Backpacking Northern Colombia: Ultimate Travel Guide to Beaches, Jungles and Hidden Gems
Tucked between the Caribbean Sea and the lush foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Northern Colombia is where slow travel dreams meet adventure. This is the kind of place where you’ll spend your mornings hiking through jungle mist, your afternoons surfing warm waves, and your evenings sipping cold beers on a hammock under the stars. It’s relaxed, raw, and still wonderfully off the radar.
Backpackers are starting to catch on – but the region still feels delightfully untouched compared to the big-hitter stops on the South America circuit. Instead of gringo-filled bars and selfie queues, you’ll find river tubing in Palomino, cacao farms in Minca, and sun-bleached hostels hidden down sandy tracks in places like Costeño Beach. You can trek to waterfalls, visit sacred Indigenous lands, or spend days doing absolutely nothing – and all without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit in Northern Colombia for backpackers, including where to stay, how long to spend, and how to move between each spot. Whether you’re a first-timer with a few weeks to spare or a seasoned wanderer chasing the road less travelled, this is the northern Colombian route you’ll wish you’d done sooner.
Where to Start: Santa Marta
Santa Marta isn’t the main event – but it’s the hub that makes it all happen. This coastal city is where most backpackers begin their Northern Colombia adventure thanks to its easy connections, decent infrastructure, and close proximity to Tayrona National Park, Minca, and the Caribbean coast.
It’s not the prettiest city in Colombia, but it’s functional. You’ll find hostels, supermarkets, ATMs, and plenty of buses heading in every direction. Spend a night here to regroup, meet fellow travellers, and soak in a bit of local flavour before heading out to the real highlights.
Top Things to Do in Santa Marta
Visit Parque de Los Novios for dinner and drinks in a lively plaza
Catch sunset from the Malecón de Bastidas
Try arepas de huevo or fresh seafood at the local markets
Pop into the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona) for a quick cultural hit
Getting There
Flights from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena land at Santa Marta’s airport (SMR)
Buses from Cartagena or Barranquilla are cheap and run daily (3–5 hours)
Where to Stay
The Dreamer Hostel – solid facilities, pool, social atmosphere
Masaya Santa Marta – rooftop terrace, more upscale feel
Republica Hostel – in the heart of the historic centre, ideal for a short stay
Our Tip
Don’t linger too long – one or two nights is plenty. Think of Santa Marta as your launchpad. Stock up on cash (some towns don’t have ATMs), essentials, and snacks before heading into the jungle or along the coast.
Santa Marta.
Palomino
A dusty road, a long stretch of golden beach, and a crowd of happy, hammock-dwelling backpackers – welcome to Palomino. What was once a sleepy fishing village has become a staple on the Colombian backpacking trail, offering a perfect blend of surf, sunshine, and slow travel vibes. While it’s more popular than it used to be, Palomino still retains its laid-back charm and is a great place to hit pause for a few days.
Why Go
Palomino is the place to unwind. You’ve got palm-fringed beaches, tubing adventures down the jungle river, and a main street lined with smoothie bars, surf hostels and reggae beats. It's a great mix of nature and culture, with the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains visible in the distance.
Top Things to Do
Go tubing down the Palomino River – float for hours with beers in hand
Take a surf lesson or just watch from the shore
Catch sunset from the beach with a cold Aguila in hand
Visit the nearby Indigenous town of Seydukwa (with a guide)
Chill out at a beach bonfire with live music
Where to Stay
Dreamer Hostel Palomino – big, sociable, and right on the beach
Tiki Hut Hostel – lush gardens, pool, and eco vibes
Aite Hotel – a more peaceful, boutique-style stay just up the beach
How Long to Stay
2–3 nights is ideal. It’s easy to get stuck here, but most travellers move on after a few days of sun and sand.
Our Tip
The town is walkable but dusty – bring sandals you don’t mind ruining. And don’t swim out too far – Palomino’s rip currents are strong.
Palomino.
Minca
Perched high in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Minca is a lush jungle haven just 45 minutes from Santa Marta – but it feels like another world. Cooler air, rushing waterfalls, and dense green forest make this the perfect contrast to the heat of the coast. It’s where you go to reset, recharge, and get off-grid for a few days.
Why Go
Minca is all about nature, tranquillity and slow travel. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, sipping coffee on a hillside terrace, or swinging in a hammock above the clouds, this is one of the most peaceful spots in Northern Colombia. It’s also a gateway to learning about the region’s coffee and cacao traditions.
Top Things to Do
Hike to Pozo Azul and Marinka Waterfalls
Tour a local coffee or cacao farm (like La Victoria or Finca San Rafael)
Watch sunset at Los Pinos viewpoint
Join a birdwatching tour – this region is home to toucans and dozens of rare species
Do absolutely nothing at a jungle eco-hostel (highly recommended)
Where to Stay
Casas Viejas – mountaintop eco-lodge with incredible views
Sierra Minca – dreamy cabins and hammocks in the clouds
Mundo Nuevo – sustainable living, yoga, and veggie meals
Casa Loma – a backpacker classic with epic sunset views
How Long to Stay
3–4 nights gives you time to hike, relax, and take in the jungle pace. It’s also a great place to reset before heading further up the coast.
Our Tip
There are no ATMs in Minca – bring cash from Santa Marta. Some hostels require a moto-taxi ride up steep hills, so pack light and wear trainers.
Minca.
Costeño Beach
If you’re craving rustic vibes, empty beaches and a chance to fully disconnect, Costeño Beach is where to go. Tucked away along the coast between Tayrona National Park and Palomino, this little beach strip offers surf, silence, and serious hammock time. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are optional and days blur into each other in the best possible way.
Why Go
Costeño Beach is ideal for those who want a break from the party crowd. There’s no real town here – just a scattering of eco-hostels along a wild, beautiful stretch of Caribbean sand. You’ll fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up to the sound of monkeys in the trees. It’s also one of the best beginner surf spots in Colombia.
Top Things to Do
Take a surf lesson or rent a board (waves are great for beginners)
Watch the stars from the beach with a bonfire and some rum
Visit the back entrance of Tayrona National Park for fewer crowds
Do a day trip to Quebrada Valencia waterfall
Swing in a hammock and read that book you've been meaning to finish
Where to Stay
Costeño Beach Hostel – laid-back, social, and right on the sand
Tayrona Tented Lodge – eco-glamping with a peaceful, nature-first vibe
Gitana del Mar – higher-end boutique option for digital detox in style
How Long to Stay
2–3 nights is perfect, though some travellers end up staying a week or more. It’s all about how long you’re happy doing nothing (which might be longer than you think).
Our Tip
WiFi is almost non-existent here – plan accordingly. And bring a torch for getting around at night, especially if you're walking along the beach to your hostel.
Costeño Beach.
Optional Detours
If you’ve got extra time or a thirst for the road less travelled, Northern Colombia is full of wild corners that many travellers miss. These detours are more remote, often less comfortable, but absolutely worth it for the adventurous backpacker.
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona is Colombia’s most famous national park, and for good reason. Jungle-covered hills roll down to palm-fringed beaches, where you can hike, swim and even camp overnight. It’s a bit more touristy than the rest of this route – but still magical.
Hike in from El Zaino (main entrance) or Calabazo (quieter route)
Camp at Cabo San Juan or stay at nearby eco-lodges
Swim at La Piscina – one of the few safe beaches for a dip
Closed every February and parts of June/October – check ahead
Our tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks – it gets hot, and the food inside the park is expensive.
Dibulla
A quiet fishing town that feels like Palomino before the tourists arrived. Located east of Palomino, it’s peaceful, authentic, and surrounded by nature. You won’t find much nightlife here – just friendly locals, quiet beaches and river hikes.
Swim at the mouth of the Jerez River
Stay with local families or eco-lodges
Great for travellers looking to escape the crowds completely
Our tip: Spanish helps a lot here – English is rarely spoken, and tourism is minimal.
Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela
Welcome to the northernmost tip of South America. This remote desert peninsula is home to the Indigenous Wayuu people and offers surreal landscapes of sand dunes, wind-blasted beaches and deep silence.
Visit the Taroa Dunes, El Faro lighthouse and Pilón de Azúcar
Stay in hammocks at rustic rancherías (local hostels)
Best reached via organised 4x4 tours from Riohacha
Our tip: This area is extremely remote – no ATMs, patchy phone signal, and basic infrastructure. But the sunsets here? Unreal.
Tayrona.
Travel Tips for Backpacking Northern Colombia
From jungle hikes to Caribbean beaches, backpacking Northern Colombia is an unforgettable ride – but it helps to be prepared. Here’s what to know before you go:
Getting Around
Local buses and colectivos are your best bet – cheap and fairly reliable
Moto-taxis are common in Minca and smaller towns – always agree on the price first
For longer routes (like Punta Gallinas), you’ll need to book a tour or private transfer
Most routes pass through or near Santa Marta – it’s your main transport hub
Budget Breakdown (Daily Average)
Dorm bed: £6–10 (€7–12)
Private room: £18–25 (€21–29)
Local meals: £2–4 (€2.50–5)
Beer: £1 (€1.20)
Transport: £2–5 (€2.50–6) per journey
Activities/tours: £10–30 (€12–35)
Tip: Carry cash – card machines are hit or miss, and some places have no ATMs at all.
When to Go
Best time: December to March (dry season, but more tourists)
Shoulder seasons: April–June and September–November (quieter, occasional rain)
Avoid: October can be the rainiest month in the region
What to Pack
Lightweight clothes + layers for cooler nights in Minca
Mosquito repellent (trust us)
Microfibre towel and swimwear
Good walking shoes or trainers
Power bank and torch – especially for off-grid places
Reusable water bottle (filtered options are often available)
Safety
Northern Colombia is generally safe for travellers, but as always, stay street-smart
Don’t flash valuables, especially on the beach or on public transport
Use trusted hostels for booking transport or tours
Download offline maps – signal can drop quickly in rural areas
Backpacking Northern Colombia is one of those trips that stays with you. It’s not about big landmarks or bucket-list bragging rights – it’s about slow mornings in the jungle, long beach walks at sunset, and sharing beers with strangers who feel like friends by the end of the night.
Whether you're river tubing in Palomino, sipping coffee in a Minca hammock, or wandering barefoot along the sands of Costeño Beach, there's a raw beauty to this region that makes you want to linger. It’s affordable, diverse, and still just under the radar – exactly what makes it such a gem for backpackers.
So pack light, keep your plans loose, and let Northern Colombia unfold one dusty road and jungle trail at a time.
