Why Taganga is worth a Visit
Taganga is a small village popular with backpackers. It also has a reputation for drugs, theft and muggings – I read a description of the town that basically summed it up like this: “Great if you are the hippy backpacker type who likes drugs and selling beads”.
It’s not a pretty town and the beach is dirty. But I do think Taganga is worth seeing if only for its geography. The hills surrounding the village are full of cactus and I was struck by the beauty in the different hues of brush, dust, and rock. In the right light, the hills look almost purplish. I thought it was gorgeous. For this reason I think Taganga is worth a visit, even if only for a few hours. Take a hike in the hills, a boat ride in the bay, go snorkling or scuba diving. Some people even stay here a few days enjoying the nature and using it as a base to explore nearby Tayrona National Park.
Practical Information
More details: A Guide to Taganga
How to Get to Taganga. The best way to get to Taganga is by bus from Santa Marta’s downtown market. It’s inexpensive and takes about 15 minutes.
Update: I read quite a lot of traveller reviews since posting the above. There’s been a lot of stories of muggings and theft in Taganga. Police here seem to be useless or even complicit in criminal activity. I love Colombia and have been enthusiastic in recommending the places I’ve covered in this blog. I would recommend however that Taganga shouldn’t be the place to spend the night.
Tour: You can take a tour from Santa Marta that includes Taganga. Very much recommended.
Have you been to Taganga?
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I live in the US and have my winter house in Taganga. I usually spent about 4 month in Taganga and I have never had an issue in this beautiful town. Locals are super friendly there is lots to do if you like nature, if you want to get out Santa Marta is just 10 min away.