Costa Norte Travel Guide
Explore the best of Costa Norte, Colombia with our travel guide. Discover local culture, food, adventure, and more.
- Introduction to Costa Norte
- List of Places to Visit in Costa Norte
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Costa Norte
- Best Things to Do in Costa Norte: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Costa Norte
- Food and Drink Scene of Costa Norte
- Where to Stay in Costa Norte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Costa Norte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Costa Norte
- Best Time to Visit Costa Norte
- Do’s and Don’ts of Costa Norte
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Costa Norte: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Costa Norte
- Where to Go Next from Costa Norte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Costa Norte
Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Colombia is Costa Norte, a region teeming with cultural and natural attractions. The area boasts vibrant cities, scenic beaches, and lush landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures.
Costa Norte is made up of the departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, La Guajira, Magdalena, San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Marta. Each department offers unique experiences and attractions, making Costa Norte a must-see destination for any traveler.
List of Places to Visit in Costa Norte
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Museo del caribe in Barranquilla
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena
- Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino in Santa Marta
- Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría in Riohacha
Natural Attractions of Costa Norte: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Tayrona National Park
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Cabo de la Vela
- La Guajira Desert
Hiking/Biking Routes of Costa Norte
- Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) Trek
- Tayrona National Park Hike
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Trek
Best Things to Do in Costa Norte: Activities and Tours
- Scuba Diving in Providencia and San Andres
- Kitesurfing in Cabo de la Vela
- Cultural Tour of Cartagena
- Horseback Riding in Tayrona National Park
Week-Long Itinerary for Costa Norte
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Barranquilla, explore the city and visit Museo del caribe |
| 2 | Day trip to La Guajira Desert |
| 3 | Hike in Tayrona National Park |
| 4 | Take a cultural tour of Cartagena |
| 5 | Scuba diving in San Andres |
| 6 | Relax on the beach in Cabo de la Vela |
| 7 | Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena |
Food and Drink Scene of Costa Norte
Must-Try Dishes
- Arepas
- Pargo Rojo (Red Snapper)
- Arroz con Coco (Coconut Rice)
- Ajiaco
Local Beverages
- Aguapanela
- Refajo
- Limonada de Coco
- Cerveza Aguila
Where to Stay in Costa Norte: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotel Intercontinental Cartagena
- Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo
- Casa Celta
- Hostel Masaya Santa Marta
What to Buy in Costa Norte: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Wayuu Bags
- Handmade Hammocks
- Tagua Jewelry
- Ceramics from La Chamba
Local Culture and Customs of Costa Norte
The local culture of Costa Norte is influenced by the indigenous Wayuu and Kogi communities, as well as Spanish settlers. The region is known for its lively music and dance scenes, with styles like Cumbia and Champeta popular in the area.
Best Time to Visit Costa Norte
The best time to visit Costa Norte is during the dry season from December to March. The region experiences a lot of rainfall during the rest of the year, which can make outdoor activities difficult.
Do’s and Don’ts of Costa Norte
Do:
- Respect local culture and customs.
- Try the local food and drinks.
- Explore the area’s natural beauty.
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothing in public.
- Make negative comments about indigenous culture.
- Leave valuables unattended in tourist areas.
Safety and Health
Safety in Costa Norte
Costa Norte is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to take precautions like avoiding isolated areas and not carrying valuables in public. Petty crime like theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so it’s best to stay vigilant.
Health in Costa Norte
Travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before visiting Costa Norte. It’s also recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and Zika are a concern, so it’s best to take precautions like wearing insect repellent and protective clothing.
Getting to Costa Norte: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Costa Norte
- Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla
- Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena
- Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta
Bus Stations Near Costa Norte
- Terminal de Transportes de Barranquilla
- Terminal de Transporte de Cartagena
- Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta
Other Options
There are also ferries and private car services available for transportation within the region.
How to Get Around in Costa Norte
Public buses and taxis are available in the larger cities, but for more remote areas, it may be necessary to rent a car or motorbike.
Where to Go Next from Costa Norte: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Medellin
- Bogota
- The Amazon Rainforest
- San Andres and Providencia Islands
Conclusion
Costa Norte is a diverse and exciting region with something to offer every type of traveler. From the vibrant cities to the stunning natural landscapes, Costa Norte is a must-see destination in South America. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other.
