Magdalena Department Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Magdalena Department, Colombia. Read this guide to plan your next trip.


Introduction to Magdalena Department

Magdalena Department is a coastal area located on the northern side of Colombia, in South America. The region is famous for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and lively music scene. While visiting Magdalena Department, you’ll get to experience breathtaking landscapes, learn about its colonial past, and immerse yourself in local traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Magdalena Department

Here are some of the top tourist spots in Magdalena Department that you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Bogotá
  • Museo del Oro Tairona
  • Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
  • Parque de los Novios
  • Casa de la Aduana

Natural Attractions of Magdalena Department: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tayrona National Natural Park
  • Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
  • Barranquilla Beaches
  • Mompox Island
  • La Guajira Desert

Hiking/Biking Routes of Magdalena Department

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails in Magdalena Department that offer a whole another level of adventure for travelers. Take a look at some of the best routes you can take:

  • Ciudad Perdida Trail
  • Tayrona Circuit Trail
  • Buritaca River Trail
  • Sierra Nevada Trek
  • Santa Marta Historic Center Tour

Best Things to Do in Magdalena Department: Activities and Tours

Beyond hiking and biking, Magdalena Department has plenty of fun activities and tours to offer to its visitors. Here are a few that are recommended:

  • Take a Salsa Dance Lesson
  • Go on a Street Art Tour around Magdalena Department
  • Take a Surfing Lesson
  • Go on a Coffee Plantation Tour
  • Take a Boat Ride to the Rosario Islands

Week-Long Itinerary for Magdalena Department

Planning a week-long trip to Magdalena Department can be overwhelming with so many options available to visit and things to do. Here’s how day-by-day itinerary could look like:

Day What To Do
1 Visit Magdalena Department’s Museums and Art Galleries
2 Hike the Ciudad Perdida Trail
3 Take a Salsa Dance Lesson
4 Visit Tayrona National Natural Park
5 Go on a Street Art Tour around Magdalena Department
6 Take a Surfing Lesson on the Beaches of Barranquilla
7 Relax on the Beaches of Mompox Island

Food and Drink Scene of Magdalena Department

Colombia’s culinary scene is famous worldwide, and Magdalena Department holds up its reputation. From seafood to meat, you can expect plenty of delicious dishes to indulge in. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bandeja Paisa
  • Ajiaco
  • Empanadas
  • Lechona
  • Arroz con Coco

Local Beverages

  • Aguapanela
  • Refajo
  • Maracuyá Juice
  • Lulada
  • Té de Menta

Where to Stay in Magdalena Department: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, Magdalena Department has a wide variety of accommodations on offer. Here are a few options:

  • Ciudad Perdida Hostel
  • El Rio Hostel
  • Hotel Panamericano
  • Boutique Hotel Casa Carolina
  • Best Western Plus Mompox

What to Buy in Magdalena Department: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Shopping enthusiasts will love Magdalena Department’s local markets and shopping streets. Make sure to pick up some unique souvenirs and local products to take back home. Here are a few items to consider:

  • Wayuu Bags
  • Handmade Jewelry
  • Coffee
  • Cigars
  • Hammocks

Local Culture and Customs of Magdalena Department

Magdalena Department is known for its vibrant music scene, which includes salsa, merengue, and cumbia. The region celebrates many festivals throughout the year, including the Barranquilla Carnival, which is one of the biggest in South America. Respect for elders, offering hospitality to guests, and family values are crucial to the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Magdalena Department

The best time to visit Magdalena Department is from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny. However, the region is a year-round destination, with something to offer in every season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Magdalena Department

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Attend the Barranquilla Carnival
  • Experience the region’s hiking trails

Don’t:

  • Wear flashy jewelry in public
  • Accept food or drink from strangers
  • Visit remote areas after dark

Safety and Health

Safety in Magdalena Department

Magdalena Department is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any other region, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can happen. Make sure to take necessary precautions such as not displaying valuable items in public.

Health in Magdalena Department

Magdalena Department is a tropical region, meaning travelers must take some health precautions to avoid getting sick. It is advisable to get vaccinated against yellow fever and hepatitis A, carry mosquito repellent, and stay hydrated.

Getting to Magdalena Department: Transportation Options and Logistics

Magdalena Department is accessible by air, bus, or car. Here are some of the transportation options and logistics to reach there:

Airports Near Magdalena Department

  • Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR)
  • Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)
  • Palonegro International Airport (BGA)

Bus Stations Near Magdalena Department

  • Santa Marta Bus Terminal
  • Barranquilla Bus Terminal
  • Cartagena Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Taxi
  • Private Transfer

How to Get Around in Magdalena Department

The best way to explore Magdalena Department is to rent a car or take local buses. Taxis are also available, but make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in.

Where to Go Next from Magdalena Department: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Magdalena Department is in proximity to many other beautiful destinations you would want to visit on your trip to Colombia. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Cartagena
  • Palomino
  • La Guajira Desert
  • Mompox Island

Conclusion

Magdalena Department is a dream destination for travelers. It offers a wide range of adventures and experiences, from scenic hikes to energetic music festivals. By reading this comprehensive guide, you can create your perfect itinerary and plan the trip of a lifetime to Magdalena Department, Colombia.



    Aracataca
    Calabazo
    Minca
    Santa Marta
    Taganga
    Tayrona National Park