Should you go:

This area is off the usual vacationer path, so it’s best to have loads of Colombian pesos available ($1 is the same as about 4,800 pesos), as bank cards aren’t broadly accepted. Even have a translator app or a pocket dictionary with you in case you don’t converse Spanish, although most tourism operators have somebody on workers who speaks some English. Public transit is on the market, however it’s not particularly simple to make use of or environment friendly, and rental automobiles can be difficult on among the roads. I went with Guillermo Lamadrid’s fairly priced ($285 from Cartagena to Rincón del Mar, Sincé and Galeras; a further $75 to increase to Santa Cruz de Mompox) and unfailingly dependable Mar de Leva Tour, greatest contacted by way of WhatsApp (+57 311-666-5933) or by e-mail (mardelevatour@gmail.com).

Lodging: In Rincón del Mar, I booked one of many double rooms with a balcony on the beachfront, rustic-chic eco-resort Dos Aguas Lodge, the place charges begin at $85 an evening. I discovered the lodge to be a superb dwelling base in the course of the coastal portion of my itinerary. The native experiences provided on a chalkboard within the reception space encompassed all method of temptation (amongst them, mangrove canoeing, forest climbing and biking, drumming and dancing, and stand-up paddleboarding), however the name of the superbly positioned hammocks was persuasive, too.

Eating places: Rocio’s Place on Isla Tintipán serves up an beautiful model of the arepa de huevo, along with native seafood- and coconut-forward specialties, at seaside tables. You’ll have to take a ship from the mainland to get there. (I organized my experience, which price $17 round-trip, by the lodge.) Then — whilst you wait to your order at Rocio’s Place — take into account taking a second, smaller boat to the neighboring Santa Cruz del Islote, reportedly the world’s most densely populated island. It’s definitely worth the 10 or so minutes you’ll have to stroll your complete city.

Inland, Restaurante Donde Mingo in Galeras serves up specialties that embody mote, a decadently creamy yam-based soup; coconut-stewed hen; and smoked duck.

Locations to see: To arrange a go to to the Casa de la Cultura or the rest in Sincé, contact Kelly Aguas Aldana (sec.culturayturismosince@gmail.com). Galeras sometimes welcomes 1000’s of tourists in the course of the Cuadros Vivos and carob pageant, and whereas the lodge scene is sparse, native properties develop into guesthouses for the event. Attain out to Ruth Sara López (+57 313-585-2090) for extra info. On a aspect observe, you’ll be so near Mompox, a dreamy, centuries-old city on an island within the Magdalena River — and a UNESCO World Heritage website — that it’s best to take into account including the roughly three hours to your drive (and an evening or two to your journey) to discover its plazas, church buildings and riverbanks.

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