Santa Marta

Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
Stunning aerial drone shot of Tayrona National Park's coastline in Colombia, showcasing turquoise waters and lush greenery.
Danilo Arenas, Pexels

Santa Marta, Colombia, offers a captivating blend of historical depth and natural beauty, where the Caribbean Sea meets the towering Sierra Nevada mountains. It serves as a launchpad for exploring pristine beaches, lush jungles, and ancient archaeological sites.

The city's historic center, particularly Parque de Los Novios, provides a vibrant atmosphere for connecting with others, featuring various bars and restaurants. El Rodadero also presents an opportunity for nightlife, while specific hostels cater to backpackers seeking social interaction. Coastal areas like Costeño Beach also facilitate socializing with fellow travelers. The Malecón de Bastidas is a pleasant promenade for evening strolls.

Top 6 Things to do in Santa Marta

Activities in Santa Marta range from exploring historical city centers and cultural sites to embarking on adventurous treks in the mountains and relaxing on Caribbean beaches.

1. Exploring Santa Marta's Historic Center

The Historic Center offers a journey through the city's past with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas. Visitors can wander through the lively Parque de los Novios, a hub for dining, or admire the architecture of the Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta. The Museo del Oro Tairona provides insights into the region's indigenous history and artifacts, including gold pieces. A stroll along the Malecón de Bastidas offers views of the bay and opportunities to watch the sunset. It is advisable to be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables.

Cost: Mostly free to explore. The Museo del Oro Tairona is free to enter.

Transport: Easily walkable from accommodations within the city center.

2. Discovering Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

This historic hacienda and its gardens served as the final home of Simón Bolívar. It functions as a multifaceted museum where visitors can explore the 17th-century Casa Principal, including an old sugar mill and distillery, and learn about Bolívar's last days. Information is provided in both Spanish and English.

Cost: Cost information was not consistently available in recent reviews. Tour prices may vary.

Transport: Not in walking distance of the city center. Public transport or a taxi would be needed. Taxi costs will vary depending on your starting point in Santa Marta.

3. Trekking and Relaxing in Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is a biodiverse protected area featuring stunning beaches, lush jungles, and coral reefs. Visitors can hike coastal trails, relax on pristine beaches like Cabo San Juan, or snorkel among the coral. It is a place to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature. The park sometimes closes seasonally at the request of the indigenous Tayrona people.

Cost: A park entrance fee applies. Camping or hammock rental options are available inside the park.

Transport: Public buses depart from Santa Marta's Mercado Publico (Market) on Calle 11 con Carrera 11, taking about 1 hour and costing around 15,000 COP. Alternatively, a boat can be taken from Taganga to beaches like Cabo San Juan, costing about 120,000 COP for a 1-hour ride. Private transfers are also available, costing around $110 USD.

4. Exploring the Mountains and Coffee Farms of Minca

Minca, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offers a cooler climate and a retreat into nature. Activities include visiting waterfalls like Marinka Waterfall (a private site with two falls and plunge pools) and Pozo Azul. Visitors can take tours of coffee and cacao farms to learn about the production process and taste local products. The area is also excellent for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot endemic species. Motorcycle taxis are commonly used for transport to various sites due to unpaved road conditions.

Cost: Marinka Waterfall has an entrance fee. Coffee/cacao tours typically cost around $50 USD for a full-day tour, with lunch potentially costing an additional 25,000 COP. Pozo Azul is reportedly free, though some may attempt to charge.

Transport: Colectivos (shared public shuttles) from Santa Marta's Mercado Público (corner of Carrera 9 and Calle 12) cost around 12,500 COP and take about 1.5 hours. Taxis from Santa Marta can cost around 70,000 COP. Once in Minca, motorcycle taxis are the primary way to access many attractions, with costs varying depending on distance.

5. Embarking on the Lost City Trek

The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) trek is a challenging multi-day adventure through the lush jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the ancient ruins built by the Teyuna people around 800 AD. The trek typically lasts 4 or 5 days, covering 46 to 60 km, involving river crossings and navigating muddy, unpaved roads. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, witness breathtaking landscapes, and learn about the indigenous communities and history of the Tairona civilization. This trek is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cost: A 4-day all-inclusive tour costs approximately 1,860,000 COP (fixed price for 2025). This is a relatively expensive activity, with costs contributing to local communities.

Transport: All authorized tours depart from Santa Marta. A 90-minute drive in a 4x4 vehicle takes trekkers to the trailhead in Mamey.

6. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Taganga

The small fishing village of Taganga, a short distance from Santa Marta, is known for its calm waters and is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is considered one of the most affordable places to get scuba certification, offering clear waters with diverse fish and coral. Various dive companies operate in the village. Visitors should exercise caution, particularly at night, and avoid carrying valuables.

Cost: PADI 'open water' certification costs around $300 USD (including 6 dives). Two fun dives can cost between 210,000 - 250,000 COP.

Transport: A bus from Santa Marta to Taganga takes about 15 minutes and passes through several city locations, including Mercado Publico. Taxis from Santa Marta can cost approximately 15,000 COP.

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