Frequently Asked Questions & Information

We are located between the towns of Puerto Nuevo and Buritaca. We are a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive in private transport from the Santa Marta and the Simon Bolivar Airport. We are a 15 minute drive from the main entrance of the Parque Tayrona (Zaino).

The weather is warm and tropical all year long. Most of the months of the year are very dry. The months where we are likely to have some rain are: April, May, October, November, early December. It will typically rain in the early morning or in the evening/overnight. There can be days where it will rain all day, but they are few and far between. The months of December – Feb. tend to have the most favorable weather (not so hot during day with little humidity and a little cooler at night).

Yes, we have four dogs, Mia, Milu, Luna & Kala. They are very friendly and will accompany throughout your stay. If you do not like dogs, then Gitana del Mar might not be the best option for your vacation.

Mia will beg you to play with her by throwing a ball, coconuts, seeds, sticks etc. It is okay to play with her for a short time, however she has epilepsy and if she gets too agitated, she can have a seizure. We ask that you only play with her for a short time and do not take long walks on the beach with her. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Here in Colombia we use Colombian PESOS (COP). Please bring Cash in Pesos with you.

Between $500,000 – $1,500,000 COP PER PERSON. This will help cover your tours, transports, tips for staff and guides, some of your bill upon check out etc.

WE DO NOT ADVISE TO BRING US DOLLARS OR EUROS. IT IS EASIER TO USE YOUR ATM CARD AND TAKE OUT COLOMBIAN PESOS.

*PLEASE BRING CASH FOR ALL TOURS AND TRANSPORTS. IF YOU PAY THE TOURS AND TRANSPORTS WITH CREDIT CARD TO GITANA DEL MAR THERE IS A 15% ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE.

The closest ATM is in Santa Marta (over 1 hour away). Please get cash out in the airport or in the city of Santa Marta on your way here.

Tour prices range from $100,000 COP – $600,000 COP per person depending on the tour/adventure.

*PLEASE BRING CASH FOR ALL TOURS AND TRANSPORTS. IF YOU PAY THE TOURS AND TRANSPORTS WITH CREDIT CARD TO GITANA DEL MAR THERE IS A 15% ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE.

• Bathing suits

• Yoga clothes

• Flip flops

• Shoes for hikes (like sneakers or tevas)

• Light long pants for evenings (It can get cooler in the evenings)

• Long sleeve t-shirts or rash guard to shield from sun when you go river tubing (not necessary but helpful)

• Sun hat

• Sun glasses

• Sunblock

• Bug repellent

• Books to read on time off or journal to write

• Reusable plastic water bottle (BPA Free)

• Flashlight or headlamp

• Camera, Go Pro

Cartagena – 4.5 Hours in Private Car or Van Transport. In Marsol Van Service – 5 – 6 hours

Barranquilla – 3 Hours in Private Car or Van

Santa Marta – 1 Hour & 15 Min in Private Car or Van

*PLEASE BRING CASH FOR ALL TOURS AND TRANSPORTS. IF YOU PAY THE TOURS AND TRANSPORTS WITH CREDIT CARD TO GITANA DEL MAR THERE IS A 15% ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE.

Private taxi – Contact us for pricing and organization. The trip in a private transport is about 4.5 hours.

Marsol Van – Contact Marsol directly for pick up points, pricing and reservations. Your hotel in Cartagena can most likely help your organize transport with Marsol to Gitana del Mar. The cost is around $100,000 COP per person and the trip is about 5.5 hours. We can help you organize your trip from Gitana del Mar to Cartagena once you arrive. Typically the only vans that will come all the way to Gitana del Mar (Parque Tayrona area) leave Cartagena around 6:00am and 10:00am. Your Cartagena hotel should organize and make your reservation for you. The vans that leave Gitana del Mar and arrive in Cartagena leave around 9:00am and 3:00pm from the resort.

Bus – It is possible to take large coach buses to/from Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta. We can organize transport from the Main Bus Terminal in Santa Marta to Gitana del Mar in a private taxi with a trusted driver.

The ocean (Caribbean Sea) on our beach is a wild and open ocean. It can be rough with big waves and strong currents. There is always some current, even if the waves are small. It is not recommended for young children to swim when it is rough and to never be in the ocean without parent supervision. There are no lifeguards on the beach and you must always take caution when entering the ocean. Swim at your own risk.

NO, we do not have Air Conditioning (A/C). Gitana del Mar resort an eco-resort, with a focus on lower energy consumption. Each room has high quality ceiling fans and good ventilation.

No, our bathrooms do not offer hot water*. As an eco-resort focusing on lower energy consumption, we only offer hot water in 3 rooms*. The water that comes out of the showers is not too cold and depending on the time of the day it can be closer to room temperature.

*Only the Bungalow Selva, Bungalow Sierra, Bungalow Treehouse & 2 Bungalow Suites have hot water shower.

Our kitchen prepares fresh and healthy food in a variety of different styles. Our Chef’s Daily Menu offers a new and different menu option daily. Our plates feature fish, seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. Our menu focuses on Colombian ingredients and traditional preparations with American, Thai and Mediterranean flavors and influences.

Please let us know via email about your food allergies and preferences upon booking and securing your reservation.

You may NOT travel with pets to Gitana del Mar. We have dogs and all of our neighbors have dogs as well as chickens, horses, donkey etc. No one has fences that can keep their dogs and animals on their property or your dogs and animals off the neighbor’s property. Therefore we cannot be responsible for any of our guests animals and therefore do not accept pets.

Each Bungalow has a maximum capacity for 3 Adults. If there are small children traveling and staying in the same room as their parents, we can bring an extra mattress on the floor for a child, or a foldable baby crib.

Yes we accept well-behaved and respectful children at Gitana del Mar. Our pricing is as follows:

Kids 0-3 years old - ONLY IN BUNGALOW SELVA & BUNGALOW SIERRA

Kids 3-8 years old- $220,000 COP per night (NO INCLUYA EL IVA).

Kids 9 and up – Normal adult rate.

For children 0-3 years old, we can make creamed veggies and fruits, simple pasta, chicken and rice dishes.

Children 4-8 Years Old will receive the same Chef’s Daily Menu as their parents in a smaller portion, but if they prefer something else, please let us know in advance and we can prepare a variety of different kids foods such as spaghetti, chicken, French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, simple salads etc.

You can order drinks, cocktails, beers and wine from our Bar until about 11 pm. After that you can walk to the only beach bar around Koralia Bar which is only 10 minutes away down the beach from Gitana del Mar. There are no public restaurants, no nightlife and no party scene here.