City · At the house
The neighbourhood by bike
El Pibe, the Mercado and the corner shop: the neighbourhood makes more sense by pedal.
Things to do
Santa Marta, the Tía’s way
Beaches between giant boulders, coffee-country mountains, rivers to float down and an old town with five centuries behind it. Here’s what you can do from the house: how to get there, how long it takes, what’s required and what to pack.
The plan picker
What’s the plan, love?
That’s how the Tía asks at breakfast. Pick today’s mood and the map shows you where to head.
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City · Beach
Sunset spots
The bay, Los Cocos, Taganga or the mountains: here the sun always leaves to an audience.
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City
Historic centre & waterfront
Five hundred years of history, Tairona gold for free and the bay at the end of every street.
- Explore on your own
City
Public market & local food
Cayeye, bollo limpio, fried fish with coconut rice and a green-mango raspao for the heat.
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City
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (Bolívar’s estate)
The hacienda where Bolívar died, among old trees, iguanas and a sugar mill.
- Explore on your own
Beach · City
Beach volleyball at Los Cocos
In the afternoon, Los Cocos fills up with volleyball, football and people up for a game. Bring your own ball.
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- Explore on your own
Beach
Playa Grande (Taganga)
Taganga’s neighbouring bay: a short boat hop, seafood kiosks and a no-fuss beach day.
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Beach
Inca Inca beach & marine life centre
A boat from El Rodadero, a cove for swimming and the old aquarium, now the Centro de Vida Marina.
- Explore on your own
Beach
El Rodadero & Playa Blanca
The liveliest beach in town and, a quick boat hop away, Playa Blanca.
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Beach
Neguanje & Playa Cristal
Tayrona without the long hikes: a mangrove-fringed bay, snorkelling and a short boat to Playa Cristal.
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Beach
Bahía Concha
The Tayrona closest to town: a calm bay, snorkelling and the park’s cheapest entry.
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Beach · Adventure
Tayrona National Park
Dry forest, giant boulders and Cabo San Juan. You hike, you sweat, you’re grateful.
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Beach · Adventure
Palomino
Over the line into La Guajira: a river down from the Sierra, an inner tube, a hammock and the sea at the end.
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Mountains · Adventure
Minca: waterfalls, coffee & viewpoints
A good half-hour uphill and you swap the sea for river pools, coffee farms and birds.
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Mountains · Adventure
Lost City (Teyuna) trek
Four days of jungle, rivers and mud to climb some 1,200 stone steps. Worth every drop of sweat.
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Mountains
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The world’s highest coastal mountain range, and home to four peoples. Visit with respect, and only where it’s allowed.
Tía Chela doesn’t run tours: the house recommends, advises and helps arrange transport. Third-party services are contracted by you directly.
How to read each plan
- Recommended by the Tía
- Places the house promotes on its own channels and knows well.
- Explore on your own
- You go on your own, by bus or taxi; the Tía explains how.
- We’ll help you arrange it
- The house advises you and, as guests tell it, helps order transport.
- Ask about transport options
- It all depends on transport: ask the house about the day’s options.
- Only with an authorised operator
- Only possible with authorised operators. The house doesn’t sell tours.
Before you head out
- Tayrona, Bahía Concha and Neguanje close several times a year — check the official status.
- National parks ask for a yellow-fever vaccine (10 days before) and insurance.
- Bring cash: guides say there are no ATMs in Minca or Palomino.
- Single-use plastics are banned in protected areas.
- Heading to Tayrona or Palomino? Ask at the house about the Troncal del Caribe road.