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Santa Marta, Colombia - Things to Do in Santa Marta

Things to Do in Santa Marta

Santa Marta, Colombia - Complete Travel Guide

Santa Marta, Colombia's oldest surviving city, is a captivating Caribbean coastal destination that seamlessly blends rich colonial history with stunning natural beauty. Founded in 1525, this historic port city serves as the gateway to some of Colombia's most spectacular attractions, including the mystical Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park. The city's cobblestone streets in the historic center are lined with colorful colonial buildings, vibrant street art, and bustling plazas that come alive with local music and culture. Beyond its historical significance as the place where Simón Bolívar spent his final days, Santa Marta offers an incredible diversity of experiences within a relatively small area. Visitors can explore ancient indigenous ruins, trek through cloud forests, relax on Caribbean beaches with crystal-clear waters, and immerse themselves in the local culture through traditional music, dance, and cuisine. The city's strategic location between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains creates a unique microclimate and ecosystem that supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife and landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Top Things to Do in Santa Marta

Explore Tayrona National Park

Discover one of Colombia's most beautiful national parks, featuring pristine beaches, dense jungle, and ancient Tayrona indigenous ruins. The park offers excellent hiking trails that lead to secluded beaches like Cabo San Juan and La Piscina, where you can swim in crystal-clear Caribbean waters surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot howler monkeys, iguanas, and over 300 bird species throughout the park's diverse ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $17 USD and the park is closed in February and from October 19-November 15 annually for ecosystem recovery. Book accommodation inside the park well in advance, especially for Cabo San Juan. Choose tour operators that include transportation and provide experienced guides familiar with the trail conditions.

Trek to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)

Embark on a challenging 4-6 day trek to the ancient Tayrona city of Teyuna, known as Ciudad Perdida or the Lost City. This archaeological marvel, built around 800 CE, predates Machu Picchu by 650 years and features impressive stone terraces and structures hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada jungle. The trek involves river crossings, steep climbs, and overnight stays in indigenous communities, offering an authentic adventure and cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Treks cost $300-400 USD and must be booked through authorized operators only - there are just four licensed companies. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season. Choose operators with good safety records, quality camping equipment, and knowledgeable indigenous guides. The trek requires moderate to high fitness levels.

Visit the Historic Center and Gold Museum

Wander through Santa Marta's charming colonial historic center, starting at the main cathedral where Simón Bolívar's remains were once held. Explore the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to learn about pre-Columbian Tayrona culture and see impressive indigenous artifacts. The historic center features beautiful architecture, vibrant street art, and the scenic Parque de los Novios, perfect for people-watching and enjoying local street food.

Booking Tip: The Gold Museum entry costs around $1 USD and is closed on Mondays. Visit the historic center in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Look for free walking tours that depart from Parque de los Novios, or hire local guides who can provide insights into the city's history and hidden gems.

Relax at Playa Blanca and Rosario Islands

Take a day trip to the stunning white sand beaches of Playa Blanca or the nearby Rosario Islands for pristine Caribbean waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. These beaches offer a more relaxed alternative to Tayrona's hiking requirements, with calm waters, beach bars, and opportunities to spot colorful tropical fish. The boat journey itself provides beautiful coastal views and chances to see dolphins.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $30-50 USD including boat transport and typically include lunch. Book tours that depart early morning to secure the best beach spots and avoid crowds. Choose operators with good boats and snorkeling equipment included. Bring cash for drinks and additional activities as card payments aren't widely accepted on the islands.

Experience Local Food and Nightlife

Dive into Santa Marta's vibrant culinary scene with traditional Caribbean Colombian dishes like fresh seafood, arepas de huevo, and tropical fruits. The city comes alive at night with vallenato music, salsa dancing, and beachfront bars offering cocktails made with local rum. Visit local markets during the day to sample exotic fruits and interact with friendly vendors who are happy to share stories about their products.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $25-40 USD and typically last 3-4 hours covering multiple venues. Book evening tours that include both food and nightlife experiences for the best value. Look for tours that visit local markets, traditional restaurants, and end at popular bars or clubs. Choose operators with small groups for a more personalized experience.

Getting There

Santa Marta is easily accessible via Simón Bolívar International Airport, located about 20 minutes from the city center, with direct flights from major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, as well as some international connections. Alternatively, you can reach Santa Marta by bus from other Colombian cities - the journey from Cartagena takes about 4-5 hours, while Bogotá requires 14-16 hours of travel. Many travelers also arrive by bus from Venezuela or as part of a Caribbean coast tour combining Cartagena, Santa Marta, and other coastal destinations.

Getting Around

Santa Marta's historic center is compact and walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and hotels within easy walking distance of each other. For longer distances, taxis are abundant and affordable, though always negotiate the fare beforehand or insist on using the meter. Local buses and colectivos (shared minivans) provide cheap transportation to nearby beaches and neighborhoods, while motorcycle taxis (mototaxis) are popular for short trips. For visiting Tayrona National Park and other attractions outside the city, organized tours with transportation included are often the most convenient option.

Where to Stay

Historic Center
El Rodadero Beach
Taganga
Pozos Colorados
Mamatoco
Santa Marta Bay Area

Food & Dining

Santa Marta's food scene celebrates fresh Caribbean flavors with an emphasis on seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Colombian dishes. The historic center offers everything from street food vendors serving arepas de huevo and fresh fruit juices to upscale restaurants featuring innovative takes on coastal cuisine. Don't miss trying local specialties like pargo rojo (red snapper), patacones (fried plantains), and refreshing coconut water served directly from the shell. The Mercado Público is excellent for authentic local experiences and budget-friendly meals, while the El Rodadero area offers more international dining options and beachfront restaurants with stunning sunset views.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Colombia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Vapiano Colombia Restaurante Italiano

4.7 /5
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Storia D'Amore zona T

4.7 /5
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Takuma Cocina Show

4.9 /5
(5235 reviews) 2

Trattoria de la Plaza | 7 de agosto Bogotá

4.6 /5
(5210 reviews) 2

Osaka Bogotá

4.7 /5
(5075 reviews) 4
bar

Piazza by Storia D'Amore Calle 93 Bogotá

4.7 /5
(3327 reviews) 3

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Santa Marta is during the dry season from December to April, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities and beach time. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds, especially during Colombian holidays and New Year. The shoulder months of May and November can offer good weather with fewer tourists and better prices, while the rainy season from June to October brings afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes and significantly lower accommodation costs.

Insider Tips

Tayrona National Park closes annually in February and from October 19-November 15 for ecosystem recovery, so plan your visit accordingly and book accommodations well in advance during open periods.
Always carry cash (Colombian pesos) as many local businesses, especially in markets and for transportation, don't accept credit cards, and ATMs can be scarce in remote areas.
Book Ciudad Perdida treks only through the four authorized operators (Wiwa Tour, Teyuna Tour, Turcol, or Magic Tour) to ensure safety and support legitimate indigenous communities who manage this sacred site.

Explore Activities in Santa Marta