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Palomino

Colombia · Coast · COP · 11.244170, -73.562500
5.7/10 · Rank 1813 of 2 709
Best season: December-March

Best for

Suitable for beach holiday lovers, river tubing, ecotourism and anyone wanting to enjoy the untouched Caribbean coast.

Best season

December-March

Daily budget
$59.00 (≈ 4 951 ₽ · ≈ 236 000 COP)
For 7 days
$413.00 (≈ 34 659 ₽ · ≈ 1 652 000 COP)
Palomino is a small coastal village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, located between Santa Marta and Riohacha. This place attracts travelers with its tranquil beaches, turquoise water, and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for hammock relaxation and sunset watching. Palomino is the perfect place for those seeking a quiet and authentic getaway on the Caribbean coast.
Summer
45.9°C
Winter
23.1°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Palomino residents are friendly and proud of their nature. Many indigenous people and eco-lodge owners.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic beaches with Sierra Nevada views
  • River tubing through the jungle
  • Affordable prices
  • Quiet and authentic atmosphere
  • Proximity to Tayrona

Cons

  • Sea swimming is dangerous due to strong currents
  • No lifeguards
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Few restaurants
  • Rainy season from August to November
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
31.9°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
37.1°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
45.9°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
29.4°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
34.5°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.1°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
August-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
strong
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Palomino
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
No
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
high
Note

Swimming in the sea is strongly discouraged due to strong rip currents and high waves. Drowning cases have been recorded. Swimming in the river mouth or hotel pools is recommended.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are not found in the Palomino beach swimming area. The bottom is sandy.

Corals and reefs — details

  • No coral reefs in Palomino coastal waters. Only sandy bottom communities are found.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in Palomino waters, but they are usually not seriously dangerous. Avoid contact is recommended, especially during the rainy season.

Sharks — details

  • Sharks inhabit Palomino waters, but they do not pose a danger to swimmers. No attacks have been recorded.
Attractions

Playa Palomino

Scenic sandy beach with golden sand and views of the Sierra Nevada

Palomino River Tubing

Popular activity — floating down the river on inner tubes through the jungle

Tayrona National Park

Scenic park with beaches and tropical forest, 1 hour by car

Quebrada Valencia

Natural freshwater pools in the jungle, popular for swimming

Viewpoint

Panoramic spot with views of the Sierra Nevada and Caribbean Sea

Best areas

Beach Area

Close to the beach, hostels and restaurants, popular with tourists

Village Centre

Close to the market and main attractions

River Mouth Area

Scenic area with river and sea views, popular for swimming

Must-try food

Arepa

Corn flatbread with cheese or egg, a popular breakfast

Pescado Frito

Fried fish, served with rice and salad

Coconut Rice

Rice cooked in coconut milk, popular on the coast

Patacones

Fried plantains, a popular snack

Tropical Fruits

Fresh mango, passion fruit and soursop

Where to go next

Santa Marta

Coastal city with beaches and a historic centre, 1.5 hours by car

Tayrona

National park with scenic beaches and tropical forest, 1 hour by car

Minca

Mountain village with coffee plantations and waterfalls, 2 hours by car

Riohacha

Coastal city with beaches and Wayuu culture, 1 hour by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
No
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-March
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 72 000 COP
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 160 000 COP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 320 000 COP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 600 000 COP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 480 000 COP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 200 000 COP
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 20 000 COP
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 48 000 COP
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 8 000 COP
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 6 000 COP
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 4 000 COP
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 28 000 COP
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 20 000 COP
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 10 000 COP
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 16 000 COP
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 120 000 COP
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 2 000 COP
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 12 000 COP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 160 000 COP
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 40 000 COP
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 80 000 COP
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 100 000 COP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 200 000 COP
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 120 000 COP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 40 000 COP
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 40 000 COP
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Frequently asked questions
Palomino: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-March. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Palomino: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +45.9°C, during the day — up to +37.1°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Palomino: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.1°C, during the day — up to +34.5°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Palomino: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Palomino: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on August-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Palomino: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Palomino. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Palomino: is it safe to swim in the sea?
The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Palomino: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish, sharks. Swimming in the sea is strongly discouraged due to strong rip currents and high waves. Drowning cases have been recorded. Swimming in the river mouth or hotel pools is recommended.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Palomino: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $59.00 (≈ 4 951 ₽ · ≈ 236 000 COP) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Palomino: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $18.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Palomino: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Palomino: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Palomino: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Palomino — Scenic sandy beach with golden sand and views of the Sierra Nevada; Palomino River Tubing — Popular activity — floating down the river on inner tubes through the jungle; Tayrona National Park — Scenic park with beaches and tropical forest, 1 hour by car; Quebrada Valencia — Natural freshwater pools in the jungle, popular for swimming; Viewpoint — Panoramic spot with views of the Sierra Nevada and Caribbean Sea. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Palomino: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Arepa — Corn flatbread with cheese or egg, a popular breakfast; Pescado Frito — Fried fish, served with rice and salad; Coconut Rice — Rice cooked in coconut milk, popular on the coast; Patacones — Fried plantains, a popular snack; Tropical Fruits — Fresh mango, passion fruit and soursop. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Palomino: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Beach Area — Close to the beach, hostels and restaurants, popular with tourists; Village Centre — Close to the market and main attractions; River Mouth Area — Scenic area with river and sea views, popular for swimming. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Palomino: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Palomino: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Simón Bolívar International Airport (code SMR). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Palomino: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — COP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $59.00 (≈ 4 951 ₽ · ≈ 236 000 COP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Palomino: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Palomino: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Santa Marta — Coastal city with beaches and a historic centre, 1.5 hours by car; Tayrona — National park with scenic beaches and tropical forest, 1 hour by car; Minca — Mountain village with coffee plantations and waterfalls, 2 hours by car; Riohacha — Coastal city with beaches and Wayuu culture, 1 hour by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.7/10
Overall rank: 1813 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1085