Taganga
A small Colombian fishing village-turned-beach hangout, laidback Taganga is a hub for party-loving backpackers and scuba divers alike. Use Taganga as an affordable jumping-off point for exploration of Tayrona National Park, Ciudad Perdida, or mountainous Minca, before returning to admire the sunset from one of Taganga’s many beach bars.
The Basics
Although it’s a popular pitstop for party-hard backpackers along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, Taganga has more to offer than beach bars and beers. Take an affordable diving certification course through one of Taganga’s many dive shops or experience the town’s picturesque views, affordable eats, and popular beaches during a bike tour, ideal if you’ve got limited time in the region. Alternatively, combine a stop on the Taganga coast with an excursion to nearby Minca. Most Taganga tour options also include a visit to Playa Grande.
Things to Know Before You Go
Would-be scuba divers won’t want to miss Taganga, which is known as an affordable place to secure a diving certification.
Be sure to pack bug repellent and plenty of sunscreen for a visit to this hot and humid coastal town.
Take care at night in Taganga and never leave your belongings unattended on the beach—petty crime is a problem in the area.
Taganga’s streets are mostly unpaved and can be muddy depending on the season, so wheelchair users may find access difficult.
How to Get There
Sandwiched between Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, Taganga is just a 15-minute bus ride from the former—look for the blue buses marked "Taganga" which depart from Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) in downtown Santa Marta or opt for a taxi instead. Remember that Colombian taxis don’t operate meters, so you should agree to a price before getting into the vehicle.
When to Get There
Hot and humid Taganga is best visited in the dry but busy winter months, although the town is a year-round destination for scuba diving. Travelers looking for a quieter visit should stop by midweek, as Taganga is especially popular with both visitors and locals on the weekend.
Colombia's Caribbean Coastline
If you’re itching to explore more of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, colonial Cartagena—with its colorful street art and rich, complicated history—is a great place to start. From there, head north to Tayrona National Park, known for dramatic scenery and sun-bleached beaches, before tubing down the Palomino river in the Guajira region.
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- Tayrona National Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona)
- Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona)
- Santa Marta Historic Center (Centro Historico de Santa Marta)
- Carlos El Pibe Valderrama Statue
- Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
- Playa Blanca
- Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
- El Rodadero
- Marine World Aquarium (Mundo Marino Acuario)
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
- Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal)
- Nabusimake