Colombia’s Caribbean Coast in 8 Days – From Cartagena to Santa Marta

Colombia holds a special place in my heart. The people, the culture, and the country’s complex history leave a deep impression on anyone who spends real time here. Truth be told, your journey might even begin more by chance than by plan, that’s exactly how it happened for me. Back when I was doing an internship in Dublin, a friend introduced me to Workaway, and what started as a spontaneous idea turned into four and a half unforgettable months. I ended up in the Boyacá region, working with two local institutes where I taught English and German, and those months gave me a real insight into Colombia beyond the headlines, its warmth, its rhythm, and the everyday magic hidden in small moments. My journey along Colombia’s Caribbean coast marked the end of that chapter, a farewell to a country that quietly becomes part of you. The following eight days take you from the colonial charm of Cartagena to the wild beauty of Tayrona National Park and the relaxed pace of Santa Marta, and hopefully these impressions will give you a glimpse into why this coast is so special and maybe even inspire you to experience it for yourself.

Day 1 – First Impressions and Caribbean Vibes

Cartagena greets you with a wave of warm, humid air the moment you step off the plane. There is no slow build up, you are straight in the Caribbean. The airport itself is small and easy to get through, though even after a short flight from Bogotá, that first breath of sticky heat hits different. Outside, things can get a bit more chaotic. You might be tempted to order an Uber, only to realise they are not allowed to enter the airport area. After a few confused minutes, you will figure out that you have to meet them a short walk away from the terminal. Once you know where to go, it is easy enough. Rides are cheap, around ten dollars, and save you from haggling in the heat.

After checking into your hotel, Airbnb or wherever you are staying and taking a moment to settle in, it is time to head out and get your first real taste of Cartagena. The historic centre feels like a movie set someone forgot to pack away, with pastel coloured houses, flower filled balconies, cobblestone streets and music drifting from every corner. Start at the Cathedral in the heart of the city, wander through the Palacio de la Inquisición and stroll along the old city walls with views of the Caribbean shimmering in the sun. Just be prepared to get approached a lot. Hats, bracelets, football jerseys, you name it. Bargaining is part of the fun here, as long as you keep it light. You might even find yourself in funny situations. Once, while sitting outside an English pub, a street vendor started chatting up a friend of mine. He talked and talked until eventually she gave in and bought something, and of course the next one showed up right after. It was pretty funny to watch and a good reminder of how the street hustle works around here.

As the sun sets, Cartagena changes its rhythm. The heat softens, the sky glows gold and rooftop bars fill with people. Café del Mar is touristy but classic, while Alquímico offers creative cocktails and a lively mix of locals and travellers. Nights in Cartagena can be vibrant and sometimes a bit wild, so just use common sense, stay in busy areas, walk with confidence and politely decline anything that feels off. Your first day here is not about ticking off every sight, it is about soaking in the atmosphere. Sit in a café, listen to the music and watch the street life unfold. Cartagena is not a checklist, it is a mood, and this first day sets the tone perfectly.

Day 2 – Island Life, Boat Delays and the Real Caribbean Vibe

After a full day of wandering Cartagena’s colourful old town, day two is all about slowing down and soaking up the Caribbean at its best. The city beaches aren’t exactly spectacular, but the nearby islands more than make up for it with white sand, turquoise water and a laid-back rhythm that instantly slows you down. You might want to keep it simple and head to Isla Tierra Bomba, a small island just fifteen minutes away that feels like a completely different world.

Getting there is part of the adventure. You don’t really book anything in advance, you just walk down to the jetty at Playas El Laguito near Castillo Grande Hospital and talk to the guys offering boat rides. There are no fixed prices, so bargaining is part of the deal. Aim for around fifteen dollars per person for a round trip and make sure your return journey is confirmed before you leave. The boat ride over is easy enough, but getting back can turn into its own little story.

When you are ready to leave, the beach might be full of boats, just not yours. The guy who brought you over could be off on another tour, and since each boat usually only takes back the people it dropped off, you might suddenly find yourself stuck. If that happens, don’t worry. Ask around, stay patient, and someone will help you sort it out. You will make it back fine. Lesson learned: before heading out, make sure you agree on the return time or confirm that any boat can take you back. Once that is settled, you can relax, grab a drink and enjoy the island vibes. Swimming in clear water, lying under palm trees and watching life unfold at its own slow pace feels like the essence of the Caribbean. If you come to Cartagena, skip the city beaches and hop on a boat, a little flexibility goes a long way out here.

Day 3 – White Sands, Turquoise Water and a Few Lessons in Patience

After two days of exploring Cartagena and nearby spots, day three is all about slowing down again and soaking up the Caribbean dream. The city beaches aren’t exactly spectacular, so you might want to head further out to the places everyone talks about when they picture Colombia’s coast. Playa Blanca on Isla Barú and the Rosario Islands both promise turquoise water, soft white sand and a vibe that makes you forget the city even exists.

Booking a boat tour in advance at the harbour is a smart move. Most trips include transport, lunch and sometimes snorkeling, and the ride itself is already an experience. Skimming over clear blue water with the wind in your face and the city fading behind you feels like the start of a proper holiday. Once you arrive, everything slows down to island pace with swimming, sunbathing and fresh fish grilled right on the beach. It is simple, but that is exactly the point. Of course, nothing runs on a strict schedule here. Boats do not always leave when they say they will, lunch might take a bit longer and time just works differently. At first it might test your patience, but after a while you will catch yourself smiling, this is the Caribbean, not a calendar. The best thing you can do is let go and go with the flow.

Back in Cartagena in the evening, grab dinner near the old town and end the day with a cocktail on a rooftop terrace, watching the lights flicker over the city. After a day like this, you do not need much more, just a breeze, a drink and the feeling that you have seen a little piece of paradise.

Day 4 – On the Road to Santa Marta

After a few great days in Cartagena, it is time to move on. The plan is to head further up the coast to Santa Marta, about six hours away depending on traffic. Booking your tickets with Berlinas, one of the more reliable bus companies, is a good choice. Grab an Uber to the terminal, but make sure to check in advance which station your bus leaves from since there are a few and you do not want to end up at the wrong one.

Once you are on the road, the ride is surprisingly comfortable. The air conditioning can get a bit too cold, so a sweater comes in handy, and the stops along the way are quick and efficient. The route takes you through Barranquilla, which you could visit for a night, but honestly, you can skip it. The real charm of the coast waits further east.

Arriving in Santa Marta can feel a bit overwhelming at first. The moment you step off the bus, taxi drivers surround you, calling out prices and offers. Hardly anyone speaks English, so it helps to have your destination written down or pinned on your phone. A good option is to head straight to Taganga, a small fishing village just twenty minutes away. Another Uber, a winding coastal road, and suddenly the chaos fades into sea views and evening light.

By the time you check in, the sun will already be dropping behind the hills. Find a table at a beachside restaurant, order fresh fish and a cold beer, and let the day end the way every travel day should, tired, hungry, happy and right by the water.

Day 5 – Slow Living in Taganga

After the long journey from Cartagena, Taganga feels like a deep breath out. No rush, no noise, just the sound of the waves and the slow rhythm of village life. Start the day at Playa de Taganga, a small bay framed by green hills where time seems to move differently. The beach is not fancy, but that is exactly its charm, a few boats bobbing on the water, locals chatting under umbrellas and a handful of travellers stretched out in the sun.

If you did not bring any shade, do not worry. One of the local women will find you before you have even unpacked your towel. For a few pesos she will set up an umbrella and chairs, and that is you sorted for the day. Food and drinks come straight to your spot too. A quick wave and someone from the restaurant behind you appears with cold beer, fried fish or even a fresh mojito. There is no need to move unless you want to. The promenade is small but has everything you might need, beach gear, snacks, sunscreen and the occasional souvenir. Most of the day slips by easily between swims, naps and people watching.

By evening, the heat softens and the bay glows orange in the sunset. Grab dinner at one of the beachside restaurants, fresh seafood as always, and stay for a few drinks while the fishing boats drift in. It is the kind of place where nothing happens quickly and everything feels exactly right.

Day 6 – A Day at Playa Grande

You start the day with the sound of waves outside and decide it is time to explore Playa Grande, Taganga’s most popular beach just around the bay. From the small jetty, boats leave throughout the morning, and for a few dollars they will take you on a short ride along the rugged coastline. It is only ten to fifteen minutes, but with the sea breeze and the view of the cliffs behind you, it feels like the perfect way to start the day.

If you are up for a bit more adventure, you can also hike there. The path climbs above the bay and winds along the cliffs, offering wide views over the Caribbean. It takes about an hour, and under the midday sun it can feel longer than that, so bring water and sunscreen if you go this route. Playa Grande itself is exactly what the name promises, a wide stretch of golden sand backed by forested hills. It is livelier than Taganga, with beach bars playing music, families swimming and locals serving fresh fish straight from the grill. Find a quiet spot under a palm tree, order lunch from one of the restaurants behind you and settle in for the day. The phone signal here comes and goes, but honestly, that is part of the charm. It is the kind of place where you forget to check the time, where the hours drift by between swims, naps and cold beers in the shade.

By late afternoon, when the sun starts to dip and the beach begins to empty, catch a boat back to Taganga. The ride is calm, the sea turning gold in the evening light. Back in the village, end the day the way most do here, dinner by the water, a drink in hand and nowhere else to be.

Day 7 – Soaking Up the Charm of Santa Marta

After a few slow days by the sea, it is time to swap the calm of Taganga for the energy of Santa Marta. The drive back along the coast is short, and by mid-morning you will be checking into your accommodation in the city, ready to explore. Santa Marta’s historic centre is full of life, a colourful mix of colonial architecture, shaded plazas and the kind of street scenes that make you want to slow down and just take it all in. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with pastel facades, old churches and cafés spilling out onto the sidewalks, each corner buzzing with music, conversation and the scent of fresh arepas.

It is an easy city to enjoy without a plan. Drift from square to square, step into the shade when the heat gets heavy and eventually find a small café for lunch where the fish is fresh and the fruit juice colder than anything else you have had all week. In the afternoon, treat yourself to gelato at Gnam Gelato Italiano, a spot the locals swear by, and they are right, it is the perfect way to cool down in the Caribbean heat.

As evening rolls in, the city seems to exhale. Lights come on, the streets fill again and Santa Marta’s nightlife takes over. Find a rooftop bar with views over the city, order cocktails and watch the sky fade from gold to deep blue. There is something about these Caribbean evenings, the music, the warmth, the laughter in the air, that makes it hard to call it a night. On your last evening here, let it all sink in slowly, one final reminder of how much charm and character this coast has to offer.

Day 8 – Farewell to the Caribbean Coast

On the last day, it was hard to say goodbye to an unforgettable time in Colombia, and of course eight days felt far too short. Every place along the way deserved more time. There is still so much more to see and do, from discovering more corners of Cartagena to exploring the full beauty of Tayrona National Park if you enjoy hiking, and in Santa Marta two days are definitely not enough to fully take in the city’s charm. This was just my route, but if you have the time and the desire, I would truly recommend staying longer in each spot. My farewell to Colombia was as charming as the country itself, at the small and peaceful airport in Santa Marta right by the Caribbean, which made saying goodbye on my flight to Panama City even harder.