After a very cramped bus jouney we arrived in Santa Marta. It was getting dark so we decided to get a taxi but it probably would of been better walking as he didnt have a clue where the hostel was and asked at least 4 people before we finaly arrived. We stayed at the Dreamer Hostel which was really nice and also cheap at only 5 pounds each a night. The rooms are built around a pool with an outdoor kitchen and chill out area. The owner and staff were all so friendly and helpful so we would definately recommend staying there!

The original plan was to set off for Tayrona National Park the following day but after meeting a group of lads, we decided to go the day after and instead go to the waterfall in Minca. So the next day we did a bus, a moto taxi and a long walk up a mountain into the forest. It was quite a hike but it didnt seem that long since we were all chatting, exchanging travel stories and enjoying the sun. Getting back was interesting as there were only 3 moto taxis waiting to take us back and 6 of us! Neils and Tom spoke to a local and pursuaded him to squish us all into his car and take us back down the long winding road. We managed to get the front seat so had plenty of room, unlike the poor boys! That night we had a stir fry courtesy of Rob and became official rum drinkers.....hmmmmm!

The next day we set off for Tayrona, prepared with a picnic and Rob who decided to come along with us. We took the bus to the park entrance and then began the 2 hour walk through the jungle to get to the furthest beach, Cabo de San Juan which is supposed to be the nicest beach and best camp site. It wasnt until the walk back that we realised there was a quicker way to get there which would of saved our legs 40 minutes!!

More or less as soon as we arrived the weather turned and began to rain, so we chucked our things in our tents (all the hammocks were taken) and went to the hut/bar for a few drinks and a game of cards. This is when the heavens opened and it poured down, and when we went to bed things got even better, our tent had collapsed!! After the challange of trying to explain to the staff what had happened, we were eventually given a new tent and mattresses. Unfortuately, a good nights sleep didn´t follow as the storm lasted all night!

By morning it was starting to clear but we were unsure of whether to stay another night incase the weather was the same. We went to the beach to consider our options and when the sun came out and two Colombians offered us shots of rum at 11am it was clear we weren´t going anywhere! We spent the day drinking shots and swimming in the ocean, the water was so refreshing after laying in the scorching sun! Hope its nice and sunny at home!! =)

That night is quite self explanatory: sun + rum = Sam and Dani!
After the long and hard hangover walk back the next day, we somehow managed to pull through and enjoy a night in Santa Marta dancing the salsa!