What to expect when visiting Palomino
Palomino is a small beach town on Colombia’s north coast. Its laidback atmosphere is a huge contrast to the rest of the country’s generally hectic vibe. In Palomino, one’s worries go away, even just for a few days.
Its spectacular beaches and surrounding lush jungle make it the perfect destination for adventurous travellers and nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of activities in Palomino like surfing, horseback riding on the beach and river tubing. It also has an ideal location, close to other popular destinations like Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta and Rioacha.
2 ways to get from Santa Marta to Palomino
There are two ways to travel the distance of 80 km (50 miles) from Santa Marta to Palomino: by bus (1.5 hours) and taxi (1.5 hours). The journey takes between 1h30m and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 12,000 COP ($3.00) for the bus.Where to stay in Palomino?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Palomino at the bottom of this page.
Santa Marta to Palomino by Bus
To get from Santa Marta to Palomino, you can use the same bus that goes to Tayrona Park as the last stop is Palomino.
They depart from a small bus stop behind the central market (Mercado Central), quite close to the city centre. The exact location is on the intersection of Carrera 9 and Calle 11.
You can either take a taxi from the city centre to the bus stop for 6,000 COP ($1.50) or walk for 20 minutes. However, you need to pass through some areas that aren’t particularly safe and so it’s better to take a taxi.
When you arrive at the bus stop, you’ll see a sign with the name of the company ‘Cootransoriente Tayrona’. You should buy the ticket directly at the office for 12,000 COP ($3.00).
Buses run every 15-30 minutes from 05:30 to 18:00. As a heads up, drivers usually wait until the bus is full before leaving, so you may have to wait a little if there are not enough passengers, but usually it’s no longer than 30 minutes.
Bus schedule from Santa Marta to Palomino
The bus will drop you at the petrol station on the main road to Palomino. To get into the main area of town, follow the signs towards the beach. Don’t worry there’s plenty of signs, so you won’t get lost.
Palomino is a very small town so most hostels and hotels are within walking distance from the petrol station. If you are staying out of town, there are motorbikes that can take you to your accommodation for around 3,000 COP ($0.70).
If the company above doesn’t respond, you can also buy a bus ticket with Busbud from $8.
Santa Marta to Palomino by Taxi
Unfortunately Uber doesn’t operate in Santa Marta and hailing a taxi off the street isn’t the safest way to travel.
Therefore, we recommend that you book a taxi via your accommodation or an official taxi company. The rate will depend on your ability to negotiate with the driver, but a trip from Santa Marta to Palomino should cost around 150,000 COP ($37.50).
Our favourite places to stay in Palomino
For a small beach town, Palomino offers some incredible accommodation options. Lots of them are situated right on the beach, so you can wake up to the sound of waves.
The most popular hotels do get booked up quite quickly, so if you find somewhere you like, better book it straight away.
Let’s check out some of the best places to stay in Palomino:
Senda Casalina Ecolodge - Treating Yourself
When you think of luxury, a place like Senda Casalina pops into your head. The huge canopy bed, waking up to the sound of waves and nature all around you. You can have that at Senda Casalina!
The onsite restaurant serves some of the best food that you’ll try in Colombia. They even make their own homemade bread every morning for breakfast. Make sure to book this place in advance because it’s pretty high in demand.
- Moments from the beach
- Outdoor bathrooms in beach bungalows
- Incredible onsite restaurant
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost $80+ per night
Casa Chapolin - Mid Range
Staying at Casa Chapolin feels like more than just sleeping in a room, it’s an experience. Whether you stay in a beach-front bungalow or a luxury double room, you won’t want to leave.
The hotel is only moments from the beach and also has its own restaurant and fitness centre. The owners add a personal touch to the hotel, instantly making you feel at home. This is a must-stay in Palomino!
- Minutes from the beach
- Beachfront bungalows
- Fitness centre
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
Villa Eden Palomino - Budget Friendly
Book Villa Eden in advance and you can get an incredible deal to stay here. Rooms start from $30 per night if you book early.
The whole hotel oozes tropical vibes, with the thatched roofs and natural decor. The refreshing pool and garden area are the perfect places to spend the day relaxing.
You’ll be excited to return to your room each night because they are so beautifully designed and tranquil.
- Stunning outdoor pool
- Less than 1 km from the beach
- Beautiful rooms
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $20-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Marta to Palomino
What is the distance from Santa Marta to Palomino?
The distance from Santa Marta to Palomino is 80 km (50 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino?
The fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino is by bus and takes 1.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino?
The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino is by bus with ticket costs starting from 12,000 COP ($3.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Santa Marta to Palomino. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
