10 Enjoyable Things To Do In Palomino Colombia & How To Get There

Are you an adventurous backpacker or looking to destress in a tranquil place? This wonderful city in South America may just be your cup of tea. This article will give an overview of this idyllic destination and why the next item on your bucket list should be Palomino Colombia.

Palomino’s intriguing and picturesque village on the northern coast of Colombia is just a little distance from Santa Marta. This little beach town is located at the start of the Guajira Peninsula and is slowly becoming a popular tourist spot.

If you are a backpacker cruising through the northern Caribbean coast, your adventure cannot be complete without a trip to Palomino. It may be a breath of fresh air after you have endured the scorching heat of the La Guajira desert or spent time in the happening city of Santa Marta.

The serene beaches and the laidback hippy vibe of the town will convince many to visit. Palomino’s pleasures and activities range from its pristine, white sand beaches, which are ideal for sunbathing and surfing, river tubing trips across the two-kilometer-long Playa Palomino, treks across wildlife sanctuaries, and more. 

Read on for some travel tips to Palomino, how you can get there and how to make the most out of your trip to make it the journey of a lifetime. 

How To Get to Palomino Colombia?

If you’re traveling to Palomino from Cartagena or Santa Marta, your best bet is to catch a bus. Alternatively, you can get private transportation or charter a van if traveling in a group. 

As a small town, it does not have an airport of its own. If you are traveling from a far-off place, you may need to book a flight to Santa Marta or Cartagena and travel by road to Palomino. 

Reach Palomino From Cartagena

If you want to travel to Palomino from Cartagena, you can catch a direct or semi-direct bus to the town. You may get a bus from the main bus terminal or other bus companies like Marsol or Berlinas. 

Cartagena is around 184 miles (296 kilometers) away, and it will take 5 hours and 30 minutes to get to Palomino via bus. Direct buses from Marsol leave at 6 am and 10 am, and a one-way ticket costs around 80,000 Colombian pesos or 18 US dollars.

Alternatively, it will take around 4 hours and 20 minutes to get there if you travel by taxi, but it will cost you around 360,000 COP ($81) one way. So, the bus is a cheaper option.

Reach Palomino From Santa Marta

Santa Marta is almost 49 miles (79 km) from Palomino, and it will take you around 1.5 hours via bus to get there. A one-way bus ticket will cost around 12,000 COP ($2.70) to get to Palomino. 

You can also choose to hail a taxi to get there. It may cost you around 150,000 COP ($33.80), but consider negotiating the rates before settling.

Reach Palomino From Riohacha

Riohacha is located at a distance of around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Palomino, and the quickest way to get to Palomino from there is via taxi. Still, one way will cost you between 71,000 COP ($16) and 90,000 COP ($20.28). 

However, a bus is cheaper and will cost you around 27,000 COP ($6.08). 

10 Best Things To Do in Palomino Colombia 

Here are 10 of the most popular activities tourists like when in Palomino. 

1. Try Tubing at the Palomino River

Tubing is one of the most popular activities on the Palomino River. If you are wondering what it is, tubing simply means floating on a jungle river in a big inflated tube. You will see piles of inflated tires throughout the village in various shops.

If the activity interests you, you can book it from anywhere at the cost of 40,000 COP ($9) per person. There are various starting points for tubing. You may have to ride a bike for some, while for others, you may need to hop on a motorbike or a truck.

2. Check Out the Quebrada Valencia Waterfalls

If you have visited Minca before visiting Palomino, you may have visited the beautiful waterfalls there. You can visit another group of breathtaking waterfalls in Palomino: the Quebrada Valencia, located near the town. Check these out if you want to cool off in the water.

3. Watch the Famous Palomino Sunset or Sunrise

Watching the Palomino sunrises and sunsets is a popular tourist activity. The sheer beauty of the surroundings at those times is guaranteed to take your breath away. 

If you want to indulge in the experience, head out to the beach late in the evening or early morning to see the hype.

If you go in the evening, you can stick around a little longer and gaze at the starry night. 

4. Enjoy the Beaches

Being in a coastal city and not spending time at the beaches is incomprehensible. Palomino beaches may pale compared to the other beautiful beaches of Colombia, but if you want to dip your feet in the cool, relaxing water or take nice photos, it is the place to be.

The beach is within walking distance and not very far from downtown, and a walk on the sand along the tall palm trees may be refreshing for the mind. If you want to swim in the water, beware of the strong currents and waves.

Palomino beaches tend to get very crowded during the tourist season, particularly between December and February. If you want to avoid the crowds, head to Playa Los Cocos, Coco Beach, a small beach on the other side of the Palomino River. Watch out for strong currents as you need to walk through the river mouth to get to the beach.

5. Learn How to Surf

On high-tide Palomino days, surfing is the best thing to do at the beach. You will find various locals on the beach offering surfing lessons or rentals. If the conditions allow it, you can enjoy a decent time learning how to surf and trying your hand at it.

6. Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos (Flamingo-Watching)

You may see signs for flamenco attractions throughout the village. These signs point to a day tour to the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos to watch the flamingos. The reserve is almost an hour away near Camarones.

You may be taken on a boat, where you may get a chance to watch the beautiful wild flamingos in their natural surroundings. 

7. Enjoy Local and International Cuisine

Palomino is home to great restaurants and cafes where you can find a variety of local and foreign cuisine. You will find plenty if you are a foodie or looking for reasonable food options. 

Whether you want a Colombia arepa, ceviche, a casual sandwich, a burger, or are in the mood for some fried fish, you can have it all.

Since the area has become quite popular among tourists, you will find plenty of options in terms of international cuisines too. There are quite a few restaurants on Carrera 6a, the main road leading to the Playa Palomino, where you can find good food options.

Some good restaurants include Casa Cocotte, Barba Beach Arabic or the Prima Luna, and La Frontera Pizzeria if you want some delicious pizza and refreshing lemonade.

8. Try Your Hand at Kitesurfing

Since it generally remains windy in Palomino, another great activity you can try is kitesurfing. 

If you are interested, the best place to learn is at a school on the main road leading down to the beach, opposite the Barba Beach Arabic restaurant.

9. Visit the Tayrona National Park

The Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most prominent tourist destinations; if you have not visited it yet, you can easily do it while in Palomino. The Parque Tayrona is almost 27 miles (43 km) away from Palomino, and it will take you around 45 minutes to drive there.

This place is home to many endangered wildlife species, including jaguars and cotton-top tamarin. Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore one of the most biodiverse parks in Colombia.

10. Enjoy the Palomino Nightlife

Palomino is a very popular destination for backpackers and young tourists; a major reason is the vibrant Palomino nightlife. After a good visit to the beach or exploring the various sites around or outside Palomino, you can hit a bar or restaurant to enjoy a drink, some live music, and dancing to have a perfect end to the day.

The bars usually close by 11, but people take the party to the beach afterward. There are bamboo bars along the beach, and you can enjoy 2 or 3 cocktails for around 15,000 COP ($3.38).

Where To Stay in Palomino Colombia?

The small village of Palomino offers numerous economical accommodation options for tourists, specifically backpackers. 

If you are here for a short while and want to spend most of your time on the beach, it makes sense to find a hostel nearby. We have drawn a list of some of the best hotels and hostels in Palomino that you may consider when planning a trip:

• Dreamer’s Hostel: Dreamer’s is a hostel chain operating in various destinations. Their branch in Palomino comes highly recommended if you are looking for a great hostel option. 
• Makao Beach Hotel: Makao Beach Hotel offers great value for money. With its own private beach and facilities for various activities, it is highly popular with tourists. 
• El Zoo Hostel and Pool: El Zoo Hostel and Pool is only 8 minutes away from the beach and the town. It has a lively bar, garden, volleyball or badminton court, and a nice pool. They offer private rooms and shared dormitories, perfect for any tourist.
• Palomino Sunrise Hotel: The Palomino Sunrise Hotel is located only 500m from the beach. The hotel offers various options ranging from exclusive to dormitory accommodations.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips for Enjoying Your Stay in Palomino, Colombia

The small but beautiful Palomino has become a popular stopover for backpackers and tourists who like to come here for a respite from the crowded and modernized bigger cities. 

If you are also planning a small side trip to Palomino, here are a few tips to help make your trip comfortable. 

• The best time to visit Palomino is from December to March, as the weather remains sunny with hardly any rain. However, the place can get pretty crowded with tourists who have the same idea.
• You may also want to make your hotel booking in advance, especially if you are traveling during the busy season.
• Pack light and comfortable clothing for the trip since it will be mostly hot and humid. 
• Remember to pack swimming gear, sunscreen, a bug-repellant, a hat, and a beach towel if you plan to relax on the beach.
• The waves can get rough, and the water current becomes strong and erratic in windy weather. You need to be a great swimmer to master such tides; in any case, it is advised to be very careful.
• There are hardly any ATMs in the area. Remember to bring cash to Palomino.
• Most of the streets are uncleaned, so there is a lot of dust. It is something to be wary of if you have allergies.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Palomino Colombia

Is It Safe To Travel to Palomino, Colombia?

Palomino is a very safe place. It is very small, and there is little to no crime.

What Is Palomino Colombia Known For?

Palomino is a backpackers’ haven known for its laid-back ambiance, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and exciting nightlife. 

Is Palomino Colombia Expensive?

The price ranges for various things like food and accommodation vary widely. Since it is becoming a popular tourist spot, you may find prices on the higher side, but low-range options are also available. 

Can You Drink the Water in Palomino?

It is recommended to drink filtered water and avoid tap water in Palomino. 

Conclusion – Palomino Colombia

While the marvels of nature, the sea, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, flora, and fauna, surrounds Palomino, you are also close to more urban pleasures, such as restaurants, swimming pools, and bars.

Travel to Palomino and experience for yourself why this destination is worth visiting. We hope that this article convinces you as much. Happy wandering! 

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