Taganga is described as an almost obligatory stop on the gringo trail. Given it's only 15 minutes by bus from Santa Marta we decided to head there to see what it had to offer. We had a leisurely breakfast sat outside in the courtyard area of the Casa Amani, chatting to a Chilean couple who are here on honeymoon, before walking a few blocks to get the local bus. We definitely feel like we've got to grips with travel by local bus, no need to find a bus stop just flag the bus down or, as we did, jump on board when it's stuck in a queue of traffic. We drove through the outskirts of Santa Marta and continued round the headland before dropping down into Taganga, set in a horseshoe bay. Once a small Colombian fishing village it's now become a favour haunt of backpackers, especially those looking to get their PADI (diving) qualifications. It's a scruffy looking place and difficult to see what the draw is (other than cheap diving). The beach is more like a gravel track and not particularly clean although we did take the opportunity to get our feet wet in the Caribbean Sea. We had a wander along the shore, stopping for refreshments and a chat with a bar owner who was keen to sell us a diving trip, and then jumped on the next bus back to Santa Marta, glad we'd visited Taganga and glad we'd not decided to stay there overnight! Back in Santa Marta we had lunch at the lovely little cafe we went to yesterday (Lulo) and then headed back to the b&b to chill out, helped by the occasional dip in the pool. After sorting out our rucksacks for our 4 day trek to Cuidad Peridad we went out for dinner. The Mexican we'd planned to eat at was closed so instead we ate at La Casona, a little cafe/restaurant along a small pedestrian street. We're both feeling a bit apprehensive about our trek, neither of us are very good in the heat or like the creepy crawlers of the jungle. We've read about people who've come back with 150 plus bites! Michelle and Becky's (Galapagos trip) 100% deet is packed near the top of Di's rucksack! It will no doubt be an experience...... In the meantime we've just realised that there's a disco next door to the b&b, invading the peace and tranquility! Let's hope it's not an all night affair!
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| Taganga bay |
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| The promenade |
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| Getting our feet wet in the Caribbean Sea |
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| Chilling out back at the b&b |
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| Cooling off in the pool |
Nice to see you both having some chilling out time, in the sun and the pool. Hope you don't get many bites in the jungle. I'll be pleased when that bit is over.
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