Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta, Colombia is a city along the Caribbean Coast. Santa Marta is known for the nearby Tayrona National Park, and it’s also the gateway to the mountain town of Minca and the archeological site of Ciudad Perdida. However, I’d argue that the city itself is a pleasant place to explore over a day or two!

In this Santa Marta travel guide I’ll offer some advice on how to plan your trip, including things to do in Santa Marta and how to get there.

For more Colombia travel tips and destination guides, head to my Colombia page.

Santa Marta, Colombia Information and History

Santa Marta is the oldest colonial city in Colombia and was founded by the Spanish in 1525. It is also where Simon Bolivar, the liberator who freed Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru from Spanish rule, spent his last days in 1830. Today, Santa Marta’s surrounding mountains and orientation shield it from storms, attracting yachts from all over the Caribbean seeking refuge during hurricane season.

Did you know that Santa Marta’s Sierra Nevada is the highest tropical coastal mountain range in the world? This unique geography encompasses a wide range of climates and ecosystems within a compact area. Over 600 species of birds live in this region. The area is also home to 70,000 individuals from 4 indigenous groups. The indigenous community has played a critical role in conserving protected sites such as Ciudad Perdida and Tayrona National Park.

My Santa Marta, Colombia Trip Report

Getting to Santa Marta

I arrived in Santa Marta from Minca by moto taxi. I decided to stay at the Dreamer hostel because it was highly rated by backpackers. Upon arrival, I could see why: the beautiful courtyard, large pool, gigantic mango trees, and upbeat music made for the perfect place to unwind after hiking in Minca or Tayrona.

I spent my day in Santa Marta preparing for a camping trip in Tayrona National Park. That meant packing my bag, buying groceries, cooking, and fitting in a workout at a local gym. I also caught up on messages and chatted with a friend back home about the disproportionate number of couples compared to solo travelers at my previous hostel (I’ve since learned how to choose hostels that cater to solo travelers). She suggested that I keep things interesting by going on dates with locals. I decided that was a great idea and downloaded Tinder, wondering how much trouble I was going to get myself into.

Santa Marta

The next day I left most of my belongings in the hostel’s storage room and set off for an overnight trip to Tayrona National Park. When I returned, I was 11 days into my backpacking trip and realized I had no more clean clothes. Without second thought, I changed into a bikini and dropped everything else off at my hostel’s laundry service. 

Unfortunately, I quickly realized that aside from the bikini I had on, I had nothing to wear, no towel to shower with, and couldn’t hide out in the dorm because check in wasn’t for another 5 hours. If you’re a backpacker, this is a rite of passage: laundry day. 

I remained stranded at the hostel in a bikini until the end of the day, when my laundry was ready. Thankfully I made this mistake in a warm location, but I noted to myself to figure out laundry logistics before arriving somewhere cold. 

Nightlife

Equipped with fresh clothes, I set off on my South America Tinder experiment. I was exhausted after a sleepless night in a hammock in Tayrona, but I crammed in as much Spanish studying as possible before leaving the hostel. 

I had some trouble taking the local bus downtown; I got off at the wrong stop, then walked through some sketchy neighborhoods to reach the historic center. There I met my date, who patiently put up with my intermediate level Spanish and took me to a nightclub. I couldn’t keep up with the energy of the local Colombians, who were not only highly skilled dancers but who also seemed capable of dancing until dawn. After a few hours I returned to my hostel for a well-deserved night of rest. The next day I moved on to another Colombian Caribbean city: Cartagena!

Santa Marta Trip Planning Information

Santa Marta, Colombia Things to Do

Take a Day Trip to Minca

Minca is a 45 min drive from Santa Marta. This mountain oasis is full of things to do including waterfall hikes, scenic viewpoints, birdwatching, and tours of coffee and chocolate farms. Consider a guided tour that takes care of transportation for you and will allow you to fit all of Minca’s sights into a single day.

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek

The Lost City trek is a 4-day experience hiking in the mountains above Santa Marta. You’ll visit an ancient archaeological site that is believed to have been founded around 800 CE, making it older than Machu Picchu in Peru. The hike passes through a variety of stunning landscapes as well as indigenous villages. You can only reach the Lost City with a guided tour, so book yours in advance.

Tayrona National Park

Arguably, the best thing to do in Santa Marta is to visit the nearby Tayrona National Park. If you’ve seen photos of iconic Colombian beaches, they were probably taken here!

Beaches Near Santa Marta

If you’re already planning to go to Tayrona National Park, I wouldn’t prioritize visiting local Santa Marta beaches because they likely won’t seem as impressive.

However if you have time to spare, check out Taganga, which is a 15 min drive from the city and a good spot for scuba diving. Another beach near Santa Marta is Playa El Rodadero, a 10 min drive away. From here you can also take a short boat ride to Playa Blanca.

Catch a Sunset

Santa Marta’s coast faces west, meaning you can catch some spectacular sunsets. Find a scenic spot along the promenade at Bahia de Santa Marta.

City Center

While in the center, check out the Museo del Oro, which tells stories of local history and is free to visit. Also stop by Parque de Los Novios, a lively local gathering spot.

Consider paying a visit to Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the home where the revolutionary hero and former president Simón Bolívar lived out his final days in the 19th century. Today, it’s a museum that displays artwork from the South American countries liberated by Bolívar. Entrance is 23,000 COP (5.90 USD).

Santa Marta Nightlife

For a fun night out in Santa Marta, check out La Brisa Loca. The venue is technically located on the top of a hostel, but you won’t notice with its multiple dance floors and classy rooftop terrace.

How Long to Stay in Santa Marta, Colombia

1 day is enough to explore the city. Add a few extra days if you’ll be making trips into the nearby Tayrona National Park or Minca.

Santa Marta Weather and When to Go

Santa Marta is hot and humid year round, with warm nights. Book accommodation with AC for a more comfortable experience. The dry season is December to April and, to a lesser extent, June to August.

If you’re visiting Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta, avoid weekends and holidays because they will be crowded with local tourists. December and January tend to bring many tourists to the area as well. Also, keep in mind Tayrona’s opening dates. In past years the park has been closed for 15 days in February, June, and October.

Santa Marta Festivals

Santa Marta’s festival of the sea (Fiestas del Mar) is celebrated annually at the end of July. The festivities include cultural activities, music events, water sports competitions, and parades.

The nearby city of Barranquilla holds its legendary carnival in February.

Santa Marta Hotels and Where to Stay

I recommend staying in the city center, which is both charming and convenient. Just make sure your accommodation has AC, because it gets hot!

Budget:
Dreamer hostel. This hostel is right on the bus line to Tayrona, with a beautiful pool and courtyard. They have both private rooms or dorms. I stayed here and loved it!
Masaya hostel. Stay here for good access to the city center.

Mid-range:
Casa Charlotte – Alma Hotels. A beautiful colonial style hotel right in the center of town.
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina. A colonial style hotel in the city center with stunning pools.

Luxury:
Grand Marina Suites. This centrally located accommodation is luxurious and modern, with oceanfront views.
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe. This spacious colonial hotel is an oasis in the city center, with its courtyard and rooftop pool.

Where to Eat and Drink

In Santa Marta, you’ll find a range of western and traditional restaurants. Try some street food or fresh seafood! Visit the Mercado Público to buy fresh produce and affordable local dishes. 

Tap water in Santa Marta may not be safe to drink. Instead opt for bottled or filtered water.

Is Santa Marta Safe?

Santa Marta is a safe place to visit, and it’s popular with both local and international tourists. As usual, be aware of petty crime when traveling. Check out my Colombia safety guide for more tips, and make sure you have travel insurance.

Budget and Money

There are many ATMs in Santa Marta. Carry cash because some vendors don’t accept cards.

Prices here are lower than other tourist destinations in Colombia. Use this opportunity to let your budget recover, or to indulge in affordable experiences!

What to Bring to Santa Marta

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my Colombia packing list. I would stress the following:

• Downloaded maps of Santa Marta and nearby areas you want to visit (use Google Maps or MapsME)
• SIM or eSIM card
• Mosquito spray
• Hat
• Sunscreen

How to Get to Santa Marta

Check out my guide to transportation in Colombia for more information.

How to Get to Santa Marta by Bus

I recommend using BusBud to look up prices and bus routes to Santa Marta.

Bogotá to Santa Marta: 18+ hours.

Medellín to Santa Marta: 16+ hours.

Cartagena to Santa Marta: 4+ hours.

Minca to Santa Marta: ~45 min by collectivo, taxi, or mototaxi.

Santa Marta’s bus station is on the edge of the city. To get from the bus station to the city center, catch a taxi for 15,000-20,000 COP (3.80 – 5 USD). It’s a 20 minute drive. A mototaxi is a cheaper option. Keep in mind that rideshare apps often don’t work in Santa Marta.

It’s also possible to take a local bus from the bus station to the city center. Ask a local for guidance on which bus line to take. Tickets should be ~2,300 COP (0.60 USD).

How to Get to Santa Marta by Shuttle

Santa Marta’s bus station is on the outskirts of the city and can be a hassle to get to, so more centrally located shuttle stations are a great alternative. Berlinastur and Marsol run shuttles between Cartgena and Santa Marta. Tickets are ~60,000 COP (15 USD). Shuttles leave frequently and there’s no need to reserve them in advance.

Flights to Santa Marta

Santa Marta has its own airport (SMR), and there are direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali. 

There are a few ways to get from the airport to the city center:

By transfer: for peace of mind, reserve an airport transfer in advance.

By bus: find the “Paradero” bus stop directly in front of the Arrivals hall. Blue SETP and STU buses leave frequently to the city center from here, and the trip takes 45 min. Buy tickets onboard and let the driver know where you’d like to get off. The fare is 2,400 cop (0.60 USD).

By taxi: a taxi from the airport to the center should cost ~26,000 COP (6.60 USD) and take 30 min. Although rideshare apps in Colombia are usually cheaper than taxis, they often don’t work in Santa Marta.

How to Get Around Santa Marta

The historic center is walkable.

Rideshare apps often don’t work in Santa Marta , so be prepared to take normal taxis. Your accommodation can call one for you. Taxis should be ~6,000 – 8,000 COP (1.50 – 2 USD) within the city center. Mototaxis will be less.

Santa Marta’s local bus network is extensive and can take you all the way to the airport or Tayrona Park. For lines within the city, ask your accommodation which bus to take and which stop to get off at. Yell out “parada” to make sure the driver stops at your destination. Local bus tickets are ~2,300 COP (0.60 USD).

Where to Go Next

• Tayrona National Park
• Minca
• Barranquilla. This Caribbean city is the hometown of Shakira and famous for its carnival in February.
• Palomino. Go tubing in the river and enjoy the peaceful beach. 
• Cartagena
• San Gil

Thanks for reading, and I hope this Santa Marta, Colombia travel guide helps you prepare for your trip! Would you visit, and what do you think of using dating apps while traveling? Let me know in the comments. 

For more Colombia travel tips and destination guides, head to my Colombia page.

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