Compared to famous nearby destinations such as Cartagena de Indias and Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Colombia is almost unknown to travelers. However, there is no lack of reasons to change this situation.
Founded in mid-1525 by the Spaniards, the city is the oldest in the country and holds great treasures of national history. But many are mistaken if they think that history is the only local attraction.
Over the decades, Santa Marta has become a specialist in ecotourism, especially thanks to the variety of stunning natural settings that surround the urban core.
On one side, visitors can find the Sierra Nevada and Tayrona National Park, with its numerous trails. On the other, the pristine beaches of the Colombian Caribbean.
A little planning can go a long way when exploring one of Colombia’s most incredible destinations, which is why we’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know about the city. Check it out!
Where is Santa Marta?
One of the largest cities in Colombia , with almost half a million inhabitants, Santa Marta is located in the north of the country, in the department of Magdalena.
The metropolis is 223 km from tourist Cartagena de Indias, 102 km from cultural Barranquilla and 970 km from the capital, Bogotá.
Santa Marta, Colombia : when to go?
The weather is always good for the beach in Santa Marta, with temperatures between 24ºC and 31ºC throughout the year.
The months from December to April are the most suitable for tourism, as they have the lowest rainfall, which can make your experience even more positive.
If your intention is to visit the Tayrona National Park, it is worth organizing yourself to travel between February and June , in the low season, when you can explore the reserve more peacefully.
Are you going to visit the Lost City? Avoid traveling between October and November to avoid the rainy season, but be prepared for a “wet” journey, as rain is constant in the region at any time.
Santa Marta, Colombia : what to do
Santa Marta is a big city, but its tourist attractions are concentrated in a few areas.
Even so, do not underestimate the destination, because the offer of attractions is immense and it will take time to get to know everything.
In this sense, a travel itinerary can be useful for organizing your trips and optimizing your time in the city. That’s why we’ll tell you which places you can’t miss!
Come find out what to do in Santa Marta, Colombia!
Historic center
The historic center of Santa Marta is the perfect starting point to explore the city.
There you will learn a little more about the local culture and history, you will be able to take incredible photos for your travel album and, of course, visit good restaurants and cafes.
The region is made up of narrow stone streets and colorful colonial-style houses that are pure charm.
Be sure to walk along the seafront promenade , especially at the end of the day, when the sunset makes the landscape even more paradisiacal.
At night, the region is full of bars and restaurants, especially frequented by young people.
Parque de Los Novios
The most unmissable attraction in the historic center of Santa Marta is the Parque de Los Novios, which, despite its name, is a large, pleasant, tree-lined square.
The perfect place to recover your energy after strolling around the center, the square is surrounded by excellent restaurants and handicraft shops, in addition to having many benches, fountains and a photogenic bandstand.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino has great historical importance for Colombia and Latin America, as it was the scene of the death of the hero Simón Bolívar in 1830.
The historic farm is huge and full of attractions, including an Amphitheater , a Botanical Garden and the Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Art .
You can explore everything on your own, but it might be interesting to hire a guide, who will tell you some curiosities and information about the place.
tayrona park
It’s hard to visit Parque Tayrona, in Santa Marta, Colombia, and not fall in love with it.
The ecological reserve protects 15,000 hectares of native forest and some of the most beautiful beaches on the continent.
The park allows camping and even offers accommodation in chalets: a unique opportunity to spend the night in one of the most preserved places in Latin America. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!
Also, it is worth taking care of your shoes, because you will walk a lot during your tour: to reach some beaches, it may be necessary to walk trails lasting 2 hours.
All the effort, however, is rewarded by the exquisite nature, such as the beaches of Arrecifes , Brava , Cañaveral , Cristal , La Piscina , Nudista and Pueblito .
If you intend to spend the night in the park, enter through the El Zaino entrance, 32 km from the historic center.
Are you going to do just one round trip? You can enter through the Palangana gatehouse, 15 km from the historic center.
Minca
Minca is a picturesque village located just 1 hour from Santa Marta, amidst the ups and downs of the Sierra Nevada: an incredible opportunity to discover the beach and the mountains in the same itinerary!
The main attractions of the village are its trails and the various waterfalls scattered around.
To get there, you can hire the service of a tourist agency or even go on your own.
lost city
In a simple comparison, the Lost City of Santa Marta, Colombia, could be a “cousin” of the legendary Inca city of Machu Picchu, in Peru.
Located in the Sierra Nevada, the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida de El Dorado guards what remains of the former capital of the Tayrona Empire: an immense complex hidden in the middle of dense forest.
Getting there is not the easiest task: you’ll need to embark on an expedition through the forest that can last from four to six days .
The destination is the complex of ruins dating from the year 700, which helps to reveal a little of the lifestyle and culture of the Tayrona indigenous people.
There, you will see circular squares, public roads, stone channels, stairs and other structures that served as the foundation for rustic wattle and daub and straw houses.
But prepare your pocket, because the tour can be expensive and can only be done in the company of an accredited tour guide .
taganga
How about visiting the hippie beach of Santa Marta? Taganga is the perfect place to get in touch with your alternative side!
Considered the most beautiful beach in the city , Taganga has warm and crystalline waters, white sand, preserved native vegetation and a fishing village where you can taste the delicious local cuisine.
Take the opportunity to walk the trail to Playa Blanca , which is on the other side of the hill from Taganga.
sierra nevada
Do you like being in contact with nature? So be sure to include Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, in your travel itinerary.
The nature reserve protects a rich ecosystem and a unique culture, which mixes indigenous and European influences in villages that seem to have stopped in time.
The park is listed as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by Unesco, especially as it is home to more than 30,000 indigenous people of different ethnicities, such as Koguis, Arhuacos, Wiwas and Kankuamos.
In the middle of the forest, there is no lack of opportunities for trekking, such as the trail to Cerro Kennedy , 3,100 meters above sea level.
What to do at night in Santa Marta, Colombia ?
The night in Santa Marta, Colombia, is as lively as the day, with options for all tastes.
Those who prefer a quieter activity can walk through the historic center, stroll along the edge of the Bay and enjoy romantic moments in the Parque de Los Novios , which has special lighting at night.
If you really want to enjoy the night with good drinks, choose one of the bars in the center of the historic center : there are options from the most modest to the most charming.
It might also be interesting to spend a night in Taganga : the hippie village is home to lively bars that serve generous drinks and guarantee fun until the early hours of the morning!
Where to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia?
There is no secret to choosing where to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia: the historic center is, without a doubt, the most recommended area for accommodation.
The area is the busiest in the city, has hotels and inns in all price ranges, is surrounded by good restaurants and has easy access to various tourist attractions.
Those who prefer to face the sea may enjoy staying in El Rodadero even more , where the busiest beach in the city is located and where you can enjoy the beach atmosphere.
Want to stay in the middle of nature? Consider spending a night in Taganga , Minca or Tayrona National Natural Park .