Camping Don Pedro

You can’t come all this way, so close to the Caribbean, and not make it your business to head to a swimmable beach as soon as poss. Arrecifes might be too dodgy for a dip, but the natural pools of La Piscina and the famed sands (and mirror beach) of Cabo San Juan are reachable on foot. There’s coral reef along this stretch of coastline too, so be sure to sign up for some scuba diving or snorkelling… If you’re not one for sun worshipping all day, Cabo is the starting point for a couple of jungle hikes that come highly recommended: strike out on the Nine Stones trail to see more of Tayrona, or forge your way to the ruins of the indigenous Tairona city of Pueblito. Cabo's a good spot for nabbing some Caribbean-influenced meals too: look out for the fresh fish, ceviche and patacones (fried slices of plantain), and snag some fresh juices from the stalls. If you’re craving a bit of urban after spending a few days with nothing but jungle, clamber into the car and head off to Santa Marta, just over an hour away. Here, you can learn more about Colombia’s past with stops at revolutionary Simon Bolivar’s home (Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro) and the Tairona Gold Museum, or keep to the present at the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum.