Tolú- The Closest Beach To Medellin

.

Medellin’s closest beaches lie in Tolú and Coveñas, two vacation spots for those looking to leave the city behind. The trip is approximately 8 hours by bus, but convenient and affordable flights into the tiny Tolú airport take just an hour and a half. Tolú is typical of the steamy and slow paced lifestyle found in towns along Colombia’s Atlantic coast. But let’s be clear: one doesn’t come to the coast to hang out in the town centers of Tolú or Coveñas, not unless your idea of fun is bike-taxis, eating cheap fried fish on plastic chairs, and tiny cantina drinking holes. No – think of Tolú more as an arrival hub for your real destination – the beach!

.

.

This region offers a truly bargain-priced ocean getaway, with some of the perks typically found at fancier resorts worldwide. And speaking of these, be sure to secure your hotel and amenities before arriving. Extras like air conditioning, oceanside swimming pools, in-house restaurants and beach access are inexpensive perks that should not be skimped on.

.

.

Transportation in Tolú is a rather rustic affair; bike taxis, moto taxis and clunker manning informal chauffeurs will whisk you off to such secret beach escapes as El Francés. Located 35 minutes from Tolú, El Francés is a more secluded offering free from the incessant cheap bracelet and sunglasses vendors found elsewhere. A bit further out, one finds idyllic beach environs in the crystal blue waters and snorkeling adventures at the Archipelago of San Bernardo. This chain of approximately 45 white pearly islands is generally reached via two-and-a-half hour boat ride from Cartagena, but from the shores of Tolú it is just 45 minutes away.

.

.

But maybe this is not your thing, sitting seaside and soaking up the sun, Piña Coladas and Coco-Locos on demand. Don’t worry – there are several day-

trips and natural spectacles to explore further inland. Not far from Tolú sit the volcanes de lodo for instance, natural mud baths where you can submerge

your body in a thick, bubbling clay paste of skin-tastic relaxation. It’s a floaty good time.

.

.

Whether beach-bound, island hopping, or sitting in hot therapeutic mud, any trip to Tolú/Coveñas must include a visit to the astounding Cienega la Caimanera (“Alligator Swamps”). The swamps extend over 120 hectares and are densely packed with towering mangrove trees; sadly, over-hunting resulted from the high retail demand for alligator skin and lack of a strong local economy, rendering the entire local alligator population extinct. A strong ecotourism movement subsequently ensued, and for the past 25 years motorboats have not been permitted to enter the swamp. The only boats that enter today are powered the old-fashion way: rowing.

.

.

A local tourism cooperative offers a trip through the outer space-like environs of the swamp; the two-hour tour goes through a series of swamp tunnels and ends at a floating houseboat that serves fresh ceviche and hand picked swamp oysters. Delicious!

.

.

So if you’re feeling trapped by city life, stuck in this high green industrial valley of Medellin, don’t forget that sun and sand are just a short flight away in Tolú.

It’s the closest beach you’ll find, and a great way to recharge your batteries.

.

For flights and tour packages to Tolú, contact ADA Airlines and Tours at (574)

444-4232 or visit their offices at Calle 10 #36-15

.

In Tolú – Hotel Camino Verde:

.

In Coveñas – Golfo Centro Vacional