Are you looking for a tropical paradise in Colombia? Look no further! Plan your next holidays here with the best things to do in Tolu, Colombia.
Book here the best hotel for your holidays in Tolu:
1. Hotel Casa Danae (5*)
2. Hotel Quinta del Mar El Frances (4*)
3. Hotel El Puerto (4*)
4. Hotel Punta Faro (in Mucura Island) (4*)
5. Hotel Isla Mucura (in Mucura Island) (4*)
6. Hostal del Mar Tolu (3*)
Tolu is on the Caribbean Gulf of Morrosquillo, three hours south of Cartagena and close to Coveñas, other beautiful destination.
I love Tolu because it’s the ideal place to spend holidays like a Colombian without an avalanche of foreign tourists like Cartagena or Santa Marta. I mean, it’s a paradise off the beaten path… so far. Discover here the best things to do in Tolu, Colombia!
What to Do in Tolu, Colombia
1. Enjoy Paradisiacal Beaches
Playa Blanca spans about 5 kilometers of crystalline water and sandy beaches shaded by palm trees. This beach is a ten-minute bus ride from the town of Tolu.
El Frances is another lovely and peaceful beach with white sand, located about 20 minutes away from the center. Palo Blanco, Puerto Viejo, Guacamaya, and Alegria are other popular beaches.
In general all beaches in Tolu are ideal for families with children, as the water usually reaches knee-deep level within 50 meters of entering.
2. Take a Day Trip to San Bernardo Islands
One of the best things to do in Tolu is to take a day trip to the Archipelago of San Bernardo, comprising ten small islands off the coast. These Caribbean beaches are so beautiful that if you have time, spending at least one night in one of them is highly recommended.
Mucura Island is just a 45-minute motorboat ride from Tolu, boasting coral reefs and turquoise waters ideal for windsurfing or kayaking.
Tintipan Island is the biggest of the archipelago, one hour by boat from Tolu. I arranged to take a boat around 4:00 am to take me swimming around the bioluminescent plankton, an unforgettable experience. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also popular sports which you can practice in Tintipan.
Santa Cruz del Islote is the most densely populated island in the world, with about 1200 people living in an area the size of two football stadiums. It is a very interesting experience to walk around the streets and see the daily life of the people. Most of them are engaged in fishing or work as tour guides of the nearby islands. There are 100 houses, a school, a health post, and a restaurant. It is a place where everybody trusts each other, and there is no police.
3. Explore the Ciénaga La Leche
This swamp is about 20 minutes from Tolu. It’s a beautiful ecosystem full of diverse fauna and flora that exist in their natural state. It’s located in a forest and freshwater marsh habitat. The area is home to a variety of animals such as ducks, iguanas, and foxes. There are also different types of trees, including fruit trees like mango, papaya, and pineapple. Exploring this beautiful area is one of the best things to do in Tolu for nature lovers.
4. Explore the Ciénaga La Caimanera
Take a boat from Tolu and explore these mangrove swamps, which offer a huge biodiversity. The prohibition of motorized boats ensures environmental conservation, and only non-motorized canoes are permitted. You will be able to watch caimans, herons, and many other different types of fauna and flora. Moreover, this site is a bird-watching paradise, with guided tours available. Swim in the clean waters and look for the Floating House.
5. Go Hiking in Roca Madre Park
The tropical dry forests in Roca Madre Park are ideal for hiking. If you love extreme sports, you can find interesting options offered by touristic operators in the area. You can choose among canopy, climbing, and rappelling
6. Walk along Tolu’s Promenade
Taking a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade while enjoying the sea breeze is one of the best things to do in Tolu. Stop to take in the beautiful views of the sea and the colorful boats anchored in the bay.
Grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink from one of the street vendors selling local snacks and juices. Try some delicious empanadas or arepas, or cool off with a fresh coconut water or a cold beer.
You can ride in a bicitaxi, which is a tricycle driven by a cyclist and which can transport up to six passengers. These unique vehicles are adorned with colorful decorations and lights, and equipped with sound systems that play Colombian music at high decibels.
Where to Stay in Tolu, Colombia
SUPERIOR HOTEL (5*)
Hotel Casa Danae, on the beachfront in Tolu is only a few steps from El Frances Beach. It features a private beach area and an outdoor swimming pool. Some of the rooms have a terrace with a sea view. The hotel offers free parking,
Book your stay at the Hotel Casa Danae here
MID-RANGE HOTELS (4*)
Hotel Quinta del Mar El Frances is set 200 metres from the beach. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, and free private parking, It has a restaurant, bar and room service for guests.
Book your stay at Hotel Quinta del Mar El Frances here
Hotel El Puerto is less than 70 metres from the Tolu Beach and less than 1 km from La Perdiz Beach. Set on the beachfront, this property features a garden. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, full-day security and free WiFi.
Book your stay at Hotel El Puerto here
Hotel Punta Faro in Mucura Island is a lovely tropical retreat with access to a private beautiful beach. The hotel offers several activities like snorkeling, kayaking, diving, or paddle boarding. There is also a professional tennis court surrounded by palm trees. It features a restaurant and a bar. A fabulous breakfast is offered every morning.
Book your stay at Hotel Punta Faro here
Hotel Isla Mucura is an Eco Hotel Resort in Mucura Island, with private bungalows in front of the sea. The hotel offers scuba diving, snorkeling, canoeing and hiking activities. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 restaurants, a spa and a kid’s club.
Book your stay at Hotel Isla Mucura here
BUDGET HOTEL (3*)
Hostal del Mar Tolu is set in a nice location with beautiful surroundings and a garden. Each room features a terrace. It has a restaurant serving a continental breakfast every morning. There are family rooms and free parking.
Book your stay at Hostal del Mar Tolu here
How to Get to Tolu
From Cartagena to Tolu:
Buses leave daily from the Cartagena Terminal arriving at Tolu Terminal in about 2h 40min. They depart every hour from 06:00 to 15:45 h.
From Medellin to Tolu:
There is one flight from Medellin every day arriving to the Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport in Tolu. This small airport receives only flights from Medellin.
For more information on Colombia check my blogs about Cartagena, Taganga, Medellin and Bogota.
