Plan a trip to the best beaches in Colombia
South America is home to many spectacular beach destinations, especially in Colombia. From quiet surf towns with white-sand beaches to lively traveller destinations with luxury resorts and nightlife, you’ll find it all on Colombia’s coastline. If you want something different, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, and plenty of other South American countries offer their own pristine beaches with unique appeal. Whether you want to surf and snorkel, party by the water, or enjoy some quality time with the family on the sand, take a look at the best beaches in Colombia and find excellent beach spots in South America to plan your coastal trip.
Top Colombia beaches
Known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and unique history, Colombia offers the trip of a lifetime. Along with its many attractions, Colombia is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world, ranging from party beaches to surf spots to luxury resort areas. Take a look at the top Colombia beaches.
Playa Blanca for family trips
Found southwest of Cartagena, Playa Blanca is a family-friendly beach area that’s popular with travellers and locals alike. The white-sand beaches and calm, blue waters are perfect for families with kids or sunbathers looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy the sun. During weekends and holidays, Playa Blanca can become crowded, but you’ll have the beach to yourself in the off-season or during the week.
Playas de Palomino for scenic beaches
Located on the Caribbean coast, Playas de Palomino is a scenic beach spot that doesn’t attract large party crowds. Favoured as a local beach, the area is backed by modest seaside dining and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Inland, you’ll have jungles and waterfalls to explore and plenty of outdoor activities.
Capurgana for outdoor fun
Backed by a lush jungle and colourful waterfront buildings, Capurgana is a picture-perfect beach that offers a lot of adventure for those who seek it. The remote beach is only accessible by charter flights or boats, so you’re less likely to encounter large crowds of travellers and spring breakers. Along with the opportunities to relax in the sun and listen to waves, Capurgana is known for its incredible snorkelling. The clear waters are perfect for encounters with sea life, such as leatherback turtles and dolphins.
Best beaches in South America
If you want to see what else South America has to offer, you’ll find a variety of wonderful beaches throughout the continent. Whether you prefer chill surf towns or party beaches, South America’s long coastline has something for everyone. From the excitement and fame of Rio de Janeiro to the laid-back beaches of Uruguay, here are the best beaches in South America.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a massive beach town in Brazil with famous beaches, such as Ipanema and Copacabana. You’ll find many golden beaches in Rio de Janeiro to relax in the sun or enjoy water sports like windsurfing. If you want to break away from the beach for some adventure, you’ll have inland rainforests and peaks to explore and natural lagoons for canoeing and kayaking, Rio de Janeiro is also known for its charming shanty towns and lively Carnaval festival, a cultural experience with Latin dance, flamboyant costumes, and parades.
Montañita
Located on the Ruta del Sol of Ecuador, Montañita is a relaxed beach town with an abundance of water sports, including surfing, bodyboarding, scuba diving, and windsurfing. Families can enjoy beach games like volleyball or have a picnic on the sand, while the thrill seekers can find adventures on the waves. After spending the day by the water, you can head to town to have a cocktail on the waterfront in the mellow beach bars.
Punta Del Diablo
Known for its bohemian vibe and surf culture, Punta Del Diablo is one of Uruguay’s most popular beach destinations. The quintessential surf town has a laid-back atmosphere that’s a nice break from the flashy and trendy beaches nearby. Punta Del Diablo is the perfect spot for a water sports retreat, a family trip, or a romantic break with your loved one. If you want to try surfing, Punta Del Diablo is renowned for its great surf waves.