Inflated prices for ST rental in Rodadero

I have spoken to a couple of rental agents in an attempt to book a short term rental apartment on the beach starting in June and possibly lasting through September. I have been quoted prices as high as $1500US per month because it is the "high season". I have heard that the beaches in Santa Marta, when compared with other South American countries are not even that great. The best ones have to be hiked to in Parque Tayrona. Why should anyone pay this amount to come to a small Colombian town and go to the beach. I am calling on expats and other travelers here to explain to me why I should not take the same money and rent a much nicer apartment on a much nicer beach in Mexico for a third of the money? I am closer to changing my travel plans than I have ever been. It seems that Columbia will be potentially more dangerous. There will be more visa hassles and traveling within the country will be more expensive because of the necessity of using planes all of the time. My goal is to go somewhere where I can relax on the beach, play my guitar, and practice Castellano. I'm not here to bash Colombia. I'm calling on those of you who have the experience of already being there to explain to me why I should still go?

By ericdharma on May 13, 2006, 15:51 in Friendly Talkzone.

Mr. Hollywood says on May 13, 2006, 16:29:

You should go to Mexico I'd never tell anyone to come to Colombia for the beaches. The really gorgeous ones are remote, with all the baggage attached to that in a country at war. The developed ones aren't that great. If you want great beach towns go to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Or Quintana Roo.

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Gator says on May 13, 2006, 21:03:

If You Went... in low season you would understand. Make it while you can. With your attitude don't the door hit you in the a-- when you leave Colombia. BTW, try South Florida in the winter time or any other tourist destination at high season. Instead of knocking Colombia why don't YOU change YOUR travel plans till after say July 25 when that 150.000 COP rents drops to 50.000 COP a day. Or hike over to the park and sling your hammock between two palm trees for 10.000/15.000 COP a night.

Hike on over to the Departmento de Choco and you will be happy on the Pacific-great beaches.

"SIC FRIATUR CRUSTUM DULCE. OBESA CANTAVIT."

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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dave_travels says on May 14, 2006, 11:07:

Many other coutries have better beaches If you want good beaches, go to Thailand or Western Australia. If you want to play your guitar on the beach, go to La Barra de Navidad, just north of Manzanillo (you will have competition from the hippies though).

If you want to avoid the whole English speaking world, have a few Aguilas on the beach, and still have a chance at meeting a nice LaSamarian to be your future wife, go to Rodadero. Keep in mind, the FARC, in civilian clothes, do exist in Santa Marta.

It is safe to take "port to port" service (includes about three companies) between the cities of Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Cartagena. It costs 25000 pesos per person, and three hours of your time, to go between Barranquilla and either of the other two cities.

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untreated says on May 14, 2006, 11:18:

Barranquilla to Santa Marta costs 7,000 pesos, not 25,000

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dave_travels says on May 14, 2006, 23:43:

Yes, a bus is 7000 pesos. However, "Puerta y Puerta" service is that they pick you up at your home or hotel and drop you at your home or hotel in your destination city. No need to be a target at the bus station. It is 25000 pesos unless you are able to wave down an empty car at the end of town, thus again exposing you as a target. It is also always interesting to see the luxury homes of those you share the car with.

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Gator says on May 15, 2006, 07:08:

FYI Puerta y Puerta is the way to go. The Express buses and others, other than local, do not stop in El Rodadero-the main terminal is in Santa Marta on the west side of town-you pass it on the route to Tayrona. You still must make about a 12 km trip back to Rodadero

"SIC FRIATUR CRUSTUM DULCE. OBESA CANTAVIT."

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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