Things To Do
in Santa Marta
Santa Marta is Colombia’s oldest surviving city, a lively Caribbean port framed by golden beaches and the towering Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It mixes colonial history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and a gateway to major natural attractions like Tayrona National Park and the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida). The city offers a relaxed coastal rhythm — seafood restaurants, colorful neighborhoods like Taganga, and mountain villages up in Minca within an hour.
Expect humid, tropical weather, vibrant street life, and easy access to treks, snorkeling and cultural experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the cobblestone streets of Santa Marta’s historic center, soaking in the colorful colonial architecture. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Marta, one of the oldest churches in South America, and learn about its rich history. Stop by the Plaza de Bolívar to watch local vendors and street performers as the city awakens.
Head to the Museo del Oro Tairona to explore the impressive collection of indigenous gold artifacts and learn about the ancient Tairona culture. Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a nearby café, sampling dishes like arepas and fresh seafood ceviche. Afterward, stroll along the waterfront promenade, taking in views of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Dine at a local restaurant offering fresh Caribbean flavors while watching the sunset over the bay. Experience the vibrant nightlife by visiting a salsa bar to enjoy live music and dance alongside locals. End the evening with a leisurely walk along the beach, listening to the gentle waves under the starry sky.
Spend a relaxing morning on the sandy shores of Rodadero Beach, soaking up the warm Caribbean sun and swimming in the clear turquoise waters. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm bay and observe marine life beneath the surface. Refresh with a fresh coconut water from a beach vendor to stay hydrated.
Try adventurous water sports such as jet skiing or snorkeling to discover colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Take a break at a beachfront restaurant to enjoy grilled fish with coconut rice and patacones. Visit the nearby Rodadero Marine Aquarium to learn about the local marine ecosystem and see sea turtles and sharks up close.
Watch the sky change colors as the sun sets over the horizon while enjoying a cocktail at a beachside bar. Savor a seafood dinner accompanied by live acoustic music that captures the laid-back coastal vibe. End the night with a moonlit walk along the beach, feeling the gentle ocean breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee or juice | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to stunning natural parks (Tayrona, Sierra Nevada) and iconic treks like Ciudad Perdida.
- Vibrant coastal culture with fresh seafood, colorful neighborhoods and friendly locals.
- Mildly priced travel options and a range of accommodations from budget to boutique.
- Good base for both beach activities and mountain escapes (Minca).
- High humidity and seasonal heavy rains can affect outdoor plans.
- Petty crime and tourist-targeted scams occur; vigilance required.
- Infrastructure outside tourist areas can be basic; transport to remote sites may be slow.
- Popular spots can get crowded during high season and holidays.
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde está la playa / el parque?" - Where is the beach / the park?
- "¿Me puede recomendar un buen restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Santa Marta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic crescent beach backed by palms and jungle — excellent for sunrise/sunset shots, dramatic landscapes and crystal-clear water.
Historic estate with gardens and colonial architecture where Simón Bolívar spent his final days; good for cultural and portrait photography.
Panoramic views over the fishing village and bay — great for sunrise, snorkeling prep scenes and local life photography.
Lush mountain scenery, waterfalls, coffee farms and cloud forest atmospheres that contrast with the coast.
Colorful colonial streets, architecture, cafes and lively evening scenes ideal for street and travel photography.
Higher-elevation viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the city, sea and mountain biodiversity (access depends on guides/permissions).
Food in Santa Marta
Santa Marta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, coconut-milk-based seafood stew with fish, shrimp and shellfish — commonly served in beach restaurants around Rodadero and Taganga.
Must-Try!
Coconut rice served with lime-marinated fried fish and patacones (fried green plantain); widely available at coastal eateries and pescado fritangueros.
Deep-fried corn arepa filled with egg, popular as a breakfast or street snack sold by vendors in the city and markets.
Crispy fried green plantains that accompany many meals or are topped with ceviche or shredded beef.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Busy market stalls selling fresh fruit, fish, arepas and juices — try batidos (fruit shakes), empanadas, and freshly fried arepas near the market areas.
Evening street food scene with grilled shrimp, empanadas, juices and arepas; excellent for casual tasting of local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly, warm greetings are important: a single cheek kiss (right cheek) or handshake is common; use polite forms like 'buenos días' and 'mucho gusto.'
If visiting indigenous territories (Sierra Nevada groups), follow guide rules, ask permission before photographing people, and respect local customs and sacred sites.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural villages; public displays of anger are frowned upon—maintain calm and polite conversation.
Bargain politely in markets and with street vendors; high-pressure tactics are uncommon and rudeness should be avoided.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Marta
Ensure a smooth experience
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge; if service isn't included, tipping 5–10% is common. Tip guides, drivers and porters a little extra for good service; small cash tips for hotel staff and bartenders are appreciated.
Colombian peso (COP) is the local currency—cash is widely used, especially for small purchases and markets. Credit/debit cards are accepted at hotels, mid-to-high-end restaurants and shops; carry some cash for taxis, street food, and rural areas. ATMs are available but can run out of cash—use bank ATMs and notify your bank of travel plans.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Most comfortable time to visit: sunnier days, lower rainfall and smoother sea conditions for snorkeling and beach trips. Peak tourist season and higher prices during holidays (Christmas, New Year, and Easter).
Frequent afternoon or nightly showers, higher humidity and occasional muddy conditions on trails; fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs. Some boat trips and remote treks may be affected by heavy rains—check operator updates.
Transitional months with variable weather — good deals on lodging but watch for intermittent heavy rains and rougher seas. October-November can bring the heaviest rains in some years.
Santa Marta at Night
Hiking in Santa Marta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A 4–6 day jungle trek through river crossings, steep ascents and indigenous territories to reach ancient stone terraces—physically demanding but highly rewarding.
Short to medium hikes between beaches like Arrecifes, Cabo San Juan and Cañaveral with coastal views, swimming spots and wildlife opportunities.
Easy-to-moderate hikes through cloud forest to waterfalls, natural pools and coffee farms; great for birdwatching and cooling off.
Higher-elevation routes require local guides and permissions, offering unique biodiversity, indigenous villages and panoramic viewpoints over the Caribbean.
Gentler beach and river walks east of Santa Marta with options for combined tubing or surfing day trips.
Airports
How to reach Santa Marta by plane.
The main airport serving Santa Marta — small, with domestic flights and some international seasonal connections; short transfer to downtown by taxi (20–40 minutes depending on traffic).
Larger international airport about 4–5 hours by road from Santa Marta; useful for international flights and alternative routing.
Another nearby airport (approximately 1.5–2 hours by car) with domestic and some international connections; often used as an alternate entry point.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Form the majority of the urban population, with Spanish-speaking culture and city lifestyles.
Significant Afro-Caribbean population along the coast with strong cultural influence in music, food and festivals.
Indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta maintain traditional territories, crafts and spiritual practices; respectful interaction and permitted visits are important.
A growing number of international visitors live for months at a time, attracted by the climate, beaches and lower cost of living.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationally and locally — local passion for clubs and informal beach/futsal games.
Popular on nearby beaches (Costeño, Palomino) and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike; surf schools operate seasonally.
Recreational and commercial fishing are important on the coast, with local charters for sportfishing and reef excursions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Marta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common; many restaurants can adapt dishes with rice, plantains, salads, and grilled vegetables. Ask for 'sin carne' or 'sin pescado' and choose fruit-based batidos, arepas and coconut rice; bigger hotels and cafés in the city center have more vegetarian-friendly menus.
Vegan options are limited outside specialty cafés; rely on fruit, rice, beans, plantains and salads. Carry snacks and check ingredient lists—ask for 'sin leche' and 'sin huevo' when necessary.
Corn-based dishes (arepas, patacones) are often gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. Communicate 'sin gluten' clearly and prefer simpler preparations in reputable restaurants.