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Buritaca, CO

Buritaca is a pretty interesting spot. A town built off of and around a large river flowing into the ocean. It’s a little town in Coastal Northern Colombia that has been popularized for backpackers really as a result of a few hostels coming in here and becoming a draw. One for example is the Rio Hostel Buritaca. It’s a beautiful spot along the river that is most famous for its multiple times per week parties and its annual festival that spans four days. Most of your young backpackers looking to make a party pitstop will come through here for a few nights to see what all the rave is. What all the rave is at the rave that is. The parties are pretty much raves. The hostel itself is pretty cool though and right on the river. In addition to the hostel on the river there’s a few other hostels that have popped up riding on the coattails of the popularity of El Rio. The place itself it totally worth seeing if you are in the area. I wouldn’t make a trip out of coming to Buritaca or anything, but it’s a beautiful piece of the world. There are river tubing tours offered, there’s a lovely beach that hardly anyone goes to, and it’s a pretty for the moment untouched little slice of coastal jungle paradise. I will say though, outside of the hostels the food options, and things to do will be limited. So coming through for a day or a few to check out the cool accommodation is all you will need.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

  • LOCATION - Buritaca is located about an hour ride from Santa Marta. Now its not the easiest place in the world to get to. Its really a tiny place. Can't be more than a few hundred people who live there. 

    • BY BUS FROM SANTA MARTA - Take the bus from the Mercado area of Santa Marta heading towards Palomino (1 hour 10 minutes). Ask the bus driver for El Rio in Buritaca and they should know where to drop you. Its going to be public transport so it's an adventure!

    • DRIVING - If you are driving its a simple 1 hour drive from Santa Marta up the coast highway. 

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  • ACCOMODATION - The options are really huge all around here. Lots of eco lodges popping up and all that kind of stuff and cool hostels up in the jungle. But if we are talking Buritaca proper then the best option is El Rio. If you want something tranquil and interesting in the jungle theres lots to find in that regard. 

    • El Rio Hostel - This is really the king of hostels in the area. Its where kids come from all over Colombia to party. Ourtside of the partying its also a really beautiful hostel located right on the river. Would recommend this one for sure. The entrance to El Rio is 100m after the Rio Buritaca bridge, you can either walk down the dirt road for 10-15 minutes or take a trusted moto taxi from the road.​

    • Buritaca House - Another option down in town if you want something cheaper and more lowkey. AKA go up for the party and have some peace and quiet. 

    • Hostal Baruch - Another option in town thats very similar to the above. 

    • Viajero - This is an extremely nice hostel and its the only one right on the water. Its pretty astonishing but its super expensive. If you want a really nice spot right on a pretty pristine beach then this is a good option. 

    • The Journey Hostel - This place is a bit out of town. Probably like 15 minutes, but its one of the coolest hostels that I have ever stayed at. Worth checking out just to go up there. 

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  • EATS - Frankly the food you will be eating is either off the side of the street or in your hostel when you are here in Buritaca.  

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  • NIGHTLIFE - The parties at El Rio which happen a few nights a week. Also the annual festival that they have called Bonanza. Its giant and 4 days long of 24 hours straight of music. It was pretty epic.   

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  • SIGHTS - Lots of beatiful nature stuff to do around here.

    • Tube down the river

    • Playa Buritaca - See the beach. Almost no one ever goes down to the beach and I found it to be stunning. 

    • Tayrona National Park - Only about a half hour away is the entrance to the park. Lots of people use Buritaca as a starting off point to get into the park.  

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  • SURFING - Out at Playa Buritaca it looked like it could be perfect for a right hand right rivermouth point. But the winds and direction just never work her eunfortunately. 

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