3 Underrated Destinations To Explore Across The Colombian Caribbean

While Colombia’s Caribbean coast has earned abundant acclaim in recent years thanks to cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta, they’re far from the only destinations worth visiting across the region. From the sandy shoreline to its lush interior wetlands, the Colombian Caribbean is rife with fascinating historic settlements, each one offering its own unique array of attractions and landmarks for visitors to discover. Whether you’re hoping to marvel at native South American wildlife, explore the legacy of one of Latin America’s most renowned authors or just kick back and relax at a boutique hotel, each of the following destinations are certain to leave visitors with lasting memories of the rich cultural diversity found across all corners of the Colombian Caribbean.

Santa Cruz de Mompox

Established in 1537 on the banks of the Magdalena River, Mompox has played a prominent role in Colombian history as both a crucial port town and one of the first Colombian settlements to declare independence from the Spanish crown—and today, the community stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of the Colombian Caribbean. For a deep dive on the rich flavors of the region, visitors can sample cabeza de gato—a savory blend of mashed green bananas, queso costeño, onion and tomato—while Ambrosía Restaurante offers a wealth of hearty seafood dishes spanning from grilled seabass to fried river catfish. And of course, no visit to Mompox is complete without exploring the community’s lengthy legacy of artisan metalworks, with Joyería Wamaris offering a diverse array of intricately-crafted necklaces, bracelets and rings that serve as the perfect souvenir.

For a particularly relaxing perspective on Mompox, visitors can book a stay at the Bioma Boutique Hotel—a polished, plant-filled property that comes equipped with huge suites, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace—and spend their day marveling at the grandiose architecture within the Plaza de Santo Domingo and sampling fresh fruit wine at Vino Mompox, but for adventurous souls, nothing beats a river cruise to the nearby Ciénaga de Pijiño. Accessible solely by boat, this sprawling swamp is an ideal day trip destination for wildlife lovers, with a massive array of animals calling the region home. During a tour, visitors can spot resident creatures ranging from domestic cattle to the spectacled caiman, while birders can delight in the diverse array of avian species spanning from the wattled jacana to the Amazon kingfisher to the crested caracara.

Aracataca

Located in the interior of Colombia’s Magdalena Department, Aracataca is best known as the birthplace of famed Latin American author Gabriel García Márquez, with institutions like the Casa Turística Realismo Mágico in place to highlight his lengthy legacy. Adorned with a vibrant flower garden and vintage photographs covering the walls, this cozy hotel offers an opportunity for Gabo fans to spend the night immersed in the life experiences of Colombia’s favorite author—but of course, no visit to Aracataca is complete without touring the Casa Gabriel García Márquez. Operating out of a reconstructed building that once served as the home of his grandparents, this beloved museum now boasts fourteen distinct rooms dedicated to passages from his most famous works, many of which serve as perfect examples of his affinity for incorporating magical realism into his literature.

For a food-focused experience that blends the idyllic charm of Aracataca with the legacy of Gabriel García Márquez, few destinations can compare to El Patio Mágico de Gabo y Leo Matiz. Dedicated to Aracataca’s most renowned author as well as the photographer Leo Matiz, this open-air dining destination provides guests with an opportunity to sample traditional Colombian Caribbean cuisine, with dishes like yuca frita and chicken stew both gracing the menu. After lunch, visitors are welcome to take a leisurely stroll around downtown Aracataca, with landmarks like the Iglesia de San José drawing tourists and locals alike—and once sunset rolls around, be sure to head to the town’s colorful Gabriel García Márquez Mural to bask in the glow of twilight as the Caribbean’s native great egrets fly to their nests to roost.

Ciénaga

Equipped with a sprawling, sandy beach on the edge of the Caribbean, Ciénaga serves as the perfect alternative to busier Colombian cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla. Just a few steps away from the charming Plaza del Centenario, visitors can discover dazzling accommodations in the form of La Casa de Remedios la Bella, a boutique hotel that effortlessly encapsulates the timeless charm of the Colombian Caribbean. Equipped with just seven spacious suites, guests are welcome to relax in their room or enjoy a tranquil breakfast in the hotel’s 1910s-era interior courtyard—and to sweeten the deal, Restaurante Luan Bistrobar is located just a few steps away. A popular spot for locals, this polished venue is perfect for listening to vallenato—a type of coastal folk music that was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015—and trying beloved local dishes like chuzo desgranado, a savory street food that’s smothered in cheese, potatoes and corn.

During morning hours, visitors can bask in the beauty of the Iglesia San Juan Bautista or stroll along the shore in search of native birds—but for a truly unique perspective on life in the Colombian Caribbean, it’s best to head west. Concealed deep within the tangled mangrove forests of the Ciénaga Pajaral, Nueva Venecia stands out as one of the most fascinating settlements in all of the region, with several thousands inhabitants living each day on colorful stilt houses suspended above the swamp. During a visit, guests are welcome to set off atop a kayak and bask in the rich avian biodiversity of the region, while classic dishes like mojarra negra and ensalada de payaso are available at some of the community’s small restaurants.