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Picture of Caribbean region of Colombia, Colombia

Travel Guide for
Caribbean region of Colombia

Colombia

Tropical, hot, humid, rainy season

Introduction

The Caribbean region of Colombia stretches along the country’s northern coast, boasting vibrant cities like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. With a rich history influenced by Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures, you’ll find colorful colonial architecture, lively rhythms, and delicious coastal cuisine.

In mid-December, temperatures are warm (around 28°C/82°F), with sunny days perfect for exploring beaches and old walled cities. Solo travelers can wander Cartagena’s cobblestone streets, visit Tayrona National Park for breathtaking hikes and beaches, or enjoy Barranquilla’s energetic nightlife—all on a moderate budget. The welcoming local culture and festive December atmosphere make this a perfect solo getaway.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleSolo

Dates14-28 December 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHostel

Interests and Activities:

nightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuresgastronomyfestivals and eventsarts and culture

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Picture of Caribbean region of Colombia, Colombia

Key Facts

Location

Northern Colombia

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

11,000,000

Language

Spanish, English Creole

Electricity

110V, 60Hz, Types A/B

Time zone

UTCCOT (UTC-5)

Country code

+57

Internet access

Good in cities, moderate rural

Climate

Tropical, hot, humid, rainy season

See More Colombia Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-os)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwes-tah es-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-as)
  • excuse me

    disculpe (dees-kool-peh)

Map

Logistics

To reach Colombia’s Caribbean region, flying is the easiest option. Major hubs like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta have airports with daily direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and international cities. Flights are frequent and affordable, making them ideal for solo travelers on a budget.

Intercity travel is best by bus, with frequent and inexpensive routes between coastal cities. December is dry season, so weather-related delays are rare, but book transport and accommodation early since holiday travel peaks. Local boats and moto-taxis can also take you to nearby islands or beaches for day trips.

Weather

The Caribbean region of Colombia enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The area typically has two seasons: a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Humidity is high, but sea breezes help keep coastal cities comfortable.

Between December 14 and December 28, expect mostly sunny and dry weather, as this time marks the start of the high season. Rainfall is minimal, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes are very rare during this period. Conditions are ideal for outdoor adventures, vibrant nightlife, and exploring local festivals, cuisine, and the rich arts and culture scene.

Food & Drink

The Caribbean region of Colombia is famous for dishes like arepas de huevo, fresh ceviche, sancocho de pescado, and coconut rice. Don’t miss local fruit juices like corozo or lulo. Major cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla offer casual eateries, beachfront stalls, and lively cafés where you can comfortably dine solo.

Try La Cevichería in Cartagena for authentic seafood and Caffé Lunático for casual brunch with a view. In Santa Marta, Ouzo offers excellent Mediterranean-Colombian fusion and Lulo Cafe is great for healthy meals. Street food is safe and delicious, especially at outdoor markets or evening plazas.

Tipping is customary; most restaurants add a 10% service charge, but you can tip extra if you had great service. Vegetarian options can be limited but are available in tourist areas—just let staff know your dietary needs upfront.

A picture of Ajiaco

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and a variety of herbs. It's a...

A picture of Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian platter featuring a generous serving of rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, black...

A picture of Arepa

Arepa

Arepa is a popular Colombian staple made of corn dough and often filled with cheese, meat, or eggs....

A picture of Sancocho

Sancocho

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian stew featuring a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with...

A picture of Lechona

Lechona

Lechona is a popular Colombian pork dish made by stuffing a whole pig with rice, peas, and a...

Accommodation

For solo travelers on an average budget, the Caribbean region of Colombia offers great hostel options in Cartagena’s Getsemaní neighborhood—try Selina Cartagena or Media Luna Hostel, both highly rated on Hotels.com. In Santa Marta, Masaya Hostel and Dreamer Hostel are social, affordable, and near great attractions.

Barranquilla’s Via 40 and El Prado areas have safe, vibrant hostels like Viajero Hostel. Book well in advance on Hotels.com if visiting from December 14 to 28, as the holiday season is busy. Hostels often include extras like communal kitchens, free walking tours, and rooftop terraces, making them perfect for meeting other travelers.

Itinerary

Get introduced to the vibrant Caribbean spirit as you settle in and explore the local culture, architecture, and culinary scene of your arrival city.

Stroll Through the Colorful Getsemaní Neighborhood

Begin your journey by wandering the vibrant streets of Getsemaní, famous for its street art, colonial architecture, and welcoming locals. Take in the lively ambiance and stop for photos with the stunning murals.

Dine on Caribbean Fusion at La Cevichería

Indulge in an authentic Caribbean meal at La Cevichería, where you can sample renowned seafood ceviche and other regional specialties. Perfect for your first taste of local flavors in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Sunset Walk Along the Cartagena City Walls

Take a leisurely stroll atop Cartagena’s historic city walls as the sun sets, offering breathtaking views over the Caribbean Sea and the city's old town. It's a magical, atmospheric way to understand the area's history.

23 Day Ultimate Colombia Experience

23 Day Ultimate Colombia Experience

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

This is a complete 3-week tour of Colombia, that will fill you with wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime! You’ll voyage back in time to discover the culture of Bogotá, the magnificent Andes, and the most beautiful town in Colombia; Barichara. You’ll stay in an ecolodge within the Amazon jungle, where you’ll explore during the day and in the pitch darkness of the night; venturing out by boat and on foot. Furthermore, you’ll discover the untouched beauty of the Pacific Coast; with whale watching, waterfalls, and thermal pools. You’ll uncover the simplicity of wonderful mountain ranges, colorful buildings, fantastic architecture, and coffee in the heart of the Colombian Coffee Zone! Cartagena will be waiting to show you the beauty of this ancient city, along with a day on a Tropical Island and the unbelievable experience of a mud bath in a Volcano!

5.0 (1 reviews)

From $9503 USD

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Attractions

4.3 (32 reviews)
Party without limits! Cartagena; VIP Party.

Party without limits! Cartagena; VIP Party.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We present you the best and most exclusive nightlife in the city of Cartagena with VIP access. Live, laugh, dance, and enjoy the best party in places that look like a postcard. We are open minded hosts. ;)

From $60 USD

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5.0 (12 reviews)
Private and Night Tour of the City of Medellin

Private and Night Tour of the City of Medellin

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

We will offer a unique and personalized experience covering the largest number of tourist sites in the city, showing not only the tourist but also the everyday with different types of environments that adapt to different tastes. We will visit a wide variety of emblematic sites of the city of Medellín such as Parque Lleras and Provenza neighborhood, Parque de los pies descalzos, Intelligent building of the public companies of Medellín, Plaza Mayor, Parques del Rio, Plaza Cisneros, La Alpujarra, Government and Mayor's Office, old railway station and Teleantioquia, Plaza Botero, Barrio laureles.

From $150 USD

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5.0 (28 reviews)
Guatape Town & Comuna 13 & El Peñol Rock Tour: All in One Day

Guatape Town & Comuna 13 & El Peñol Rock Tour: All in One Day

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our Private Guatape and Graffiti Tour in just one day encompasses two must-do activities when you visit our beautiful Medellin. First we get to know first-hand the transformation of Medellin through the street-art and this neighborhood's history. We talk about how we passed to be one of the most violent cities in the world to a city with a huge progress in social innovation. We also discuss the challenges we are facing now as a city and the goals we are persuing. After the graffiti tour in Comuna 13 we drive around 2 hours to the magestic big rock and if you decide to climb it you'll see one of the most amazing views. Finally, we visit the colorful and pictoresque Guatape town and we give you a guided tour in its landmarks as we tell you all the history. In conclusion, If you want to cover the Comuna 13 Graffiti tour and Guatape in great detail, guided by a fully bilingual guide and very comfortable in our cars (transportation and guidance are 100% private) then this is it.

From $159 USD

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FAQ

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