Tayrona hiking route (what to expect)

Classic route: El Zaino entrance

The classic route is: El Zaino → Arrecifes → La Piscina → Cabo San Juan. Total hiking time: ~2–3 hours one way. Terrain: mostly flat, but hot and humid. Shade: partial jungle cover. Note: Arrecifes beach looks beautiful but is not safe for swimming due to strong currents. The best swimming spots are: La Piscina, Cabo San Juan

Alternative route: Calabazo entrance

If you want a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience, you can enter via Calabazo. It is less crowded, more jungle-focused, longer and slightly more demanding. It’s best for repeat visitors or those who enjoy hiking more than beaches.

The beaches of Tayrona National Park

One of the main reasons to visit Tayrona is its coastline – a series of wild, palm-fringed beaches connected by jungle hiking trails. What many people don’t realize before visiting is that you can’t swim everywhere, and getting to the best beaches takes time and effort. Starting from the main entrance at El Zaino, the beaches are spread out along the hiking route, each with very different conditions and atmosphere. Here’s what to expect, from closest to farthest:

Playa Cañaveral

This is one of the first beaches you’ll reach if you take the shuttle from the entrance. It’s scenic and relatively quiet, but not suitable for swimming due to strong currents. There’s a small protected area nearby (La Piscinita), but most people continue further into the park.

Playa Arrecifes

One of the most dramatic beaches in Tayrona, with huge waves and rugged coastline. It looks stunning, but swimming is strictly forbidden here and can be dangerous. There are a few restaurants and accommodation options, so it’s a common stop along the way.

Playa Arenilla

A smaller and less crowded stretch of beach between Arrecifes and La Piscina. It’s more peaceful and less developed, but still not ideal for swimming, especially compared to what comes next.

La Piscina

This is one of the first places where you can actually enjoy the water. Protected by a natural reef, La Piscina has calm, clear water that’s safe for swimming. You’ll find small stands selling drinks, fruit, and snacks here, making it a great place to take a break.

Cabo San Juan

The most famous beach in Tayrona – and for good reason. Two small bays, separated by a rocky viewpoint and lined with palm trees, create one of the most iconic landscapes in Colombia. This is one of the best places to swim in Tayrona, as long as you stay within the safe areas. There’s a restaurant, accommodation (hammocks and tents), and plenty of facilities. Downside: it can get crowded, especially midday, so I recommend arriving early or staying overnight.

Playa Nudista

A quieter, more remote beach beyond Cabo San Juan. As the name suggests, it’s a nudist-friendly area, though not everyone participates. It’s far less visited, but there are no facilities and swimming is not recommended.

3 Food and facilities in Tayrona

You won’t go hungry or thirsty in Tayrona – but it’s definitely not the best value for money, and options are more limited than you might expect. Along the main hiking route (especially at Arrecifes, La Piscina, and Cabo San Juan), you’ll find small restaurants and snack stands selling basic meals, drinks, and fruit. Think simple dishes like fried fish, chicken, rice, arepas, and fresh juices. At Cabo San Juan, there’s a larger restaurant with full meals, while smaller stands along the way sell snacks, coconut water, and fresh fruit.

What to expect

• Prices are higher than outside the park

• Portions are decent, but quality is basic

• Payment is usually cash only

• Options become more limited the further you go

What to bring

You’re allowed to bring your own food into the park (except alcohol), and I highly recommend it. Bring:

• snacks (nuts, protein bars, fruit)

• reusable water bottle or

• extra water (bottled water inside the park is expensive, so it’s worth carrying some with you)

Facilities in the park

Don’t expect anything luxurious – Tayrona is more about nature than comfort. Facilities are basic but sufficient for most travelers:

• toilets at main stops (paid in some areas)

• showers at campsites

• lockers at Cabo San Juan

• limited electricity and no reliable WiFi

Best time to visit Tayrona

Tayrona can be visited year-round, but conditions vary. The best months are December to March and July to August. These tend to be drier and better for hiking. Avoid if possible: heavy rainy periods (trails get muddy). Also note: The park closes a few times per year for conservation (check before visiting!).

How to get to Tayrona National Park

Most travelers visit Tayrona from Santa Marta, which is the main gateway. From Santa Marta, you have a few options:

Bus (cheapest option) | Local buses run frequently from Santa Marta to the main entrance (El Zaino). The journey takes about 1 hour and costs about 15 000 COP. There are two places where you can take the bus from Santa Marta to Tayrona: 1) At the central bus station outside the city or 2) At the Mercado Publico (Market) at Calle 11 con Carrera 11  (it’s a city bus with no trunk for your luggage!)

By boat | You could also reach the park yourself via boat, however, it’s a bit complicated. If you’re going to the most famous beach, Cabo San Juan, you can take a taxi from Santa Marta to Taganga (about 20 minutes). From there, you have to find a boat to Tayrona National Natural Park – ask one of the boat companies on the dock (I recommend “Chez Boaz”). The boat ride lasts 1h and costs about 120,000 COP. Note: The last boats leave before 9h30 and return from Cabo San Juan around 4 pm. The sea is rough from October to March, so this boat ride can be scary for people who are not used to it. I’d personally rather simply hike in, or take a boat tour than try to organise it myself.

Taxi or private transfer | More comfortable and faster, especially if traveling with luggage.

Organized tours | Possible, but I don’t recommend them unless you’re very short on time, or if they involve boat travel to secluded beaches. Tayrona is better experienced independently.

Tayrona entrances (important)

There are two main entrances:

El Zaino (main entrance) | This is where most travelers enter. It gives access to the main hiking route toward Cabo San Juan. If it’s your first visit, use El Zaino!

Calabazo | Less crowded and more hiking-focused. You’ll skip some beaches but get a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Where to stay in Tayrona

You have two main options: stay inside or outside the park.

Inside is best for experience, but more basic. Options include: hammocks, tents, ecohabs (more upscale accommodation, similar to a hotel). Staying overnight lets you enjoy the park early morning and sunset without crowds.

Outside the park will be more comfortable and flexible. The best areas are: near El Zaino entrance and between Tayrona and Santa Marta. This is a good option if you prefer proper hotels and air conditioning.

Best hotels inside

Ecohabs Tequendama (luxury) | If you want comfort inside the park, this is it. This is the only real “luxury” option inside Tayrona and is run as the park’s official hotel. It has private ecohuts with ocean views and restaurant and facilities on site. Located at Cañaveral beach (near entrance). Best for: couples, comfort, short stays without hiking deep into the park.

Camping Tequendama (Arrecifes) (basic) |  This is one of the main accommodation hubs inside the park. It has tents, hammocks, and simple cabins and is located at Arrecifes, along the main hiking route about 1 hour from El Zaino entrance. Best for: most travelers (it’s a good balance between comfort and location)

Cabo San Juan (basic) | Hammocks & tents at the best location. This is where most people want to stay, right next to two swimmable beaches. A restaurant and lockers are available. Best for the “classic Tayrona experience”. Downsides: crowded and sometimes dirty, basic facilities, limited availability

Ecolodge Playa Brava (basic) | The best off-the-beaten-path option, if you want something quieter and more unique: remote eco-lodge inside the park, jungle + beach setting, fewer visitors. Best for people who want a more secluded experience.

Best hotels outside

Senda Koguiwa / Senda Kokkos (boutique) | These are some of the nicest boutique stays near Tayrona, set in a lush jungle environment close to the park entrance. They offer comfortable rooms, pools, and a peaceful atmosphere while still being convenient for visiting the park. Best for: mid-range travelers who want comfort, nature, and a bit of style without staying inside the park

Masaya Tayrona (social boutique) | Masaya Tayrona is a stylish mix between a boutique hotel and a social hostel, with a large pool, jungle setting, and a great atmosphere. It’s a popular choice among solo travelers and those looking to meet others while still enjoying a more elevated stay. Best for: solo travelers and those who want a social but comfortable base near Tayrona

Villa Playa Tayrona / Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos (beach stay) | These beachfront properties are located just outside Tayrona and offer a more relaxed coastal experience with direct access to the sea. They combine comfort with proximity to the park, making them a great option if you want beach time without sacrificing convenience. Best for: travelers who want a beach stay with easy access to Tayrona

Tayrona Travel Tips

What to pack for Tayrona

• lightweight clothing

• hiking shoes or sandals

• swimsuit

• plenty of water

• snacks

• insect repellent

• cash (very important, limited card payments)

Important tips for visiting Tayrona

• Start early to avoid heat and crowds

• Do not swim at unsafe beaches (especially Arrecifes)

• Bring enough cash

• Pack light, you’ll carry everything

• Respect park rules and nature

1 Explore Comuna 13 (With a Local Guide)

Comuna 13 has become one of Medellín’s most visited neighborhoods, known today for colorful murals, street performances, and outdoor escalators climbing steep hillsides. What makes visiting meaningful is understanding the history behind it. The neighborhood was once heavily affected by violence and isolation, and many tours are now led by local residents who share personal stories about how the community has changed. Walking through Comuna 13 today feels energetic and creative: music plays from balconies, artists paint new murals, and food vendors line the streets. However, tourism here works best when approached respectfully rather than as just a photo stop.

A guided tour makes a big difference here. Guides explain the social history behind the murals and how tourism supports local projects rather than just turning the area into a photo stop. Expect:

• street art explaining social change

• viewpoints over the city

• dance performances and local music

• small cafés and snack stalls along the route

2 Plaza Botero & Downtown Medellín

Downtown Medellín offers a completely different atmosphere from El Poblado. It feels busy, chaotic, and intensely local – which can be fascinating but also overwhelming if you’re not used to large Latin American cities.

Plaza Botero is the main highlight, home to more than 20 oversized bronze sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose distinctive style exaggerates proportions in playful and recognizable ways. Next to the plaza, the Museum of Antioquia provides insight into regional history and Colombian art, making it a worthwhile stop if you want cultural context beyond Medellín’s modern image. The surrounding streets are lively, filled with vendors, commuters, and markets, but this area requires more awareness than tourist neighborhoods.

Visit during daylight hours, keep valuables out of sight, and consider combining the visit with a guided walking tour if you want deeper historical understanding.

3 Ride the Metrocable & Visit Parque Arví

Medellín’s cable cars are part of the public transport system, not just a tourist attraction. Originally built to connect hillside communities with the city center, they became a global example of innovative urban planning. Riding the Metrocable gives you sweeping views across the valley while showing how Medellín physically connects neighborhoods once isolated from opportunity.

The easiest route for visitors is to take Metro Line A → transfer at Acevedo Station → Line K or Line L.

If you continue all the way to Parque Arví, the scenery changes quickly from urban landscape to forested highlands. The park offers walking trails, viewpoints, local markets on weekends, and noticeably cooler air compared to the city center. It’s a good escape if Medellín starts to feel intense.

4 Pueblito Paisa & Nutibara Hill

For one of the easiest panoramic views of Medellín, head to Nutibara Hill, located near the city center. At the top sits Pueblito Paisa, a small reconstruction of a traditional Antioquian village complete with a church, colorful buildings, and central plaza. While it’s somewhat touristy, the viewpoint overlooking the valley is worth the visit, especially around sunset when the city lights begin to appear. It’s a relaxed stop compared to downtown and a good way to understand the architectural style typical of rural Antioquia towns. It’s an easy taxi or Uber ride from El Poblado or Laureles and works well as a short late-afternoon activity.

You’ll also find:

• souvenir stalls

• cafés and snack vendors

• shaded walking paths around the hill

5 Barefoot Park & Parques del Río

If Medellín starts to feel noisy or overwhelming, Barefoot Park (Parque de los Pies Descalzos) offers a surprisingly calm break. Designed as an interactive public space, the park encourages visitors to slow down and literally walk barefoot through sand, grass, and shallow water features. The idea is simple: reconnect with nature and escape the pace of city life for a moment.

Nearby, Parques del Río stretches along the Medellín River with walking paths, green spaces, and modern urban design that reflects the city’s investment in public areas. Locals come here to relax, exercise, or meet friends in the evenings, giving visitors a glimpse of everyday life beyond tourist neighborhoods. It’s not a major sightseeing stop, but it’s a pleasant addition if you want to see Medellín’s softer side.

6 Food, Coffee & Rooftops in El Poblado

El Poblado is the social heart of Medellín.

Things to do here:

• café hopping in Provenza

• rooftop sunset drinks

• Colombian specialty coffee tastings

• food tours introducing regional dishes

7 Take a Day Trip to Guatapé & El Peñol

A visit to Guatapé is often the highlight of time spent in Medellín and easily one of the most beautiful day trips in Colombia. Located about two hours from the city, the town is famous for its brightly painted houses decorated with colorful bas-relief panels called zócalos, each telling stories about local traditions and daily life. The main attraction nearby is El Peñol, a massive granite rock rising dramatically above the surrounding lakes. Climbing the roughly 740 steps to the top rewards you with panoramic views over islands and waterways that almost resemble a flooded archipelago.

Most travelers combine:

• climbing El Peñol

• exploring Guatapé’s streets

• lakeside lunch or boat ride

You can visit independently by bus from Terminal Norte, but many travelers prefer an organized day tour since transport logistics are simpler and time-efficient. If you only plan one excursion from Medellín, this is the one to prioritize.

Read my Guatapé Travel Guide for details

How much time you need

Most travelers only need 2 to 3 days in Medellín to experience the city’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed. Medellín works best as a cultural stop between Colombia’s slower destinations like the Coffee Region or Caribbean coast rather than as a long standalone stay, unless you are visiting as a digital nomad or planning to base yourself in the city. A comfortable pace looks like this:

• Day 1 | Explore El Poblado or Laureles + ride the Metrocable

• Day 2 | Comuna 13 and downtown sights

• Day 3 | Day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol

How to get there

By Car | Driving to Medellín is possible but generally not recommended for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Colombian road conditions. Mountain routes include steep curves, heavy truck traffic, and changing weather conditions. Within the city, traffic congestion and limited parking can make driving stressful. If renting a car, it’s usually better for exploring the Coffee Region rather than navigating Medellín itself.

By Plane | Most travelers arrive via José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located about 45 minutes outside the city near Rionegro. Domestic flights connect Medellín with: Cartagena, Bogotá, Santa Marta, Pereira (Coffee Region), Cali. Flying is often the most practical option in Colombia due to mountainous geography and long travel times by road.

To get from the airport to the city, you can choose between the airport bus to San Diego station (budget option, great if you arrive during the day), authorized airport taxis (fixed price), Uber or ride apps (widely used), Private transfer (most comfortable for late arrivals). Expect the journey to El Poblado to take 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Bus | Long-distance buses connect Medellín to most major Colombian cities. The main terminals of Medellin are Terminal del Norte – routes to Guatapé, Bogotá, and the Caribbean coast and Terminal del Sur – routes toward southern destinations. Bus travel is affordable but can be slow due to winding mountain roads. For shorter regional journeys, buses are comfortable and reliable. For longer trips flights might be better and equally cheap. Typical travel times: Bogotá: 9-11 hours, Salento / Coffee Region: 6-8 hours, Cartagena: 12+ hours.

Getting Around Medellin

Medellín has one of the best public transport systems in Colombia, and getting around is relatively straightforward once you understand the layout.

Metro & Metrocable

The Medellín Metro is clean, efficient, and easy to use – something locals are extremely proud of. The system connects: El Poblado (via nearby stations), Laureles (short taxi connection required), downtown areas and cable cars reaching hillside neighborhoods. One fare typically includes transfers within the system. The Metrocable is both transport and sightseeing experience, offering panoramic views across the valley.

To use it:

1. Buy a rechargeable Cívica card at any metro station.

2. Load credit onto the card.

3. Tap in and out for metro and Metrocable rides.

Uber & Ride Apps

Uber, DiDi, and Cabify are widely used and often the easiest way to move between neighborhoods. They are especially useful at night, when returning to your accommodation or for reaching viewpoints or restaurants outside walking areas. Prices are generally affordable compared to Europe or North America.

Walking

Medellín is not a fully walkable city due to its size and layout, but certain neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly. Best areas for walking: El Poblado (Provenza area), Laureles, Envigado center. Avoid long walks between districts – distances are larger than they appear on maps, and not all parts are equally safe.

Local Buses & Taxis

Local buses are extensive but can be confusing for short-term visitors without Spanish skills. Street taxis are common, but using ride apps is usually simpler and avoids price negotiations.

Where to stay

Where you stay in Medellín strongly affects your experience. Medellín feels very different by neighborhood. Choosing where to stay matters more here than in most Colombian cities.

El Poblado (Best for First-Time Visitors)

The easiest and most convenient area for travelers. The neighborhood has heavy police presence and tourism infrastructure, contributing to its reputation as one of the safest areas for visitors.

Why stay here

• safest-feeling environment for newcomers

• restaurants and cafés everywhere

• easy transport access

• strong hotel infrastructure

574 Hotel (Budget) | A stylish budget-friendly option in a quiet part of El Poblado with modern rooms and excellent value for money. Ideal if you want a central location without paying boutique hotel prices. Best for solo travelers and short stays. Why I recommend it: safe location + walkable + consistently strong ratings.

Hotel bh El Poblado (Midrange) | Reliable, comfortable, and well located between Provenza and business areas. Rooms are modern and spacious, and breakfast is included. Best for first-time visitors who want comfort without luxury pricing. Why it works: calm area but still close to everything.

The Click Clack Hotel Medellin (Upscale) | One of Medellín’s trendiest boutique hotels, known for design-forward interiors, rooftop spaces, and an excellent restaurant scene. Best for boutique lovers, couples, and style-focused travelers. Why it stands out: great atmosphere without feeling like a party hotel.

Laureles (More Local Atmosphere)

Laureles feels more residential and relaxed. Still, normal big-city precautions apply, especially at night.

Good for

• slower travel

• cafés and parks

• fewer party crowds

• flatter, more walkable streets

Hotel Laureles 70 (Budget) | Simple but well-located accommodation close to restaurants and nightlife. A practical choice for travelers prioritizing value and location. Best for budget travelers wanting a local neighborhood feel.

Hotel Boutique Laureles Medellin (Midrange) | A cozy boutique stay with modern rooms and personalized service in one of Laureles’ best areas. Best for: slower travelers and digital nomads Why I like it: quieter atmosphere than El Poblado.

INNTU Hotel (Upscale) | A modern design hotel near Laureles’ Second Park featuring rooftop views, spa facilities, and stylish rooms. Best for travelers wanting comfort without El Poblado crowds.

Envigado (Quiet Alternative)

Just south of the city, Envigado offers a calmer, more local experience with restaurants and plazas popular among residents rather than tourists.

Hospedajes El Jardin (Budget) | A small, affordable stay offering a local experience at a very accessible price point. Best for slow travelers and longer stays.

Arame Hotel Envigado (Midrange) | Modern rooms, strong comfort standards, and easy metro access make this one of Envigado’s most practical hotel options. Best for travelers wanting quiet evenings but easy city access.

Safety in Medellin

Medellín is safer than its historical reputation suggests, but it still requires awareness. Millions of travelers visit each year without major issues, and authorities have increased security measures in tourist areas, including improved lighting and monitoring. However, petty theft remains common, especially phone snatching and opportunistic robberies. Research shows personal theft is the most frequent crime targeting visitors.

Practical Safety Tips

• Avoid walking alone late at night

• Use Uber after dark

• Keep phones out of sight on busy streets

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers

• Stay cautious with dating apps (incidents involving tourist targeting have increased in recent years)

A local expression you’ll hear often is: “No dar papaya.” – Don’t make yourself an easy target. For solo female travelers, Medellín is manageable with awareness but feels more like a major Latin American city than Colombia’s smaller, slower destinations.

The islands

Isla Tintipan

The largest and most beautiful San Bernardo island. It’s made up of mangroves and secluded white-sand beaches and has great coral reefs for snorkeling. I recommend staying here.

Isla Mucura

The most famous island, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Hotels privatize 80% of the island. Pick your accommodation cautiously. Punta Faro is the most upscale hotel in the archipelago.

Santa Cruz de Islote

This island stands out as one of the most densely populated islands on earth, providing a fascinating glimpse into the local community’s way of life. It is only 200 meters long and 120 meters wide. It’s hard to tell exactly how many residents there are, some say around 1200, but that’s likely to be an overestimation (a census from the mid-2010s reported the population to be 492). However, there are 97 to 115 homes with 45 permanent families in this tiny place. The whole island is concrete, and every square centimeter is used. Crazy to imagine that people actually live here. It’s interesting but…seeing it from the boat or stopping here for max half an hour is probably enough. Locals are friendly and sell popsicles to the boats that briefly stop to pick up or drop off passengers, but there isn’t much more to do here.

Isla Palma

It’s the nearest island to Rincon del Mar. The island is divided into 2 hotels. You can party here.

What to do here

For those seeking a more active adventure, the island offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing trips. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the archipelago, which includes stops at other beautiful islands in the area.

One of the most unique experiences on Isla San Bernardo is the opportunity to swim in a bioluminescent lagoon. At night, the water in the lagoon glows blue-green, creating a magical and otherworldly experience.

Note on Casa en el agua

Let’s talk a little bit about Casa en el agua, the “eco hostel on an island”. This is probably the only better known place in the archipelago among international travelers (well they do have a flashy website in English after all). I was even considering staying here because it was so hard to find anything else about the rest of the islands. Well, we did stop there on the way to and from Cartagena with the speedboat to pick up some people, and my already formulated opinion that I was very smart not to stay here further solidified when I saw the place in real life. It is really not my kind of place. Which doesn’t mean at all that it’s a bad place, or that you couldn’t have fun here.

Just don’t stay there because you feel like  there are no other options – there are! It is very feasible to get to other islands on the archipelago and you will have enough things to do and you can organize your own trip. However, the islands have a very different feel. They are calm, with few people who generally keep to themselves and relax and enjoy nature all day. It’s very unlikely you’ll get your party fix there, so if company is rather what you’re looking for, go for Casa en el agua for sure!

How to get there

From Cartagena | From Cartagena directly, you embark on a roughly two-hour boat journey from the Muelle de la Bodeguita dock. These boats typically set sail between 8 and 10 am. Keep in mind, the ride can be choppy, and there are luggage weight restrictions to watch out for. Upon arrival at the docks of your chosen island, further arrangements may be necessary to reach your accommodation, such as a short walk or an additional boat hire. Return trips to Cartagena usually commence around noon from Isla Múcura’s public pier​ as the first stop. When I traveled to Isla Tintipan there was essentially one speedboat operator running, Tranq it Easy. There is only one daily departure, so it’s very important to book the boat trip with them (or other operators if available), because hotels don’t guarantee your getting there – I heard about people who had to miss a night on the islands because the boat was full. The price is about 300k COP, it isn’t cheap (compared to Colombian prices), but it’s worth it. You can very easily book this trip online.

From Tolú | It is a cheaper but much longer journey. It might make a lot of sense to stay in the area of Rincon del Mar once you travel that far south, another hidden gem of tranquil seaside living in Colombia. There is a bus from Cartagena to Tolú (about 5 hours 20 min), and there is only one boat per day (40 min) that leaves from Tolú to the islands at 8:30 (so you’d need to spend the night in Tolú).

Tip | You can only pay by cash on the islands (except a few hotels). The sea is rough from December to April.

Go classic

Playa Blanca (on Isla Baru)

Playa Blanca is the quintessential Cartagena escapade as a day trip to the celebrated Isla Baru and its sun-kissed shores (Playa Blanca and Isla Baru are one and the same—a fact not immediately apparent to all visitors). Now accessible by road, this island escape is perfect  when you’re starting to crave a relief from the scorching heat of Cartagena. While weekends and peak seasons see a heavy surge of sun-seekers, a mid-week visit can reward you with a relatively more serene beach day, but beware – even on those days, this is not your secluded Caribbean island getaway or pristine nature experience. Playa Blanca is famous, easy and quick to reach and offers all imaginable comforts, so it is not surprisingly a crowd magnet, especially for local tourists and day trippers. And they demand the beer flowing and the beat pumping at max volume.

How to get there?

Independently

On land | Begin with a bus ride from Cartagena to Pasacaballos. Buses depart from the corner of Calle 30 and Carrera 17 and the ride takes about 30 minutes. After reaching Pasacaballos, you can hire a moto-taxi to take you the rest of the way to Playa Blanca. The moto-taxi journey should last about 20-30 minutes and may cost up to COP 10,000 that you might be able to negotiate.

By boat | For a faster route, you can opt for a speedboat from Cartagena’s port in the Old Town. This trip takes roughly 30 minutes. Speedboats can also be accessed from Mercado Bazurto, but it’s advisable to get there between 8-9am to secure a spot, and you might have to wait for the boat to fill up before departing. Prices for a one-way trip range from COP 20,000 to 40,000, and the return boats generally leave around 2-3 pm​.

Overnight | Consider staying beachside overnight at a local hostel to experience Playa Blanca’s tranquil after-hours, it will be a very different experience from the day crowd!

Half organized

Shuttle | Alternatively, streamlined shuttle services via platforms like Bookaway provide a happy medium between autonomy and convenience.

Fully organized

Standard boat tour | As the most convenient option, you can choose a day-trip package – you will be promoted with these walking around on the streets of Cartagena whether you’re interested or not 😀 You can opt for a VIP experience with early pickup and a day-long retreat at a beach club, complete with amenities and lunch, or a boat tour zigzagging through neighboring isles, including Isla Grande and Islas de Rosario, with snorkeling opportunities aplenty.

Tip: When you are there and want a bit more peace, all you have to do is walk a little bit – surprisingly few people do this, so a brief stroll along the beach unveils quieter, more secluded spots.

Where to stay

Staying overnight completely changes the Playa Blanca experience. Once the day-trip boats leave, the beach becomes calmer, sunsets feel magical, and mornings are surprisingly peaceful. Here are some great recommendations:

Cabañas Playa Blanca (budget) | Simple beachfront cabins offering direct access to the sand and a relaxed backpacker atmosphere. Best for budget travelers and short overnight stays. Expect basic comfort, fan rooms and an unbeatable location.

Nena Beach & Hotel (midrange) | A comfortable beach hotel with private loungers, restaurant service, and more structure than the typical Playa Blanca accommodation. Best for travelers wanting comfort without losing the beach vibe Why it works: good balance between affordability and amenities.

Cabaña Coral Azul (upscale) | One of the more refined stays on Playa Blanca, offering quieter surroundings and a more boutique feel compared to the party-heavy central beach area. Best for couples or travelers wanting a calmer overnight escape.

Go deeper

Islas Rosario

If Playa Blanca sounds like a bit too much, maybe an escape to the Rosario Islands is more to your liking. A breathtaking archipelago a little further, but still an easy boat ride from bustling Cartagena. Unlike the popular Playa Blanca, which many mistakenly believe is part of this chain, the Rosario Islands has had a national park status since 1988, so it is more protected and natural, although not all of its islands – depends on where you are. Some of the 28 islands are actual nature areas, some are open to the public, and some are even owned by wealthy Colombians. Isla Grande and Isla del Rosario are the primary hubs for tourists.

How to get there

Just like with Isla Baru, the options for visiting are numerous.

Independently

By boat | Your only option to reach Islas Rosario will be by boat. You can either take a speed boat or a slow boat. The speed boat (lancha rapida) journey takes about 45-60 min while the slow boat takes about an hour and a half. All boats leave from El Muelle La Bodeguita and it’s best to arrive for an early departure before 9 am. A one-way ticket from Cartagena to Isla Grande costs 50,000 COP + 18,500 COP for port fees.  Make sure you tell them where you’re going on the islands so you get dropped off at the right point, and note that the last public boat leaves at 10 a.m. You can buy your return transport in advance, this probably makes sense for day trippers as it means a bit less hassle. However, you can use any company to get back, there are no discounts for round trips, so you can also decide later (just note the last departure time not to get stuck).

Half organized

Resort shuttle | You can also choose to do as many Colombians and use one of the resort shuttle boats (if you plan on using (and paying for) their facilities while on the island). This makes sense if you are planning on a comfortable, hassle-free day trip and prefer to have full facilities and don’t mind more people around.

Fully organized

Standard boat tour | For a hassle-free experience, it’s possible to join a tour like this popular and highly-rated option that includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, and national park fees, making it a stress-free experience. Because lots of tours follow this route, you will be sharing the beach with many other people and the other tourists on your boat.

Catamaran day trip | You can have a beautiful experience on a catamaran trip sailing with the wind with the opportunity to snorkel and swim in the water. It’s important to note that while you will see the islands from a distance, you won’t actually step on them.

Private boat tour | Of course you’ll have the most freedom with this option, but it is also the most expensive. You’ll get to go off the beaten track, stopping at beautiful, remote islands without crowds – a dream!

Overnight | There are very few hotels on the islands, but spending a night is well worth the money, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the islands almost completely free of people once the boat tours leave, offering an intimate experience of island life. You can hike around, visit harder to reach beaches and even see glowing plankton at night at the Enchanted Lagoon on Isla Grande.

Where to stay

Accommodation here ranges from eco-lodges to boutique island resorts. Staying overnight is highly recommended if your budget allows – the islands feel completely different after tour boats depart.

Hotel Cocoliso Island Resort (budget) | A lively island stay popular with Colombian travelers, offering pools, beach access, and organized activities. Best for social atmosphere and value stays. Vibe: relaxed resort energy rather than secluded luxury.

Rosario de Mar Ecohotel By Tequendama (midrange) | An eco-focused hotel surrounded by nature with direct sea access and snorkeling opportunities. Best for nature lovers and slower travel. Why I recommend it: feels immersed in the national park environment.

Coralina Island (upscale) |A beautiful boutique island retreat known for excellent food, stylish design, and a peaceful atmosphere. Best for honeymoon vibes or special stays. Highlight: quiet beaches and elevated dining experience. An alternative upscale option is Hotel Isla del Sol for a classic private-island resort feel.

Go intrepid

Islas San Bernardo

Islas Rosario is still not secluded enough? Then this is your option to go with. The San Bernardo archipelago is a true hidden gem in Colombia that most tourists haven’t even heard about. The Islas San Bernardo is a group of ten coral islands nestled in the Gulf of Morrosquillo in the Caribbean Sea, roughly 80 km (50 miles) south of Cartagena. The archipelago forms part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Park, highlighting the importance of its marine and coral ecosystems. Of the 10 islands, only a few are accessible for visitors​. If you are interested, read my detailed guide about Islas San Bernardo.

Where to stay

The San Bernardo islands are far away that it doesn’t really make sense to not stay overnight. There are limited options, but some great gems do exist here.

Hotel Isla Mucura (budget) | One of the most accessible stays in the archipelago with beachfront cabins and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Best for travelers wanting remote islands without luxury prices.

Eco Hotel Punta Norte (midrange) | This is where I stayed and recommend it a lot! This hotel offers exactly what many travelers imagine when dreaming about a hidden Caribbean escape: wooden cabins surrounded by palm trees, turquoise water steps away, and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from Cartagena’s crowds. Located on Isla Tintipán, the hotel focuses on sustainability and simplicity rather than luxury, which makes the experience feel authentic and intimate. Why I loved staying here: quiet beaches without day-trip crowds, relaxed, community-style dinners – no menu, always the fresh catch of the day ;), beautiful sunsets and slow island mornings, easy access to snorkeling and nearby islands. Days here naturally fall into a rhythm of swimming, reading in hammocks, and watching the colors of the Caribbean change throughout the day. Best for slow travelers, couples, and anyone wanting a true off-grid island experience.

Hotel Punta Faro (upscale) | The most refined accommodation in the San Bernardo Islands, offering white-sand beaches, excellent service, and a tranquil atmosphere. Best for a true Caribbean escape away from crowds. Vibe: barefoot luxury without pretension.

2 Hike

The other big thing to do here is hiking. The way to and from Sapzurro is actually a pretty good day activity, if you come from Capurgana, you can even extend your hike and continue all the way to La Miel. On top of this, from Capurgana you can hike to El Cielo, a nature reserve celebrated for its picturesque waterfall and crystal-clear river – keep your eyes peeled for monkeys and toucans along the way​.

3 Cross into Panama on foot

For an unforgettable day trip, trek to Sapzurro and then across the border into Panama to find La Miel beach, a serene spot perfect for relaxation​​. Since this is a border crossing, take your passport with you (the guards at the checkpoint only look at it and note the number, you will not get a stamp). There are facilities next to the beach, you can have lunch here and pay in USD or COP.

4 See turtles

This is a seasonal activity, but you could even have a chance to witness leatherback turtles laying their eggs in Acandi during the Easter period, a truly remarkable sight​. 

How to get there

Journeying to Capurganá and Sapzurro is an adventure in itself, a prelude to the serene beauty that awaits. There are no roads to these remote Colombian havens, making the trip there part of the experience.

By bus or plane + boat | Boats are integral to this journey. Whether you pick the longest option from Turbo (3h 10.000 COP), the larger ferries from Necoclí (2 h for 70.000 COP) or the smaller lanchas from Acandí (1h for 40.000 COP), expect to be greeted by the vastness of the ocean and a sense of leaving the modern world behind​. Either way you’ll have to get to these places to take the boats. You can either take a bus from Medellín (8h to Turbo for 60.000 COP, 9h to Necoclí for 50.000 COP) or  fly from Medellín’s Olaya Herrera Airport to the coastal town of Acandí with airlines like Latam and Avianca.

By plane | In high season you can book a direct flight to Medellín, with Grupo San German or Searca (which operates charter flights). I took the former to fly to Medellín, but it seems like they are not operating at the moment.

By boat from Panama | This is quite another story…if you are coming from Panama you probably end up in Capurgana because you chose the adventurous option of slowly crossing the Panamanian indigenous (Guna Yala) islands, either by sailboat or speedboat. You can read about this crossing in this detailed post. Make sure to dedicate a few days in Capurgana / Sapzurro upon arrival, especially in high season when the sea can be rough. My group was stranded in Capurgana for 3 days, actually not because of the weather but because the computer of the immigration office was malfunctioning and they confiscated our passports and told us to wait :’D. This is how there is a gap of 3 days between my exit stamp in Panama and my entry stamp in Colombia. So as you see, anything can happen here!

Traveling between the two towns

Once in Capurganá, to reach Sapzurro, you again have two options. The most straightforward is to take a local boat (lancheros) from Capurganá’s dock, which offers a very short ride along the coast. These boats typically require a minimum of 3 or 4 passengers and are very cheap (10.000 COP) and take a few minutes. If you require an early (or late) start at a time when nobody else wants to go, you can always ask any local – they will find you someone to take you over, albeit for a much higher price of course.

You can also do the 2 hour hike through the jungle. This is not a simple road connecting the two towns, you actually have to hike, so taking all your luggage with you is only an option if you are relatively fit. The hike is not so hard and beautiful (going through lush rainforest, with glimpses on the Caribbean coast down below), but it is very hot and humid, so go prepared.