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Where do I go on the coast?

Alright people, I'm pretty set on going to the coast (of Colombia, of course) for New Years. It doesn't matter if it's the Pacific or Caribbean, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as far as destinations. Here's the thing though, if I don't make a decision soon, my ladyfriend is going to make me go to Cartegena. I must avoid this. I mean I can see why it's a necessary spot to see, but I've seen it, there were too many tourist t-shirt shops, weed was way too expensive and the beaches, well, they are just plain shabby. I'm a beachin guy though, so this is important. I'm hoping to find something with a Capurgana-like vibe sans the lancha monopoly and maybe even less touristy if possible. Also, if it is within a 15 or 16 hour bus ride that would be choice. So, any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

By august on Nov 6, 2007, 20:05 in Travel tips.

El Santo says on Nov 7, 2007, 03:38:

Caribbean coast is more suitable for tourists, try some other places if you don't like to revisit
Cartagena. Pacific coast is not a tourist attraction. Ports there, Buenaventura and Tumaco
in the South cannot be recommended, they are shabby towns. Of course, there are places
like La Bocana or La Isla de Gorgona but they may not be something you are looking for.
(see http://www.fortunecity.com/oasis/montego/390/gorgona/gorgona.html)

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robi666 says on Nov 7, 2007, 03:50:

The coast from Parque Tayrona to La Guajira. Many places.
Guachaca, Buritaca, Marquetalia, up to El Cabo de la Vela.
The hippy community in Quebrada Valencia and the best weed of the whole world.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Lowell says on Nov 7, 2007, 05:50:

About 30 years ago i bought some "Santa Marta Gold". Great weed. Wish I could find some good fresh stuff where I live. Maybe next year I try to grow some.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

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Laurenzinho says on Nov 7, 2007, 06:50:

The Pacific Coast at Nuqui is absolutely gorgeous! Though if you prefer nightlife and shops instead of unpoiled beaches, jungle and wildlife don't go there. There are hardly any touristic facilities and infrastructure except for the eco-lodges which are basic but beautiful. Also, the only way to get there is by plane.

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Gator says on Nov 7, 2007, 06:53:

The Pacific Cost is, no doubt, a beautiful area. BUT, about the only excitement is watching a banana tree grow. If you like wild and untamed this is the place to go-Buenaventura and Tumaco being the exceptions.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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Chelesupercono says on Nov 7, 2007, 08:27:

Taganga is nice and laid back, good for diving. Stay away from Rodadero....that is really shitty with a bunch of asshole vendors in your face EVERY minute.....everyplace north of Santa Marta is great!!!

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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Gator says on Nov 7, 2007, 09:44:

Rodadero....that is really shitty with a bunch of asshole vendors in your face EVERY minute.

Sure you don't mean Cartagena? Never found that to be true in El Rodadero.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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Miguel says on Nov 7, 2007, 09:46:

Ni yo tampoco Gator.

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toneloc24 says on Nov 7, 2007, 12:49:

Rodadero is much more tolerable than Bocagrande (Cartagena).

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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robi666 says on Nov 7, 2007, 13:26:

No so much vendors and they usually accept a "no gracias" in El Rodadero.

I find Taganga very dirty and the people annoying, so I prefer El Rodadero, but that's just me.
To be true, I don't even go to El Rodadero.

If I want to eat on the beach, I go en la baja de Santa Marta, which is not a bad beach, and order Arroz de Liza por 2500 pesos. Not the one that you can eat in Barranquilla, but... hell...

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august says on Nov 7, 2007, 14:32:

Those are some good tips guys, I appreciate it. Damn, I meant to say in the header that it would be preferred if the place was within a 15 or 16 hour bus ride from Medellin. That said, do you guys know if there are direct bus lines from Medellin to Santa Marta?

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robi666 says on Nov 7, 2007, 16:32:

Yes, many.
70k pesos low season
110k for Xmas.

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la campiña says on Nov 7, 2007, 21:22:

Abre tu mente, I love colombia but WOW, why not Salinas in south ecuador, start off in guayaquill, get a bus to the coast its beautifull, salinas then montañita you will not regret it, la verdad

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Gator says on Nov 8, 2007, 08:26:

Been there lately?

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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robi666 says on Nov 8, 2007, 08:38:

I had a look at some websites about Salinas. The place does not seem anything special. But it can be just poor pictures...
In one website they also say: "The scenic bay is full of jet skiers, water skiers, hang-gliders, sky divers and a plethora of various sized yachts anchored in the bay adjacent to the yacht club. "
Maybe La Campina was giving other advices: being an Italian who learned his english at school, it is hard for me to fully understand what he says.

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Gator says on Nov 8, 2007, 15:04:

Certain meds will do that.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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august says on Nov 8, 2007, 22:05:

la campina, I'm with you, Ecuador sounds good, but a) I'm on a time constraint (not to mention a cash constraint) so I really only have the chance to get a day's busride out of Medellin and b) well I mean there's so much to Colombia that I haven't seen. Again, I appreciate everyone's input though.

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Chriscan says on Nov 13, 2007, 14:29:

I like the Santa Marta area. Taganga is good to relax, Tayrona is the tropical paridise I always dreamed of. If you want to party on the beach at night, Rodedero is a lot of fun. The sales folks aren´t as bad in as Cartagena. If you eat at a resturant, sit a table or two in from the street.
For Cartagena, I wear a shirt that say,¨No Molestar¨ and point to it.

************* WARNING ************* my words often come from my ass

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nueva york bombero says on Nov 13, 2007, 14:40:

With 12 days to spend on the coast, what do you guys think the breakup should be?
I was thinking 6 days in Cartagena, 1 in Barranquilla, and 5 in Santa Marta/ Taganga???

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billyb says on Nov 13, 2007, 14:48:

I agree, the vendors in Rodadero aren't nearly as bad as in Cartagena.

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la campiña says on Nov 14, 2007, 22:39:

ok you dont like south ecuador, in that case get a launch from buenaventura to huanchaco , and then ladilleros it is magnificent, whales dolphins you will love it

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