Santa Marta & Taganga
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Department: Magdalena Population: 420,000 Altitude: Sea Level Climate: Hot |
While Cartagena serves as the Caribbean coast's main attraction for package tourists and anyone else with relatively deep pockets, Santa Marta has emerged as the coast's most popular destination for backpackers. Here, prices are more affordable and the region's beauty is at least as impressive as in the Cartagena area. Santa Marta and the nearby towns of Rodadero and Taganga abound with hostels and hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs to satisfy budgets from shoestring upwards. Just an hour or so east of Santa Marta, the splendid beaches and jungle of Parque Tayrona draw many travellers, although not so many as to damage the feeling of 'getting away from it all'.
More coming April 2010...
Accommodation
Taganga
La Casa de Felipe: Tel. (5) 4219101, Cel. 3163189158 website
One of the original hostels in Taganga and still one of the best. Located about a 5 minute walk from the beach.Includes internet, Cable TV, laundry service, breakfast and kitchen, plus lots of tourist info. Recommended.
Bayview Hostel: Cra 4 No. 17B-57, Tel. (5) 4219128, Cel. 3174342292 website
Another popular choice is Bayview Hostel. Internet, kitchen, laundry service, tourist info, and shuttle to and from Parque Tayrona.
Hostal Techos Azules: Sector Dunkarinka CabaNa 1-100, Tel. (5) 4219141, Cel. 3166480731 website
Situated up on the hill just outside the town of Taganga, Hostal Techos Azules affords great views over the bay. Ideal if you want to distance yourself from the hstle and bustle of toursits in Taganga.
Casa Blanca: Tel. (5) 4219232, Cel. 3008054968, 3163184556 email: barbus85@latinmail.com
The Casa Blanca Hostel is conspicuously located at the eastern end of Taganga right on the beach and another of the backpacker favourites. Kitchen and social areas including balconies. And the ocean is about a 10 second walk!
Hotel Pelikan: Cra 2 No. 17-04, Tel. (5)4219057
Located just one block off the beach, friendly Hotel Pelikan contains comfortable rooms and includes kitchen, breakfast and laundry service.