in Palomino, Colombia.

Suá – Best Restaurant in Palomino

I’ve had lunch in Suá both times I’ve been in Palomino.  It is delicious, has a cool vibe, has good drinks, and is well worth checking out!

The cool outdoor wooden tables, and frequent daytime live music sums up the entire allure of Palomino for me.  But what really makes it special is the excellent fare on offer at Suá.

The food, in addition to being super tasty, just has that fresh taste to it. Especially good is the make your own plate option, that allows you to make your own combo from several protein, sauce, and side options in addition to a salad.

While there are beef and chicken on offer in the make your own plate, its pretty hard to resist the shrimp or prawn options.  I absolutely loved the coconut, orange, and ginger sauce on prawns, and I can’t complain about the tastes I had of the curry and garlic and butter sauces (there are also a blue cheese sauce and another one I can’t recall). 

The first time we were there, I also had a bomb chicken sandwich , and the last time I went, my friend Brian also got the Cazuela  de Langostinos of prawns in a delicious tomato sauce .

There are also good drinks on offer, including great  limonadas de coco and the delicious craft beer from the Sierra Nevada Brewery, located in nearby Minca .

Turcolandia – Best Pizza in Palomino

This is possibly the best pizza I’ve had in all of Colombia!  Seriously, this was one of the main reasons I wanted to go back to Palomino. 

Thin, but with a good rolled up end crust and loaded with toppings, the pizza at Turcolandia is awesome!

But even better is watching the owner and cook at work.  A bald guy (is he a Turk, an Italian, I don’t even know or care), you can see him shoveling pizzas in and out of the ovens like a madman.  He does a fair bit of yelling as well, but there’s something neat about seeing him at work, and the pizza reflects his energy.

The tree stump seats and trunk tables just adds to the great vibe.   You can even get some homemade whiskey (it’s ok, not great, but cheap) here.  Be sure to try the homemade sauces as well to top off the tastiest pizza in Palomino, Colombia. 

Definitely a cool place that I made a point to get back to when I returned the second time (and hopefully will again).

*Check out Turcolandia’s Reviews on Trip Advisor

JUntos – Great Burgers and Bar in Palomino

JUntos is one of the coolest bars in Palomino.   The first time we visited, they had a Noche Azul   (Blue Night).  They periodically have them (about once a month) during the year.

There was a DJ visiting from Trinidad and Tobago, and it made for a great place to spend the night having some drinks and dancing.

But even if you can’t enjoy a  Noche Azul,  JUntos would be a great place to have dinner and drinks.

The burgers were absolutely delicious, and there’s a good happy hour with reasonable beer and cocktail prices.

My second time in Palomino, we just happened to be there the day of the week they were closed, unfortunately.  However, I’d highly recommend Juntos as a place to get some tasty burgers and have a few drinks in the evening.

Bonus if you get lucky like we did and are there during a Noche Azul .

*Check JUntos’s Reviews on Trip Advisor

Frontera – More Good Pizza in Palomino

The first time my wife and I stopped in at Palomino, we had lunch at Frontera fresh off the trip back from Punta Gallinas just at the beginning of “downtown” Palomino .  It was one of the first places we came to and we had quite the appetite.

Ok, my wife loves super thin crust pizza and liked this pizza better than Turcolandía.  I like a good, solid crust and liked Turcolandía better (in case you didn’t get that from above).

So our pizza disputes aside, Frontera’s pizza was still very good and it is another great option for where to eat in Palomino.   It also has a cool vibe with wine bottle candleholders and a neat courtyard outback. 

If you’re looking for a good thin crust pizza, then Frontera is another one of the good options among the best places to eat in Palomino, Colombia.

*Check Frontera’s Reviews on Trip Advisor

Other Places to Eat in Palomino

Those are the places I’ve been tried in my two trips to Palomino, but there are a number of other good looking places.  There’s a shawarma and falafel place , and several vegetarian friendly places .

There’s a place coming in to town that says they have wings and have a great tag line telling you to impregnate yourself with flavor.  There are also places serving up traditional Colombian fare, and standard beach fare like fried fish.

All in all, there are lots of good options for places to eat in Palomino, and enjoying all the good fare on offer is one of the best things to do in Palomino.

*See the top restaurants in Palomino on Trip Advisor

Travel Tips for Palomino

• There is no ATM in Palomino .  While most hostels and hotels in Palomino should take cards for payment, you should make sure you take plenty of cash.  If you do run out, you may be able to visit an ATM in a nearby town , but best just to hit one in Santa Marta at the latest.
• There is also no proper supermarket in Palomino, although you can get basic goods in tiendas in town.
• Keep in mind this is a small town that became a tourist destination.  Hence why the bars close at 11.  Have fun but try not to make a fool of yourself.
• Crime doesn’t appear to be an issue and Palomino is very safe , but I would still avoid wondering around off the main strip at night.
• Budget:  I would budget for 100-150,000 pesos a day in addition to what you pay for accommodation.   You could do it cheaper, but that will give you plenty for food and drinks.
• You can get the bags, or mochilas , made by the Kogi indigenous people in Palomino for much cheaper than in Santa Marta or Cartagena.
• Speaking of the Kogi, they consider the entire Sierra Nevada coastal mountain range to be sacred, so don’t litter!

Conclusion: Ready to go to Palomino?

In conclusion, Palomino is definitely worth taking a night or two or three to chill out during a visit to Colombia’s Caribbean coast.   It’s especially a good place to relax if you have been roughing it in Tayrona or La Guajira.  More power to you if you can enjoy the tubing and see some of the surrounding scenery. 

You can enjoy some luxuries like hanging by the pool at the hostel, getting some tasty grub, and going out dancing while still having easy access to the surrounding nature of the river, waterfalls, and mountains.

There you have it, a complete travel guide to Palomino, Colombia.  If you do decide to go to Palomino, I hope you find this guide useful in planning your trip. I’d love for you to let us know what you most enjoyed about Palomino or any other tips you have in the comments below!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

Did you like this post?

Check out these others you might like:

• Guide to Tayrona
• Guide to Minca
• Guide to the Rosario Islands
• Guide to Partying on a Boat in Cholón
• Guide to Punta Gallinas

Planning your trip to Cartagena?

Check out the following posts to help plan: Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena Complete Packing List for Cartagena Top Things to Do in Cartagena

6 thoughts on “Practical Guide to Palomino, Colombia’s Hippest Beach Town”

Hi Adam, do you have an email where I can write a proposal to your consideration? Thank you. Matias

Hi Matias. Yes, please feel free to write me at [email protected] .

From where do the buses take off exactly in Santa Marta?

Hi Lukas, you can get it from the corner of Calle 11 and Carrera 11. You should see them lined up there, they go when full. It’s outside of a little market but I don’t remember the name. It’s the same bus as the one to Tayrona, so if you have trouble finding it, ask someone for the bus to Palomino or Tayrona.

The price for the bus from Santa Marta is now 12.000 pesos

Thank you for the honest caption of the beach. There is nowhere in Palomino that has any beach unless you consider lying under the mangroves to be beach.

The zancudos are fierce so buy pikex there, you need Amazon jungle strength repelente and for 20 mil it’s cheaper than anything you can buy stateside

Hi Jack. Thanks for the update on the bus! I need to get around to updating this in the next few weeks. Yea, there is not much beach, and I think it’s getting worse unfortunately. Hope you still had a good time though

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Palomino and Ceviaka Village Tour

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• Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
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• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
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• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
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• 1 Palomino Stop: 2 hours We will visit the Ceviaka indigenous people where you can get to know their ancestral culture and you can enjoy the magnificent view of the snowy mountains and bathe in the Palomino river that descends directly from the snow. Read more
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• 409martinal 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Choose different company! The beaches are beautiful, but try to go with a different company! It was not worth the money, just chaotic! I was supposed to meet the driver at 8.30/9am. At 6.30 I got a phone call that my driver was waiting. I didn't know at what time the boat would leave nor couldn't reach anyone from the agency. And the day coninued like this... Read more Written July 31, 2023
• 951juliettel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don't do it Anyone suggesting using a speedboat to reach Cabo San Juan has no consideration for your safety. Simply put, it's dangerous. Huge waves and strong currents; if you fell in you'd have 0 chance of survival. Chances of falling in felt numerous in my experience, possibly the worst and scariest 90 min of my life, and I believe the conditions were pretty normal for the area. I haven't personally used this company, but getting to Tayrona by bus is my best advice. Read more Written March 28, 2023
• carlmartinn2021 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles I'll never use this operator again We arrived at the designated departure area for a day trip to Tayrona and Cabo San Juan Beach at 10:00. After arriving, we waited for 90 minutes before putting our life jackets on and then stood on the beach for another half hour. After finally getting on the boat we sat for another 45 minutes while we waited for one of the other passengers to have her dog delivered. We arrived at Cabo San Juan beach finally at 2:00 - four hours after we should have departed from Taganga. We expressed our concern and the operator - Anna - told us we could return to Taganga at 5:30 instead of the regularly schedule 4:30. However at 4:00 they started rounding all of us up for the scheduled 4:30 departure. Anna clearly just told us what we wanted to hear - even if it wasn't true! I prefer to work with companies who manage their passengers better and who tell the truth. I did not get my money's worth. The only reason this was not a complete disaster was the professionalism and skill of the captain (in big waves) and the amazing beauty of Tayrona. We'll be back - just not with this company. Read more Written March 19, 2021

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Descubre las hermosas playas naturales y excéntricas de la guajira colombiana. visita palomino, sitio predilecto para extranjeros y aventureros nacionales. gracias a su ubicación, al sur de la sierra nevada de santa marta, tiene un paisaje que combina la riqueza de la sierra con el mar caribe. es un punto maravilloso para el ecoturismo gracias a los ríos palomino, san salvador y don diego., tendras la oportunidad de disfrutar de caminatas a lo largo de las playas. o navegar por el rio, el lugar ideal para hacer tubing. cupos limitados - reserva ya, información importante, transporte de ida y regreso • tubbing rio palomino • seguro de riesgos • guía profesional • desayuno y almuerzo tropical, detalles del tour, trabajamos bajo protocolos de bioseguridad. para más información pregunta en nuestros canales de atención.

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El Tour a Palomino incluye:

– Transporte de ida y retorno en bus climatizado 🚐

– Servicio de guía turístico durante el recorrido 👲

– Entradas y seguro de riesgo a Palomino 🎟️

– Desayuno y almuerzo típico 🍽️

– Conocer el estuario de   Palomino «Rio y Mar» 🌊

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A Backpacker’s Guide to Palomino, Colombia

by giselleleach | Dec 23, 2022 | Colombia , Latest , South America | 0 comments

Rightly dubbed the most backpacker-friendly town in Colombia, this slice of tropical heaven will either enamour you with its laid-back beach vibes or send you running back to modern civilisation. But, what’s not to love about people walking barefoot on dirt paths, hippies selling their handmade crafts, and long, lazy days chilling on the beach? You could easily spend a week in Palomino doing absolutely nothing. Equally, there are a tonne of fun things to do in Palomino, Colombia that could keep you occupied for a few weeks .

What was initially meant to be a quick 2 days in Palomino turned into a week-long of unforgettable memories, new friends and a lot of eating out in the best of Palomino’s quirky restaurants. This is my Palomino guide, including the best things to do in Palomino, where to eat in Palomino and everything else you could possibly think of.

A Kogi mural in Palomino

How to get to Palomino, Colombia

Santa marta to palomino.

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Marta to Palomino is to get a public bus. The buses leave from the Mercado Central in Santa Marta at the junction between Carrerra 9 and Carrerra 11. They run as early as 5.30 am and stop at about 6 pm.

Bear in mind that like in a lot of Colombia, the buses won’t leave until they are nearly full. You may need to wait a little after getting on before the bus leaves.  As a heads up, the bus that goes to Palomino is the same one that stops at Tayrona .

The journey takes about an hour and a half and passes some stunning SEAnery along the way (I couldn’t resist).

Minca to Palomino

Instead of getting a bus from Minca all the way into Santa Marta, there is a much easier and quicker way to get from Minca to Palomino.

Hop on a bus to Santa Marta, but ask the driver to drop you off at Matatoco where the buses to Palomino stop . This is a huge junction on the outskirts of Santa Marta and it’s where all of the buses heading from Santa Marta to Palomino stop.

The journey from Minca to Matatoco takes about 45 minutes, and from there it’s another 45 minutes to Palomino.

You might also enjoy: 14 EPIC Things to Do in Minca, Colombia

Tayrona to Palomino

At the exit of Tayrona National Park hail down a bus that’s going in the direction of Riohacha. Ask them to drop you off in Palomino. The journey will take about 45 minutes.

Things to do in Palomino, Colombia

Go river tubing.

Dodgy green water and old truck tyre tubes, what more could you want? As one of the most popular and fun things to do in Palomino, you can’t afford to miss this activity!

Grab your beer, plop yourself onto your tube, and away you go. Make to keep a listen out for your guide shouting ‘ROCKS’ . It’s best not to ignore him; get yourself into a glute bridge position to avoid your butt getting snagged on an underwater rock.

Get this on your list of things to do in Palomino!

Loving life floating down the river on a big tube

Go to a pool party

It’s no secret that Palomino is a backpacker-crazy beach town. And as in many places, a lot of backpackers means a lot of parties, in this case, by a pool.

Just wait for your casual invite from one of the many people handing out flyers in Palomino , Colombia, and get yourself into party mode.

Visit an indigenous village: one of the best things to do in Palomino

The Kogis are indigenous groups of Colombians living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range near Palomino. They live in small mud, stone and palm round huts, wear simple white garments, and are often seen with a handwoven Kogi bag around their waist.

Their villages offer a cultural insight into a totally different way of life, and visiting one is one of the most interesting things to do in Palomino, Colombia. There are two villages you can visit : Tungueka (the bigger one) and another smaller one whose name I can’t quite remember.

Your two options are to either sign up for a tour in Palomino (expensive – around 20’000 COP) or hire a motorbike to take you for about 50’000 COP.

Meeting a Kogi family in an indigenous village. This is one of the best things to do in Palomino, Colombia!

Acro Yoga class: one of the best things to do in Palomino

There’s nothing more hippy than doing acro yoga on the beach at sunrise.

If you haven’t heard of this peculiar type of yoga before, think of it as a blend between normal yoga and gymnastics .

To get yourself involved message Liney on her Instagram account @namasteney. She offers private lessons, but as far as I’m aware she splits her time between Palomino and Bogotá.

Alternatively, enquire at La Sirena Nature Retreat on Palomino’s beach. As well as acro yoga, they also offer other types of yoga on most mornings. This is one of the best things to do in Palomino, Colombia, and something you definitely shouldn’t miss off your Palomino itinerary!

Walk along the beach

Colombia has got some pretty beaches, but the country isn’t known for them. You come to Palomino for the dirt paths and backpacker beach vibes, not for a picture-perfect beach getaway .

Having said that, Palomino’s main beach strip does offer something other than glamour. As you walk down the main dirt street to the beach, turn left. Dawdle along the beach right to the end, where you’ll see the river flowing into the sea . Paddle with your feet and feel the change in water temperatures as the two sets of water stir together.

One of my favourite things to do in Palomino, Colombia, is to walk along the sand to the river as the sun sets. It adds a really beautiful touch to any day!

One of Palomino’s many breathtaking sunsets

Quebrada Valencia

If you’re a sucker for waterfall swims, you’re going to like this one.

Palomino is often plagued with hot, sticky and sultry heat. The best way to cool off is to jump into the freshwater pools at the Quebrada Valencia waterfalls found at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range .

To get here, jump on a bus heading to Santa Marta and ask the driver to drop you off by the Quebrada valencia waterfalls (just after Buritaca). After paying the 3’000 COP entrance fee (at the time of this writing), you’ll stroll through the luscious jungle forest for 30 minutes before reaching the base of the falls.

Visit Tayrona National Park

Wilderness, a rugged coastline, tropical palm trees, picture-perfect coves, crystalline lagoons, Howler monkeys, and alien-like lizards. These are all things that spring to mind when I think of this untamed tropical paradise.

If you don’t have time to visit the park for two or three days, you can easily visit on a day trip from Palomino.  As one of the best and most popular things to do in Colombia, you can’t afford to miss this off your list of things to do in Palomino .

You might also enjoy: Visiting Tayrona National Park in Colombia: The Ultimate Guide

Tayrona National Natural Park

Take a champeta class: one of the best things to do in Palomino

Colombia is a country blessed with a multitude of different types of Latin dance, but on the northern coast of the country, it’s Champeta that reigns supreme.

It’s an Afro-Caribbean dance that originated on the northern coast of Colombia in the 1980s and blends energy and sexiness into one. Football fans might remember Shakira dancing champeta at the Superbowl in 2020!

This dance is EVERYWHERE on the northern coast and you’ll probably hear champeta music blasted out on every street corner too. If you’re interested in the country’s culture, taking a champeta dance class will be one of the best things to do in Palomino, Colombia for you!

Watch flamingos: one of the best things to do in Palomino

The village of Camarones in Northern Colombia is famous for two things; platters of freshly caught prawns (Camarones literally means prawns), and watching flocks of punch-pink flamingos in the wild!

To get there, catch a bus on the main road heading in the direction of Riohacha and ask the driver to drop you off in Camarones to see the flamingos. Here, ask someone for a flamingo tour. They can be a bit on the pricier side as the canoe can’t be powered by a motor and has to be physically rowed across the lagoon .

This experience was pretty off the beaten track, but definitely up there in my favourite things to do in Palomino, Colombia.

Setting off on our flamingo tour in an old canoe boat

Take a surf lesson

If all you do in Palomino is wake up, go to the beach, and repeat, consider yourself a success. But for those wanting to break up the monotony of just chilling, surfing is one of the best things to do in Palomino, Colombia!

Walk along the beach and you’ll see all the surfboards propped up in the sand with surf lesson prices on them. Rent a board or ask the price for a lesson. This is the time to whip out your bargaining skills to get yourself a good deal!

Read more: How to Haggle Abroad: 18 Useful Tips to Become a Haggling Master

Where to eat in Palomino, Colombia

Wondering where to eat in Palomino, Colombia? Lucky for you, the town is well-equipped with all sorts of foodie options. Here are my favourite places to eat in Palomino, Colombia…

Stop by here for healthy vegan food, a beautiful atmosphere, and a peaceful working space. For the zen among you, you’ll also be happy to hear you can sit on comfy floor cushions. Make sure you try their deliciously thick smoothies!

Feeling wholesome in Cafe Holss

Bikini Hostel’s French Patisserie

As well as a restaurant, Bikini Hostel has its own little bakery that’s run by a couple of French guys. As you would expect from a French-run bakery, all the items are absolutely delicious and a must-try for anyone!

In this rustic little restaurant, you’ll be served up some simple but hearty dishes by a lovely Colombian lady. I was really ill and out of it when I came here, but my key takeaway was just how tasty the vegetable noodles and chips were.

Casa Mex’s tasty tacos

Best for pizza and everything else in between! I came here multiple times during my week in Palomino and not once was I disappointed. If you’re stuck for where to eat in Palomino, go to Prima Luna!

The food court

If you’re wondering where to eat in Palomino, Colombia, that’s cheap, look no further. Located very close to the beach, this is a small courtyard with a number of different stalls serving different things, from stuffed arepas to traditional Colombian meals and burritos.

For cakes, waffles and milkshakes, Dafelia is the place to be. They make a top-notch vegan Nutella and cookie milkshake that I came back for twice!

The Paradise Fruit Juices

Palomino gets hot and sticky; the best way to feel refreshed is to order yourself one of The Paradise’s fruit juices or smoothies. They also have a daily and a weekly special; check in as you walk past to see what’s on offer .

Live, dance, and kiss life – one of Palomino’s many love life signs

Best places to stay in Palomino, Colombia

The town has quite the range of hostels and hotels, and you can find places to stay in Palomino for every budget.

Casa Surf Mar Azul

Come here for cheap, spacious rooms. There’s a small courtyard with a communal area and hammocks, and it’s only a 10-minute walk to the beach. All the rooms are also provided with mosquito nets.

This is a great Palomino hostel if you’re travelling with someone else or you want some solitude. It’s not the best for making a heap of new friends . Having said that, the owner, Manuela, and her boyfriend, Juan, are very fun to hang out with!

As one of Colombia’s most popular upmarket hostels, you can’t really go wrong. It’s perfect for digital nomads and those wanting a bit more of a luxury backpacker experience .

The hostel has a bohemian vibe to it, and this Selina is located directly on the beach. You’re always in the heart of all the action here.

This is another very affordable hostel in Palomino that doesn’t exchange money for comfort. The free salsa classes, movie nights and Spanish practice sessions make it a social hostel and a very easy place to make friends. They also offer a free breakfast (vegan options included!).

If you’re looking for that typical backpacker experience, this is one of the best Palomino hostels for you.

How to get cash in Palomino, Colombia

Palomino is a basic town and it’s not easy to get money out. There used to be no ATMs in Palomino, but on my last visit, my friend was able to find an ATM and withdraw some cash for an expensive fee.

But to air on the side of caution, you should bring a wad of cash with you. The nearest ATM near Palomino if that one doesn’t work is in Santa Marta or Riohacha .

I’d also recommend bringing quite a bit more than you think you’ll need. You may well decide to extend your stay in Palomino.

If you’re wondering how to get cash in Palomino, the answer is to get it before you get there .

Palomino has A LOT of souvenir shops – factor this in when deciding how much cash to bring with you!

My final thoughts on Palomino

Palomino is a town I had very low expectations of. I’d heard that the beach was nothing spectacular and that there weren’t many things to do other than party. But as soon as I got there, I was completely blown away.

While the beach isn’t one that you’d find somewhere in the Dominican Republic, it gifts every traveller with jaw-dropping sunsets. There are also a lot more fun things to do in Palomino than the town initially lets on.

If you’re visiting Palomino, my one tip is to let your hair down, run around barefoot, and take it easy!

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Tour compartido o Privado

Palomino se encuentra ubicado en el departamento de La Guajira, y es un pequeño corregimiento del municipio de Dibulla, a 2 horas de Santa Marta, lo baña los río San Salvador, Don Diego y Palomino, y las aguas del mar Caribe. Un lugar rodeado de naturaleza y afluentes hídricos en los que puedes hacer tubing, surfear y divisar la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

El clima en Palomino es tropical húmedo, a veces llueve y su temperatura promedio es de 30C. Es todo lo que necesitas para conectarte con un ambiente fantástico, de paisajes increíbles, playas hermosas con un oleaje perfecto, y un entorno cultural muy agradable.

Tour Compartido Palomino tiene un valor total de $175.000 por persona

Tour Privado Palomino tiene un valor total de $650.000 por persona

Saldremos 8:00am en autobús desde Santa Marta y nos pondremos en camino por 2hrs hacia Palomino. En medio del recorrido haremos una corta parada para apreciar desde un mirado el hermoso paisaje de palomino donde podrás tomar  fotografías (15mim aprox).

Una vez lleguemos a este mágico municipio costero, daremos comienzo a nuestra aventura en tubing en el río Palomino. Iremos hasta la orilla para subirnos a los flotadores y emprender un recorrido de 30min hasta la playa. Durante la travesía, podrás apreciar el espléndido paisaje natural con la posibilidad de ver a los monos aulladores.

Llegaremos al encuentro del río con el mar Caribe, una postal deslumbrante de aguas turquesas, aquí bajaremos de los flotadores y tomaremos el almuerzo según el menú.

Luego de almorzar dispondrás de tiempo libre para relajarte en la fina arena del río y el mar, aquí podrás bañarte, broncearte y disfrutar de los mejores paisajes de Palomino  (4hrs aprox).

Siendo las 3:00 a 3:30pm saldremos de Palomino para hacer el proceso de retorno nuevamente a Sta Mta y dar fin al tour al rededor 5:00 a 5:30pm.

• Salida del hotel 8:00 am.
• Del hotel partimos en carro con vía a Palomino (2h aprox.).
• Estando en Palomino, nos dirigimos al "Hostal Finca Escondida”, ubicado a orilla de la playa (lugar de pasa día).
• En el hostal, podrás hacer uso de las piscinas, duchas, sillas playeras, wifi, zonas verdes, y por supuesto disfrutar de las playas y de un delicioso almuerzo. Además, si lo desea, podrá contratar actividades náuticas por un costo adicional.
• 3:30 - 4:00 pm retorno al hotel.
• Llegada aprox. al hotel 5:00 - 5:30 pm.
• Transporte Ida y vuelta (Bus en tour compartido) (Auto en tour privado)
• Guía acompañante Persona que lo guiará en idioma español (tour compartido)
• Actividad de tubing Llantas por el Río Palomino (Tour compartido)
• Menu del almuerzo Bebida incluida (Tour compartido y privado)
• Seguro de viaje El seguro para el viajero permite cubrir gastos en caso de accidentes (tour compartido y privado)
• Acceso a la piscina (Solo para tour privado)
• Acceso a la zona VIP (Solo para tour privado)

Reserva la experiencia

Cerca a al felicidad

Paddle Board

Diviértete en el Mar

Reserva tu kayak con nosotros para disfrutar en las playas de Santa Marta.

• Fotografias

• Cabo San Juan de Guía
• Paso del Mango
• Velero al Tayrona
• Alojamientos
• Temas Populares
• Precios del Parque Tayrona
• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
• Teyuna, La Ciudad Perdida
• ¿Cuándo está cerrado el Tayrona?

Para cualquier pregunta

Política de privacidad

Derechos reservados 2024 | Santa Marta Trip

Las instrucciones para restablecer la clave se enviarán a la dirección de correo electrónico con la que se registró como usuario.

How to get to Palomino from Santa Marta

The only easiest and most economical way to get to Palomino from Santa Marta is by taking a bus that leaves from the Mercado in Santa Marta located on 10th street with race 9 at the back site of the Olimpica Market.

Price: $ 9,000 COP or $ 3.00 USD. Duration: 2 hours and a little more depending on the traffic.

You can get to the Palomino bus station from anywhere in Santa Marta by urban bus at a price of: $ 1600 pesos or half a dollar.

From Rodadero:

From Taganga:

Price: $ 1,600 COP or half a dollar Duration: 20 minutes depending on traffic

Route to palomino:

If you want to get to the palomino bus station by taxi, it will cost you $ 15,000 COP or $ 5.00 dollars and from Taganga you’ll get $ 10,000 COP or $ 3.5 dollars.

We hope tha the this post about How to get to Palomino from Santa Marta was of your help and you can enjoy a lot in your trip, More tips that may be of your interest:

Ultimate Guide: Best Peru and Bolivia Bus Companies

4 ways to Tayrona From Santa Marta

2 thoughts on “ How to get to Palomino from Santa Marta ”

I love Colombia, so much so, I married a Colombian! We travel to Colombia once a year for New Years, so will be there in a few weeks. Generally we switch it around, one year in my wife’s home town of Manizales and the odd years in San Gil or Cartagena. My second home, I love Colombia!

Thanks, it’s very informative

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• Santa Marta

Santa Marta to or from Palomino Private Transfer

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Go with us to or from Santa Marta and to or from Palomino. Our professional driver will pick you up at the chosen time and will try their best to meet your needs. Book the transfer with us and have a safe and stress-free trip to your chosen destination.

Why should you take a private transfer from Santa Marta to or from Palomino?

Adventure yourself along Colombia’s top sites but leave your transportation in our hands. Book your transfer from or to Santa Marta and from or to Palomino. We have a team of friendly, knowledgeable, and professional drivers who will pick you up at your chosen meeting point, help you load the luggage into the car, and drive you safely to your destination. You can learn more about our private transfers, a safe alternative for transport to keep traveling around our country.

We will be pleased to help you and take you to any of our incredible Colombian destinations. Our transfer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don’t worry about anything: our crew is ready to help you and it is our aim to make out of any short trip a great experience for you.

2 hrs Pick-up and drive to or from Santa Marta – Palomino

You will be transferred in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and, although is a short trip, the driver will try to meet your travel needs. You just relax and enjoy being driven through the amazing landscapes of the region. Take into account that you will not only book for a private vehicle and the amenities but for an experience whose objective is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. The transfer will get to its end when you arrive safe and sound to your destination.

Included/Excluded

• Private transportation
• Pick-up in Santa Marta or Palomino
• Drop-off in Palomino or Santa Marta
• All risk insurance
• Extra purchases

Know before you book

• If you need transportation between midnight and 6 a.m., book it 12 hours in advance
• The type of vehicle for the transfer depends on the number of people: 1 - 3 pax the vehicle will be a Sedan, 4 - 5 a Minivan and +6 a Van
• You can choose one way or round trip rate
• In the round trip option the trip back does not need to be on the same day

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should i reserve transportation.

In most cases you can book the service 3 hours in advance. However, if you need transportation between midnight and 6 a.m. please book it 12 hours in advance.

Can I make detours or stops on the transfer to or from Santa Marta – Palomino?

In long transfers we can make a small stop of 30 minutes to go to the restroom and eat something. However, on transfers shorter than 3 hours we do not include any stops.

Can I bring luggage in the vehicle?

Yes, our transfer services allow two suitcases per person, one of 23 kg (cabin luggage) and another bag of 10 kg (carry-on).

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