Santa Marta is one of the most charming destinations in the Colombian Caribbean, located on the northern coast, in the department of Magdalena. It is known for its natural beauty and historical importance, being one of the oldest cities in South America.
In this travel guide written from our own experience, we will tell you the best things to do in Santa Marta. Additionally, we will explain how to get there, what to see, and where to stay in the tourist spots, which include beaches, parks, and archaeological sites.
Best things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia:
1. Explore the historic center of the city
One of the main tourist attractions in Santa Marta is its historic center, a fascinating place full of history, culture, and Spanish colonial architecture. Among its cobblestone streets and colorful alleys, you can visit the Basilica Cathedral, the Tairona Gold Museum, and Parque de los Novios.
Exploring the historic center is definitely one of the best things to do in Santa Marta. However, keep in mind that the center has many streets, so we recommend joining this tip-based free walking tour to discover the must-see places and the history of the city.
Next to the historic center is El Camellón de la Bahía, a tourist boardwalk ideal for strolling, enjoying the sunset, and visiting the Fruit Market or the Marina. If you’re wondering what to do in Santa Marta at night, Parque de los Novios offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
If you want to stay in the historic center, we recommend: Oasis Fresh Hotel, Masaya Hostel, Casa Gaitana Hotel Boutique, and Casa Rosa Hotel Boutique. In El Rodadero: Del Mar Hotel, Hotel Be La Sierra, and Hotel Chayrama. In Pozos Colorados: Oasis Tropical Hotel and Playa del Ritmo Beach Hostel & Bar.
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Tip: If you don’t want to miss the most impressive places in Santa Marta’s historic center, we recommend taking this free walking tour. It’s available every day, lasts approximately 2 hours, and includes a guided tour of fascinating spots such as Parque de los Novios, the Basilica Cathedral, and the surroundings of the Tairona Gold Museum.
Booking the free tour in Santa Marta is quite easy! Just click here, choose your preferred date and time, and specify the number of people attending. Remember that the tour has no fixed price, but it is expected that you support the guide’s work with a tip based on the service provided.
Book the free walking tour in Santa Marta now!
2. Visit Tayrona: beaches in Santa Marta, Colombia
Another great place to visit in Santa Marta is Tayrona, a natural destination where you’ll find ecological trails that allow you to explore the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada, as well as paradisiacal beaches and beautiful landscapes.
The Tayrona National Park has several entrances, each providing access to different beaches. The main are: El Zaino: This is the primary entrance that takes you to popular beaches such as Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes, La Piscina, and the nudist beach. Palangana: This entrance leads you directly to Playa Cristal.
This park is one of the must-visit places in Santa Marta that you can easily reach. You can opt for this day tour or, if you prefer to go on your own, take a bus from the Public Market, located near the historic center. The journey takes 45 minutes. You can also take this tour to Playa Cristal.
Accommodations within Tayrona: Ecohabs Playa Cañaveral, Cabañas Tequendama, Hotel Jasayma, and Camping Playa Arrecifes. Outside, you can stay at: Origen Hostel, Viajero Tayrona, The Journey Hostel, Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge, and Barranquero Hotel.
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See price and details for the Tayrona tour
How to book the 1-day Tayrona tour with transportation from Santa Marta? Securing your visit to the park’s main beaches is very easy. Just click here now to see the detailed description of the plan, the price, what’s included, and reviews from other travelers. Then, select the desired date, the number of attendees, and click the "book" button to complete your details and proceed with the payment.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Santa Marta is that, after making the payment, you get immediate confirmation. They also offer 24/7 customer service. If any issues arise or you need to cancel or reschedule the travel date, you can manage a 100% refund easily up to 48 hours before the activity with just a few clicks.
To see the price and more details of the Tayrona tour, click here!
3. Explore the little town of Taganga
Taganga is another tourist attraction in Santa Marta that you should visit on your next trip. This small fishing village is located just 20 minutes from the historic center, offering calm waters, natural viewpoints, and a relaxed atmosphere.
However, keep in mind that this is one of the most popular tourist places in Santa Marta. To fully enjoy the beaches, we recommend visiting in the morning or on weekdays. The sunsets in Taganga are unforgettable, and there are many diving centers.
To get to Taganga, you can take a bus or taxi from downtown Santa Marta. If you wish to spend a few nights in this charming place, we recommend staying at: Hostel Nirvana, Techos Azules, Hostal Aurora, Divanga Hostel, and Tayrona Colors.
By the way, if you are in Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali and you still don’t have flights to Santa Marta, don’t worry! Here, we provide some links that will help you find cheap flights and compare the available offers for your desired dates.
✈️ Cheap flights to Santa Marta from Bogotá
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Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
4. Cool off at the waterfalls of Minca: fun things to do in Santa Marta
Minca is one of the best attractions in Santa Marta, Colombia. This small town, located in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, is known for its natural surroundings, fresh climate, and rivers that feed waterfalls and natural pools.
When you wonder what to see in Santa Marta, remember that in Minca you can enjoy days full of adventure. You can hike and take a refreshing dip at Marinka Waterfalls, Pozo Azul, or Oído de Dios, take a coffee tour at a local farm, or simply enjoy its natural viewpoints.
Additionally, Minca is one of the best places to visit in Santa Marta due to its rich biodiversity. It is home to hundreds of unique bird species since it is located in one of Colombia’s areas with the highest endemism.
To get to Minca from Santa Marta, you can take a bus from the Public Market, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. If you want to stay overnight in town, we recommend staying at: Masaya Casas Viejas, Hostal Sierra Minca, Costeño River, Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge, La Veranda Hotel, and Tierra Adentro.
Tour recommended: Excursion to Minca
How to book the tour to Minca from Santa Marta? It’s super easy! Just click this link to see the excursion price and itinerary details. After reviewing the information, pick your desired date and select the number of people joining.
The Minca day trip from Santa Marta starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 5:30 p.m. It includes round-trip transportation, hotel pick-up, a Spanish-speaking guide, entry to a coffee farm, lunch, and time to enjoy the river.
The advantage of booking any of these tours in Santa Marta is that you’ll receive immediate confirmation. Plus, if any changes come up or you need to cancel, you can reschedule or get a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Check here prices and tour details for Minca!
5. Discover the Lost City
If you’re passionate about hikes, one of the best things to do in Santa Marta is the excursion to the Lost City, one of Colombia’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Built by the Tayrona people in the Sierra Nevada, this pre-Columbian gem is even older than Machu Picchu and Chichén Itzá.
The Lost City hike lasts for 4 days, must be done with a guide, and the experience is as follows:
Day 1: You will depart at 8:00 a.m. from Santa Marta in a 4×4 vehicle towards the village of Mamey. From there, you’ll begin a 3-hour hike covering approximately 8 kilometers until reaching the cabin where you will spend the night.
Day 2: This day involves an 8-hour, 15-kilometer hike. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit the indigenous village of Mutanyi, learn about its culture, and enjoy the waters of the Buritaca River.
Day 3: You will finally arrive at the Lost City. You’ll take a guided tour of the archaeological site and have time to take photos and marvel at the breathtaking landscape. Then, you’ll hike 8 kilometers back to the camp.
Day 4: In the morning, you’ll head back to El Mamey, walking approximately 15 kilometers over 6 hours. Upon arrival at El Mamey, a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Santa Marta.
Get a quote for the Lost City tour
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Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
6. Enjoy the Best Beaches in Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta is a Colombian destination known for its beautiful beaches, and although Tayrona Park beaches often steal the spotlight, there are also perfect spots within the city to relax and unwind.
Among the best beaches in Santa Marta are El Rodadero, Playa Blanca, Inca Inca, Cabo Tortuga, and Pozos Colorados. El Rodadero is the most famous beach and usually the busiest. From there, you can take a boat to Playa Blanca and Inca Inca.
Cabo Tortuga and Pozos Colorados are generally more exclusive areas. In addition to enjoying beautiful beaches, you’ll find hotels and a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it one of the ideal places to spend the day.
In El Rodadero, you can stay at Del Mar Hotel, Hotel Be La Sierra, and Hotel Chayrama. In Cabo Tortuga, you have options like Oasis Tropical Hotel and Playa del Ritmo Beach Hostel & Bar. It’s important to book your accommodation in advance, especially to get good prices.
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7. Go Tubing in Palomino
Welcome to the second part of the best things to do in Santa Marta! If you’re up for an adventure, consider visiting Palomino, a charming village just about an hour and a half away. It’s surrounded by rivers flowing down from the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada into the Caribbean Sea.
If you decide to add Palomino to your Santa Marta itinerary, you’ll find it’s a great spot for tubing, learning to surf, doing yoga, and visiting indigenous communities. If you have extra time, you can even venture to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.
To get to Palomino from Santa Marta, just take a bus heading towards Riohacha, and it will drop you off at the village entrance. In Palomino, we recommend staying at: Makao Beach Hotel, Hotel Chiniu, Hukumeizi Hotel, Casa del Pavo Real Boutique Hotel, and Tiki Hut Hostel.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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8. Learn to Dive: Things to Do in Santa Marta
If you’re looking for unique and unforgettable activities in Santa Marta, this trip could be the perfect opportunity to learn how to dive. By immersing yourself in the sea, you’ll have the chance to explore the fascinating underwater world, discover coral reefs, and observe marine life up close.
If you decide to venture into diving, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, know that this is one of the best activities to do in Santa Marta. You’ll have the opportunity to dive in Tayrona National Park, a conservation area with generally clear waters.
Keep in mind that diving requires total responsibility. It’s essential to book this service with recognized dive centers that provide necessary equipment, offer introductory briefings, and ensure supervision. This way, you can enjoy the experience safely.
Taganga Beginners Scuba Diving Lesson
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9. Explore the Best Museums in Santa Marta, Colombia
If you’re a traveler interested in understanding the history and culture of the places you visit, and you’re touring Santa Marta, there are two must-see stops you shouldn’t miss: La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Tairona Gold Museum.
La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is a 17th-century estate famous for being the place where Simón Bolívar spent his last days before passing away in 1830. Inside, you can explore the gardens, museums, and halls that showcase items related to the life and legacy of the Liberator.
The Tairona Gold Museum is dedicated to the indigenous cultures of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Here, you’ll find gold jewelry, utensils, and anthropomorphic figures. The best part? Admission is free, making it an excellent option for what to do in Santa Marta without spending a dime.
Remember that in the historic center of Santa Marta, you can stay at: Oasis Fresh Hotel, Masaya Hostel, Casa Gaitana Boutique Hotel, and Casa Rosa Boutique Hotel.
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Are you planning to travel abroad? When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we forget that we can get sick, have an accident, be robbed, or need to return home earlier than expected due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about excessive medical expenses or unexpected logistical issues, it’s essential to purchase international travel insurance. Moreover, in many Latin American and European countries, having travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
With this international insurance, you’ll have extensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase the insurance, click here, choose the start date of your trip and its duration. The insurance is valid for any destination and can be purchased up to 72 hours before the departure date.
Click here to purchase the insurance and get a 5% discount!
10. Visit the Taironaka Archaeological Park
The Taironaka Archaeological Park is a site located between the Don Diego River and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. This park is known for its pre-Hispanic ruins and its historical and cultural significance for the Tairona civilization, an ancient indigenous culture that once inhabited the region.
Taironaka is one of the recommended destinations to visit from Santa Marta, where you can enjoy a unique connection with nature, explore ecological trails, visit the local museum, and marvel at terraces similar to those in Ciudad Perdida.
To get there from Santa Marta, you can take a bus or drive towards Riohacha; the trip takes about an hour and a half. If you want to rent a car in Santa Marta, you can find deals here. Note that at the archaeological park, you can also spend the night in the cabins of the Taironaka Hotel.
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Bonus: Visit Cartagena de Indias
If, after reviewing all the plans we’ve mentioned so far, you’re still wondering what to do in Santa Marta, we suggest taking the opportunity to embark on a longer journey across the Colombian Caribbean. And when it comes to must-see destinations, Cartagena can’t be left out of your itinerary.
Cartagena de Indias is a captivating city full of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Visiting it allows you to explore the colorful cobblestone streets of the historic center and Getsemaní, explore museums, plazas, and enjoy the best sunsets.
If you’re up for visiting Cartagena, we recommend walking through the historic center of the Walled City, immersing yourself in history and culture at the Zenú Gold Museum and the Palace of the Inquisition, and enjoying the beautiful beaches at the Rosario Islands, specifically Isla Grande, Isla Múcura and Tintipán.
See all activities available in Cartagena
How to get to Cartagena from Santa Marta | You have two options. The first is to take a bus; travel time is usually around 5 hours, depending on traffic. The second option is to take a flight from Santa Marta to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.
3-day itinerary in Cartagena | Day 1: Explore historic center and Getsemaní neighborhood. Day 2: Visit the beaches of Isla Grande, Múcura, or Tintipán. Day 3: Tour the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. See best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.
Recommended accommodations in Cartagena de Indias | Casa Relax, Casa Ebano 967, Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia, Maloka Boutique Hostel, The Clock Hostel & Suites, and Hotel Movich Cartagena.
Travel Tip: If you want to explore Cartagena’s historic center but aren’t sure where to start, you can join this free, tip-based tour that runs daily. It lasts 2.5 hours and includes a guided walk through the most fascinating plazas, streets, and sights of the Walled City.
Booking the free walking tour in Cartagena is super easy! Just click this link, choose the date and time that works for you, and indicate how many people are coming along. The free tour is available every day at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Secure your spot for the free tour in Cartagena today!
Now that you know the best things to do in Santa Marta…
Now that you know what to do in Santa Marta, here are three possible itineraries you can enjoy depending on the number of days you have:
What to do in Santa Marta in 1 day: In the morning, walk through the historic center of Santa Marta. In the afternoon, enjoy Taganga beach. At night, have dinner at the Parque de los Novios.
What to see in Santa Marta in 2 days: Day 1: Explore the historic center of Santa Marta and watch the sunset from the beach. Day 2: Visit Tayrona Park, and enjoy Playa Cristal or Cabo San Juan.
What to do in Santa Marta in 3 days: Day 1: Explore the city’s historic center and beaches. Day 2: Visit Tayrona Park and spend the night near the park. Day 3: Visit Minca and enjoy the Marinka Falls and Pozo Azul.
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Some travel packages you might be interested in:
Recommended Tour: La Guajira, Cabo de la Vela, and Punta Gallinas - 3 days / 2 nights
On this tour, you will visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, have time to swim at the beaches of Mayapo, Punta Arcoiris, and Pilón de Azúcar, explore the Taroa dunes desert, the lighthouses, and enjoy the viewpoints of Bahía Honda and Bahía Portete.
The trip starts in the city of Riohacha at 8 a.m. and the package includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, accommodation in a typical ranchería, full meals, activities, and travel insurance.
Trip available every day from Riohacha!
Price per person from: $832,000 COP
Recommended Guided Tour: Amazon, Mocagua, and Puerto Nariño - 4 Days / 3 Nights
On this adventure, you’ll explore the jungle, visit Puerto Nariño, and sail along the Amazon River in search of dolphins, piranhas, and wild birds. You’ll also visit the Peruvian community of San Antonio to learn about a responsible tourism project focused on the conservation of sloths and the Victoria Regia water lily.
The package includes boat transfers from Leticia, accommodation in a private room for couples, meals, pink dolphin watching, a night walk in the jungle, and tours of Mocagua, Puerto Nariño, Tarapoto Lakes, and San Antonio (Peru).
This tour is available every day from Leticia!
Price per person: $1,780,000 COP
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