06. SUN ANDBEACH ISSN No. 2711-4317 SUN ANDBEACH 06. 06 09 : a must-see destination

Long, winding coastlines and a diverse offer in two oceans ISSUE 06

contents Sun And Beach

Page 04 Coveted by those living in the country’s interior oceans, and therefore, completely different beaches territory and celebrated by those living near them, on both coasts. While in the Sea the sand La Boquilla Colombia’s beaches are one of its main tourist is yellow and the water blue, in the Pacific the sand The Sustainable Beach of Cartagena de attractions. tends to be black, and the water more greenish. Indias It’s not just about the sand, sun and sea. Each coast allows you to live a different experience, Text by Teresita Goyeneche The beaches of Colombia also attract people by and precisely because none is better than the other, Photography by Rafael Bossio their closeness to the mountain, as is the case in the recommendation is that you visit both oceans Tayrona Park and Sierra Nevada in , and allow yourself to discover these two faces of the Page 10 or by the opportunities they offer to interact with sea, the sun and the beach in our country. More Beaches in Colombia nature, as occurs in the reefs surrounding the Those visiting our beaches may also encounter Thousands of miles of coastline and the Archipelago of San Andres, unexpected natural sites such as the dunes of Providencia and Santa Catalina. Taroa, which are just in front of the seashore and Page 14 The beaches of Magüipi (Buenaventura), very close to Punta Gallinas, a beach located at the Johnny Cay (San Andres), La Boquilla (Cartagena) northernmost tip of Colombia, and with humpback More beaches in Colombia and Bello Horizonte (Santa Marta) attract visitors, whales that approach the Pacific coast to mate when Infographic: Miguel Ángel Sánchez. as they are sustainable beaches, which mean you the water is warmer. can be taught and informed about the environment; For those reasons, Colombia is the ideal place all of them receive constant environmental mana- to enjoy what we all yearn every now and then: the gement and care. All these beaches have a Blue Flag feeling of standing on the edge of the world, with certification, a globally recognized badge awarded only miles and miles of water in front of us. by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Colombia is fortunate to have two different

introduction – 03 La Boquilla

The Sustainable Beach of Cartagena de Indias

Towards the north of Cartagena you can live a whole new experience: beach days in front of a clean sea, a mangrove forest, fair prices and a host 06 community working as a team to serve its visitors.

Text: Teresita Goyeneche Photos: Rafael Bossio SUN AND BEACH Sustainable Tourism in La Boquilla is a fishing village with Afro-Caribbean season goes from December to May, but in La Boquilla roots located in the northernmost point of there is wind all year long, therefore, seven kite surf and Colombian Beaches Cartagena, a city that has been admired for its colo- paddle schools offer their services to those interested. nial architecture and engineering for decades. It is They offer courses for beginners that can be one, three, also a beach shelter for those looking to get away for or five hours long, ranging from 50 to 250 dollars, and 4 Colombian beaches 2. a few hours from the turmoil of the Historic Center multi-day plans for the more advanced. and the crowded beaches of Bocagrande. On a good If you are looking for a break, in La Boquilla there certified as sustainable 4. day, the sun shines from the sky, appeased by an is a massage therapist collective made up of people 3. abundant sea breeze. Thin layers of dark gray sand who, before the Blue Flag certification, worked on rise and cover the visitors’ feet. Under that sky and their own on the beach. Now they are a team of hou- 1. Magüipi Recognized by the Foundation for Location: Buenaventura Environmental Education with the sun, the beach opens up generously with its yellow sehold-leading women who were trained to offer the- Blue Badge Certification tents and palm-roofed kiosks facing a green and rapeutic massages and have friendly and professional 2. Johnny Cay crystalline blue sea. infrastructure on the sand. The massages can range Location: San Andres To reach this 200-meter-long beach–which from 5 to 20 dollars and can be accompanied by fresh 3. La Boquilla recently obtained one of the first four Blue Flag certi- fruits, natural juices and other beverages. For those Location: Cartagena ficates in Colombia–you need to drive twenty minu- who knew the old days of La Boquilla, the enjoyment 4. Bello Horizonte tes from the city center. The certification, received at space is now wider; security is more visible with its Location: Santa Marta the end of 2019, has been granted by the Foundation police monitoring posts and trained lifeguards. The Why are they sustainable beaches? for Environmental Education (FEE) to more than seller and masseuse offer is also more orderly than in four thousand beaches in the world since 1985. With the past and even in other beaches of the city. “You feel • Because of the quality of bathing 1. this seal, La Boquilla guarantees that–in addition to the community work,” says a Bogota tourist relaxing water being a natural and cultural treasure of the city–it on the shore with his family during a December mor- • Because there is information and education available has pure bathing waters, high safety equipment and ning. • Because of their management and sustainability protocols that care for the ecosystem, environmental care community and quality of the experience. Did you know that in San • Because of the security of its services Starting at 7 AM, a team of locals greet the visi- and facilities tors. They provide, among others, rental services Andres lies on the third Characteristics of sustainable tourism for tents, kiosks and sunshades. Forty-four restau- largest barrier reef in the rants, organized under a standardized pricing sys- • It reduces the environmental impact tem, offer diverse drinks and food menus. On behalf world? • It generates local employment of the tranquility of those who arrive in the middle of • Indigenous communities are respected the morning, it is best to inform the hosts from the • It enriches the tourism experience beginning what you will be having for lunch. We will If you have come this far, you already know it’s • It promotes the consumption of local products always suggest the catch of the day: snapper, saw- all about contemplation, sand and sea. It is time to fish, mojarra, horse mackerel. Everything comes explore one of the most passionate journeys of Carta- with coconut rice and plantain patacones. gena. Passing the sand cordon of the beach is the Cie- 10 Recommendations to take In the basins of the fruit sellers walking along naga de La Virgen, a 193 square mile coastal lagoon care of the beaches you visit the beach during the day, you can find a dazzling connected to the city bay through pipes and internal rainbow to refresh the morning with watermelon, lakes. La Cienega is a forest where three different man- papaya, pineapple, mango, and bananas. In the grove species live, the endemic blue crab and dozens of 1. Try to bring as 4. Do not feed wild 8. If you have pets, little plastic animals inquire beforehand afternoons, the sellers of traditional sweets roam bird species such as the cattle egret, the scarlet ibis and as you can if the beach you will the same way carrying desserts on their heads: coca- the northern shoveler. 5. Do not capture or extract visit allows pets das, caballitos (papaya sweets), alegrías (corn and In order to visit this Eden, you can go to any of animals from their respective 2. Avoid plastic bottles habitats 9. Do not collect conch coconut sweets), enjucados (cassava and coconut the three community tourism organizations and eco- and other things that can shells or seashells sweets). tours that offer varied experiences to the curious. It is be dragged by the wind If you smoke take a Many are home to 6. portable ashtray and save With palm trees and a few hotels and condomi- possible, for example, to go out after dawn with the and waves species that inhabit that the cigarette butts ecosystem niums behind, anyone looking from their sun chair to community fishermen, assemble the nets to catch Do not throw them on the the horizon finds a long and lonely cyan strip that, if not crabs and fish and finish the morning off with a good beach Avoid driving vehicles 3. Dispose of your waste in the 10. for the buoys that limit the bathing area, seems to stretch stew in the heart of La Boquilla. Another possibi- respective containers, 7. Do not make your such as motorcycles and to infinity. In the distance, next to it, a parade of color- lity in the Cienega is the sighting of both native and NEVER in the sea physiological needs at sea cars inside the beaches or in the beach ful kite surf kites glides over the blue palette. The breeze migratory birds that takes place at dawn or in the late

06 – sun and beach afternoon. In any case, the plan begins with cold coco- nut water that will quench your thirst. The departure is on the beach on artisanal canoes entering the forest through the sea. Once inside, the beach and the street sounds disa- ppear and there is nothing but silence and the breeze caressing the leaves of the bushes. The canoe floats on the flat green and thick waters, led by a local guide of the village that–as it travels through the spontaneous streets that the mangrove has built–tells stories about the flora and fauna of the place. Crustaceans, mollusks, small mammals and fish are there along the journey through tunnels named by the moods they arise in find out those who visit them: Love, Happiness, Bliss, Pleasure. more The journey continues through the Juan Angola here. lagoon where bird watching takes place and some tours offer the option of planting mangrove seedlings to make the forest grow. The afternoon falls on the sea while the canoe returns to the beach after two or four hours according to the travel schedule. The end of the day in Playa Azul closes with the sunset, which ceases before six in the afternoon. One ends with the feeling of having left another place, another Cartagena, one hidden behind the fantas- tic colonial narratives, reigns and purchases behind. Beyond the walls an oceanic world of a city composed by lagoons, islands and pipes unfolds. Facing the new face of La Boquilla, Cartagena becomes a new city to discover. La Boquilla, Cartagena de Indias

08 – sun and beach la boquilla – 09 Micha Weber - Shutterstock Micha Weber Photograph:

Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta sun and beach

Barranquilla Salgar More Beaches in Colombia Location: Municipality of Puerto Colombia, 15 km from The capital of the Atlantico department is one of Barranquilla Thousands of miles of coastline, in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, guarantee the main four cities in the Colombian Caribbean This extensive beach has restaurants and fountains, visitors a wide variety of experiences by the sea. coast. Barranquilla is world-renowned for its Carni- and is very close to the Castle of San Antonio de Sal- val, which was declared by UNESCO as an Oral and gar, a Cultural Interest Asset. Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003, and is a Colombia has 2,900 kilometersm of coastline –1,600 Isla Baru destiny that offers an inspiring, vibrant and stimu- Santa Marta on the and 1,300 on the Pacific Ocean– Location: you can get there by land or sea lant atmosphere to its visitors. that have allowed for the development of a diverse Distances vary according to the starting point. The jungle, the mountains and the sea come toge- range of destinations and unforgettable experiences. An island of white sand beaches and crystal Pradomar ther along miles of virgin and isolated beaches, Enjoy the crystal clear waters, the spectacular lands- clear waters where you can see colorful fish and Location: Municipality of Puerto Colombia, 1.8 km from resulting in a destination where there is room for capes and the opportunities for rest and contempla- underwater gardens. Bird watching is a very popular Barranquilla rest, physical activity and communion with nature. tion offered by these beaches. activity as well. It is one of the busiest beaches, ideal for water sports The charm of Santa Marta is unique. such as surfing. It also has hotels and restaurants. Cartagena de Indias BELLO HORIZONTE Archipelago of San Bernardo Santa Veronica Location: 12 km from the center of Santa Marta In addition to its colonial architecture, first class Location: One hour by boat from Tolu Location: Municipality of Juan de Acosta, 40 km from Here are some of the highest category hotels in the cuisine and vibrant nightlife, Cartagena de Indias Its beaches are a wonderful setting for sun and rest Barranquilla. city. You will enjoy a quiet beach and an excellent has wonderful beaches with crystalline waters and lovers. Some of its islands, such as Isla Mucura, are Santa Veronica beach is surrounded by residential landscape. white sand. It is the ideal destination for a heavenly covered with palm trees and surrounded by blue and holiday urban complexes, ideal to accommo- experience. waters and . date large groups.

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Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira

El Rodadero and the Palomino and San Salvador rivers provide a uni- Location: 16 km from the center of Santa Marta. que landscape. Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta

It has the largest range of hotels in the sector and is considered a perfect beach for water sports such as San Andres, Providencia and Santa sailing, underwater fishing and skiing. Catalina

Playa Blanca It is a perfect destination for diving and lovers of Location: 15 minutes by boat from El Rodadero activities such as kite surfing, wind surfing and It is named after the color of its sand, which is comple- beach sports. Reggae, calypso and socca chords mented by crystalline waters to enjoy a quiet swim in complement the charisma of the inhabitants of the the sea. islands, whose wealth is in a virgin landscape, ideal for disconnecting yourself in the middle of the Cari- La Guajira bbean. pipojackman - Shutterstock Photograph:

The northern end of Colombia is full of cultural con- San Luis trasts and landscapes where sand is the protagonist. Location: Located in the eastern part of the island Its dunes and beaches call on the adventure lovers. It has an interesting hotel offer to a paradise in the midst of tranquility. Here you will find beaches to rest. Location: 27 km from It has access to different virgin and isolated beaches. Haynes Cay They are inhabited by Wayú communities, which offer Location: 10 minutes by boat from San Andres their fabrics and engage in fishing. On this islet of colorful kiosks you can have a tasty cocktail after snorkeling and witnessing the diver- Palomino sity of fish swimming in the shallow waters. Location: 90 km from Riohacha These beaches extend between the departments of La Guajira and Magdalena. The peaks of the Sierra Nevada Puente de los Enamorados, Providencia Island

012 – Sun and beach more beaches in colombia – 013 1 5 San Andres, 1 La Guajira Providencia and Santa Catalina

5 2 3

GET O GET O T 4 T T Johnny Cay T H Westview park H Punta Gallinas E E W W R R O

O E E

H H minutes from San minutes from San Andres or Santa km from 10 Andres 30 Catalina 250 Riohacha

T TO AT TO A D H D By boat from San Andres H O By boat from San Andres or O On a 4x4 van from W W Santa Catalina Riohacha

Enjoy reggae live shows Chill in the traditional cabins T T TO Sandboarding in T O E A E A A made with coconut wood H A H T the dunes of Taora T W W

Stewed snail, a dish with snails, El cocoloco, a typical drink made with Due to the low infrastructure of coconut cream and paprika water, and coconut pulp and white rum the place, it is recommended to N IN M R I MI AR IN bring food from Riohacha A N D E D E B B This islet is a Regional Natural Westview beaches are not Punta Gallinas is the Park, and specific rules must surrounded by sand but cliffs northernmost tip of be met during the visit

2 4 SANTA MARTA Cartagena

3 Barranquilla

GET GET O T Punta Velero O T T H Playa Grande T H Islas del Rosario W E W E R R

O O

E E

H H km from Santa Marta’s km from Barranquilla km from Santa Marta’s center or 5 minutes by in Tubara municipality minutes from 4,7 center 6,3 boat from Taganga 25 45 Cartagena

AT TO AT TO D H D H O O By boat from the pier of La By bus or taxi from W By bus or taxi from Santa Marta or by By car or taxi from Barranquilla, Cartagena W Santa Marta boat on foot from Taganga or Santa Marta. You can also get there by Bodeguita in Cartagena boat from those cities.

Spend the night and enjoy TO Chill in the sense of peace conveyed Practice water sports like sailing TO Snorkeling AT E AT E H A H A the nightlife of the town T by the surrounding mountains T W W

Fried fish or Fresh fish Typical or international food in the Fish, rice with coconut sancocho exclusive restaurants of the sector and patacon IN M R IN M AR IN A IN E D E D B B Taganga is a fishing village where there The path that connects Taganga Puerto Velero hosts the This archipelago is a protected area and are no hotels or chain restaurants with Playa Grande offers largest marina in Colombia a National Natural Park of Colombia spectacular views of the sector

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Coveted by those living in the interior of the country and celebrated by those who are only minutes away from them, the beaches of Colombia are located in two different oceans, at the foot of imposing mountain formations such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and are water gates where you can witness events as monumental as the mating of humpback whales. They are one of our main tourist attractions and visiting them is a must if you are in Colombia.

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