Palomino, Colombia: Pristine Caribbean Beaches, River Tubing Thrills, and a Close Call with Theft
Even as we boarded the bus to Palomino, doubts lingered about this small Colombian beach town. Travel guides warned of strong ocean currents unsuitable for swimming, and our top choice, Dreamer Hostel, was fully booked due to our delayed reservation.
Yet, images of snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains rising behind palm-fringed white sands proved irresistible.
We secured a beachfront bungalow—costlier than Dreamer but ideal for our seaside focus. Its prime location was the highlight, though.
Eager for that iconic peak view, clouds obscured the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal range.
Palomino's true star is its postcard-perfect tropical beach—vast, serene, and uncrowded, unlike bustling Tayrona or Bahia Concha.
Our beach stroll revealed sparse restaurants, a volleyball net, and discreetly hidden hotels amid palms. Without loungers, it felt utterly deserted, stretching endlessly.
This undiscovered Caribbean gem evoked Little Corn Island's charm—prime for popularity, especially with favorable USD-COP rates making it budget-friendly.
Currents were indeed fierce, limiting swims to quick dips. Ideal for solitude and relaxation in paradise.
Heading back, signs for yoga and La Sirena vegetarian restaurant surprised us—we lunched there later. Holistic vibes persist off the beaten path, signaling rising tourism.
Once sparse with guesthouses and hammocks, Palomino now boasts eco-lodges and boutique hotels—around two dozen, mostly village outskirts.
Back at our cabana, chaos awaited: belongings ransacked from bags. Heart sinking, I checked my locked main backpack holding valuables—passports, cards, laptops, cameras, Kindles—intact.
Fortune smiled; a small padlock saved us. The intruder fled hastily, taking only $20 from a cosmetics bag amid searched pouches. Another $80 evaded notice.
Minimal loss, but the what-ifs shook me deeply. Needing distraction, we skipped drinks for late-afternoon river tubing—Palomino's ocean alternative.
Moto-taxis ferried us with giant tires to a forest path. A grueling 25-minute hike up slippery slopes led to the river; sweat-drenched, we launched.
Theft stress melted amid stunning jungle scenery, bird calls, and gentle floats.
Timing erred; darkness fell before the bridge exit. Moonlit, we waded through black waters (river monsters imagined?) to the path—nerve-wracking but memorable.
Tubing alone justified the visit. A friend lingered a week, drawn to yoga, hammock reading, liter-sized juices at Dreamer, pool lounging, and beach sunsets.
Practical Information
How to Get to Palomino
Marsol shuttles direct from Cartagena (COP 75,000 / ~US$26); hostels book tickets. Local buses via Baranquilla/Santa Marta are cheaper. From Santa Marta: COP 10,000 (~US$3.40/person), ~2 hours.
Buses drop on main road; 20-min walk or COP 3,000 (~US$1) moto-taxi to beach.
Where to Stay
Dreamer Hostel: Beachfront, pool, strong WiFi—wish we'd booked sooner.
Tiki Hut Hostel: Highly recommended alternative.
Others via Booking.com. New: Primaluna (Italian-run, pool, pizza, rave reviews).
Cash Only: No ATMs—bring plenty.
River Tubing: COP 20,000 (~US$6.80/person), unlimited time. ~1.5 hours jungle-to-ocean. Cheaper on main road.
Where to Eat in Palomino
Main road spots dominate; beach eateries average except La Sirena (vegetarian standout).
Safety: Opportunistic break-in, not indicative of broader risks versus Colombia norms. Stay vigilant.
