The Solo Traveler’s Guide to Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Bathed in sun and rich in culture, Colombia’s dramatic Caribbean coastline is a solo traveler’s paradise, whether you’re a veteran globetrotter or a newbie. Between its dense, untouched jungles, barren deserts and historic cities, it is one of the most colorful regions of Colombia. You’ll have ample opportunities to meet up with like-minded people – it’s got a buzzing hostel scene and a whole host of outdoor activities.

Make your first stop Cartagena, a sophisticated walled colonial city where time stands still. Next, head off to the Rosario Islands, where you’ll fill your days swimming, fishing and snorkeling. Moving east brings you to Santa Marta, to hike Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, a protected area blessed with tropical rainforests and coral reefs. Rest up in the small town of Palomino and take a surf session or two, before exploring the unfrequented and underrated La Guajira department. From Riohacha, take a 4×4 to a desert oasis, and practise sandboarding or kitesurfing on remote sand dunes.

There’s a range of accommodation. For privacy, opt for a private room in a mid-range guesthouse or upgrade to a luxurious eco-resort. If you want to meet other travelers, use hostels. The coast has a thriving and social hostel scene, offering amenities such as co-working spaces, wellness classes and nightly events to help you mingle with other guests. For a truly unique stay, book a bed at the Casa en el Agua. Only accessible by boat, this floating hostel is surrounded by dazzling Caribbean waters.

There’s far more to do than you could cram into a single trip, so you’ll definitely want to visit again or prolong your stay. However long, or brief, your trip, we’ve picked our three top must-trys.

Discover the colonial architecture and cobbled alleyways of Cartagena

Steeped in history, the walled city of Cartagena is just one of the highlights to explore along the coast. Spend the day discovering ancient forts and castles, then ducking into restaurants and museums to escape the heat. It’s easy to spend a few days in this vibrant, colorful city: take a boat to the nearby beaches, discover emerging hip neighborhoods, including Getsemaní, or tour the traditional fishing village of La Boquilla. At night, the city comes alive – the perfect time to discover some of Colombia’s best dining and its electric nightlife, which will keep you up until sunrise.

Island hop around the white-sand beaches of the Rosario Islands

Comprising 20 or so small coral outcrops, the pristine Rosario Islands are all yours – just a boat hop from Cartagena, which is about 100km (62mi) to the northeast. Consider taking a tour to really get a feel for the islands – most day trips include a stop at Playa Blanca, a clamored-for beach with glaringly white sand. Book with a tour agency or see it independently with a ticket from the offices at the Muelle de la Bodeguita port in Cartagena.

Hike through the jungle-clad Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is where the tropical rainforest and mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. Backed by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this 12,140ha (30,000 acre) park is home to ruins, mangroves, reefs and palm-trimmed beaches, each with their own personality. Some are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, such as Arenillas and La Piscina beaches. There are several hiking routes in the park, with waterfalls and diverse wildlife – bring binoculars.

A guided hike is part of Culture Trip’s specially curated 8-day Colombian Caribbean trip. Led by a Local Insider, it includes a trek through the jungles of the park, with a stop at Cabo San Juan beach for lunch and a swim.

The most comfortable option for solo traveler’s is a private driver, but don’t rule out tourist shuttles. That said, they take the same amount of time as local buses – the most affordable option, these are just as reliable but can get overcrowded.

Vendors on the beaches can sometimes be pretty relentless. It’s best to be firm but polite – always ask the price of something upfront, and always decline free food or a free massage to avoid getting tricked into a purchase. Because of the strong currents and riptides, only swim in areas that are designated as safe.

Haggling is common, but offer a fair price and don’t overdo it. Around Cartagena, be prepared to give some cash during photo ops – a photo with a Palenquera isn’t free and a small tip is expected. Costeños are friendly, so saying “hello” before jumping right into business goes a long way.

Prefer to explore Colombia’s Caribbean Coast with like-minded travellers? Join our eight-day adventure Paradise Found: a Taste of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, led by a Local Insider, which includes canoeing through mangrove forests, discovering the street food of Cartagena and visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas.