Santa Marta

🇨🇴 Colombia

Discover the Caribbean gateway in Santa Marta

Santa Marta - Vacation Briefing

Located on Colombia's northern coast, Santa Marta is a charming city with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. Explore its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and lively nightlife. With its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, Santa Marta offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the famous Tayrona National Park, home to indigenous tribes and breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the chance to hike to the iconic Ciudad Perdida, an ancient lost city hidden in the jungle. Santa Marta truly has something for every traveler!

Popular Sights in Santa Marta

Tayrona National Natural Park Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa Marta Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum Santa Marta Museum Taganga Playa Blanca Simon Bolivar Park Lost City Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

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Things to do during your Santa Marta vacation

Santa Marta is a vibrant city located on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It offers a mix of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and exciting outdoor activities. Whether you want to explore colonial architecture or indulge in water sports, Santa Marta has something for everyone. Here are some things to do in Santa Marta.

Tayrona National Natural Park: Hike through this stunning national park known for its beautiful beaches and lush jungle.
Lost City Trek: Embark on a challenging multi-day trek to the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, an archaeological marvel surrounded by pristine nature.
La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: Visit this historic estate where Simón Bolívar spent his final days. Explore the gardens and learn about Colombia's history.
Rodadero Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of Rodadero Beach, popular for its calm waters and vibrant atmosphere.
Museo del Oro Tairona: Discover the rich indigenous heritage of the region through a collection of gold artifacts at this museum.
Taganga: Explore this quaint fishing village known for its bohemian vibes, fresh seafood, and diving opportunities.
Palomino River Tubing: Enjoy a thrilling tubing experience down the Palomino River, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Minca: Escape the city and visit Minca, a charming mountain village famous for its coffee farms and stunning viewpoints.
Parque de Los Novios: Stroll around this lively park in the heart of Santa Marta, lined with bars, restaurants, and street performers.
Kogi Tribe Encounter: Experience the unique cultural traditions of the indigenous Kogi tribe, who inhabit the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Why you should visit Santa Marta

Overall

Santa Marta, Colombia is an average destination with some positive and negative aspects.

Safety

Safety can be a concern in Santa Marta, Colombia. It has a moderate crime rate and occasional political instability.

Culture

Santa Marta has a rich cultural heritage with historical sites and a diverse food scene. It can provide a satisfactory cultural experience.

Nightlife

Santa Marta offers a decent nightlife scene with various bars and clubs, but it is not as vibrant as other cities in Colombia.

Adventure

While Santa Marta offers some adventure activities like water sports and trekking, it may not be as thrilling as other destinations known for extreme sports.

Relaxation

Santa Marta is known for its beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, and access to stunning natural landscapes, making it a relaxing destination.

Best time to visit Santa Marta

Santa Marta, Colombia offers pleasant weather and a vibrant atmosphere all year round. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, the best time to visit is from December to April.

Jan

Great weather but crowded

23°C - 32°C

Feb

Ideal for beach activities

24°C - 33°C

Mar

Peak season with pleasant climate

24°C - 33°C

Apr

Ideal for outdoor activities

24°C - 33°C

May

Quieter period with pleasant climate

24°C - 32°C

Jun

Less crowded but more rain

24°C - 31°C

Jul

Drier and less crowded

23°C - 30°C

Aug

Drier and pleasant climate

23°C - 30°C

Sep

Mild weather and fewer tourists

23°C - 30°C

Oct

Warm temperatures and pleasant atmosphere

23°C - 31°C

Nov

Good weather and fewer crowds

23°C - 32°C

Dec

Pleasant weather and festive atmosphere

22°C - 32°C

A guide To your first day of Santa Marta vacation

morning

Visit the beautiful Tayrona National Natural Park and explore its pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Take a stroll through the historic center of Santa Marta and admire its colonial architecture.

afternoon

Enjoy a refreshing swim at the iconic Rodadero Beach and soak up the sun.
Take a boat tour to the nearby Taganga Village and indulge in local seafood delicacies.

evening

Witness a stunning sunset from the top of Cerro de San Antonio and capture memorable photos.
Explore the vibrant nightlife of Santa Marta by visiting the bars and clubs along Calle 19.

night

Indulge in delicious Colombian cuisine at one of the local restaurants serving traditional dishes.
Experience the lively atmosphere of Parque de Los Novios, a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.

How to get to Santa Marta

By Plane

Reaching Santa Marta by plane is convenient with two major airports nearby. The nearest international airport is Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR), located just 17 km from the city center. It offers frequent domestic and regional flights. For international travelers, Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla is recommended. It is well-connected with major international airlines, and Santa Marta is a short 2-hour drive away.

By other means

Santa Marta is easily accessible by public transport. The city has a well-connected bus terminal with frequent services to major cities in Colombia. The nearest train station is in Barranquilla, offering connections to other parts of the country. Additionally, Santa Marta has a port with ferry services to nearby islands, providing an enjoyable way to explore the Caribbean coast.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!