Santa Marta

Travel Guide
Blanca Beach which includes a sandy beach
Caribbean fishing town Santa Marta has exploded into a traveler’s nirvana with white-sand beaches, a lost city and a forested national park.

The provincial capital of Santa Marta has rapidly developed into a traveller’s treasure on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The country’s oldest colonial city has white-sand beaches and pleasant warm weather. Nearby, Tayrona National Park attracts visitors throughout the year. The pervasive salsa and vallenato music keeps the town alive with the sounds of the Caribbean.

Spend several hours at Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum southwest of Santa Marta to see its majestic sharks and dolphins. Swim in the warm seawater at nearby Playa Blanca (White Beach) or work on your tan against a backdrop of coastal cliffs. Dine at local beachside restaurants and stay overnight in a cabin. Head to the Quinta of Saint Peter of Alexandria, a 17th-century house and garden, now a museum dedicated to military leader Simón Bolívar, who led many South American countries to independence.

Hike to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), formally Teyuna Archaeological Park. The ancient Indian city was founded over 700 years earlier than Peru’s Machu Picchu. Plan for about three days each way for the 27-mile (44-kilometre) walk. Cross rivers, streams and waterfalls and pass small Indian communities as you cover the remote terrain. You may see jungle animals too: jaguars, tapirs or condors. Climb 1,200 stone steps to reach the entrance to the city where an indigenous tribe once lived.

See natural wonders in Tayrona National Park via a tour or taxi from Santa Marta. Rent gear in the city and then scuba dive or snorkel at the beach. Hike to Cabo San Juan and rent a tent or hammock in a cliff-top cabin overlooking the ocean. 

Fly to Santa Marta from Bogotá. The airport, just south of the city, is easily reached by public bus. To the east of Santa Marta, visit the mountain range known as Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park. Discover remnants of the Tayrona culture and other indigenous tribes. Enjoy views of snow-capped mountains for a dramatic change of scenery from the Caribbean coast.

Where to stay in Santa Marta

Rodadero Beach featuring a hotel, a coastal town and a beach

El Rodadero

5/5(1 area review)

El Rodadero is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping Center.

El Rodadero
Historic Center which includes street scenes, a city and heritage elements

Historic Center

4/5(8 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Center. A stop by Parque de Los Novios or Santa Marta Beach might round out your trip.

Historic Center
Historic Center featuring a city and street scenes

Barrio Centro

If you're spending some time in Barrio Centro, Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Cathedral are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Centro
Default Image

Mamatoco

Though Mamatoco may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Tayrona National Natural Park.

Mamatoco
Default Image

Bavaria

When in Bavaria, you can plan a visit to Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Cathedral, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bavaria
Default Image

San Martín

While San Martín may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Santa Marta Cathedral and Parque de Los Novios.

San Martín
Hotel be La Sierra
Hotel be La Sierra
3 out of 5
Cra 1 N° 9-47, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Magdalena
The price is S$79 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
S$79
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Rodadero Beach and Mundo Marino Aquarium ...
7.8/10 Good! (296 reviews)
"Very convenient for walking and eating. Clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2024

Hotel be La Sierra
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
4.5 out of 5
Carrera 3 No 142-60, Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta, Magdalena
The price is S$211 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$211
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (595 reviews)
"I will definitely go back to Marriot Playa Dormida. Outstanding service, amazing staff, beautiful rooms, quiet beach and very good restaurants in the area."

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2024

Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
3.5 out of 5
Carrera 1C No. 24-04, Santa Marta
The price is S$102 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
S$102
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (584 reviews)
"Very good idea lace to stay"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
El Cactus Luxury Apartments in Historic Center
El Cactus Luxury Apartments in Historic Center
3.5 out of 5
Calle 18 #6-85, Centro Historico, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tayrona National Natural Park and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Another wonderful stay at the Cactus - the staff is always helpful and super friendly. We were a bit bummed out that the property discontinued their wonderful breakfast, but there are plenty of options nearby to get good Colombian breakfast, and the nespresso machine in the room is a life saver."

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2024

El Cactus Luxury Apartments in Historic Center
Grand Marina Santa Marta
Grand Marina Santa Marta
3 out of 5
carrera 1 22- 79, Santa Marta
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and a sauna. Popular attractions Tayrona National Natural Park and Marina ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
"Beautiful apartment. Well equipped, super comfy beds and great location. Hot water and nice cold AC which is a must"

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2024

Grand Marina Santa Marta
Terrazas Tayrona Travelers Apartamentos y Suites
Terrazas Tayrona Travelers Apartamentos y Suites
3.5 out of 5
Carrera 3 # 24 - 63, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Santa Marta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (139 reviews)
"Great staff and rooms"

Reviewed on 11 Feb,2024

Terrazas Tayrona Travelers Apartamentos y Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do