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Colombia is currently one of the trendiest destinations in South America, not only because of its warm culture and natural wealth, but also because of the wide availability of flights, making it easier for Americans to travel, and the overall affordability of the country.
It’s still quite a diverse area, made up of inland metropolises surrounded by Andean peaks, jungles and a sunny Caribbean coast, and if it’s the latter that appeals to you most, you might be wondering which places you should visit visit for the ultimate tropical experience.
Don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. Be here four of the best beach getaways in Colombia to help you escape the winter blues:
Saint Martha
A lesser-known city in the Magdalena department, one of Colombia’s Caribbean regions, Santa Marta is a smaller city with just under half a million inhabitants and has a fascinating history dating back to Spanish colonization.
It was originally founded in 1525 by Spanish ‘conquistador’ Rodrigo de Bastidas as one of the first European settlements in modern-day Colombia. It has the distinction of being the oldest surviving and second oldest European-founded city in South America, surpassed only by Cusco in Peru.
Other than the stunning Iberian inspired architecture, Santa Marta is known for its semi-arid climate and enviable access to the sea. In fact, some of the most beautiful natural areas in Colombia are within driving distance of the city center, including Tayrona.
It is a national park that covers both an untouched part of the Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean coast a postcard-like image of palm-lined sandy beaches and rainforests.
Within the park, tourists will also find the Pueblito Ruins, which date back to the long-lost native Tayrona civilization.
Cartagena
The gateway to the wider Colombian Caribbean, Cartagena is a sprawling coastal metropolis known for its Afro-Latin heritage, beautiful architecture from the colonial eraand warm weather all year round.
It was founded as a colony in the 16th century, although indigenous people had already called the area home before the arrival of Europeans and enslaved Africans. To this day, the modern city is a fascinating mix of cultures and different influences.
Walking through the cobbled streets of ‘Ciudad Amurallada’, which also includes Cartagena Historic center that is on the UNESCO World Heritage Listvisitors are transported back to the golden age of the Spanish empire, characterized by stately buildings with ornate facades, a fortress and monumental churches.
Around the port area of Bocagrande, across the bay from the walled city, the historic, yellow-hued cityscape gives way to clusters of modern skyscrapers, creating a unique contrast between colonial traditionalism and 21st century development.
Bocagrande is also home to a stretch of volcanic sand beach, bordered by the azure Caribbean Sea, although some of the best beaches on the Colombian coast are actually offshore:
Baru
Although the seas around the Cartagena mainland are perfectly suitable for swimming, they can appear muddier due to the volcanic nature of the sand and are therefore often skipped altogether by tourists landing in the Colombian Caribbean.
On the other side is the tourist island of Baru, part of the Rosario archipelago, which lies just off the coast famous for its clear blue oceansthin white sand and impossibly tall palms providing much-needed shade from the blazing sun.
The definition of paradise on earth, without the skyscrapers and busy city life that may make Cartagena less attractive to some, Baru is a protected reserve dotted with small boutique hotels that put wellness at the top of the tourist offering and affordable hostels with a youthful, cozy community.
Colombia does one of the cheapest tropical destinations there are, and overnight rates in idyllic Baru, in properties spanning the landmark, aptly named Playa Blanca, start from just US$57 (although they can go up to US$344, depending on the level of comfort and exclusivity).
San Andrés
Our last choice for the season: San Andres is the most beautiful tropical island in Colombia. It is located 750 kilometers north of the mainland an untouched coral archipelago includes numerous reefs, atolls and sandbanks bordered by translucent water.
El Centro, the region’s capital, occupies the northern end of the main island and is the best-equipped city, home to major hospitality brands, a lively bar district and some of the archipelago’s best-preserved colonial structures.
When it comes to natural beauty, it’s really hard to summarize San Andres’ abundance of protected reserves and scenic spots. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, after all, and there’s really no shortage of thin white-sand beaches bordered by teal-colored oceanic lagoons.
San Andres is also known as a city the Colombian capital of ecotourism, because of its rich biodiversity. Some of the most popular activities that tourists can participate in during their stay on the island include snorkeling in the reefs, sailing around the archipelago and admiring the marine life.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
