Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [136]
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Information
There are no banks or post offices in Taganga, so load up on cash in Santa Marta before arrival, especially if you are heading to Ciudad Perdida.
Centro de Salud ( 421 9067; Calle 14 No 3-05) Medical services, but really, get yourself to Santa Marta.
Litera-Te ( 317 273 2862; Calle 20 No 3B-24) Foreign book exchange featuring books in 18 different languages.
Mojito Net ( 421 9149; Calle 14 1B-61; per hr COP$1000-2000; 9am-2am) Air-con internet and a nice spot for a cocktail.
Policia Nacional ( 421 9561; Carrera 2 No 17A-38)
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Dangers & Annoyances
Being a backpacker hub, Taganga sees its fair share of petty theft. The two biggest problem areas are the beach – keep an eye on your things there and don’t leave them unattended – and crimes of opportunity involving your gear and an open window – do not leave valuables within reach of anyone.
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Activities
Taganga is a popular scuba-diving center, with six dive schools offering dives and courses. Local services here are among the cheapest you’ll find anywhere. Four-day open-water PADI courses range in price from COP$540,000 to COP$580,000. The best local schools:
Aquantis Dive Center ( 421 9344; www.aquantisdivecenter.com; Calle 18 No 1-39; 6:30am-9pm) Very friendly and very professional, this Belgian-run company offers a bed and diving PADI-certification package for COP$580,000 (with breakfast) in very comfortable rooms at the dive center.
Poseidon Dive Center ( 421 9224; www.poseidondivecenter.com; Calle 18 No 1-69; 7am-7pm)
Tayrona Dive Center ( 421 9195; Calle 18 No 1-39) Offers PADI-certification for COP$540,000 in low season.
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Courses
Those wanting to brush up on their Spanish skills while also contributing to a local cause should check out Academia Latina ( 421 9390; www.academia-latina.com; Calle 14 No 1B-75). This Dutch-run Spanish school offers classes starting from COP$150,000 (minimum 10 hours per week), with 25% of your fee going to a foundation to help local children. It’s located inside the new Casa Holanda, a 10-room hostel opened post-research for this book.
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Sleeping
Oso Perezoso (www.myspace.com/hotelosoperezoso; Calle 17 No 2-36; hammock COP$10,000, r per person incl breakfast from COP$15,000; ) Hotel Miramar’s Click here partner hotel in Taganga is a major step up from its Santa Marta partner in crime. Partly owned by an American, it features a lovely rooftop bar – home to rare hammock accommodations – and perfectly presentable rooms, all with private bath.
Casa de Felipe ( 421 9120; www.lacasadefelipe.com; Carrera 5A No 19-13; dm COP$12,000-15,000, s incl breakfast COP$30,000, d COP$35,000, apt 2/4 people COP$60,000/100,000; ) This lovely hostel run by a friendly Frenchman is one of the better-equipped budget options you’ll stumble across. In a beautiful house on lush grounds above the bay, it’s all here: pleasant rooms, bar, kitchen, cable TV, storage, numerous hammocks, excellent breakfast, and friendly folk from around the world to get drunk with. The dorms, especially No 5, are particularly great. It’s located a few blocks uphill from the beach, past the soccer pitch.
Divanga ( 421 9092; www.divanga.com; Calle 12 No 4-07; dm COP$20,000, r per person incl breakfast COP$25,000; ) Another French-run place not short on atmosphere – colorful local arts don the walls and doors of the rooms, most of which surround a small but oh-so-inviting swimming pool. There’s a rooftop deck and bar that catches a nice sea breeze and the restaurant is above and beyond for a hostel. It’s more tranquil than Casa de Felipe, so opt for here if that’s a priority.
Casa Blanca ( 421 9232; barbus85@latinmail.com; Carrera 1 No 14-61; r per person incl breakfast COP$25,000; ) Though the beach isn’t exactly the kind