Landing at the airport at Santa Marta, I felt the distinct difference in the warmer climate and I was looking forward to relaxing on a white sandy beach in Tayrona National Park. We spent a night in Santa Marta and had some delicious pizza at Ouzo, a Mediterranean restaurant that had come recommended by Paul at See Colombia Travel. We also went to Taganga to watch the beautiful sunset there.
The next day we embarked on the journey, which involved a taxi ride to the entrance of the park and then change into a truck as the taxi couldn’t negotiate the pot-holed strewn driveway.
We were taken as far into the park as we could by truck, then it was horse power… Literally. The luggage was strapped to one horse and we were given our rides. Once again in Colombia this was a first for me, the last time I was on horseback, it wasn’t a horse at all but a donkey on Blackpool beach, many, many (many) years ago. Is asking for a horse from Bernie for Christmas a little too much? I’ve been inspired.
The ride was a little scary but the horses waded through mud and water with impressive dexterity and we reached the Cabana safely before nightfall. The Cabana was well-fitted with plenty of beds (5 in all) and hammocks on the porch and in the main bedroom. It was clean and spacious but still managed to fit in with the wildlife and atmosphere at Tayrona.
We took a short walk to a nearby beach called Arricefes, which although isn’t safe for swimming due to dangerous undercurrents, is still very picturesque with miles of white sand meeting the clear blue sea. Just off the beach we saw the area where the backpackers stay. It was full of hammocks covered with mosquito nets and looked quite comfortable.
We were given a map indicating safe beaches so the next day we set of to find El Cabo beach. It is easy to follow the 2.3km route but it was hard work for me and Bernie! Definitely worth it though as at the end of the journey we arrived in a lovely sheltered beach, with a calm sea ideal for swimming and snorkelling which we did quite a lot of. We’d been told about the beautiful beaches but no-one had mentioned the fish and how good the seas would be to go searching for them. Bernie was especially fond. I was more happy just to be on some beaches that were so different from what I’m used to; these were almost empty and the scenery (Bernie insists I mention the rock formations) was incredible. It even inspired Bernie to get ‘Latin’ and hold my hand on the beach (we’re British)!
The catering was good and there was plenty of choice for dinner. The Cabanas had their own mini bar (which was the same price as everywhere else on site) so we were never thirsty, although it did take us a day or so to realise we didn’t have to keep leaving home to get a drink of beer…
We rode the horses back on the last day after picking and preparing our own coconuts. We’d become one with the jungle! This time enjoyed the horse ride even more as we now knew what to expect.
Cartagena, here we come!
Linda
If you want to read the rest of Linda and Bernie’s adventures in Colombia, follow the links below:
Part One – Arriving in Colombia / Bogotá
Part Two – Bogotá / Bogotá Bike Tour
Part Three – The Coffee Triangle / Cocora Valley / Colombian Coffee Farm
Part Four – Tayrona National Park / Colombian Caribbean / Colombian beaches
Part Five – Cartagena / Cartagena Nights / Cartagena Restaurants
