A Taste Of Colombia

ByMarilyn Galloway Updated on

From the Caribbean Coast Cartagena and Santa Marta To The City of Eternal Spring-Medellín

Why Colombia Should Be On Your Bucket List

Colombia is a country I’ve visited more than once, and yet I’ve still barely scratched the surface. It’s a place of contrasts. Caribbean rhythm on one side, mountain calm on the other. From music spilling through the streets of Cartagena to the soft mountain air of Medellín, every corner feels alive in its own distinct way. This Colombia travel guide offers a glimpse into three unforgettable destinations that embody the country’s spirit and rich cultural tapestry. The vibrant coast of Cartagena, the laid-back charm of Santa Marta, and the elegant, ever-spring city of Medellín.

24 Hours in Cartagena: A Caribbean Canvas

If you close your eyes and think of Cartagena, you’ll see colour. The kind that refuses to fade. Golden yellows, tropical greens, and bright pinks pop from colonial walls, while salsa beats float through the air. It’s a city that moves to its own rhythm. Bold, warm! On the streets of Cartagena the locals are happy to pose with lovely smiles, for and with you.

The old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by its famous stone fortifications, originally built to defend against pirates. Today, those same walls offer the best sunset views in the city. Golden light washing over terracotta roofs and horse-drawn carriages.

Where To Eat

I love dining at Cande Restaurant, a lively spot where the food is as colourful as the setting — fresh fish, grilled meats, and icy cocktails that taste like holiday. As you’re in the tropics my recommendation is always likely to be the seafood, whether that be mussels or lobsters. There’s usually live music playing, over lunch or in the evenings. Its a hotspot. I recommend making a reservation so you wont be disappointed.

Cande
Cande

What To Do

Once you’re finished lunch, you can visit the old city walls. These defensive walls saw construction begin in 1586 after Sir Francis Drake attacked the city(1540-1596) and they were completed in 1796. The walls were designed by Italian architect Battista Antonelli (1547-1616). Cannons are still mounted along these sturdy stone walls, preserving the authentic atmosphere of Colombia’s colonial past.

On my first trip to Cartagena, I took a slow walk along the walls, soaking up the sea breeze and the stories those stones seemed to hold. Each step atop these weathered stones felt like a journey through time, with sweeping views of terracotta rooftops, bustling plazas, and the shimmering Caribbean Sea beyond. Moments like this are why Colombia has never felt incidental to me.

The walls offer not just a window into the city’s storied past, but a unique vantage point to soak in its vibrant present. I recommend you walk clockwise along the fortifications, beginning at the iconic Puerta del Reloj, and winding all the way to the lively neighbourhood of Getsemaní.

Caribbean Sea View
Cartagena Night Skyline
Getsemani Mural
The Walls of Cartagena

While in Cartagena, if time allows, take a horse-drawn carriage ride offered by locals. It’s a beautiful way to see the city. The clip-clop echoing through sunlit or moonlit streets lined with buildings painted in burnt orange, cobalt blue, crisp white, and golden yellow. The colours are so vivid they almost hum. You could spend a whole day just wandering, shopping for local souvenirs, pausing for coffee, or simply eating and relaxing on rooftops and in shady courtyards. Cartagena is pure colour and calm all at once. A chill vibe.

Where To Stay

Choices abound. However, I prefer to stay just outside the historic centre at the Holiday Inn Morros. The hotel offers a perfect balance between peace and proximity. It is close enough for easy access, yet far enough to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy a quieter evening by the pool.

Travel Deeper Moment

From Cartagena, you can take day trips to nearby beaches. Miles of white sand and turquoise water will remind you of just how close you are to the Caribbean. For a beach visit if your stay is limited to the city, I found this site written by someone who appears quite knowledgeable and thought you might find helpful in deciding which beach to visit. Colombia’s Barú Island: Guide to Visit Isla Barú from Cartagena

The Journey: Cartagena To Santa Marta

The journey along Colombia’s northern coast is part of the experience. Rather than flying back through Bogotá, I chose to travel overland, a slow stretch of road that follows the Caribbean, passing small towns, open landscapes, and moments that rarely make it into itineraries.

It’s a long drive, but an absorbing one. The rhythm of the coast changes gradually, and somewhere along the way the intensity of Cartagena gives way to something quieter. This kind of journey reminds you that some of the most lasting impressions form in transit, not at the destination itself.

The Journey to Santa Marta

The journey from Cartagena to Santa Marta takes about five to six hours by road. Travel costs will set you back around $15–$20 USD (local bus). The shuttle bus services (recommended) which offer more comfort are air-conditioned and are likely to drop you off at your hotel are roughly $30 (USD) one way and finally for small groups if you would like a little more comfort and privacy, private taxi services, cost around $200. Note the local and shuttle bus services pick up points are a little outside of Cartagena itself. You will need to factor this additional time and cost into your travel itinerary. (Details of shuttle companies in the resource section at the end of the post.)

Cartagena, Sabanalarga, Barranquilla and Santa Marta

The route to Santa Marta winds north easterly hugging the Caribbean coast via the Carretera de la Cordialidad (National route 90 Colombia) through the coastal towns of Sabanalarga and Barranquilla. The latter being the birthplace of Shakira and Gabriel García Márquez, one of my favourite story tellers and Colombia’s Nobel Prize winning author. The road itself is a sensory journey, passing through lush landscapes, colourful villages, and stretches of coastline where the sun glints off turquoise waters. There is something poetic about this road trip. The laughter on the streets, the simple homes, the children playing football barefoot in the dust. It reminds me that “poor” is a state of mind. Maybe some do not have much by material standards, but what I have seen is joy, neighbours chatting in doorways, women sweeping the front steps with pride, and families gathered around food and music.

Santa Marta: Calm, Coastal, and Comforting

Santa Marta has a distinctly local feel, less polished than Cartagena but somehow more authentic. The air smells of salt and fried plantains, and people greet you like an old friend.

In Santa Marta, I recommend staying in the town called Gaira. Located only 7 kilometers from Santa Marta’s lively city center and a short drive from Simón Bolívar International Airport.

Gaira is a small coastal town where the salty breeze from the Caribbean mingles with the scent of fried plantains drifting from beachside stalls. Just outside the bustling port of Santa Marta, Gaira pulses with its own laid-back rhythm, especially around El Rodadero, one of Colombia’s most beloved beaches, where the sand is warm underfoot and the laughter of families fills the air.

Gaira feels both connected and distinctly its own. The town is technically a suburb, yet its vibrant street life and friendly faces give it a unique character. In Gaira, time seems to slow, inviting you to savour the sights, sounds, and flavours of Colombia’s northern shore.

The Gaira River glimmers as it winds toward Salguero Beach, its gentle current carrying the sounds of birds and distant music to the sea. Standing near its mouth, you can feel the cool spray and hear the soft rush of water blending with the crash of waves.

Santa Marta

A Caribbean Vibe

I am super lucky in Gaira, my home away from home is my friends’ home that overlooks Playa Salguero. There are many choices for all budgets of accommodation in this neighbourhood. And even though you are near the beach you can find properties with pools and amazing views of the town and the beach. The beach is a perfect spot to watch fishermen pull their boats ashore as the sun drops behind the horizon.

Playa Salguero Sunset
Playa Salguero (Lazy Days)

Days here move slower. I spent mornings walking the promenade, afternoons reading by the water, and evenings enjoying local seafood. The old town of Santa Marta is 15-20 minutes away and must be visited. It is packed with restaurants and small shops. Donde Chucho Gourmet is my favourite. The restaurant is celebrated not only for its inventive Caribbean and Colombian dishes. It is perfect for those eager to try something out of the ordinary, but also for its warm, attentive service. The staff make you feel right at home, always ready with a smile and helpful recommendations. After a memorable meal at Donde Chucho Gourmet, take a stroll through the enchanting streets of Santa Marta’s Centro Historico. 

Where To Stay

If you want to stay close to Gaira and Playa Salguero, look at Mercure Santa Marta Emile Sophisticated Hotel in Santa Marta Colombia | Mercure – ALL. It’s modern yet relaxed, with airy rooms, a pool that catches the evening light, and easy beach access. The location is ideal if you want to start your mornings with a walk along the beach and finish with a sunset swim.

Playa Salguero (Aerial)
Plays Salguero

For a more atmospheric option in the heart of the old town, Casa de Leda by Kali brings colonial character with a contemporary twist. Think tiled courtyards, wooden balconies, and a rooftop plunge pool overlooking Santa Marta’s rooftops. It’s right near the cathedral and perfect if you want to step straight out into cafés, galleries, and the hum of local life. Casa de Leda | Kali Hotels.

What To Do Nearby

La Cuidad Perdido (The Lost City)

If you have time, visit the Tayrona National park or plan a trek to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida). Tayrona National Park is a protected coastal reserve known for its lush rainforest trails, golden beaches, and views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, meeting the Caribbean sea. La Ciudad Perdida is an ancient archaeological site hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, believed to date back to around 800 AD, centuries before Machu Picchu, and accessible only by a multi-day trek through dense jungle, river crossings, and steep stone steps that reveal Colombia’s mystical lost city. I recommend booking these activities with expotur-eco.com.

Medellín: The City Of Eternal Spring

From the Caribbean coast, the journey inland leads to Medellín, a city shaped as much by geography as by design. Set within a lush valley, its altitude and climate lend a sense of balance — a steadiness that underpins daily life. Known locally as La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera, the city’s mild weather is less a feature than a constant presence.

Medellín Street Scenes

Medellín carries a contemporary, outward-looking confidence. Cafés spill onto tree-lined streets, design boutiques sit comfortably beside neighbourhood bakeries, and the skyline glows against surrounding green hills. Some neighbourhoods recall London, others Buenos Aires or Paris. A fusion that feels considered rather than imitative.

Where To Eat

One of my favourite meals in the city, was at a steakhouse El Correo y Amada – El Correo y Amada inside one of the best, if not the best shopping mall in Medellín, El Tosoro. When dining in the restaurants think melt-in-your-mouth beef, crisp wine, and that relaxed, cosmopolitan buzz that defines Medellín’s dining scene.

Colombian Cuisine

For me this isn’t just a shopping centre—it’s a place where the city’s energy meets the calm of the mountains. What stands out for me is the open-air design. You can stroll between shops while catching glimpses of Medellín’s green hills and skyline. The mix of regional and international brands means you can find everything from Colombian designers to global favourites, all under one roof. The restaurants are genuinely good. Perfect for lingering over a meal with friends, or just people-watching.  

El Tesoro feels less like a mall and more like a lively community hub, where you can shop, eat, and soak in the city’s laid-back vibe. If you are from the “north” some of the brands you may know very well are under the roof. There is a well stocked Apple (retail partner store), Starbucks, and Tumi luggage store to name a few familiar brands.  

Where To Stay

My favourite is the Landmark Hotel, Medellín. The hotel sits on a peaceful, tree-lined street in the Manila neighbourhood of El Poblado—a beautiful mix of residential calm and lively commercial spots.

Landmark Hotel – Medellín

It’s tranquil and stylish, you could easily imagine yourself in a European city. The hotel is just a short walk from El Poblado Park, Lleras Park, and close to great restaurants, cafés, and metro access, making it perfectly placed for exploring Medellín’s best. There is a decent hotel gym and a pool for relaxing.

Travel Deeper Moments

Once one of Medellín’s most troubled districts, Comuna 13 has transformed into a living mural of resilience and art. Just a short 20-minute drive from El Poblado or the city centre, it’s easily reached by taxi or metro-plus-escalator. A journey that’s as symbolic as it is scenic. The hillside is now covered in bold street art and colour, a community once silenced now telling its own story through rhythm, paint, and pride.

Comuna 13

Walking its steep lanes isn’t just a photo stop. It’s a reminder of Medellín’s spirit, how creativity can rise exactly where it once seemed impossible.

Medellín has reinvented itself, from a troubled past into a model of innovation and pride. Locals are warm, optimistic, and eager to show visitors their city’s transformation.

And since you are in these parts, before you leave Medellín, if you can, take a day trip to Guatapé, about two hours away. Climb the 740 steps up El Peñón de Guatapé for panoramic views of blue lakes and green islets. For a great day with a knowledge guide, I recommend you book your day in Guatape with HOME – Safe Travel Colombia – The best way to travel in Colombia! The owner is Julian Cardona.

Guatapé Rock and Views

Practical Tips/Essentials

Light, breathable layers for the coast. A jacket for Medellín’s cooler evenings, and sturdy shoes if you’re hiking Tayrona or The Lost City. Bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle, Colombia’s heat can sneak up on you.
A light scarf or wrap works double duty for sun and style. Leave room in your bag, you’ll want to bring home coffee. Colombia does have some of the best coffee in the world!

One of the most meaningful ways to connect with Colombia’s warmth and culture is through the language. Even a little Spanish goes a long way here. If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of learning Spanish — especially with all the magic tucked across Latin America — I have to shout out my teacher Javier. He’s Colombian, patient, fun, and genuinely brilliant at what he does. You can find him at spanishto.com, and he’s also written a super helpful beginner’s guide you can find here if you want a gentle start.

Final Thoughts – A Taste Of Colombia

This post was always intended as a taste of Colombia. The country’s vibrancy and diversity resist compression; each of the cities touched on here could easily stand on its own, expanded across multiple visits and perspectives.

Every return feels like opening a new chapter, colourful, unpredictable, and deeply human. Whether walking the old streets of Cartagena, settling into the slower rhythm of Santa Marta, or engaging with the contemporary confidence of Medellín, Colombia does more than receive you. It lingers.

Where To Next

Have you been to Colombia?

This post “A taste of Colombia” is a small slice of this amazing country. If you visit let me know. I’d love to hear all about it!

Travel safely, and return not just with memories, but with connections that endure.

Until next time!

Planning your next trip!

I love mixing contrasting travel styles. From the vibrant and colourful streets of Cartagena to the alpine heights of Switzerland read my Bernina Express experience here.

If you are not ready to leave the captivating region that is Latin America, why not hop over to Panama and enjoy 48 hours in the city. My travel guide can help you Summer in Panama City – Panama.

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