Santa Marta
Colombia · Magdalena · 6 m
Description
Santa Marta is the oldest surviving European city in South America and a sunny Caribbean port in northern Colombia. Picturesquely situated between the Caribbean coast and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the city combines colonial heritage with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. It is known as the gateway to Tayrona National Park and the “Lost City” (Ciudad Perdida), as well as for its historic center, the palm-lined Malecón, and its lively waterfront promenade. The nearby beaches of El Rodadero and Taganga are perfect for swimming, diving, and relaxing, while the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino commemorates the final days of Simón Bolívar’s life. Thanks to its year-round warm climate, unique landscape between the sea, rainforest, and high mountains, and its rich history, Santa Marta is one of the most diverse destinations in the Colombian Caribbean.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Tayrona National Natural Park(Day trip)
- Santa Marta Historic Centre
- Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek(Multi-day trip)
- Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
- Taganga Bay & Fishing Village(Day trip)
- Parque de los Novios
- Museo del Oro Tairona – Casa de la Aduana
- Santa Marta Bay & Malecón de Bastidas
- Santa Marta Cathedral
- El Rodadero Beach
- Bahía Concha(Day trip)
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta(Day trip)
- Minca & Sierra Nevada Foothills(Day trip)
- Scuba Diving around Taganga(Day trip)
- Playa Blanca
- Playa Grande(Day trip)
- Indigenous Cultures of the Sierra Nevada(Day trip)
- Santa Marta Bay Sunset
- Marina Santa Marta
- El Morro Island Views
- Camellón de la Bahía
- Parque Bolívar
- San Francisco Church (Santa Marta)
- Callejón del Correo & Historic Streets
- Taganga Snorkelling(Day trip)
- Boat Trips from Taganga(Day trip)
- Neguanje Bay(Day trip)
- Playa Cristal(Day trip)
- Cabo San Juan del Guía(Day trip)
- Cañaveral & Arrecifes(Day trip)
- Tayrona Coastal Jungle Trails(Day trip)
- Tayrona Wildlife & Birdwatching(Day trip)
- Minca Coffee Farm Tour(Day trip)
- Minca Waterfalls(Day trip)
- Minca Birdwatching(Day trip)
- Sierra Nevada Coffee & Cacao Farms(Day trip)
- Caribbean Seafood & Samarian Cuisine
- Fiesta del Mar
Getting there
- Airports:
- SMR
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry