- Where to go to sunbathe?
- Weather features of a beach holiday in Colombia
- In the lists of UNESCO
- Entertainment and hobbies
Home to some of the world's finest emeralds, Colombia doesn't claim to be the world's beach capital. She already has enough tourist attention. The originality and colonial style of Cartagena, the contrasts of the metropolitan Bogotá and the incomparable beauty of the mountain landscapes of the Andes as a magnet attract guests from both hemispheres to the small South American state. True, flying only to a beach holiday in Colombia from the eastern hemisphere will be somewhat illogical, but in combination with other local delights, a few days under the hot Colombian sun may please fans of distant wanderings.
Where to go to sunbathe?
Travel brochures recommend four major beach destinations in Colombia:
- Cartagena is the undoubted leader among all directions. In addition to beautiful silvery beaches, the city offers its guests many architectural monuments of the colonial era.
- Santa Marta is considered a fashionable resort in mainland Colombia. The main beach of El Rodadero boasts a wide variety of activities, and most of the hotels and villas built along the local coastline are of the luxury category.
- The province of San Andreas and Providencia is located on the archipelago of the same name to the north of the mainland. The local beach holiday features a wide coastline with perfect white sand and excellent diving conditions. Coral reefs protect the coastal area from strong waves, allowing you to enjoy a serene swim.
- The Pacific coast is represented in the tourist market of Colombia by the city of Buenaventura. The main beach areas are lined with tropical forests, and the sand is darker and coarser than in the Caribbean. The rocky bottom can be a hindrance to safe swimming, and the frequent high winds make the Pacific resort particularly popular with surfers.
Weather features of a beach holiday in Colombia
The climate in different resort regions of the country is not much different. The weather here is hot at any time of the year, the air temperature is kept within + 30 ° С. The water in the Caribbean Sea, even in the winter months, does not cool below + 20 ° С, and in summer it heats up to + 28 ° С. Pacific coast resorts are a little cooler. In winter, the air temperature drops and at night the thermometers can show only + 20 ° С. Even at the height of the swimming season, the water in the ocean rarely rises above + 24 ° С.
The most favorable months for recreation on the Caribbean coast are January, February and March, when precipitation is minimal, and the temperature of the air and water is almost the same and is about + 27 ° C.
When choosing where to relax, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of the Pacific currents. Inexperienced swimmers should take extra care on the beaches of the country's west coast and follow the recommendations of the lifeguards.
In the lists of UNESCO
Colombian Cartagena appeared on the world map in 1533 and today it is called "more Spanish" than its older sister in the Old World. A visiting card of Colombia, this city has preserved many architectural masterpieces of the colonial era, and its main attraction is the 11-kilometer fortifications built to protect against pirates. The fortress of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas of the 17th century and the cathedral, as well as the oldest church, Iglesia da Santa Domingo, are worthy of attention of tourists who have flown over half the world. The best views for memorable photos are from the La Popa hill, and in the Museum of Gold, despite all the efforts of the conquistadors, their descendants still managed to collect a rich collection of jewelry made by Indian craftsmen in the pre-Columbian era.
A beach holiday in Colombia in Cartagena is a Caribbean coastline stretching for several kilometers with all the pleasant consequences that follow from here:
- Bocagrande is the main city beach, equipped with all the necessary equipment. Its obvious advantage is its proximity to the center, but during the high season too many people come here eager to relax by the water.
- A small ferry will take you to Baru Island near mainland Cartagena. The best vacation on the island is guaranteed by the Playa Blanca beach, and curious travelers will love the small aquarium with representatives of the local marine fauna.
- Thierrabomba Island offers to enjoy the Caribbean Sea in three places at once: at Punta Arena with a gorgeous view of the city, at Bocachica with an old fort as a background for photos and at La Boquilla, where the most curious can watch fishermen and feathered inhabitants of mangroves.
Choosing hotels in Colombia, it is important to study the reviews of predecessors, because the declared stars of the hotels do not always correspond. Budget tourists can easily find inexpensive hostels here, while wealthy tourists can book tours even to a luxurious charm hotel in one of the ancient monasteries.
Entertainment and hobbies
February is the time for a colorful carnival in South America. One of the most striking performances takes place in the town of Barranquilla, half an hour's drive from the Santa Marta resort.
In the evenings, a dance show is held in the central square of Cartagena, in which young people take part, presenting the public with national dances.
The best spot for dolphin and humpback whale watching is Baio Solano Beach in the Pacific Coast and Gorgonilla and Gorgona Islands.
Interesting diving sites are located in the San Andreas and Providencia archipelago. In the Pacific Ocean, divers prefer to relax on Malpello Island, where sharks, tropical fish and stingrays are abundant. Excursions to underwater caves are offered to divers in the waters of the Taganga resort, and near the beaches of Morrito Largo there is a chance to see in all details a sunken cargo ship lying at a depth of 30 meters.
The best surfing on Colombia's beaches is possible north of Buenoventura in the resorts of Terkito and Nukui in January and February.
