Paradise Palomino Colombia
Our bus pulled over along the side of the single dirt road that lead down to Palomino’s beachfront. We collect our bags, bid farewell to the new friends we met in Punta Gallinas (check out our experience here) and head into town. Hello, Paradise Palomino Colombia. I think we will be good friends. 🙂
My first thought….why do all bus drivers try to freeze you to death in Colombia?!
Geez!
If you’re catching a bus along the coast don’t forget your jacket !
Anyways, on we go zig zagging between the moto taxis in route to the beach.
All signs point to a quiet moonlite Friday night.
After a few blocks that all changed. There’s a huge party spilling out into the street. We take in the scene for a bit and then continue in search of a place to call home for a few nights.
With each passing car we get a face full of dust.
About halfway between the main road and the beachfront we find a cool hostel. We throw off our bags, pitch the tent in the garden and head back out to the party.
A few hours of drinks specials and then we retire back to the tent and call it a night.
Excited for the morning to come. Beachlife is our favorite life. 🙂
Friday & Saturday nights the party flows out into the street from this tiny bar
Paradise Palomino Colombia
This small town is one of the newest additions to the many popular destinations along Colombia’s coast. Just east of Santa Marta and Parque Tyrona you’ll find this Bohemian playground. A huge stretch of beachfront, a river to cool off in and that slower pace of life we all need from time to time. Not to mention one of the best pizza places on the continent, TRUST ME! 🙂
Playa Palomino
If you don’t already know, I’ll let you in on a little secret. Colombia has the nicest beaches in all of South America!!! Palomino is one of its many gems. The beach stretches out as far as the eye can see. Backed by the Sierra Nevada you have a 360 degree beautiful view.
Rio Palomino
Had enough of the waves? Take a moto taxi up river and tube back down to the beach. $20,000COP ($7USD) will get you the ride & tube. A friendly heads up, the water comes from the mountain and is quite cold! Grab you friends and a few beers. Enjoy!
Rio Palomino, just before it meets the sea
Paradise Palomino Colombia: Everyone’s Favorite Activity
Take It Slow in Town
Sometimes the best days are spent doing next to nothing. Grab your book, camera, or head out empty handed to explore. If you get up early enough when the sky is clear you can sink your feet into the ocean sand and see the snow capped mountains off in the distance. It’s almost unreal, feeling the sweat drip down your face all while admiring the snowed mountains at the same time.
Where to Eat
Turcolandia !!! You won’t find this place on any yelp review. It’s a tiny outdoor place with some of the best pizza on the entire continent!
Paradise Palomino Colombia Wouldn’t Be Complete W/o Awesome Pizza!!!
Where to Sleep
Palomino has to be made up of at least 80% accommodations. You’d do best to show up and find a spot in person (aside from major holiday times).
We stayed at Hostel Ocelote and couldn’t recommend it more!
Tent spaces go for $15,000COP p/p ($5USD). Hammocks, shared and privates cabanas also available.
Extras
- There are no ATMS in Palomino! Card purchases are still hit or miss in most establishments. The nearest ATM is in Mingueo. About a 15 minute bus ride to the west.
Afterthoughts
Honestly, there isn’t much to do in Palomino. But that’s the beauty of the place!
It’s the perfect town to take it a bit slower than the bigger cities but still have top quality food and amenities on hand.
I really fell in love with the simplicity of the place, I think you will too!
