Parque Tayrona, Colombia 2014

The next Colombian city was Santa Marta which lies only 230km away to the north east from Cartagena. However, with Colombian traffic, flooding highways and the condition of our van being a tad questionable, it took nearly 6 hours to get there. Unfortunately, our misfortune did not stop there with our quest to Parque Tayrona taking a few turns for the worst with an illegal driver and road closures. Nonetheless, we finally arrived at our destination and spent the night enjoying one of South America's loveliest coastlines. 

We stayed at one of the "larger" campgrounds - El Cabo

At El Cabo, you have the option to stay in tents or hammocks. As a huge hammock lover, the choice was a no brainer. 

We had friends of all sorts visiting us throughout our stay ;)

A bit of exploring to start off the morning :D

Look at that clear blue waters!

So what was to be a 1 hour drive + 2 hour hike to the campground took a slight delay with our driver from Santa Marta being illegal and his car being impounded. After 2-3 hours stuck on a closed highway, we finally arrived at the entrance nearing dusk. With only an hour left before dark, we had no choice but to wander the jungle by horse. It was actually pretty awesome so we did it again the next morning ;)

A quick glimpse of Santa Marta

Summary
Days spent: 2 nights, 2 days
Type of Lodging: Hostel
Name of Lodging: La Brisa Loca
Activities: Parque Tayrona

There isn't too much to do in Santa Marta as most people travel here to get to Parque Tayrona. Hoping your trip to the national park will take only 30 minutes as oppose to 8 hours. Allow for extra days in Parque Tayrona as you may want to checkout other islands accessible only from there via boat. Click HERE to read more about our trip and reviews.

Cartagena, Colombia 2014

It was about time to conquer a new continent so luckily, I had some awesome coworkers who were also down for an epic adventure in South America - a whole new world with chaos and beauty at every step of the way. The first step on the South America tour was Cartagena on the north coast of Colombia in the Caribbean region: beach, heat and Colombian flair all in one little city! Read about our overall south america trip HERE. 

A beautiful colonial walled city with colours everywhere

Cartagena's Clock Tower (entrance into the walled city)

Gladly getting lost while wandering around the walled city

Cartagena, after the storm, gives the city such a dramatic glow

  

Just a few moments later, the sun finally makes an appearance

Peace & Quiet (a rarity) while taking a morning stroll

Colombian Fruit Ladies working hard as the bread winners from the neighboring village

Playa Blanca -  a beautiful beach 45 minutes from the city

In search for some naranjas for some much needed Vitamin C

Summary
Days spent: 3 nights, 3.5 days
Type of Lodging: Hostel
Name of Lodging: Media Luna Hostel
Activities: Beach bums, lots of Dancing & soaking in the Colonial architecture 

Cartagena is a beautiful city with all its amazing colonial architecture in the old city. Beautiful beaches such as Playa Blanca are only a 45 minute drive away. At night, the strong latino flavour of the city comes alive (Marc Anthony's Vivir Mi Vida will forever remind me of this place). Just remember to stay safe as there are scams and crooked cops at every turn. Click HERE to read more about our trip and reviews.