Los Naranjos

Where to stay

Los Naranjos is a tiny surf village squeezed between the highway and the Caribbean Sea, with almost all hostels and budget beds clustered along the main road and the short walk to the beach. Staying here puts you steps from the water and the local surf schools, but means sharing the narrow street with the constant flow of buses and taxis heading to Palomino.

Getting around

• The town is essentially a dormitory for the nearby Palomino and El Mamey surf spots. Most visitors use it as a cheap base and take mototaxis or walk to the better breaks a few kilometers away.
• Cash is essential. There are no ATMs in Los Naranjos, and the nearest reliable ones are in Palomino or Santa Marta. Bring enough pesos for your entire stay, as small shops and hostels rarely accept cards.
• Buses from Santa Marta run frequently along the coastal highway. You can flag them down anywhere along the main road, but they stop running in the late afternoon, so time your return trips carefully to avoid being stranded.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and quietest during the rainy season from May to November, when clouds and showers keep the crowds away. Prices spike and beds fill fast from December through January and during Semana Santa, when the dry weather draws domestic tourists to the coast.