River · half a day
Tubing down the Palomino River
Float down the river on an inner tube, from the forest to where fresh water meets the sea.
With local operators or on your own · we can advise
Palomino guide
Between the Sierra and the sea
Palomino is a small village in Dibulla, La Guajira, on the Troncal del Caribe coast road. It sits between rivers coming down from the Sierra Nevada and a long, wild beach: almost everything is close from here.
Where we are
The hostel is on Calle 2 at Carrera 9, inside the village and a few blocks from the main road. Quieter than the seafront, and a short walk from the sea.
- Beach1.1–1.2 km · about a 15-min walk
- Troncal del Caribe and busesa few blocks away
- Palomino River≈ 1 km to the west
- San Salvador river mouth≈ 3 km to the east
- Santa Marta airport (SMR)≈ 90 km
- Riohacha airport (RCH)≈ 88 km
Getting here
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From Santa Marta
Buses leave from the market area along the Troncal del Caribe; the ride takes about two hours and passes the Tayrona Park entrances. Ask to be dropped in Palomino.
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From Riohacha
Buses run from the bus terminal towards Santa Marta. Get off in Palomino, on the Troncal.
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By air
The nearest airports are Santa Marta and Riohacha, about 90 km away. From there you continue by road.
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On arrival
From the stop on the Troncal, the hostel is a few blocks away. Message us on WhatsApp and we will guide you.
We do not publish transport fares: they change often. Ask at the terminal or message us.
Good to know
Destination photo. Sunset on Palomino beach.
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Cash
Palomino has very few ATMs and they sometimes run out. Arrive with cash.
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Power and internet
They sometimes go down in the village. If you need to work, have a plan B.
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Mosquitoes and sandflies
They come with the scenery: bring repellent, especially for the river and at sunset.
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The sea
It has strong currents and big waves. Only swim where locals say it is safe, and never alone.
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At night
The lanes to the beach are unlit: take a torch.
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Rain
Sources disagree, but it usually rains more in the second half of the year; December to April tends to be drier. Check the forecast.
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Emergencies
The emergency number in Colombia is 123.
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The Sierra and its peoples
It is the territory of the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo peoples. Ask before photographing people.
Things to do
Real outings, with what you need to know before you go.
Sea · a 15-minute walk
Palomino beach
A long, wild, palm-lined beach, with the snowy Sierra peeking out on clear mornings.
Free to do: nothing to book
Mountains · sacred territory
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
From Palomino you can see the highest coastal mountains in the tropics. It is scenery, but above all it is the living territory of four Indigenous peoples.
Only with an authorised operator or guide · not run by the hostel
Mountains · a two-day trip
Cerro Kennedy
A mountain ridge above Minca, over 2,800 metres high, with views of the snowy peaks and the sea on clear days. It is not a day trip from Palomino.
Only with an authorised operator or guide · not run by the hostel
Sources: Colombia.travel (ProColombia), Colombia’s National Natural Parks, UNESCO, Hostelworld’s Palomino guide and Wikipedia. Consulted in October 2026.