Santa Marta, Colombia Travel Guide: Beaches, Culture & Caribbean Adventures

Founded in 1525, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in Colombia and one of the most naturally stunning destinations on the Caribbean coast. Nestled between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Santa Marta offers an irresistible mix of beach vibes, colonial heritage, Indigenous culture, and outdoor adventures.
 

Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or a hiking enthusiast, Santa Marta is your ideal launching point for exploring Tayrona National Park, the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), and coastal paradises like Minca, Taganga, and Palomino.

📍 Where is Santa Marta?

Department: Magdalena

Population: ~500,000

Altitude: Sea level

Airport: Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)

✈️ How to Get to Santa Marta

By Air

Simón Bolívar Airport (SMR) is ~16 km from the city center

Direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena

Domestic airlines: Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, Viva Air

By Bus

From Cartagena: ~4.5 hours

From Barranquilla: ~2.5 hours

From Bogotá: ~18 hours (not recommended unless you want the scenic route)

🏙️ Why Visit Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s most diverse travel hubs. It’s:

A gateway to Tayrona National Park

The starting point for the Lost City trek

Home to stunning Caribbean beaches

A city rich in indigenous and colonial history

Close to eco-tourism gems like Minca and Palomino

🗺️ Best Areas to Stay in Santa Marta

1. Historic Center

Charming colonial streets

Boutique hotels and vibrant nightlife

Close to the marina and restaurants

2. El Rodadero

Popular beach neighborhood

High-rise resorts and family-friendly beaches

Water sports and boat tours available

3. Taganga

Fishing village turned backpacker hub

Budget hostels, scuba diving schools, and sunset views

More laid-back and rustic than El Rodadero

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Santa Marta

1. Visit Tayrona National Natural Park

Arguably the crown jewel of the Colombian coast, Tayrona offers:

Jungle hikes

Secluded beaches (e.g., Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal)

Snorkeling and camping

Indigenous heritage (Arhuaco and Kogi tribes)

Tips:

Arrive early; entry is limited daily

Bring your passport, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent

Closed annually for ecological restoration in February

2. Explore the Historic Center

Colonial architecture meets modern culture in Santa Marta’s old town:

Cathedral of Santa Marta: The oldest church in Colombia

Plaza de Bolívar: Bustling square with cafés and street performers

Casa de la Aduana: Anthropological museum and the resting place of Simón Bolívar

3. Day Trip to Minca

A peaceful town in the Sierra Nevada mountains known for:

Waterfalls like Marinka and Pozo Azul

Organic coffee and cacao farms

Birdwatching and hiking

Treehouse-style hostels with mountain views

4. Scuba Diving in Taganga

Ideal for beginner divers

Affordable dive schools and PADI certification options

Nearby dive spots: Aguja Island, Granate, Morrito Largo

5. Go on the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek

4–5 day guided trek through jungle terrain

Sacred indigenous site older than Machu Picchu

Challenging but rewarding with river crossings, mountain views, and cultural immersion

6. Relax on Playa Blanca

Accessible by boat or hike from Rodadero, this beach offers:

White sands and clear waters

Beachside seafood shacks

Great snorkeling opportunities

🌄 Outdoor & Nature Experiences

1. Hike to Pueblito

Mini version of the Lost City within Tayrona Park

Ancient terraces built by the Tayrona people

Combine history with a jungle/beach trek

2. Birdwatching in Sierra Nevada

Species like toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds

Great spots: Minca, El Dorado Reserve

3. Tubing in Palomino

Float down the jungle-fringed Palomino River

Chill beach town about 2 hours away

Easy overnight trip from Santa Marta

🍽️ What to Eat in Santa Marta

Coastal cuisine dominates the culinary scene here, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and Caribbean spices.

Must-Try Dishes:

Cazuela de Mariscos – Creamy seafood stew

Pargo Frito – Whole fried red snapper with coconut rice and patacones

Arepa de Huevo – Fried arepa filled with egg and ground meat

Bollo de Yuca – Yuca dumplings, often served with cheese or butter

Refreshing Drinks:

Coco Loco – Coconut cocktail with rum and lime

Limonada de Coco – Coconut lemonade

Agua de Panela con Limón – Raw sugar drink with lime

Recommended Restaurants:

Ouzo Restaurante – Mediterranean flavors in the historic center

Lulo Café Bar – Local and international fusion with vegan options

La Canoa – Seafood-focused, beachfront views

🛍️ Shopping & Local Markets

Mercado Público – Local produce and street food

Parque de los Novios area – Souvenir shops, coffee, and handicrafts

Artesanías de Taganga – Handmade jewelry, mochilas, and wood carvings

🏨 Where to Stay in Santa Marta

Luxury:

Hotel Boutique Don Pepe – Elegant boutique in the historic center

Zuana Beach Resort – All-inclusive on the beach in Bello Horizonte

Boutique:

Casa Verde Hotel – Chic and central, with a cozy courtyard

Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa – Stylish and colonial, with a rooftop jacuzzi

Budget:

The Dreamer Hostel – Pool, social vibe, ideal for young travelers

Hostel Masaya Santa Marta – Rooftop bar, hammocks, close to the action

🎉 Festivals & Events

1. Fiesta del Mar (Sea Festival) – End of July

Celebrates Santa Marta’s maritime culture

Parades, beach parties, music, and sports competitions

2. Carnaval del Sur – February/March

Caribbean rhythms and colorful costumes

Smaller than Barranquilla but full of local charm

3. Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Religious processions in the colonial old town

Cultural music and food fairs

📅 Best Time to Visit

Dry Season: December to April (ideal for beaches and trekking)

Wet Season: May to November (still warm, fewer tourists)

High Season: Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, and July–August

Average Temp Year-Round: 27–32°C (81–90°F)

🧳 What to Pack

Light clothing and swimwear

Insect repellent

Sunscreen and sunhat

Hiking shoes (for Tayrona or Minca)

Rain jacket (May–Nov)

Refillable water bottle

🛡️ Safety Tips

Stick to tourist areas (Historic Center, Rodadero, Taganga)

Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar zones

Use Uber or taxis recommended by hotels

Keep valuables hidden, especially on beaches or in crowds

Santa Marta is generally safe for travelers, especially if you're cautious and informed.

📆 Sample 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Culture & City

Explore the Historic Center and Cathedral

Visit the Museo del Oro Tairona

Dinner and drinks in Parque de los Novios

Day 2: Tayrona Adventure

Full-day trip to Tayrona National Park

Hike and relax at Cabo San Juan beach

Optional overnight camping

Day 3: Minca Excursion

Coffee tour and waterfalls

Sunset at a mountaintop eco-lodge

Return or stay overnight in Minca

Day 4: Relax & Dive

Morning at Playa Blanca or Rodadero

Afternoon scuba diving or snorkeling in Taganga

Sunset dinner on the beach

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is Santa Marta Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Santa Marta offers a perfect blend of beach, jungle, mountains, and culture. Whether you’re backpacking across Colombia or looking for a relaxing Caribbean escape, this coastal gem should be on your radar.

With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm Caribbean spirit, Santa Marta is not just a stopover—it’s a destination in itself.