We left Palomino early on our fifth day so that we would have time to hike in Tayrona National Park. The park protects tropical rain forest along the coast between Palomino and Taganga. We hiked in for two hour, climbing steep trails and then following a boardwalk to the beach. Gorgeous granite boulders the size of small houses peppered the trails and beaches. It is a beautiful park. We shared the walk with hundreds of others, but there seemed to be plenty of space on the beaches and on the trails for everyone. A very good day. That night, we stayed at a hostal near the park entrance.
When we arrived in Santa Marta from Medellín five days ago, we rented a small car. Roger drove the hundred miles north to Palomino and back (about 4 hours of driving), and also gave us our tours of the small communities around Palomino and the Park. It was quite a challenge with the narrow, two lane roads chock full of motos (motorcycles), trucks, buses, bicycles, horse carts, pedestrians and the occasional other private car. No one stops at stop signs. Vehicles pass over double lines, around corners and cresting hills. It is seriously crazy. Speed limits are just suggestions. We were happy to turn the car into the rental desk when we returned to the airport in Santa Marta.
From the airport, we took a taxi to a bus stop and grabbed the next bus to Cartagena--about 5 hours away. The bus terminal in Cartagena was a long way from our hotel. So we got a taxi. It was a difficult, trafficky trip from the terminal to our hotel with our cranky driver. But we arrived safely and settled in to our room. Later that evening, we walked along the beach. It is quite humid here and in the 80s. This is quite a change from Palomino. Very touristy...and expensive.
Our hotel
The bay
The Caribbean
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