Have you ever been to a place where you didn’t wanna leave, ever? No? You obviously haven’t been to Costeño Beach yet. This place in the middle of nowhere is probably the definition of Colombian paradise. Empty beaches, killer sunsets, a coastline covered in palm trees, and an abundance of hammocks swaying in the wind. Nothing beats waking up with the sound of the ocean, and breakfast with your feet in the sand, right? Costeño Beach is this and much more. If you aren’t convinced by my little introduction here, I got another ten reasons for you.
1. Delicious food at Costeño Beach
Who doesn’t love slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches, homemade Thai curries, fresh fish, and mouthwatering lasagna? Sign up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and join in on the food feast. If there’s one thing Costeño Beach got covered, it’s definitely their cuisine. Trust me, eat the food, and you’ll never wanna leave.
2. Life in a hammock
Since the rhythm around here basically involves eat, sleep, surf, repeat, you spend quite a lot of time in a hammock. Daytime napping is totally appropriate around here. Who doesn’t love snoozing away with the sound of the ocean, a slight breeze, and the sun on your face? Whether you’re up for a whole night of rocking yourself to sleep or simply just wanna stick to the ocean view during daytime naps, everyone can find a hammock to their needs around here.
3. Sunrises and early morning surf sessions
I’m definitely not a morning person, but the sunrises here got me up at five and made me surf an hour later. Skies on fire and not a single human being around to spoil that moment. With the waves still clean, this is your moment to get a fun surf session in. The beach break offers both lefts and rights and is suitable for both beginners and more advanced. It might not be the most exciting surf spot in the world, but it sure makes Costeño Beach even better. Best way to start the day!
4. Sunsets and late afternoon surf sessions
When the winds lie down at the end of the day, the surf picks up again. Is surfing not really your thing? Don’t worry, find a good spot on the beach and enjoy the sunset spectacle that’s on offer every single day. Sunsets are definitely more up my alley and almost as good as the morning variant. Can you picture yourself in one of those hammocks, a beer in your hand, awesome people around, and the sun setting? What a perfect way to end another perfect day… and guess what, you can do it all over again tomorrow!
5. Surf body watching
Ok, single or not, nothing better than watching tanned surfer bodies parade down the beach with a surfboard under their arm. Both guys and girls can eat their hearts out at Costeño Beach. What better place to watch surfers on the Caribbean coast, than at the only surf camp around?
6. Glow in the dark plankton
Yes, get out on the beach at night, stamp your feet on the sand and those little animals will light up like sparkly little glitters.
7. Cheap Rum
What else should you drink around a campfire on the beach of the Caribbean coast? Colombia is surrounded by countries brewing up some fine rum, that will lighten that Caribbean fire in you. Mix it up in cocktails, or drink it straight up. No matter what, you haven’t been to the Caribbean if you haven’t tried rum at least once.
8. No Internet
We can all use a little break from social media from time to time, and actually, talk during dinner time instead of checking our phones (a much-happening phenomenon in hostel common rooms). The number of new card games I learned and philosophical chats I had around here is ridiculous. Oh, and don’t forget about the animal game. Ask for it when you’re there!
9. The Costeño Pets
Nearly every hostel around South America has cats and dogs running around, but none of them have Tina. This dog follows you down the beach wherever you go, waits for you till you’re done surfing, and then gives you the biggest welcome back.
10. The Stars
How many nights did I watch the stars here? Probably every night. Making a billion wishes, because there were that many shooting stars. With no lights around whatsoever, it’s the perfect spot to watch the Milkyway. Can you imagine yourself rocking in your hammock, looking up to a sky so full of stars there’s no way you can ever count them all? Welcome to Costeño Beach.
11. The walk from Costeño Beach to the river, through the coconut plantation
I know I said only ten reasons, but every time I walked barefoot through this to our surf spot, I got a big smile on my face. You can’t skip out a reason if it makes you smile time after time.
So go check it out and let’s see how often you walk back to reception to extend your stay with “one more night”…. I’ll see you there!
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends©
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