Camping La Cima

To see how people lived around here parts in pre-Columbian days, ask at the site for a guided tour of the nearby town of Taycu, home to local indigenous folk. Camping La Cima also arranges beach tours, taking in Tayrona hotspots such as Playa Brava, Cabo San Juan, Piscina and Arrecife. The major city of Santa Marta is 45 minutes away by road and is home to some of Colombia's best urban beaches. Spanish conquistadors were drawn to these parts by legends of El Dorado; appropriately enough, the local Gold Museum gives visitors insights into the many uses of this precious metal. If you've come to the Colombian jungle, chances are you're up for an adventure? If you've got time to spare, make the multi-day trek from Santa Marta to Ciudad Perdida, a lost city in the rainforest that's more ancient than Machu Picchu. For a day trip that's equally big on thrills, head to Taganga (50 minutes) to go scuba diving off the Caribbean coast.