In this travel guide, you will find everything you need to know about traveling to Santa Marta in Colombia. Is it worth visiting? Should you stay a few days or just make a stopover before traveling on to Tayrona National Park or Minca? Is there anything to do in Santa Marta? I will answer all these questions and more!
If you’ve been to this blog before, you know that I don’t sugarcoat anything, and if I do not think a place is worth visiting or staying longer, you can trust it I will say it. But that will not be the case with Santa Marta.
I stayed in Santa Marta twice during my Colombia trip. For a total of almost 3 weeks. I loved the city and have very fond memories of my time there.
Santa Marta is one of those towns that only reveals its charm gradually, and you have to be willing to look for it. It’s a town full of depth, rich history, vibrant Colombian culture and Caribbean flair.
It’s hot and sticky, colorful and rough around the edges, and touristy yet somehow local.
Set beautifully between the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, Santa Marta stole my heart. I have spent weeks traveling along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, exploring, and working on this blog. I came back to Santa Marta twice and really liked the city. At some point, it even felt like a home away from home.
So don’t miss out on this awesome Colombian coastal town, so often overlooked and skipped by travelers!
In this Santa Marta travel guide, you will find out what are some of the best things to do, get equipped with all the useful tips, and learn why you should stay for a little bit longer.
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Why is Santa Marta worth visiting?
Santa Marta is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some travelers will tell you not to bother with Santa Marta. And they might be right.
But I won’t be one of them.
Santa Marta is a medium-sized town in which you will find everything you would expect to find in a larger town, yet it preserves the relaxed coastal feel. With proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, great treks in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and reasonable travel costs, I actually prefer Santa Marta to Cartagena.
While Cartagena has incredible architecture, is rich in history, and offers access to some of the most incredible beaches in Colombia, it just feels super touristy and commercial.
Santa Marta on the other hand, while being popular among local tourists and some international travelers, has a much more local feel and there is a relaxed and slightly bohemian feel to the city. This is true Colombia for me. Yes, you will be bothered from time to time by street vendors, but one ”no” will do. Yes, there are some great hotels, and resorts and the town is pretty touristy, yet it somehow feels chilled.
Santa Marta has a charm that, for me, no other larger city in Colombia can compete with. It feels familiar, friendly, exciting, and loud. You can buy almuerzo (lunch) on the street, freshly made lemonade, and coconut water. Eat in great restaurants in Parque de los Novios, take a boat trip to Playa Cristal, and a weekend trip to Minca. Even the tourists seem to be friendlier and warmer here. It’s also very easy to make friends in Santa Marta.
Santa Marta is also a fantastic base to discover Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The tourist infrastructure is great here – for Colombia standards ;). You will be able to easily get to places like Minca or Tayrona. All hotels will let you leave your luggage behind while you explore the rest of the region.
I even met some folks who traveled to La Guajira from Santa Marta, although I do not recommend it as it’s a crazy long and tiring journey. If this is your plan be sure to head over to my Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas guide.
How long should you stay in Santa Marta?
Many travelers choose to stay in Santa Marta for a night or two before moving along the Carribean coast. Or they stay for one night, leave their luggage behind, and take a trip to Tayrona National Park, Minca, and other nearby destinations. And you could definitely do that too!
The main Santa Marta attractions can be seen in a couple of days but I recommend staying for a few days. The charm of Santa Marta is in its atmosphere, and in its people. You need to stay for a bit to truly experience it.
Things to know before visiting Santa Marta Colombia
If you are traveling to Santa Marta for the first time and wondering where to stay I got you covered! In this post, you will learn what are the best areas to stay in Santa Marta, and I will give you personal accommodation recommendations.
Things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
Wander around the Santa Marta Centro Historico
The best way to discover the historic center of Santa Marta is on a free walking tour. This was my first walking tour in Colombia, and not only did I really enjoy it, but I also made some friends with whom I stayed in touch for the rest of my travels!
But you can easily explore Santa Marta Centro Historico on your own. Be sure to stop by the all-white Cathedral of Santa Marta, originally founded in 1531, although its current design dates to the 18th century. Other buildings worth stopping by are art deco-style Teatro Santa Marta, Town Hall Palace, Gabriel Garcia Marquez Library as well as Calle Grande and Calle Real streets.
And don’t miss the Parque de los Novios
I mean, you can’t really miss it, but just in case! Parque de lod Novios is the heart of the town and this is a very popular area where you will find many restaurants, bars, and cafes. In the evening it transforms into the epicenter of Santa Marta nightlife but it’s also just great to walk around and people watch.
I actually liked the side streets of Parque de Los Novios, especially Carrera 3 or the Calle 19 more. I liked to sit there and order cold beer in a frosted glass with salt on the edges. Bliss!
Visit all the Santa Marta beaches!
Ok, let’s make things straight here. Local beaches in Santa Marta are not the greatest. To say the least. I swam on the local beach a couple of times but it wouldn’t be my first choice. The water is not the cleanest and the sand is dark due to coal dust and proximity to coal mines.
But not all is lost in the beaches departments when visiting Santa Marta.
With Tayrona National Park, Palomino, Costeno, or Buritaka just around the corner, you can take a day trip to a wonderful beach at any time.
There are also a few lovely beaches closer to Santa Marta.
You can hop on a boat, taxi, or a local bus, and in no time, you will find yourself on paradise beaches such as Playa Inca Inca, Playa Blanca, Playa Cristal, or Taganga. And, Rodadero and Pozos Colorados have pretty decent beaches too. Just avoid the Santa Marta beach near the Malecon. It can be a bit yucky.
Walk the malecón de Bastidas
This lovely promenade has been recently renovated and is open to the best things to do in Santa Marta in the evening. Actually, walk it just before the sunset, and towards the end, you will see locals and tourists sitting on the side of the marina waiting for the sunset. There is a good reason for it. Santa Marta has incredible sunsets!
Stop by the Museo del Oro
Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia and one of the oldest in South America. Actually, it’s the oldest surviving Spanish settlement, because before the Spanish, there was a thriving community of Tayrona people living here. Tayrona were famous for their incredible cities, craftsmanship, and gold.
You can see the collection of pre-Columbian gold and pottery in the Museo del Oro Tairona (Tairona Gold Museum) located on the other side of the Malecon, next to Parque Bolívar. It is a wonderful museum where you can learn the history of the region both pre-Columbian and this more recent. The entrance is free!
Visit Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A few minutes away by taxi or a local bus you will find a La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. The beautiful estate where Simon Bolivar spent his final days. You can visit the lush gardens, and see the estate where you will also find a museum and cultural center.
If you decide to go I highly recommend opting for a guided tour. You will learn so much about the estate, the history, and the life of Simon Bolivar, it’s invaluable.
Hideaway in magical Minca
Just under an hour’s drive from Santa Marta, you will find the small town of Minca located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This small town enjoys cooler temperatures and tranquility that cannot be experienced in Santa Marta. Minca is a perfect nature getaway.
With stunning mountain hostels and eco-lodges offering incredible views, jungle trekking, waterfalls, adventures, plenty of great food, and a magical and somewhat mystical vibe – Minca is a must-visit for anyone traveling along the Carribean coast of Colombia. Especially if you want to take a rest from the hot and humid weather.
But Minca is only worth visiting if you can spare at least two nights. Minca is not a day trip kinda destination.
The whole beauty of a place like Minca is in checking into one of the beautifully located hostels with a view (my personal recommendation is Casas Viejas by Masaya), waking up to the sound of nature and view of the mountains, taking endless hikes to the waterfalls and then watching the sun setting behind the lush hills.
Take a 2-day trip to Tayrona National Park
A trip to Tayrona National Park is one of the best things to do in Colombia, period! And Santa Marta is a great town to make this trip from.
Tayrona National Park is famous for its pristine beaches, and lush jungles, and is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. It is called a nature sanctuary, and walking down its trails and discovering its tranquil beaches truly feels like a sacred experience.
Head over to this complete guide to visiting Tayrona National Park for everything you need to know before you go!
Or 5 day Lost City trek
The Lost City trek is one of the most iconic things to do in Colombia. This 4-5 day trek through the lush Sierra Nevada mountains and a dense jungle offers a unique combination of beautiful nature, physical challenge, and cultural experience.
You will hike through the jungle, cross the rivers, and climb the mountains to, meet indigenous communities like the Kogi and Wiw, and in the end, reach the ruins of the ancient city, The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City).
Those ruins predate Machu Picchu by over 650 years!
Santa Marta is the perfect base for venturing on the Lost City trek. Most tour operators, including the highly recommended Wiwa Tours or Magic Tours, have offices in Santa Marta. All hotels and hostels will allow you to store your luggage while you are going hiking. The same goes for Tayrona or Minca trips. You just need to stay there for at least one night obviously.
You can book it directly when you arrive in Santa Marta or book it upfront via the GetYour Guide site. This is not a cheap expedition so if you want to know some more details and see if it’s worth it, read Marek’s details article.
Take a half-day trip to Taganga
If you are looking for an easy, half-day beach trip, then Taganga is a great choice!
Taganga is a small fishing village on the Colombian Caribbean coast, 15 15-minute drive from Santa Marta. Taganga has long been known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful landscapes, making it a popular spot for backpackers and travelers looking for an affordable beach destination.
The village is surrounded by hills and sits right on the bay, and the beach itself is picturesque but pretty rustic, with many fishing boats docked on the shore, which adds to its charm. I took a day trip to Taganga and loved it! There is a great hike offering spectacular views and I adored my menu del dia lunch, with freshly caught mojarra fish!
It’s very easy to get to Taganga by taxi or local bus from Santa Marta, and you can just plan a half day for it.
Check out all the great cafes
I liked spending the morning in Ikaro Cafe, where I could get a great vegetarian breakfast and a green smoothie. It is also a great place to get some work done!
I have actually never had bad food in Santa Marta. Tourism is massive here, and providing the best quality products and services generates many locals’ livelihoods. You will be well looked after and very well fed.
Another awesome cafe is Gnam Dolce where you will find wonderful cases and pastries! It’s also a great breakfast or lunch spot!
Also, be sure to pop into Casa Marina! It is a lovely and colorful building that houses a tourist information center, a souvenir shop, and an excellent Vívolo Café. Some say it serves the best coffee in town!
Enjoy Santa Marta’s excellent restaurants and street food!
There are many great restaurants in Santa Marta serving all types of cuisine. From the traditional and affordable Colombian dishes to more upmarket and international. Here are some of the best ones:
Ouzo and Litlle Ouzo are just great! The food is delicious and reasonably priced for its quality. They have fantastic pizza, and I highly recommend their Greek potatoes!
SMR Burger House has burgers to die for! The only problem you will have is which burger to choose from! The service is excellent as well!
Gnam Gelateria has the best ice cream in town! I am not a massive ice cream person (i know, don’t judge lol), but the ice cream I had there was divine!
Unfortunately, I have not managed to eat in Soul Food restaurant, but it has been very highly recommended to me. I will definitely eat there on my return to Santa Marta.
Los 7 Mares is beautifully set above the Santa Marta Marina. The views are great, and the restaurant is very nice with excellent service. I liked their fish stew with coconut rice so much that when I found them in Palomino, I ordered the same dish! Great cocktails too. Mind you, this establishment is on the pricier side. But worth visiting at least once.
Party on the rooftop of La Brisa Loca!
This hostel is legendary in Santa Marta. It’s a great social hostel best for travellers looking for a party hostel. Every weekend on the rooftop they host the best party in Santa Marta.
I was staying in Flamingo next door and although I am not the party animal I once was, I enjoyed myself immensely.
Eat and shop at the Mercado Publico
And visit all the neighboring crazy shops while you are at it!
This part of Santa Marta is crazy! And I loved it! It doesn’t get more Colombian than that. As you head towards the Mercado Publico (the same area where the Palomino and Minca busses depart from) you will be overwhelmed by the sound coming from the shops (yes, music!) and the hustle of bustle of the street and of course, the market.
Some friends I made in the hostel and I went to the market to get an authentic lunch and it was a great experience. We got the menu del dia for a ridiculous price, an unidentified yet delicious juice, and yummy hot cause to come with the rice, patacones, and fish!
A tip for you! Always choose a lunch place where it’s busy and you see a lot of locals eating! This will guarantee the food is fresh.
How to get around Santa Marta
There is a good infrastructure and public transport within the city. Taxis are readily available and affordable, and there are frequent busses running between El Rodadero, Taganga, and other parts of the town. It is easy to travel from Santa Marta to places like Palomino, Riohacha, Minca, or Cartagena.
You won’t have to spend much money on transportation as Santa Marta is very walkable and the local bus charges 2,000 Pesos one way. Taxis are also pretty affordable.
But the town itself is also pretty walkable. I only took but twice during my time in Santa Marta. When I went to taganga and on the way back from El Rodadero, as we actually walked there. There is a nice walking path between Centro Historico and Rodadero.
If you decide to go out I strongly suggest taking a taxi if you are planning on returning to the hostel later at night. And don’t just wave one on the street. Ask the bar staff or waiters to call one for you. There is no Uber in Santa Marta.
There are a few main points for getting a bus in Santa Marta.
For Palomino and Minca head over the the corner of Carrera 9 and Calle 11, next to the public market (map). Those are two different busses but the stops are located next to each other. The bus to Palomino stops at Tayrona.
For travel toward other larger cities like Cartagena, Riohacha, Barranquilla, or Medellin head over to the main bus station here. For Cartagena, there is also Marsol company departing from here. It is right in the center so it might be a better choice. Thats how I traveled and I had no issues when I traveled but I heard some very bad opinions about this company.
The main intercity bus companies in Colombia (especially in this part of the country) are Expreso Brasilia or Rápido Ochoa and I suggest taking one of them. There are a lot of ”informal” buses and I do not recommend taking them unless you speak good Spanish and are well acquainted with Latin America.
Where to next?
If you follow my Colombia itinerary you are probably heading towards Cartagena! Cartagena is one of the must-see places to visit in Colombia and if you visiting for the first time – here is a breakdown of all the best places to stay in Cartagena for first-time travelers.
If you are heading straight to Rincon del Mar, be ready to never want to leave! And if you are following the other direction here is my complete Palomino guide. In this post, you will learn how to visit both Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela and why you should actually stay for a couple of days in Riohacha!
If you have any questions or comments head over to my awesome free FB Group for Solo Budget Travellers! You can connect with me and become part of a community of like-minded travelers! I will answer all your questions! You can also follow me on Instagram!
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