Taganga

Sitting at an outside cafe next to the dirt roads of this small fishing village of Taganga, it is easy to see that some people could get trapped here for awhile. When I first arrived, the girl that I was traveling with arrived at Casa de Felipe and for $30 we could have our own house, we jumped on that opportunity. Sleeping in your own house equiped with a backyard with a hammock, kitchen and even cassette tapes of Boy George and George Michael, one might never see the point in leaving.

Taganga is the central area for activities such as the Lost City trek and Parque Tayrona both high on the traveler priority lists. Even those the town has only 2 popular nighttime destinations, the town rocks with different parties every night. Sunsaction and the Green Cocktail.

Dive schools are eager to get you certified and on your way to explore the world below. I opted to go with Octopus Dive Center in which I enjoyed very much. You can check them out at (link).

Upon returning from Parque Tayrona, I had only planned on staying in Taganga a few more days, but met up with a few people from Argentina in which to explore the snorkeling beaches on a different part of the park. It was amazing to experience deserted clean beaches and eat fresh fish. Even though I am not the biggest avocate for tours, sometimes it is worth the money for the boat to take you to a few unique places unaccessable by car or foot.

So here it is the top 10 list for Taganga:

1. Join a pick up soccer game on the beach and jump in the water to rinse off the sand at dark

2. Eat dinner at the cafe at Casa de Felipe. The food is amazing and the atmosphere superb. A great place to meet other travlers and tell stories.

3. Escape the heat and take a side trip to MINCA, drink coffee, swim under waterfalls and laugh at yourself when you get caught in the rain.

4. Hike over to Playa Grande and ask to see the menu at one of the local eateries. You might be surprised that they bring out a tray of dead fish for you viewing pleasure.

5. Stay a few nights in Parque Tayrona. Create your own adventures, hike to far off places and discover a new beach.

6. Relax for a few days after the 5 day trek into the lost city. Perfect place for some down time.

7. Eat at the most amazing breakfast place at the top of Hotel Oso Perezoso

8. Get your trash bag out and help clean up the beaches

9. Try to beat the heat in Santa Marta for the day

10. Take a boat ride to a few snorkel destinations in Parque Tayrona