Santa Marta y Riohacha: Columbia Caribbean Hubs

Pleasant enough small city on the Carribean which from which to venture out, whether to La Ciudad Perdida, nearby kite surfing towns or, the rather desolate desert to the north in the province of Guijera. We had decided on sand over mosquetos and were therefore heading up the coast to the most northern point in South America.

But first, just happy to see ocean and feel warm 24/7, we set out to explore the town and spend a day on a nearby beach.

View from the hotel room. Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in South America (1525).

Enjoying the evening Carribean view.

Simón Bolivar died here after facilitating independence in six Latin American countries:

Visiting Simón Bulivar’s last resting place at Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrina – a hacienda owned by a wealthy independence supporter.

Down on the beach we were impressed by young athletes in training… Even male/female mixed groups.

Emre is inspired by the training going on. He preferred licking to lapping.

These young men and women were being shown the basics of scrumming.

RIOHACHA

A few hours north of Santa Marta we entered the Guajira Peninsula. Rich in history of pirates, smugglers, pearl hunters, its indigenous population, the Wayuu, defended their turf and have remained semi-independent.

Wayuu bag, market, and Playa Cristól where we lounged for a few hours.

In Ríohacha we stayed at a hostel, Sol y Sombrilla, run by an American gent, Bill, who was not only a fountain of information but actively assisted us in organizing our tour trip further north into the Wayuu land of desert, cacti, and sea.

Fishing commerce at the malecon. This young man was very proud of his sea bass catch.

After our Tour in the Guajira Peninsula (see next 2posts) we returned to Ríohacha where the next day we caught a bus to Cartegena.

Demonstrators parade by the bus station. Issues: poor education, social and health services. As the banner says: “No more bla, bla, bla !” An election is coming soon.