Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is considered one of the most beautiful beaches not only in Colombia, but in all of South America. With powdery white sand and crystal clear waters of several shades of blue, it’s the kind of beach people dream about.

So what’s the catch? On my very first visit in 2014, all I had to do was walk down the beach about 10 minutes to find a quiet spot free of noise, crowds, and fewer vendors.

That experience has all but disappeared forever. When I visited again in February 2019, it seemed like there’s not one inch of the beach that hasn’t been built up by mass tourism. Boats and jet skis fly through the water without any regard for safety, spewing disgusting fumes of gasoline into the air. Vendors constantly pester you while you’re trying to relax, coming back time and time again even after you’ve firmly told them “no”.

It’s been transformed from paradise into a nightmare. Gone are the peaceful corners where you can quietly relax without hundreds of people all around you. It’s safe to say I will probably never go back. I prefer to remember it as it was.

Still, Playa Blanca remains a popular budget option for locals and backpackers in Cartagena. It can be visited as part of a day trip with or without the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, or you can come via bus or boat and stay as many nights as you want in primitive accommodation.

But I’ve warned you…

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