Things To Do
in Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a coastal city on the Caribbean Sea in Colombia, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. The city is also home to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring indigenous communities. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood dishes and experience the lively nightlife in the city's historic center.
Santa Marta serves as a gateway to the popular Tayrona National Park, known for its lush jungle and beautiful beaches.
- "¿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): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Tayrona National Natural Park, where you can hike through lush trails. The morning sun casting light on the diverse flora makes it a perfect photo opportunity.
After a light lunch, relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the tranquility. Swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball can be the perfect ways to spend your afternoon.
Finish your day with a sunset viewed from the beach. Enjoy delicious seafood at one of the local restaurants while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Spend your morning at Rodadero Beach, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy the sand and surf while sipping on fresh coconut water.
In the afternoon, explore the downtown area, visiting historical sites like the Santa Marta Cathedral. Stop by local shops for unique souvenirs.
Head to the Parque de los Novios for dinner; it's a lively area filled with restaurants. Enjoy live music and the local nightlife to wrap up your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and coastal views
- A rich cultural heritage and vibrant local festivals
- Access to natural attractions such as Tayrona National Park
- Pleasant tropical climate year-round
- Affordable cost of living compared to many other tourist destinations
- Safety concerns related to crime in certain areas
- Limited healthcare facilities compared to larger cities
- Infrastructure may not be as developed as in other regions
- Tourist areas can become crowded during peak seasons
- Potential language barrier for non-Spanish speakers
Best Activities in Santa Marta
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking, camping, snorkeling, and enjoying beautiful beaches
Challenging multi-day trek to ancient ruins in the Sierra Nevada mountains
Trekking and exploring the diverse ecosystems and indigenous villages
Rock climbing, rappelling, and cliff jumping into natural pools
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa Marta with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa Marta
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for nature photography.
Features lush gardens, historic buildings, and picturesque spots for capturing the city's culture and heritage.
Provides panoramic views of Taganga Bay, with opportunities for capturing the town and coastline from above.
Food in Santa Marta
Santa Marta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty seafood stew made with locally sourced fish, shrimp, and coconut milk, typically found at beachside restaurants like La Cava Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A traditional fish soup with plantains, yuca, and other root vegetables, often served at family-run eateries like Donde Chucho.
Coconut-flavored rice dish often served with fresh fish, commonly available at La Muzzeria in the historic center.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santa Marta better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this large market for an authentic Santa Marta street food experience. Try local favorites like arepas, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices.
This bustling square offers a variety of street food vendors in the evenings. Don't miss the chance to sample buñuelos (fried cheese balls) and patacones (fried plantains).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Santa Marta, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. Addressing people with
Respect for elders is highly valued in Santa Marta. It is important to show deference and listen attentively when elders are speaking, and to address them with proper titles such as 'señor' or 'señora'.
When interacting with the locals, it's important to be aware of and respectful towards their cultural customs and traditions. This includes being mindful of personal space, using polite language, and being open to trying and appreciating local cuisine and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santa Marta with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Marta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not always expected in Santa Marta, Colombia, but leaving a small amount as a token of appreciation for good service is appreciated, especially in upscale restaurants and hotels.
In Santa Marta, Colombia, cash is widely used for smaller transactions, while credit and debit cards are accepted in many businesses and restaurants. It's always good to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting local markets or smaller establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Santa Marta.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Santa Marta experiences hot and humid weather during this time, with plenty of sunny days and warm temperatures, making it ideal for beach activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and visitors can expect fewer crowds compared to the high season. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the numerous attractions in Santa Marta.
This period sees increased rainfall and humidity, but it also offers the opportunity to experience the lush, green landscape and take advantage of lower prices and fewer tourists.
Santa Marta at Night
Hiking in Santa Marta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park featuring lush tropical forests, beautiful beaches, and various hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and archaeological sites.
The highest coastal mountain range in the world, offering a range of hiking opportunities through diverse ecosystems, cloud forests, and stunning landscapes.
An ancient archaeological site accessible via a multi-day trek through the Sierra Nevada, showcasing indigenous history and natural beauty.
A small village in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, known for its hiking trails to waterfalls, coffee farms, and scenic viewpoints.
A beautiful natural reserve that features hiking trails leading to picturesque waterfalls and lush vegetation, perfect for a day trip.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Santa Marta through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Santa Marta by plane.
The main international airport serving Santa Marta, located approximately 14 km from the city center.
Located in Cartagena, about 100 km from Santa Marta, this airport offers both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Barranquilla, approximately 120 km from Santa Marta, this airport serves both domestic and international destinations.
Located in Cali, around 500 km from Santa Marta, this is one of Colombia's busiest international airports.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, comprising individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
A significant population with African ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
A smaller group, representing the original inhabitants of the region, including various Indigenous communities.
Individuals of European descent, often part of the upper-middle and upper classes in society.
Includes various immigrant communities and individuals of different ethnic backgrounds.
The Soul of Santa Marta
Discover the essence of Santa Marta through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Santa Marta, with many local teams and a strong following among residents.
A favorite activity along the beaches of Santa Marta, offering both recreational play and competitive events.
Popular due to the city's coastal location; many locals and tourists enjoy swimming in the sea.
With beautiful beaches and good waves, surfing attracts enthusiasts to Santa Marta, especially in areas like Taganga.
A common sport in the region, with various routes attracting both casual riders and serious cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Marta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Colombian cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, many restaurants in Santa Marta offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of classic dishes. Look for places like Roots Burger Bar for vegan burgers and creative vegetarian options.
Several eateries in Santa Marta cater to gluten-free diners, providing options such as fresh salads, grilled meats, and rice-based dishes. Consider visiting Agave Azul for gluten-free Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Santa Marta with these cultural adventures.
