Town in La Guajira, Colombia
Palomino
Laid-back Caribbean village with a long beach, river tubing and Sierra Nevada views. Basic infrastructure, rough sea and few ATMs; bring cash and book ahead in peak months.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,060–1,750Comfortable, one person · $3.5M–5.8MDetails
- Value for money66/100Better value than 65% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Mar, 35°CDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledUse bottled or filtered water; river water is not safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Getting aroundBus or colectivo from Santa MartaWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCash onlyMostly cash.Details
Where to stay in Palomino
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Palomino village | Shops, ATMs when working, restaurants and bus stop |
| Beach strip (Camino al mar) | Hostels and eco-lodges with sea views, quieter evenings |
Apps that work in Palomino
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: No ride apps; use the colectivo, mototaxis and walking. Book hostel pick-ups when arriving at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Cash only Mostly cash. A few hostels take cards; ATMs are scarce and often empty, so bring enough cash from Santa Marta.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.