Buritaca is one of nature’s many gifts on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Here, as in Palomino, the cool, gentle river meets the salt and warmth of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a phenomenon that can be found in many places along the coast, and Buritaca is a fine example.
Wondering how we got here? When the area’s flagship destination is none other than the famous Tayrona Park, why go and lose yourself on a popular beach far from the standard of paradise beaches?
I’d like to say: precisely! Perhaps for a first trip, you won’t want to venture anywhere other than Tayrona Park. But if you’re looking for a different experience, then take a look at the various beaches that line the coast between Santa Marta and Riohacha and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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Popular Buritaca
Beach around Santa Marta
If in 2013 when Samuel discovered this beach, it was simply frequented by local Colombians, Buritaca has developed over the years as an alternative to Palomino.
Today, according to some of our readers, the beach has become much busier. And in high season, the flow is constant, as it is on all the world’s popular beaches.
Despite the crowds in high season, we’re sure that the atmosphere is very different from that of Palomino. So it’s up to you to decide, and to organize yourself to avoid the crowds if possible (avoid weekends and Colombian vacations).
And if you’re looking for absolute peace and quiet, you can always find a secluded hotel on the coast with access to the beach, or head up towards Riohacha around Dibulla.
Between river and Caribbean Sea
Buritaca
There’s no other way to get to grips with the small waves of the sea than to cross the river. We’re offered the chance to cross in a boat, so as not to get our things wet. We prefer to enjoy the coolness of the water, so pleasant in this heat! Knowing thatmost of the river is on foot, in two or three fathoms, with our belongings over our heads, we were on the other side! It’s all very well depending on the “tide”.
Once on the “seaside”, we discovered some beach tents that could be rented if we were looking for a little shade, because it’s hot here and there’s not a palm tree to protect us. Once we’ve packed up our gear, we run off to crash into the waves, where we’re struck by the difference in water temperature!
The children are delighted to see us playing in the rollers just like them. The closer we get to the mouth of the river, the more the currents mix, going from cold to warm. It’s an exhilarating, unprecedented experience, and everyone’s smiling!
Diving into warm, salty water, then back into the fresh, cool water of the river – that’s Buritaca’s free, natural thalasso therapy! A true blessing.
Sunset over Buritaca
Life’s little pleasures
As the afternoon draws to a close, daylight falls quickly and we don’t expect the show that’s about to unfold.
It was certainly in Buritaca that I saw one of the most beautiful suns ets I’ve ever seen. The scenery and atmosphere on the beach at Buritaca had a lot to do with it: seeing the sky set ablaze and reflected in the water against a backdrop of misty, bluish Sierra Nevada..
Watching the young villagers return from fishing to help bring the net back to the beach… Buritaca, I loved you! Have you changed that much? We’ll be back soon to witness your destiny.
Cacao Tour
Best things to do in Buritaca
Tesult of a program to transform illicit crops, this family project is a fine example of how tourism can change the lives of many families in Colombia.
A former coca grower, Heider decided to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the United Nations in 2003 to abandon illicit crops and develop cocoa cultivation instead.
During the walk to the cocoa plantations, a member of the family will explain the story, and talk about the local ecosystem, medicinal plants and how illegal coca cultivation has contributed to deforestation.
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Once you’ve arrived at the cocoa finca, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about cocoa cultivation, discover the different varieties of cocoa plants, learn about the process of transforming cocoa beans into chocolate, and finish off with a tasting of the different chocolates.
This experience is both a discovery of Cacao and its transformation process, but also an encounter with the story of a family of Colombian farmers, like thousands of others in Colombia, and the problems linked to narcotrafficking and illicit crops in Colombia.
Highly recommended!
Contact to do the Cacao Tour
Local agency
Where to stay in Buritaca
Buritaca
Eco Lodge, Hostal
Playa Bonita
Still on the outskirts of Buritaca, still in the hostel / ecolodge concept with private beach, here’s another heavenly place offering double rooms, villas and a dormitory option, just a few meters from the beach..
Buritaca
Eco Lodge, Hostal
Viajero Hostel Tayrona
A hostal on the outskirts of Buritaca that’s a little unusual in that it offers both dormitory beds and luxury ecolodges, all right on the beach… lots of activities on offer, and an atmosphere that’s both festive and relaxing, your choice!
How to get to Buritaca
By bus
From the Mercado Publico in Santa Marta, take a buseta in the direction of “Tayrona, Guachaca, Buritaca, Palomino” which runs all day until 5:30pm. Ask the driver to drop you off at “Buritaca”.
- Duration: approx. 1h20
- Fare: approx. $10.000 COP
Once the bus drops you off at the roadside, the village of Buritaca is a 20-minute walk away. There are also mototaxis that can take you there for $3.000 COP.
By cab
From downtown
- Duration: approx. 1h10
- Fare: about $120.000 COP
We advise you not to arrive after dark, as motorcycle cabs are much less available after dark. Alternatively, you can take a cab from Santa Marta or wherever you are in the area.
