Things to Do in Santa Marta Colombia
It was in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, that I decided to visit a city I had never heard of before.
The universe brought a Colombian woman from Santa Marta into my path, and she strongly recommended visiting her city when I eventually made it to Colombia.
Clearly overflowing with enthusiasm about the beauty of this destination, she left me with little choice, and I’m so glad I met her. Indeed, the city is beautiful, and its surrounding region is a true paradise for nature lovers.
So, what to do in Santa Marta Colombia?
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What to Do in Santa Marta Colombia?
Information for Visiting Santa Marta City:
- The Best Beaches in Santa Marta
- Nearby Destinations from Santa Marta
- How Many Days to Visit Santa Marta Colombia?
- When to Visit Santa Marta Colombia?
- How to Get to Santa Marta Colombia?
- How to Get Around Santa Marta Colombia?
- Where to Stay in Santa Marta Colombia?
- Is It Safe to Visit Santa Marta Colombia?
- Being a Digital Nomad in Santa Marta Colombia
- Travel Responsibly in Santa Marta Colombia
Santa Marta City in a nutshell
Santa Marta City is located on the northern coast of Colombia. Its unique geographical position, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, makes it a fantastic destination for nature lovers.
The Spanish arrived in 1525, it is the oldest colonial city in the country. With a population of approximately 500,000 inhabitants, Santa Marta is divided into several neighborhoods, each offering a distinct atmosphere.
Best Things to Do in Santa Marta Colombia
Santa Marta City is often used by tourists as a base to explore the surrounding region. However, it is still worth a visit. What to do in Santa Marta Colombia?
1. Explore the historic center
I begin my recommendations for What to do in Santa Marta Colombia? with the city’s Historical Center, a fairly extensive area that takes you on a journey back in time with its cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings.
Lively markets, bustling shops, and shaded squares make the historical center a perfect place to wander, explore Colombian craftsmanship, and imagine the different eras that have shaped the city.
2. Visit the Museo del Oro
This is the must-visit museum in Santa Marta City! Located in a colonial building, it offers visitors the chance to discover an impressive collection of gold artifacts crafted by the indigenous Tayrona civilization.
The exhibits also include ceramics, tools, and cultural objects, providing a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Colombian history of the region.
Best of all, entry is free, making this museum an absolute must-see!
3. Take a break at Parque Bolivar
Next to the Museo del Oro, Parque Bolívar is a popular gathering spot for locals. Surrounded by greenery and historic buildings, this park is the perfect place to take a little break before continuing your stroll.
At the center of the park stands a statue of Simón Bolívar, serving as a reminder of the region’s historical significance in the country’s history.
4. Admire the cathedral
Located in the historic center, it is probably the city’s most important monument and also the oldest cathedral in the country.
Its simple architecture displays colonial influences. Inside, you’ll find a chapel dedicated to Simón Bolívar, who was originally buried here.
5. Relax at Parque de los Novios
The Parque de los Novios is another great spot to take a relaxing break on a bench and watch the passersby.
Surrounded by many colonial buildings, the statue of Francisco Santander stands proudly at the center.
In the evening, the area comes alive even more with the restaurants and bars lining the square, where both locals and tourists enjoy the last hours of the day.
6. Visit the Simón Bolivar Museum
The Museo Simón Bolívar, located in the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, offers a deeper understanding of the life and legacy of the Liberator.
This site is particularly significant as it is where Bolívar spent his final days in 1830.
The museum features personal objects, paintings, and exhibitions that highlight his crucial role in the independence of Colombia and Latin America.
7. Stroll along the Malecón
From the modern marina to the old port of the city, the Malecón is a promenade with a view of the bay. Here, local fishermen are at work, and the Caribbean Sea stretches as far as the eye can see.
Lined with palm trees, benches, and lively cafés, it’s an ideal spot to relax in the sun and watch passersby enjoy the sea breeze.
It’s also here where you can find the giant letters of Santa Marta to take a photo.
8. Watch the Sunset
After a day exploring the center of Santa Marta City, it’s time to head to the beach to watch the sunset surrounded by locals.
As the sun slowly disappears behind the Sierra Nevada mountains, the sky’s colors blend into shades of pink, orange, and purple.
The perfect opportunity to relax while enjoying the sea breeze.
9. Enjoy the street art
Honestly, I didn’t expect Santa Marta to be a city with so much colorful street art.
Yet, many walls in the city are adorned with murals that reflect the local culture, history, and identity of the region.
The historic center is perfect for strolling through, discovering historical monuments, colonial buildings, and also the graffiti that brighten up the already vibrant streets.
10. Join a food tour
Colombian food is truly delicious, and in Santa Marta, you can also enjoy high-quality fish and seafood.
Ceviche, arroz con coco, patacones, arepas de huevo, and sancocho are just a few dishes that you should definitely try during your stay.
Since it’s not always easy to know where to eat to enjoy the best flavors, joining a food tour is a great idea.
You’ll also learn more about the local gastronomic culture. I particularly recommend this tour.
11. Drink fresh fruit juice
This might be my most surprising answer to the question “What to do in Santa Marta Colombia?”
Colombia is also a paradise for exotic fruits! Lulo, guanabana, tamarindo, tomate de arbol… are just a few of the delights to try.
Fresh fruit juices are especially popular and will help you cool down.
At the end of the Malecón, you’ll find the Plazoleta de Jugos, where you can try several fruits at a very affordable price.
12. Chill at El Rodadero beach
Here’s my latest recommendation in Santa Marta City: Rodadero Beach, about 20 minutes by car or public transport from the historic center.
With its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for relaxation, swimming, and water activities like jet-skiing and diving.
However, if you’re a woman traveling solo, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, as vendors often approach you to sell their products, but also to flirt heavily.
That said, the place is beautiful and lively, with numerous restaurants and hotels lining the beach, making it an ideal tourist spot.
The best beaches in Santa Marta Colombia
This article about Santa Marta Colombia wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the most beautiful beaches in the city.
Santa Marta is a perfect destination to explore the surrounding nature, but it’s also an ideal place to enjoy the sun and the sea.
Here’s a brief list of the best beaches in Santa Marta:
> Rodadero Beach stands out with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts.
> Playa Blanca, further north, is accessible by boat from Rodadero Santa Marta. It offers a calmer atmosphere and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
>Playa Inca Inca, located a bit further than El Rodadero Santa Marta, is surrounded by greenery. Its clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Nearby destinations from Santa Marta City
What to do in Santa Marta? We have already covered the most interesting activities in the city, but beautiful Colombia is also the ideal base to explore an extremely rich region that is just waiting to be discovered by tourists.
Parque Tayrona
Tayrona National Park is a true paradise that I highly recommend visiting.
The second most visited national park in Colombia was created in 1969. The park is home to numerous animal species, with 108 mammal species and 300 bird species.
As you progress through lush nature, towering palm trees create postcard-worthy scenes. From time to time, a dream beach appears during your hike.
The beauty of this park is undeniable, and to fully experience it, I recommend spending 1 or 2 nights there.
Palomino
Another famous destination, Palomino is perfect for a stay that blends relaxation and adventure. This coastal village charms with its wild beaches lined with coconut trees and its bohemian atmosphere.
If enjoying the calm sounds of the waves isn’t really your thing, you can go tubing down the Palomino River. The village is also a true haven of peace where you can enjoy the local cafés and restaurants.
CIUDAD PERDIDA
Wandering through the famous Lost City is a true achievement, as it requires several days of trekking to reach, crossing lush jungles, rivers, and indigenous villages, all while enjoying spectacular panoramas.
The effort is worth it, as this sacred site, once the spiritual and political center of the Tayrona, is 700 years older than Machu Picchu and is breathtaking with its circular terraces and stone stairways.
Minca
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Minca is a perfect destination in the heart of nature.
Visitors can explore waterfalls like Pozo Azul and Marinka, stroll through organic coffee plantations, and enjoy spectacular views of the valley and the Caribbean Sea.
The hiking trails around Minca offer the opportunity to discover local wildlife, including colorful birds.
Barranquilla
The city of Shakira is mainly famous for its carnival, which takes place in February/March. However, a short visit can be interesting to discover one of the largest cities in the country.
Cartagena de Indias
A true colonial and colorful beauty, Cartagena is a must-visit destination during a stay in the region.
If you want to spend a few days there, this article will interest you. If you prefer to discover it on a day trip, click here.
How Many Days to Visit Santa Marta?
Specifically, if your only plan is to visit the city and go to Parque Tayrona, a stay of 3-4 days will be enough.
However, if you decide to use Santa Marta as your base to explore the best destinations, plan to stay at least 10 days, 15 if you want to do the Ciudad Perdida trek.
Of course, if you have more time or if you’re a digital nomad, you can easily plan to stay a month or more to fully discover all the magical places and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the city.
When to Visit Santa Marta?
Santa Marta is definitely a destination you can visit at any time of the year.
However, it’s important to know that the dry season is from December to April. This is the perfect time to explore the surrounding nature and enjoy the beach.
The rainy season, from May to November, is also a good option. Indeed, there are fewer tourists and the showers only last a few hours, leaving you time to visit.
Finally, be aware that school holidays at Christmas and during Holy Week attract more local tourists, leading to increased crowds in the city.
The Fiestas del Mar in July, which celebrate the city’s maritime history with water sports competitions and concerts, as well as the Santa Marta Marathon in November, are also key moments to discover the destination in a different way.
How to Get to Santa Marta?
The Simon Bolivar International Airport, located about 16 km from the city center, handles both domestic flights from Bogotá or Medellín, among others, as well as international flights, such as from Panama City.
If you’re already in the region, you can also arrive in Santa Marta by bus. It is very well connected to surrounding cities. Expect a 4-hour journey from Cartagena and 2 hours from Barranquilla.
Finally, if you’re on a road trip, the national road 90 will take you to the city while offering a beautiful drive along the coast.
How to Get Around Santa Marta?
If you’re staying in downtown Santa Marta, you can easily reach all points of interest on foot.
If you’re a bit further out, the bus network, called “busetas“, is fairly easy to navigate and offers regular routes throughout the city.
However, for more convenience, I recommend using moto-taxis, which will get you to your destination much faster and more easily. Of course, you can also opt for car taxis.
Where to Stay in Santa Marta?
Some travel blogs might recommend staying in areas farther from the historic center, such as Taganga.
Personally, I think it’s better to choose neighborhoods closer to the center to fully enjoy the city.
However, after a few days, venturing a little further away can be a great idea if you want to enjoy the sea more or simply discover a different area.
In any case, I recommend spending a few days in Centro or Rodadero to take advantage of the tourist offerings (bars, restaurants, shops, tours…) and also the main attractions.
And if, like me, you enjoy immersing yourself in local life, I also recommend the San Pedro Alejandrino area to stay with locals and experience the hospitality of a Colombian couple, whose Booking link I’ll share below!
My Favorite Hotels in Santa Marta
Masaya Santa Marta ($): The perfect option for budget travelers who have no problem sleeping in dormitories. Located in the heart of Santa Marta, this hotel offers rooms with minimalist decor, but very charming.
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe ($$$$): Located in the historic center, this charming and period hotel is perfect for couples seeking a touch of luxury. The cherry on top: the spa and the indoor pool.
Hotel Casamart Rodadero ($): For those on a budget who prefer Rodadero, this hostel is perfect. With its garden, lounge, terrace, and bar, it also offers spaces to meet other travelers.
Mantra Hotel Boutique ($$): This hotel offers great comfort at a very affordable price. Located about 500 meters from El Rodadero Beach, it also features a spa center, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool.
Casa Feliz Hostal ($): If you want to stay in an authentic neighborhood and with locals, this is the place for you. This lovely Colombian couple will make you feel like a member of the family!
Is It Safe to Visit Santa Marta?
It’s difficult to answer this question because I don’t know all of Santa Marta. However, both in the San Pedro Alejandrino neighborhood where I stayed and in the city center, I never felt unsafe.
The only thing that frustrated me, like on the rest of the coast, is the constant harassment both on the street and on the beach.
Tourist areas like the historic center and El Rodadero are generally safe, especially during the day when the streets are often busy.
However, like in many destinations, it’s wise to avoid certain less-frequented or remote areas, particularly at night.
And like everywhere in Latin America, stay vigilant, don’t display valuable items, and avoid constantly pulling out your phone.
Being a Digital Nomad in Santa Marta
Unlike Cartagena, which is much smaller, Santa Marta is attracting more and more digital nomads, nature lovers.
However, the community is still very small. It is clearly not as popular a destination as Medellin, for example.
There are still a few colivings and several coworking spaces where you can live and work while having the opportunity to meet other travelers in the same situation. As for Wi-Fi, the connection is good enough to work without any issues.
Travel Responsibly in Santa Marta
Upon my arrival in Santa Marta, I was shocked by the amount of plastic and waste that floods the roads and nature.
It is clear that, as tourists, we can play a role, even a small one, in avoiding the use of single-use plastics:
- Refuse plastic straws when you buy drinks.
- Bring a tote bag for your shopping.
- Don’t buy fruits and vegetables wrapped in plastic.
On the beach, it’s also important to have the right actions, especially to protect the wildlife living there:
- Choose ocean-friendly sunscreen.
- Pick up your trash and pick up what you find on the ground.
- Respect the local wildlife: don’t feed the birds or marine animals.
Once you’re there, you’ll realize how beautiful Santa Marta is, and you’ll probably want to help protect its environment and support its local populations as much as possible.
What to do in Santa Marta? I hope I have answered this question and provided you with all the keys to prepare for your stay in this unmissable Colombian city.
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