Colombian coast: Hidden treasures in the Pacific and the Caribbean

Colombia is a country with two coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This natural asset offers a rich biodiversity and the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches to locals and tourists.

So, if you are deciding on which coast is the best for you, keep reading. You will learn about the best each Colombian coast has to offer and the unique treasures each one has.

1. The Caribbean: a popular Colombian coast

Without any doubt, this Colombian coast has a wide range of beaches, as well as national parks and protected areas. Due to the fact that traditionally the Caribbean is a more popular destination among foreigners and locals, it’s more developed and ready to receive tourists.

The region offers every kind of experience, from spectacular resorts and luxurious 5 starts hotels, to low cost tours that include camping and hostels. It might even be one of the best destinations for a romantic getaway in Colombia!

Beaches and deserts

Here you will find a pretty wide variety of beautiful beaches with crystalline water and pearl and brown sand.

In Cabo de la Vela, in La Guajira, you can find different beaches with turquoise waters and white sand, as well as the brightest orange deserts and mountainous landscapes.

Also, in Cartagena, one of the most romantic destinations in the country, you can find many beaches characterized by having a brown sand and darker waters. Places like Bocagrande and Castillo Grande have beautiful beaches well-developed and ready to receive tourists and offering plenty of amenities to visitors.

Read more about perfect spots in Colombia for beach lovers here.

Fauna and flora

Thanks to the climate in the region, this Colombian coast has a wide variety of vegetation and species. Here you can find marmosets, different snakes and macaws. There are also some endangered animals, like manatees and guatinaje.

This region is characterized by its exotic vegetation. There are mangroves and frailejones in Sierra Nevada, as well as large coral reefs in Islas del Rosario.

National Parks

This region has important national parks, such as Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Islas Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo, Tayrona, Paramillo, and Macuira. There are also natural sanctuaries like El Corchal el Mono Hernández, Los Colorados, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, and Los Flamencos.

2. The Pacific coast: a mysterious Colombian coast

Traditionally, this Colombian coast was not that popular among tourists. However, in the last few years, this region has worked on promoting tourism in the area, and the beautiful treasures hidden in its vast vegetation. The fact that the Pacific coast has not been as exploited by tourism is an advantage.

Thanks to this, there are still virgin landscapes. Since this region is still being developed for tourism, it can sometimes be a little bit difficult to get there, because of the lack of flights and roads. Even so, it isn’t impossible to get there and, without a doubt, it’s worth it.

Beaches

The Pacific coast is known for having huge rainforests and jungles, as well as diverse fauna and flora. Another treasure of this Colombian coast is the beach. Remote places in Chocó and Valle del Cauca have some of the best beaches in Colombia. Some, like Nuquí or Bahía Solano, are well-known because of their development and their adaptability to tourism.

But there are also many virgin beaches that, as was mentioned before, are still not bitten by tourism. These places, as beautiful as they are, can be a challenge if you are not well prepared. So, if you are looking to immerse yourself in these natural treasures, it’s recommended that you carry your own food and that you are prepared to go camping if necessary.

Fauna and flora

One of the main attractions, and the biggest difference between the Caribbean and the Pacific coastlines, is the whale watching. From early June until the end of September, the whales travel to the warmer waters to mate. A natural and beautiful show that enchants tourists. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.

National Parks

This region has rich fauna, flora, natural parks and reserves. For example, the Parque Nacional Natural Utría is famous for its ongoing rainfall, which has created a lush jungle and many rivers and waterfalls. This park is also known for its mangroves and wide range of birds.

Take note, if you are visiting the park, be aware of the jaguars, since this region is famous for them. Even though jaguars don’t often approach people, is better to be aware.

Conclusion

Both the Pacific and the Caribbean coastlines offer some of the best of Colombia. Jungle, beaches and tons of hidden treasures are just some of the beauties that you can enjoy in this neck of the woods. Go on and enjoy the Colombian coast!

If you don´t have enough time to include some beach time, read more here about how to experience the best of Colombia in one week. 

If you need help or guidance with the planning process of your trip to Colombia, don´t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of travel experts looking forward to help you have the best holiday of your life.