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Good times in Santa Marta-Parque Tayrona-Cabo San Juan-Decameron Resort-Taganga Divanga

All is well as we landed in Simon Bolivar Airport in Santa Marta. We reserved our stay at Decameron Galeon Santa Marta. For people that don’t know, Decameron is an all-inclusive resort ( Food, entertainment, drinks, snacks, and all the amenities for sports and recreation, as long as it is non motorized ) is absolutely included. For those that enjoy the laid back atmosphere, lots of sun, and activities, this is the place to be. It is great for families, married people, romantic getaway, kids, and kids at heart, to enjoy the all-inclusive experience.

My wife and I did not take advantage of the over – priced tours in the hotel. That is because, we know the ins and outs of Santa Marta and Parque Tayrona. We can get the tours and transfers at 50% off the price, they were asking for at the hotel. For people, that don’t want to hassle with anything, the hotel Decameron Explorer ( in house travel and excursion agency ) is the best bet. But, be forewarned they are expensive. However, if you like to just lounge on the pool, and kick back in the cabanas, or hammocks down by their front property beach. It will certainly fit the bill. So, don’t stress, if you can’t go to Playa Blanca, Playa Cristal or any of the beaches in Parque Tayrona. If you don’t have the time, the amenities in Decameron Galeon will be worthwhile. If you want to go to Playa Blanca and the Aquarium, then head to El Rodadero and pay the 1,000 Pesos or 1,200 Pesos from the Hotel Decameron and take the small buses that go to El Rodadero. From there, I would get off, where you see Olympica supermarket. From there, you can walk to the Playa El Rodadero. From there, you will be solicited constantly by the vendors to do their tours, stay at a time-share program and such. Take the cooperative. This is a consortium of different people, and it is much cheaper to take than doing the tours from your hotel. You can take the small boats as low as $Col Pes 10,000 pesos per person, to go to Playa Blanca. I would advise, to take lunch first as food is very expensive in Playa Blanca. But, there are packages, which including the aquarium includes your meals and entrance fees. So, shop around and see, the best bargains that you can get. The prices are normally posted on the binders, but still don’t forget to bargain. It is definitely helpful to speak a little Spanish, to be able to get the best deals possible. Oh, you can also get to Taganga from Santa Marta. Just ask to be dropped off on Exito or the big white church. This is of course, you are taking the bus from the hotel Decameron. You will need to take Don Jaca from any point in El Rodadero and Santa Marta to get back to the hotel. We felt totally safe and it was quite an experience to take the small buses. If you had the option, make sure to get the air-conditioned bus, it is only Col $200 pesos more, and it is worth every pesos. The heat can get to you, so don’t forget to hydrate yourself all the time.

For more information and great photos and videos of the trip:

Log in : http://frederickandnataliaslife.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html

Freddy

By fullpopfreddy on Aug 19, 2008, 14:11 in Travel tips.

turnmeon says on Aug 19, 2008, 17:10:

its good to see you are enjoying Colombia, welcome, i been to el hotel dcameron galeon once(about 5 years ago), i would recomend it, everything is included, (food, drinks, private beach, activities, gym, etc...)

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