See full version: Things to Do in Caribbean Coast
Just off the coast of northern Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is home to a wealth of endangered flora and fauna as well as the world’s highest coastal peak. Dominated by mountains and popular among hikers, this UNESCO-recognized national park is home to bird reserves, archaeological ruins, and indigenous villages. [links]
The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, is the archaeological site of an ancient indigenous city in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Thought to have been a commercial center for trade around 700 A.D., its population probably ranged between 1,400 and 3,000 inhabitants. Hidden in the jungle for over a thousand years, the Lost City was found in 1972 when treasure hunters followed a series of stone steps leading up to an abandoned city.
Marine life in the waters off Crystal Beach(Playa Cristal) includes sea turtles, dolphins, and several species of fish. Even without spotting one these creatures, the coral and sponges of the reef provide colorful underwater scenes. The Caribbean reefs offshore also attract those seeking scuba diving and other water sports. [links]
With brightly-colored buildings, colonial landmarks, and bougainvillea-covered balconies, Old Town Cartagena is known for its beauty and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Highlights include the leafy Plaza de Bolivar, the striking Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), and the Gold Museum (Museo de Oro). more
Some historians say that if it weren’t for San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas), South America would now speak English. The 14th-century fortress protected the coastal city of Cartagena from English invasion, allowing the Spanish to maintain their rule. Besides the role it plays in Colombia’s history, the castle attracts visitors with its panoramic harbor views. here
Members of local tribes, including the Arhuacos, Koguis, and others, continue to maintain many of their ancestral beliefs and customs. They visited the site regularly before it was widely discovered, and gave it the name Teyuna. This trek takes you through some of their villages where life has remained unchanged for centuries.
Toward the western end of the 1,600-km (992-mile) shoreline is Cartagena, Colombia's greatest colonial city. With its barrel-tile roofs and wooden balconies, Cartagena's Ciudad Amurallada resembles many cities in Spain, but the feeling is definitely tropical. The Islas del Rosario, just off the coast, provide an escape from the city and a dash of island calm. here
Northeast of Cartagena is Barranquilla, a quiet city that bursts to life during Carnival in February, when it has pre-Lenten festivities. more
Colombia's sultry Caribbean Coast is linked to Bogotá only by the national flag, the milky Río Magdalena, and a couple of snaking highways. The costeño people, driven by salsa and the accordion-heavy vallenato music, have an exuberant spirit not seen in the capital.
Northeast of Cartagena is Barranquilla, a quiet city that bursts to life during Carnival in February, when it has pre-Lenten festivities. [links]
Toward the western end of the 1,600-km (992-mile) shoreline is Cartagena, Colombia's greatest colonial city. With its barrel-tile roofs and wooden balconies, Cartagena's Ciudad Amurallada resembles many cities in Spain, but the feeling is definitely tropical. The Islas del Rosario, just off the coast, provide an escape from the city and a dash of island calm.
Commonly referred to as the Gold or Platinum Coast, the postcard-perfect west coast of Barbados is known for its calm, turquoise waters and beaches that match its golden moniker. But beautiful beaches aren’t the only reason to visit Barbados’ west coast. They’re definitely a big draw, and there’s plenty of beach-hopping to be done, but the area also offers several other worthwhile activities and attractions that make this part of the island so much fun. If you’re planning a Barbados vacation, here are five of the coolest things to do along the west coast.
Polo is a big deal in Barbados and there are many opportunities throughout the island to catch a match or two. But have you ever thought about learning the sport yourself? If so, Apes Hill Polo Club is a world-class facility on the island’s west coast offering lessons for every skill level (even complete beginners). While you might be skeptical about the potential of hitting the ball while atop a moving horse, immersive instruction is such that even the least coordinated among us have a good shot at making contact during a first lesson. Upon arrival you’ll meet the horses, get a safety briefing, learn the basics of holding the mallet and hitting the ball before getting on a horse. Detailed instructions are provided and everyone can go at their own pace.
The island counterpart to acclaimed sister location in London, Daphne’s is an award-winning restaurant on the west coast and well worth including on your Barbados itinerary. Part of the island’s acclaimed Elegant Hotels Group, the restaurant is a popular choice with celebrities visiting the island (including Rihanna), but the vibe leans much more toward low-key than exclusive. Chef Michele Blasi creates Italian-leaning dishes with an subtle island twist using fresh-caught seafood and local produce. Daphne’s is also known for their creative list of cocktails, including a watermelon martini. more
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is a world apart from the rest of the country. The pace is slower, the food is spicier, the tropical heat is more palpable, and the rhythmic lilt of patois and reggae music fills the air. This remains one of Costa Rica's least discovered and explored regions. More than half of the coastline here is still inaccessible except by boat or small plane. This isolation has helped preserve large tracts of virgin lowland rainforest, which are now set aside as Tortuguero National Park ★★ and Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge ★. These two parks, on the coast's northern reaches, are among Costa Rica's most popular destinations for adventurers and ecotravelers. Of particular interest are the sea turtles that nest here. Farther south, Cahuita National Park ★★ is another popular national park, located just off its namesake beach village. It was set up to preserve 200 hectares (494 acres) of coral reef, but its palm tree-lined white-sand beaches and gentle trails are stunning. When you’re ready for nice lodging, fine dining, and a hearty party, the village of Puerto Viejo ★★ is hard to top anywhere in Costa Rica.
So remote was the Caribbean coast from Costa Rica's population centers in the Central Valley that it developed a culture all its own. The original inhabitants of the area included people of the Bribri and Cabécar tribes, and these groups maintain their cultures on indigenous reserves in the Talamanca Mountains. In fact, until the 1870s, this area had few non-Indians. However, when Minor Keith built the railroad to San José and began planting bananas, he brought in black laborers from Jamaica and other Caribbean islands to lay the track and work the plantations. These workers and their descendants established fishing and farming communities up and down the coast. Today dreadlocked Rastafarians, reggae music, Creole cooking, and the English-based patois of this Afro-Caribbean culture give this region a quasi-Jamaican flavor, a striking contrast with Latino Costa Rican culture.
Over the years, the Caribbean coast has garnered a reputation as being a dangerous, drug-infested zone, rife with crime. And though there have been several high-profile crimes in the area and petty theft can be an issue, this reputation is exaggerated. The same crime and drug problems found here exist in San José and most of the popular beach destinations on the Pacific coast. Use common sense and take normal precautions and you should have no problems on the Caribbean coast. more