Things To Do
in San Martín
San Martín is a picturesque town nestled in the mountains of Colombia's Santander department. Known for its stunning natural beauty, San Martín offers an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, and river rafting. The town is also famous for its coffee plantations, where visitors can learn about the coffee-making process and sample freshly brewed cups of Colombian coffee.
With its charming colonial architecture and friendly locals, San Martín provides a tranquil escape for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café. Then, head out for a walk in the Parque Principal to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Visit the charming colonial church, Iglesia de San Martín. Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant to savor local Colombian cuisine.
Stroll through the town's colorful streets as the sun sets. Grab a drink at a local bar and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Embark on a guided trek to the nearby mountains for breathtaking views. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures along the way.
Return to town and have a picnic lunch at one of the scenic spots. Spend the afternoon relaxing with a good book or exploring more trails.
Settle into a cozy restaurant for dinner. Try the local dishes and enjoy the flavors of San Martín.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and landscapes, including mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage with local festivals and traditions.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other regions.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.
- Limited access to certain modern amenities and services.
- Potential safety concerns in specific areas.
- Economic opportunities may be limited compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure challenges, including roads and public transport.
- Environmental issues such as deforestation and pollution in some areas.
Best Activities in San Martín
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning Andean landscapes and snow-capped peaks in El Cocuy National Natural Park through various hiking trails.
Discover a diverse array of bird species in the lush forests of Tamá National Park, creating an excellent opportunity for birdwatching.
Experience thrilling whitewater rafting adventures on the Suarez River, offering an exhilarating outdoor experience in San Martín.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Martín with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Martín
Visit one of these nice places.
A hill that offers panoramic views of San Martín and the surrounding countryside, ideal for capturing photos of the town and the lush landscape.
The main square in San Martín, featuring colonial architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, providing great photo opportunities of local life and culture.
An observation point overlooking the Guavio River, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and ideal for capturing stunning riverside views.
Food in San Martín
San Martín Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter featuring red beans, rice, ground beef, plantain, avocado, chorizo, arepa, and chicharrón. Best enjoyed at La Juanita Restaurant in San Martín.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted pork stuffed with rice, peas, and spices, creating a crispy, flavorsome skin. Try this delectable dish at El Sabrosito in the heart of San Martín.
A comforting chicken and potato soup, flavored with native herbs and capers. La Casona del Cerro offers an excellent rendition of this traditional soup.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Martín better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling marketplace is a treasure trove of fresh produce, exotic fruits, and local delicacies. Be sure to sample arepas, empanadas, and freshly squeezed fruit juices from the various vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Martín, Colombia, it is important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
Using polite greetings such as 'buenos días' (good morning), 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon), and 'buenas noches' (good evening) is important in San Martín as a sign of respect towards others.
Demonstrating an interest in and respect for local customs, traditions, and festivals is appreciated in San Martín, Colombia, and can help to foster positive interactions with the local community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Martín with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Martín
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in San Martín, Colombia. However, it is appreciated to leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service at restaurants and for other services like hotels and tour guides.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in San Martín, Colombia. However, major credit cards are also widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's always good to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Martín.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit San Martín, enjoying sunny weather and beautiful landscapes. Temperatures are mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
During the rainy season, expect lush greenery and vibrant landscapes. Although the weather can be wet, it's a great time for nature enthusiasts to witness the region's thriving biodiversity.
San Martín at Night
Hiking in San Martín
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning natural park located near Bogotá, offering various hiking trails through cloud forests with breathtaking views.
The largest paramo in the world, it provides unique ecosystems and numerous hiking paths, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Famous for its towering wax palms, this area offers breathtaking hiking routes through lush greenery and stunning landscapes.
A national park that offers diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to hot springs, with trails suitable for various skill levels.
Colombia's tallest waterfall is accessible via a scenic hiking route that features stunning views of the surrounding nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Martín through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Martín by plane.
Located in Bogotá, this is the largest airport in Colombia and a major hub for international flights.
Located in Rionegro, near Medellín, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Located in Cali, this international airport connects the Pacific region of Colombia with other countries.
Located in Palmira, serving Cali and the surrounding regions, with international flight options.
Located in Santa Marta, this airport serves domestic and some international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in San Martín, consisting of individuals of mixed European and Indigenous descent.
Includes various Indigenous groups native to the region, contributing to the cultural heritage of San Martín.
A significant population of African descent, contributing to the cultural and social landscape of the region.
A minority group primarily of European descent, involved in different socio-economic activities.
Includes smaller immigrant groups and individuals from various backgrounds not categorized within the major demographic groups.
The Soul of San Martín
Discover the essence of San Martín through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport in San Martín, drawing large crowds for local matches and fostering a strong community spirit.
Cycling enjoys popularity in San Martín, with various local events and competitions that promote the sport among residents.
Basketball is widely played in schools and local leagues, contributing to its popularity among the youth in San Martín.
Baseball has a significant following in San Martín, with many aspiring players participating in local tournaments.
Volleyball is enjoyed recreationally and competitively, with many communities organizing matches and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Martín.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat-centric dishes dominate the local cuisine, many restaurants in San Martín offer delicious vegetarian options like stuffed arepas, plantain-based dishes, and hearty bean stews.
Vegan-friendly choices are more limited, but some establishments, like El Buen Sabor, are accommodating and willing to prepare plant-based versions of traditional dishes upon request.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities can savor corn-based arepas, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits, as well as communicate their dietary needs to chefs who are generally receptive and accommodating.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Martín with these cultural adventures.
