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6 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia

6 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia

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If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Santa Marta, this blog is for you!

I’ve been lucky enough to spend a total of 4 weeks in Santa Marta over the past two years and have come to really enjoy this city. In fact, it’s one of my favorite cities in Colombia! There is a wide range of things you can do in the city and outside of it as well.

In the guide below I’m going to include Santa Marta’s most popular day trips, but I’ll also suggest some more off-the-beaten-path experiences as well. These activities are guaranteed to make you have a wonderful time in this vibrant city!

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity

Lost city Trek near Santa Marta, Colombia

Don’t have time to read the full article?

Our personal FAVORITE thing to do from Santa Marta is the Lost City trek. It is a 4-day guided hike through the jungle to a complex of ancient ruins known as the “Lost City”. This is an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime! Check out the 2,300+ 5-star reviews and book this experience here.

Tip: This activity is very popular – reserve your spot now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

The Best Things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia

1. Conquer the Lost City Trek

Stairs on the lost city trek near Santa Marta, Colombia
The famous stairway to the Lost City near Santa Marta, Colombia

The Lost City trek is becoming very popular these days. On our first visit to Santa Marta, we barely heard of anybody doing it. But now, due to the rave reviews and top-notch tours, it seems to be on everybody’s things to do in Santa Marta list!

You can only visit the Lost City on a guided tour, and this 4-day guided hike is the best. It takes you through the jungle and mountains showcasing some of the most remote areas of Colombia. You will visit “Cuidad Perdida” or the “Lost City” which is a complex of ancient ruins.

Many people compare it to Machu Picchu saying that it is just as impressive but much less busy (expect to see almost no tourists besides your own tour group for most of the trip). To be honest though, I’d say it’s not as good as Machu Picchu but still an awesome experience.

The tour costs $650 USD, but that includes meals and nightly accommodation. We picked this specific tour because it has 2,300+ 5-star reviews (read the reviews here!). It’s an incredible experience that’s unique to Colombia and departs right from Santa Marta!

2. Go Sailing

A sail boat is anchored up at a beach in Tayrona National park after sailing from Santa Marta
Not a bad place to anchor at!

It isn’t just Cartagena that has amazing islands, beaches, and boat excursions. In fact, there is a ton to explore from the water right in Santa Marta. It’s a breathtaking place that’s super affordable too!

On this sailing trip from Santa Marta, you will visit a couple of gorgeous beaches as well as an island in Tayrona National Park. Prepare to see pristine water, jungle landscapes, and mountains. The scenery is super impressive around Santa Marta and you really should enjoy it from out on the water.

This full-day tour includes lunch, snacks, and snorkel gear for only $70 USD each! The day is so much fun and you’re definitely in capable hands with Luis (the Captain) on the tour. Lots of other travelers enjoyed this tour too – check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!

Related Read: Before starting your trip, read about our very favorite things to see and do in Colombia!

3. Visit Minca

Bailey relaxes at Casa Viajes in Minca
Casas Viajes has the most stunning infinity pool!

Minca is a small town up in the mountains only about 45 minutes from Santa Marta, Colombia. Tourists come here to check out the views, explore coffee and chocolate farms, and swim in waterfalls. It is a jungle mountain paradise!

I did this specific day trip to Minca on my first visit a couple of years ago. It gave me a good overview of the area as we got to swim near some waterfalls and take part in coffee and cocoa demos – eating chocolate is always a highlight for me!

We also got to visit the famous Minca viewpoint for photos and had a swim in the river. This area is absolutely gorgeous, and the tour definitely made me want to return one day (which I did!)

Oh and did I mention it is a private tour? This means only your group will participate making the experience even more memorable and unique. The tour costs $75 USD per person which includes private transportation, lunch, and the activities.

Related Read: If you decide to spend a few nights in Minca instead, check out our list of the best things to do in Minca!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

4. Bike around the Historical Center

The main walking street in Santa Marta Colombia on a quiet morning.
The streets are so quaint!

One of our favorite ways to explore a city is on a bicycle. You can cover more ground and see more in a short amount of time. Plus it adds an extra layer of fun to a city tour!

This 2-hour bike tour in Santa Marta’s historic center is such a great time! You will cruise through the streets following your local guide to see vibrant squares, historic buildings, and beautiful harbors. You will learn all about the city as you go with many stories and historical facts.

We think this is the perfect way to get oriented to the city when you first arrive. Plus, the tour starts at 5 pm, which is when the historical center really starts to come to life!

For only $16 USD you really can’t go wrong with booking this tour. If you don’t believe me, just read the glowing 5-star reviews here!

5. Visit Tayrona National Park

A sunset at Cabo San Juan in Tayrona National Park
My favorite photo from our visit to Tayrona National Park – Caba San Juan Beach

Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most famous attractions, and for good reason as it is absolutely incredible! 

One of the best ways to experience the park is on this private Tayrona National Park day trip. The tour includes hotel pickup in Santa Marta and other nearby areas, your admission fee, water (although you should still bring a bottle), and an English-speaking guide.

It’s a private tour, so you can move at your own pace and your guide is available to answer questions and customize the tour for you. Hiking is a great way to experience the park as you’ll come across incredible flora and fauna as well as wildlife (we saw monkeys when we went!)

Since it’s a private tour the price varies depending on your group size, but starts as low as $133 USD per person. The tour includes transportation, a 2-hour guided hike, time on the beach, and the hike back. You’ll burn up a sweat, but trust me, it’s worth it for the incredible views you get from the top!

IMPORTANT: In 2024, the closing dates for Tayrona National Park were from February 1 to February 15, June 1 to June 15, and October 19 to November 2. Make sure to do some research before choosing your dates to make sure the park will be open.

6. Go on a Food Tour

Trying yuca on a food tour in Santa Marta
Trying yuca on a food tour in Santa Marta

One of our all-time favorite tours to do in cities around the world is food tours! Understanding the food of a destination is the easiest way to get a glimpse into their culture and way of life.

Plus, who doesn’t want to try tons of tasty food?!

This Santa Marta food tour includes heaps of different local food samples and is only $39 USD! You’ll tour the city stopping along the way to try many local favorites and learn about where the influence of the food came from.

It’s a grassroots tour that visits lots of family-owned restaurants and yummy street food vendors. It supports the local community while teaching you all about the food that makes Santa Marta what it is. We would absolutely take this tour again!

Getting to/from Santa Marta

The historical center of Santa Marta
The historical center of Santa Marta

There are three different ways you can reach Santa Marta: by airplane, bus, or private shuttle/car.

By Airplane

There is a small airport only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Santa Marta. Although technically an international airport, almost all of the flights are domestic.

If you want to get to Santa Marta from another city in Colombia there are plenty of very affordable flights which will save you time from taking the bus. I have taken the bus and plane from Medellin and much prefer flying – especially when taking the bus eats into my Medellin itinerary.

If you’re interested in booking a flight to Santa Marta, you can browse domestic flights here.

By Bus

Many people reach Santa Marta by bus from other cities in Colombia like Cartagena, Medellin, or Bogota.

Cartagena is the closest only about 4 hours away. Expect to pay about $13 USD for a one-way journey on a large bus with air conditioning.

From Medellin, you are looking at 15+ hours and about $40 USD. Buses depart several times throughout the day and will take you directly to Santa Marta.

From Bogota, buses take 20+ hours and cost about $34 USD.

When traveling by bus in Colombia I always book my tickets online in advance to secure my seat on the website Busbud.com.

Private Transfer

Private transfers are quicker and more comfortable than taking the bus but they are also more expensive. Our pick is this private shuttle from Cartagena to Santa Marta. The drivers are friendly and helpful and will help with bags, make stops whenever you need, and take you right to your hotel in Santa Marta. This shuttle starts at $215 USD for three people, but they have options for groups of up to 13!

Where to Stay in Santa Marta, Colombia

The Dreamer Hostel, Santa Marta
Just hanging out at the Dreamer Hostel, Santa Marta

There are awesome places to stay in Santa Marta for every type of traveler with any budget! I’ve personally stayed at all of the places below and can highly recommend them!

Grand Marina Santa Marta – $$$

Grand Marina Santa Marta – This hotel offers luxury apartments with full kitchens and balconies overlooking the marina right in the center of Santa Marta. It is the perfect place to explore the city while having time to relax poolside. Pure luxury for surprisingly good value! Book a room easily here.

Color House Santa Marta – $$

Color House Santa Marta – This hotel is clean, modern, and centrally located. It isn’t luxurious or flashy but has everything you’d want in a super comfortable hotel at a steal of a deal (with breakfast included!). When I stayed here I couldn’t believe how large the rooms were! Oh, and they also have a small pool. Check availability and book online here!

La Brisa Loca – $

La Brisa Loca – This hostel is located right in the heart of Santa Marta city center. Featuring a large rooftop bar and patio as well as a swimming pool, this hostel is as glamorous as it gets for backpackers. They have various sizes of dorm rooms as well as flashy private rooms. You can book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Dreamer Hostel – $

Dreamer Hostel – This is the most popular place for backpackers to stay in Santa Marta and for that reason, it is almost always booked full! They have a beautiful courtyard with a large swimming pool that makes for a very social area to hang out. They also have a communal kitchen and a restaurant that serves the best Carbonara ever (trust me on that one!) You can book on Hostelworld or Booking.com.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey and Daniel sit on a beach in Tayrona National Park
Thanks for reading!

I truly hope this blog helps you have an amazing time in Santa Marta and grow to love this city as much as I do! Sure, it isn’t your typical tourist city, but there are still a ton of amazing things to do in Santa Marta and nearby!

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and I’ll get back to you! Also, once you’ve been to Santa Marta, let us know what you honestly thought of it!

Be sure to check out the rest of our Colombia travel blogs including some useful guides below:

Things to do in Guatape, Colombia

San Andres Island, Colombia

Things to do in Salento