Colombia: Santa Marta and the Tyrona National Park

After Minca, another place on the Caribbean coast is on our wishlist because of its breathtaking nature: the Tyrona National Park. The park is known for its biodiversity and its stunning location right by the sea. However, the city from which you can easily reach the national park is Santa Marta. Since we already know that this city doesn't win any prizes for beauty or cleanliness, we book a particularly beautiful hostel with a garden and pool to enhance our stay a bit.

The minibus from Minca kindly drops us off right in front of the hostel and Lisa jumps straight into the pool. Today, all that's on the agenda is chilling. That works out great at first, as there's only a very nice Colombian rapper in the garden next to us, providing beats from all over the world through her laptop and huge speakers. In the evening, it gets a bit uncomfortable. Regardless of how beautiful the hostel may be - if the people don't fit, it's simply difficult to feel comfortable. When a group of partygoers with chips and beer thoughtlessly take over the garden, we've had enough. We go to sleep.

The next morning, we hop on the bus towards Tyrona, which departs right on the main road next to our hostel. With loud Latin rhythms, the bus driver speeds off like crazy, so we arrive at our destination super fast and super shaken up. Finally, back in the jungle, which we haven't experienced for so long...;)

In the Tyrona National Park, it's almost impossible to get lost, as there is a clearly visible path through the thickets, mostly covered with boardwalks. The journey here was definitely worth it: huge trees, vines, gigantic ant trails, and small streams line the way, until eventually, the sea shimmers through the greenery. But before that, we get to know some monkeys, who either search for fruits in the branches above us or simply want to annoy us, as suddenly small balls fall from the sky.

Onward towards the sea. However, before we find one of the beautiful beaches, we get a little lost in the jungle and walk cross-country. After overcoming some obstacles, it finally appears in front of us, the sea. However, there's a small puddle in front of the strip of sand that we have to cross. Just before we put this plan into action, Lisa spots a rather large crocodile basking on the other side. Maybe we should walk a little further.

We turn around and finally find the right bay. Into the turquoise water! Add a shady spot and a Lulo juice, and the lunch break is perfect. After a little nap, we go through the jungle once again before the bus rattles back to Santa Marta with us.