Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 4/16/2008

Question
Hello juan
I hope you don't mind the familiarity.
I am interested in both the pacific coast and the Carib.
On the Caribbean side , Santa Marta interest me.
Do you know of any good links to finding apartments for rent.
I would not be wanting to stay in say, the resort atmosphere.
Any good source for rentals would help.
Pacific side:
I know absolutely nothing about. I am a surfer (retiring so)
and would like to explore both coast.

Pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Saludos

jorge


Answer
Jorge,

I´m glad that you are considering Colombia as a destination.

The Santa Marta area is very nice, particularly for people that are not into the resort-style hotel. Depending on the time of your visit you may be able to find cheap small apartments for rent or budget hotels in the city or the fishing town of Taganga.

But you might as well try to stay in the eco-cabins available at one of the most beautiful natural parks in Colombia, the Tayrona. This park is full of secluded beaches, amazing fauna & flora, etc. There are some beaches where the currents are too strong and dangerous so if you go there please be careful and ask before jumping into the sea.

I dont have information about specific hotels in Tayrona or Santa Marta but you will find good recommendations in the Lonely Planet guidebooks. As for Taganga the best hotel is called the Blue Whale (la ballena azul). They used to have a web page. If you are into scuba diving, Taganga is the place to go: the cheapest high-quality dive centers in Colombia, daily tours to Tayrona park, small town atmosphere.

As for the pacific coast, gorgeous as it is, astounding, extreme and remote, I´m very sorry to have to advice you not to go at this time. There are many security issues: guerrilla activity, drug cartels smuggling, etc.

So unless you book a tour to the island of Gorgona (check the aviatur travel agency web site) please do not go to the pacific coast.

I hope that this helps

JC