Where the River Meets the Sea

There is a magical place about half way between Santa Marta and Riohacha. 

From the highway it doesn’t look like much – just a few local restaurants, tiendas selling Aquila and detergent to wash your clothes, and puestos de comidas rápidas. But have some patience. 

Walk down the dirt road toward the beach. Veer around the puddles and the frogs the size of small rodents. Say "Buenas" to the young woman washing her clothes in the bucket in her yard. She'll return your greeting.

When you arrive at the beach take a left and head northwest. The waves pound the slanted shore. Your feet sink into the wet sand. 

To your right, there is nothing but ocean and sky. To your left, hundreds of palm trees. Keep going.

After about 20 minutes, your body covered head to toe in a salty sweat, you will find where the river meets the sea.

The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of Santa Marta juts upwards, lush and green. Low river plants grow along the riverbed. The ocean’s waves crash over the small stretch of sand that is left and into the river. Saltwater mixes with freshwater.

 

The river is a muddy brown, but the water is cool. Wade in and cool off.

You have arrived to where the river meets the sea.