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Join me on my adventure to Palomino, Colombia, a chilled-out surfer town on the Caribbean coast. From tubing down the river to spotting crocodiles at my hotel, here’s everything you need to know — plus travel tips, hotel recs, and affiliate-friendly planning advice!
🏝️ Introduction: Discovering the Charm of Palomino
Some places feel like they were made for slowing down, barefoot walks, and spontaneous adventure. Palomino, Colombia is one of those places.
When I arrived, the humid Caribbean air smelled of sea salt and fruit. Dusty roads led past surf shacks and hammock bars, and everyone seemed to move at their own pace. I could instantly tell — Palomino wasn’t trying to impress anyone. It just was.
🌍 Where Is Palomino, Colombia?
Palomino is a small beach town on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, about two hours northeast of Santa Marta. It’s a simple place — one main dirt road, endless palm trees, and the sound of the waves in the background.
Getting there is part of the adventure.
🚐 My Journey to Palomino
I caught a local bus from Santa Marta — hot, bumpy, and loud, but full of character. When I arrived, my Spanish was embarrassingly bad, and since no one spoke English, paying the correct amount to the taxi driver turned into a mini comedy show of hand gestures and smiles. We both laughed it off — one of those you-had-to-be-there travel moments.
If you prefer a smoother arrival (and less language panic), I recommend booking a private transfer through GetYourGuide.
Or, if you like flexibility, rent a car with DiscoverCars — perfect for exploring Colombia’s coastal route.
🛡️ Affiliate Tip: Travel insurance is a must in Colombia. I use SafetyWing — it’s cheap, flexible, and great for digital nomads.
🌞 Staying at La Mello: My Experience
We stayed at La Mello, a small, rustic guesthouse that perfectly matched Palomino’s surfer-town vibe. It had that effortless, “no shoes, no problem” energy. The bar area played chill music, the hammocks swayed under palm trees, and everyone seemed to know everyone.
One afternoon, I wandered toward the hotel pond and froze — there was a crocodile lounging in the shallow water… with six tiny babies beside it! 😳
It wasn’t huge, but big enough to give me a fright. Locals told me it’s been there for years, completely harmless (unless you’re a frog).
The whole experience felt wild, raw, and authentic — Palomino in a nutshell.
🏖️ Why Visit Palomino?
Palomino has that rare balance of peace and adventure. You can relax all day in a hammock, then ride a motorbike through the jungle the next.
It reminded me a bit of Tulum, but more raw and real — fewer influencers, more connection. The prices were creeping up though, so it definitely had those “Tulum vibes”.
If you’ve been to Tulum (or plan to), you can check out my Tulum article here for comparison.
🏄♂️ Top Things to Do in Palomino
🛶 Tubing Down the Palomino River
This was hands down one of my favorite experiences in Colombia.
You start by hopping on the back of a motorbike as locals take you up a jungle hill — no helmets, just wind and laughter. Then you grab your inner tube and float down the Palomino River, surrounded by dense jungle and distant mountains.
At one point, I thought, “If there was ever a time to do LSD, it’s now.” The combination of sun, water, and birdsong felt otherworldly.
(Disclaimer: I didn’t actually do it… but the thought crossed my mind 😅.)
The current can be strong, so hold onto your tube — it’s not the lazy float you might imagine. You’ll drift for about two hours before spilling out into the Caribbean Sea.
You can book tubing tours easily at GetYourGuide Palomino.
🌊 Surfing and Yoga
Palomino’s waves are small and beginner-friendly. Surfboards are easy to rent, and morning beach yoga sessions are a great way to start the day. Most hostels organize both.
🐒 Wildlife and Eco Tours
Near Palomino, you can explore waterfalls and indigenous villages. I joined a guided hike that felt like a David Attenborough documentary — monkeys, birds, and thick jungle sounds all around.
It was at El Rio Hostel, which is honestly one of the coolest eco-hostels I’ve ever seen. Jungle trails, river swimming, and an open-air bar — just watch out for mosquitoes, they mean business there.
🏨 Where to Stay in Palomino
🌿 Luxury Eco-Lodges
- Aite Eco Hotel – beachfront luxury and yoga decks
- Senda Casalina – modern jungle chic
👉 Book them via Booking.com for the best rates.
🎒 Budget Hostels
- El Rio Hostel – iconic riverside vibes (wildlife, hammocks, bar)
- Tiki Hut Hostel – cozy, beachside, and social
👉 Find them easily on Hostelworld
🎒 What to Pack for Palomino
| Essential Item | Why You Need It | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry towel | For tubing & beach days | Amazon Travel Gear |
| Waterproof bag | Protect valuables while tubing | Dry Bag |
| Eco sunscreen | Protect skin & the reef | Reef-Safe Sunscreen |
| Portable charger | For eco-lodges with limited power | Anker Power Bank |
💡 Travel Tips for Palomino
- Best Time to Visit: December – April (dry season)
- Currency: Colombian Pesos (COP) — ATMs are scarce, bring cash!
- Wi-Fi: Decent in hostels, weaker near the beach
- Safety: Very safe; just avoid isolated roads at night
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent (you’ll thank me later)
🔗 Affiliate Recommendations for Your Palomino Trip
- 🛡️ SafetyWing – affordable travel insurance
- 🚗 DiscoverCars – rent a car for full freedom
- 🏨 Booking.com – hotels, lodges, and eco-stays
- 🎒 Amazon Travel Store – gear up before you go
- 🛶 GetYourGuide – book tours and tubing trips easily
❓ FAQs About Palomino, Colombia
1. Is Palomino safe for tourists?
Yes — it’s one of the safest towns on Colombia’s coast.
2. How many days should I spend there?
At least 3–5 days to unwind, surf, and explore.
3. Can I surf there?
Yes! It’s perfect for beginners.
4. Do I need to know Spanish?
A little helps a lot — not many locals speak English.
5. Can I work remotely from Palomino?
Definitely. Many hostels have coworking-friendly spaces.
6. How can I book tubing or tours?
Online through GetYourGuide or directly with your hostel.
🌅 Conclusion: Why Palomino Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List
Palomino isn’t about luxury — it’s about simplicity and connection. It’s the kind of place where you meet travelers from everywhere, share beers at sunset, and watch life unfold slowly.
Between the wild nature, laid-back locals, and surfer-town charm, it’s hard not to fall in love.
I left Palomino with mosquito bites, a camera full of memories, and a deep reminder of how good it feels to just be. 🌴✨