Discover Los Naranjos in Santa Marta: a paradise between beach and river with ecotourism accommodations

The Los Naranjos sector in Santa Marta stands out for being one of the jewels of the Colombian Caribbean. One of the highlights of Playa Los Naranjos is its biodiversity. The proximity to the Tayrona National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta ensures a unique mix of flora and fauna.

Visitors can spot a variety of birds, including parrots and toucans, as well as howler monkeys and other small mammals that inhabit the nearby forests. The beach is also a privileged place to spot sea turtles, especially during the nesting season.

The name "Los Naranjos" comes from the numerous orange trees that once populated the area. These trees were planted by the first inhabitants of the region, who found this area an ideal place to settle due to its favorable climate and abundance of natural resources.

How to get to Los Naranjos beach from Santa Marta

By private car or taxi:

• Route:  leave Santa Marta heading east along the Troncal del Caribe highway (Route 90).

• Distance: approximately 35 kilometers.

• Duration:  45 minutes.

• Directions: follow the signs to the Tayrona National Natural Park. After passing the main entrance of the park, continue for about 7 more kilometers until you reach the marked entrance to Los Naranjos beach.

By public transport:

• Route: head to the Santa Marta public market, where you can take a bus or van heading towards Palomino or Riohacha.

• Cost: the ticket usually costs between 10,000 and 15,000 COP.

• Duration: approximately one hour.

• Directions: ask the driver to drop you off at the entrance to Playa Los Naranjos. From the main road, there is a path of about 2 kilometers that you can travel on foot or by motorcycle taxi, depending on availability.

Top 5 activities in Playa Los Naranjos

Surf: ideal conditions for surfers looking for quality waves, especially near the mouth of the Piedras River.

Horseback riding on Los Naranjos beach: a unique way to explore the surroundings on horseback, allowing a special connection with nature.

Watch the sunset: the sunsets here are truly magical, with the sun saying goodbye on the horizon.

Yoga: do yoga on the beach, a rejuvenating activity that is complemented by the tranquility of the environment.

Kayak or paddle the Don Diego River: the nearby Don Diego River offers a relaxing and scenic option for exploring nature. Kayak or paddle boarding tours allow visitors to leisurely navigate the river, spotting wildlife and enjoying the scenery. Along the route, it is common to see monkeys, iguanas and a variety of birds.

Lodging

Los Naranjos is a paradisiacal destination that offers a variety of first-class ecotourism accommodations, ideal for those seeking a luxury retreat in a tropical setting. These hotels offer impressive views and exceptional services, ideal for those looking to disconnect and enjoy paradisiacal beaches without giving up modern comforts.

Below, we present some of the most notable hotels in this area:

• Origen House, Los Naranjos (Mapa)

• Casa Barlovento Hotel (Mapa)

• Senda Casa Tayrona, Los Naranjos (Mapa)

• Villa Playa Tayrona (Mapa)

• Casa Bambú Tayrona (Mapa)

Other activities that you can also do in the sector

In addition to enjoying the sun and the sea, there are other activities that visitors can do around Los Naranjos beach:

1. Hiking in the Tayrona National Natural Park

A few kilometers from Los Naranjos is the entrance to Tayrona Park, one of the most important natural parks in Colombia. Here, visitors can enjoy various hiking trails that take them through dense jungles, pristine beaches and ancient indigenous settlements. Among the most popular routes is the trail to Cabo San Juan, which offers panoramic views and the opportunity to swim in calm, protected waters.

2. Visit to the Lost City Colombia

For the most adventurous, an excursion to the Lost City (Teyuna) is an unforgettable experience. This ancient archaeological site, built by the Tayrona civilization around 800 AD, is hidden in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. The trek to the Lost City lasts several days and passes through impressive landscapes, including rivers and jungles. The journey offers a deep immersion into the culture and history of the region's indigenous people.

3. Bird watching in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Sierra Nevada is one of the places with the greatest diversity of birds in the world. Ornithology enthusiasts can join specialized tours that take them to observe endemic and migratory species. Hikes through the mountains and forests allow visitors to see birds such as the quetzal, the toucan, the harpy eagle, among others.

4. Cultural tour in Palomino

A few kilometers east of Los Naranjos is Palomino, known for its bohemian atmosphere and wide beaches. Palomino is a great place to learn about local culture, enjoy Caribbean cuisine, and participate in activities like tubing, where visitors float down the river in large inner tubes, enjoying the scenery.

Los Naranjos offers a unique experience for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in a protected natural environment. If you are looking for more activities and places to discover near Los Naranjos, we invite you to visit www.tumap.travel. Get ready to explore the hidden treasures of this region and live unforgettable experiences.