Recommended itinerary for Colombia's Caribbean coast

Hi everyone, We're heading to Colombia soon for two weeks as a family with our two 10-year-old boys. I'm a bit behind on planning our itinerary and could really use your advice! We arrive in Cartagena, where we'll spend 3 nights. Next, we're heading to the Tayrona area for 3 nights. Could you recommend a nice hotel with a pool, ideally family-friendly? Unfortunately, Senda Watapuy and Senda Koguiwa are already fully booked for our dates. After that, we were thinking of spending a few days in Minca. Is that a good idea in late July/early August? How many nights would you recommend? Finally, we're looking for a last stop before returning to France. We've heard about Mompox, but we're hesitant because it seems like a big detour. We love nature, animals, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and authentic places. Do you think Mompox is worth the detour with two kids, or would you recommend another destination (Palomino, Barú, La Guajira...) instead? We don’t want to take any domestic flights. Thanks in advance for all your tips and experiences!

Hi Elena,

I’ll share what I know, but keep in mind that my two trips to Colombia were in February and aren’t recent. The climate in summer should be different.

- I visited Minca and really liked it—it’s very natural, green, and cool, and the trip from Santa Marta isn’t too long. The last part was by moto-taxi (is this still the case? That was in 2019), which might amuse your boys (or not! 😛)

- La Guajira is far... I remember an endless bus ride from Cartagena to Riohacha. From there, you organize tours for one or more nights on the peninsula. You’ll need a guide. The vibe is unique, but it’s really beautiful.

- Another seaside spot I enjoyed is Rincón del Mar, about 3 hours by bus south of Cartagena. Super relaxed vibe, fresh fish, lobster, caipirinhas, and swimming—we had a few delightful days there.

Happy planning.

We’re arriving in Cartagena, where we’ll spend 3 nights.

Hi there,

There’s a nice option to take a 2-hour ferry to a cool island: Isla Mucura. A great alternative to the super touristy Rosario Islands.

We were thinking of spending a few days in Minca next. Is that a good idea in late July/early August? How many nights would you recommend?

I’m not sure about the weather in summer... It’s a relaxing spot with options for hikes in the Sierra (on foot or by moto-taxi). Visit Finca Candelaria. The staff is super friendly, and the kids can make their own chocolate. There are tons of toucans, including one that’s tame. You can stay there (basic comfort, dinner included), and in the evening, the view from the heights over the illuminated Caribbean Sea is amazing. Palomino? Meh... The "tubing" down the river might entertain the kids. Just be careful—on the beaches in Tayrona National Park, Palomino, etc., the sea can be dangerous. You can swim safely in a small lagoon inside the park, but be cautious elsewhere. The kids are a bit young for this, but otherwise, I’d have recommended a 4-day trek to the Ciudad Perdida (it’s stunning!). With Wiwa Tours, an agency run by the indigenous Wiwa people—accommodation in their village along the way, meeting the shaman, etc. It’s very well organized and super immersive! I’d avoid La Guajira with kids.

thanks so much