Top things to do in Colombia for couples – discover Palomino, the most affordable couples retreat Caribbean lovers can’t miss
Colombia just closed 2024 with 6.7 million international arrivals, its highest figure ever ✅ “Colombia breaks tourism record with almost seven million visitors in 2024”. More and more of those visitors are couples who want deeper memories than a quick selfie in Cartagena’s Old City. If that’s you, stay with me: below you’ll find a playbook of romantic adventures, gentle thrills, and two boutique NAM retreats that turn the beach-town of Palomino into the most exciting—and genuinely affordable couples retreat Caribbean wide.
Exchange rate at press time: COP 4 000 ≈ US $1
Why Palomino is stealing the show for couples
Two easy coastal hours from Santa Marta Airport you hit a village where the Sierra Nevada rainforest hugs the Caribbean. Picture surf shacks, bamboo yoga decks and bonfire bars stitched along one sandy track. Crowds still skip it for Tayrona National Park, so you and your partner get space to breathe—plus prices that make Mexico’s Riviera Maya blush.
| Trip essential | Riviera Maya (MX) | Resort island (Caribbean) | Palomino (CO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique room, high season | US $350 | US $280 | US $105–140 |
| Sunset three-course dinner | US $120 | US $100 | US $36 |
| 60-min couples massage | US $160 | US $125 | US $45 |
(All figures converted with COP 4 000 = US $1.)
Things to do in Colombia for couples—Palomino edition
Ready-made for lovers who mix chill time with little adrenaline jolts, these six experiences run from mellow to “OMG, did we just do that?”
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Hand-in-hand tubing
Float two lazy hours down Río Palomino, toucans overhead, jungle soundtrack on loop. Guides handle steering; you handle the cuddles. Price: ≈ US $35 pp ✅ “Tubing in Palomino River (2025) All You Need to Know”. -
Private cacao & breathwork ritual
A local facilitator blends ceremonial cacao with guided breathing so big feelings flow. ≈ US $60 pp for two hours of pure heart-opening. -
Sunset horseback ride
Trot along an empty shoreline while the sky melts pink and gold. Photos plus chilled corozo wine land this at ≈ US $55 pp. -
Wayúu weaving workshop
Spend an afternoon learning to crochet a traditional mochila together—metaphor for the relationship: stitch by stitch. -
Torch-lit sand-bank dinner
Catch-of-the-day, crispy patacón and a passion-fruit mezcal served two metres from the tide. ≈ US $80 per couple. -
Rooftop dawn meditation
Most eco-lodges host free sessions; swap screens for sunrise serotonin as the jungle wakes up.
Pro tip: Hire a freelance photographer for an hour (≈ US $85) to cover #1-#3; you’ll head home with an album that crushes any selfie stick.
Inside NAM’s June retreats: two flavours of reconnection
Both programmes run at Casa Liwa, a solar-powered villa between coconut palms and sea foam. Private rooms with A/C, chef-prepped meals and airport transfers from Santa Marta (SMR) come baked into every price—no hidden fees.
Sukha Alüna — 20 – 23 June 2025 — US $520 per couple (US $260 pp)
| What you get | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 4 d / 3 n in queen room (pool + jungle view) | Plenty of downtime; zero rush |
| Sunrise yoga plus chakra-opening massages | Bond physically, relax mentally |
| Detox menu—plant-based breakfasts & dinners | Energy up, bloating down |
| Dual tastings: ceremonial cacao and viche under the stars | Sensory adventure without overindulgence |
| Max 3 couples | Intimate vibe; no awkward crowd moments |
Ideal if you want gentle reconnection through movement, music and local flavours rather than deep therapy.
Mycelium Love — 23 – 25 June 2025 — US $760 per couple (US $380 pp)
Facilitators Darío & Lyna draw on 25+ years of transpersonal therapy to guide a fully supervised psilocybin ceremony—often called “three months of counselling in one sunrise.”
Three-day flow
Day 1 — Copal cleanse, intention-setting dinner.
Day 2 — Jungle sanctuary ceremony, sunset grounding feast.
Day 3 — Integration breakfast, breathwork, farewell shuttle.
Medical screening, integration coaching and all transport included. Perfect for reigniting intimacy or processing big life transitions—no psychedelic experience required.
Last year’s group logged a 30 % jump in relationship satisfaction two weeks later ✅ “NAM Internal Post-Retreat Survey, 2024”.
Planning your Palomino escape—zero stress
Best months
| Season | Weather vibe | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Mar | Dry, sunny | Classic beach days, festive nights |
| Apr – Jun | Lush, quieter | Fewer tourists, rivers full for tubing (sweet spot for June retreats) |
| Jul – Aug | Mostly dry | Good surf, whale watching on Pacific if you extend trip |
| Sep – Nov | Humid, green | Deep lodging discounts, epic post-shower sunsets |
Budget snapshot (per couple, per day)
| Style | Room | Meals | Transport | Daily total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack | US $38 hostel private | US $28 | US $15 | ≈ US $81 |
| Comfort | US $115 eco-bungalow | US $55 | US $25 | ≈ US $195 |
| Boutique | US $315 beach suite | US $100 | US $40 | ≈ US $455 |
Domestic flights Bogotá → Santa Marta start around US $35 if you book 30 days ahead.
Pack-light essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen & strong repellent
- Quick-dry sandals + long-sleeve rashguard for tubing
- One smart outfit for torch-lit dinner
- Journal, curiosity, and zero expectations (magic trio)
FAQ flash round
Is Palomino safe?
Yes. Tourism powers the town; stick to lit areas by night and use ride apps if you stay out late.
Visa needed?
Most nationalities get 90 days on arrival—check Check-Mig before flying.
ATM access?
Two on the main strip; carry some cash for weekend shortages.
Is English spoken?
Guides, restaurants and retreat teams are bilingual; a few Spanish basics earn big smiles.
Your next chapter starts with one click
Colombia’s tourism wave keeps rising, and Palomino is where that momentum feels personal. Trade endless scrolling for crashing waves and jungle whispers:
Choose your vibe
- Sukha Alüna — US $520 per couple (US $260 pp) for four days of yoga, cacao and seaside chill.
- Mycelium Love — US $760 per couple (US $380 pp) for a transformative psilocybin journey.
- Lock your place — Hit the NAM booking link, drop code PALMLOVE, grab early-bird prices before 31 May.
- Pack the basics — Swimwear, flip-flops, and that playlist you never share.
Spaces cap at four couples per retreat—when they’re gone, they’re gone. Let this be your sign: the most affordable couples retreat Caribbean style is waiting. See you—and the upgraded version of your relationship—under Palomino’s palms.