Ocean Lovers Taganga - PADI Dive Center & Hostel

Backed by rainforest-covered mountains, Taganga's sparkling turquoise waters and white sandy beaches speak for themselves. If you're looking for a rough and ready experience, its dirt roads and friendly street dogs could be right up your alley. The Colombian town is ready for travellers too, with a bar-lined beach and several diving schools to take you under the waves. The relaxed pace of life and glorious sunsets make it an ideal place to spend a few chilled-out days.

Lots of hostels in Taganga have swimming pools where you can take a dip after a day on the beach, as the tides there can be a bit too strong for swimming. A place with a rooftop bar makes it easy to get to know your fellow travellers before hitting the clubs. Some Taganga hostels have daily happy hours to get the party started. Look out for air con to beat the Colombian heat and choose a Taganga hostel with free Wi-Fi to stay connected.

Taganga town is nestled in a bay around 15 minutes from city life in Santa Marta. It's a place to take things slowly and relax after a day of hiking and exploring the local rainforest. For a dose of culture, head into Santa Marta, where you can explore museums and galleries and sample the nightlife. Get away from it all in the mountain town of Minca, around 24km from Taganga and surrounded by coffee plantations, waterfalls and breathtaking views.

Tayrona National Natural Park is a place to get lost in nature, with the sounds of birds and insects around you as you trek through the green landscape. It's home to native animals like monkeys and poison dart frogs, and contains idyllic beaches such as the popular Cabo San Juan, where you can swim, and the more secluded Cañaveral beach. Taganga town's beaches are ringed by bars where you can sit by the waves while the sun sets. For a thrilling trek, take a tour to the Ciudad Perdida. This lost city of the Tayrona people dates from over a thousand years ago and was only rediscovered in the 1970s.

It's easy to get to Taganga from Santa Marta, which is around 15 minutes away by bus or taxi. If you're coming in internationally, look out for flights to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, then catch your bus from there. The town is small and easy to navigate on foot, so there's no need for bikes or buses while you're there.