The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Palomino
The little beachside town of Palomino has become extremely popular with travellers over the past few years and is now practically an obligatory stop on the Colombian Caribbean backpacker trail. But what is there to actually do in Palomino? Here are the top 10 things to see and do when you visit.
Tubing on the Palomino River
The most popular activity in Palomino is a tubing trip down the Palomino River. You can hire a rubber tube throughout the town, and then you simply head up into the hills behind the town until you reach the edge of the river, whereupon you simply jump in your tube and float back downriver for a few hours until you reach the sea. It’s a peaceful and beautiful trip that really allows you to get in touch with nature.
Visit Quebrada Valencia
Walk along the beach at dawn
The Palomino beach is beautiful at any time of day, and you’re sure to find yourself spending a few hours sunbathing and swimming in the sea, but it’s a real treat to get up early and wander along the beach at first light when it’s wonderfully peaceful. If you walk down towards where the river meets the sea you can see flocks of seabirds, local fishermen, and you’ll have the whole place practically to yourself.
Enjoy some fresh fish by the sea
There are some great seafood restaurants in Palomino, and it’s just not a trip to the Colombian Caribbean without enjoying some fresh fish by the sea. Some of the best restaurants are simple, local places just alongside the river mouth, where residents cook up fresh fried fish and coconut rice just metres from the waves.
See the snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains are located right behind Palomino, and on a clear day you can actually stand with your feet in the warm Caribbean Sea and see snowcapped mountains at the same time! There’s nowhere on earth with higher mountains closer to the sea, and it’s a unique experience, to say the least.
Get a relaxing massage
You’re at the beach, so the trip can’t all be hiking and swimming: you want to take some time to relax as well! One of the best ways to do that is to enjoy a beachside massage – most hostels and hotels can arrange a massage for you, and the masseur will come to the hotel so you don’t even have to walk!
Sunbathe by the pool
If you get tired of the sea then you can always grab a sun-lounger and relax by a swimming pool instead. Both The Dreamer Hostel and the Tiki Hut Hostel – just metres from the beach – count on nice swimming pools, bars, and comfy chillout areas, so book one of them if you like the idea of chilling by the pool with cocktails for a few hours.
Go surfing
Palomino has some good waves and is a great place for surfers, particularly beginners (the waves aren’t that big and it might be a bit dull for more hardcore and experienced surfers). You can rent boards at a few places along the beach, and even sign up for some surfing lessons if you’re not too confident alone.
Go and see flamingos!
Less than an hour from Palomino is the Flamingos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, alongside the little village of Camarones. You can hire a local guide and sailboat and head out onto the lagoon to see the beautiful pink birds up-close. Plus, it’s a really easy day-trip from Palomino.
Book a trip with La Sierrita Ecotours
La Sierrita is the best ecotourism company operating in Palomino and they can arrange a series of excellent and unique ecotours around the surrounding mountains and jungles. From birdwatching excursions to visits to local Indigenous communities, if you’re looking for something a bit different on your visit to Palomino, then get in touch and book a trip.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
