20 Fun Things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia (that will make you love the city!)

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If you’re looking to plan your visit to Santa Marta, Colombia, and need some inspiration, then this blog is for you! Here’s information about 20 amazing things to do in Santa Marta along with other important tips for visiting such as where to stay and how to get there!

Before returning to Santa Marta, Colombia (my second visit in two years) I read a few blogs about the different things to do in Santa Marta. What I found was that all of these blogs were quite negative, saying there wasn’t much to do in Santa Marta and that it isn’t that nice of a city.

I 100% disagree with these bloggers.

In fact, Santa Marta is easily one of my favorite cities in all of Colombia! Sure, when you first arrive it might seem a little rough around the edges, but there is so much more to the city than what first meets the eye.

I’ve spent a total of 4 weeks in Santa Marta over the past two years and have come to really enjoy this city and the wide range of things to do and see. So, in this blog, I’m going to share with you all of the amazing things you can do in Santa Marta.

And, besides including the most popular day trips everyone recommends, I’ll also suggest some more off-the-beaten-path experiences that will make you see Santa Marta for what it truly is – a beautiful and vibrant Colombian city.

Santa Marta, Colombia Overview

Santa Marta, Colombia, is a coastal city located in Northern Colombia with a rich history. The city was and still is an important port city with heavy influence from abroad. A mix of Indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures combines to create one of the most interesting cities in Colombia – very similar to Cartagena.

The city was established in 1525 by the Spanish and is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. You can see this in the old cobblestone streets and architecture, which to this day has been well preserved in most areas of the city.

However, Santa Marta isn’t just a place to discover history. The surrounding beaches and landscape are beautiful, and it’s well-known as a tropical paradise. Discover hidden beaches or head up into the mountains – you have it all in Santa Marta.

Santa Marta is located around 3 hours east of Cartagena but arriving from most other cities requires a short domestic flight or long overnight bus. Both are inexpensive, but the flight is undoubtedly the better option (I’ve done both) – especially from Bogota or Medellin.

Regardless of what your first impression of Santa Marta is, give the city a go, and you’ll discover what many don’t!

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

Getting to/from 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, at 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.

Browse all the available buses on Busbud here!

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!

Book this easy shuttle from Cartagena to Santa Marta here!

20 Fun Things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia

1. Wander the Historical Center

Parque de Los Novios is the center of the action in Santa Marta. From here, you can explore cobblestone streets, colorful houses, boutique restaurants, and cafes, as well as see lots of street art.

It’s actually a very pretty place to explore for a few hours. During midday, the city is very quiet simply because it is very hot. If you want to see Santa Marta’s historical center at its most vibrant, come out after 5 pm and find a place to enjoy a meal or a drink on the street.

If you’d rather explore the Historical Center on an organized tour (and get tons of helpful tips from a local guide!), then this 2-hour bike tour through the center is a must-do. The guides are so full of life and have some really incredible stories that you might otherwise miss out on if you explore on your own.

As for the cycling, we found it not too challenging and especially appreciated that this tour begins at 5 pm. That means that you miss the heat of the early afternoon while also being in time for an epic sunset! Tickets for this tour are just $16 USD per person, which we think is amazing value.

Check out their fantastic reviews and book your space on this tour here!

2. Go Sailing

It isn’t just Cartagena that has amazing islands, beaches, and boat excursions. In fact, we have a whole list of amazing tours to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta. It’s a breathtaking place that’s super affordable too!

On a sailing trip from Santa Marta, you can visit beaches in Tayrona National Park, which are some of the most pristine in the country. You’ll also see islands, jungle landscapes, and mountains. The scenery is super impressive around Santa Marta and you really should enjoy it from out on the water.

We did this particular sailing tour that stopped at a couple of gorgeous beaches as well as visited the only island in Tayrona National Park. It includes lunch, snacks, and snorkel gear and only cost us $67 USD each! You’re definitely in capable hands with Luis on the tour.

Book this popular sailing tour to Tayrona here!

3. Enjoy the view at Restaurante Burukuka

If you want to have a drink or meal with a magnificent view then head to Restaurant Burukuka in Santa Marta. This restaurant sits up on a hill overlooking the ocean and beach in El Rodadero.

It is gorgeous, especially at sunset!

From Santa Marta, you can get a taxi up to the restaurant for about 15,000 COP ($3.75 USD). Once there, beers will cost you 10,000 COP ($2.50 USD), a bottle of cheap wine is 70,000 COP ($17 USD), and the average meal price is about 50,000 COP ($12.50 USD).

Sure, it isn’t the cheapest restaurant, but the view alone makes it worth a couple of extra bucks. We ate here and loved it. Daniel still won’t stop talking about the seafood pasta! It is popular though, so we recommend booking a table on the terrace in advance to secure your spot!

4. Conquer the Lost City Trek

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!

This 4-day guided hike 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.

You must visit the Lost City on a guided hiking experience like this one, there is no other way to go. The tour costs $650 USD, but that includes meals and accommodation at night. We picked this specific tour because it has 2,000+ 5-star reviews (read the reviews here!). It’s an incredible experience that’s unique to Colombia and departs right from Santa Marta!

You can book this highly-rated Lost City Trek here!

5. Chill out in the village of Taganga

Is the hustle and bustle of the city a bit too much for you? Head to the village of Taganga that’s only a 10-minute drive away!

Although Taganga isn’t super “nice” by most Western standards, this tiny fishing village is the perfect place to hang out for a few hours (or even stay a night or two!). The village is right on the beach and although the beach isn’t the most beautiful for swimming, the cactus-covered mountains surrounding the bay are stunning and unique.

There are popular places to eat in Taganga such as an Indian restaurant called Babagonush and heaps of trendy cafes and fresh fruit juice stands. You can get a whole fried fish for lunch at a beachside restaurant for as little as 15,000 COP ($3.75 USD) and beers for 3,500 COP ($0.87 USD). But our favorite is to head to the beach for Pina Coladas to watch the sunset!

You can catch a local bus or take a taxi to Tanganga. If you do take a taxi, ask your driver to stop at the viewpoint along the way – it’s beautiful!

6. Relax at Playa Grande

From the beach in Taganga, you can jump on a boat for only 10,000 COP ($2.50 USD) and visit a beautiful calm bay and beach called Playa Grande. The boat ride only takes 10 minutes.

Although a busy beach for locals (who are fun to hang out with) it is super pristine and calm for swimming. The water is bright blue and contrasts against the dry mountains in an odd, but beautiful, way.

There are lots of restaurants at Playa Grande as well as chairs to rent (5,000 COP/$1.25 USD), jet skis, and snorkel tours. We thoroughly enjoyed hanging out here one afternoon for a couple of hours.

You can also hike to Playa Grande from Taganga. It is a short 20-minute walk but very steep, and the occasional robbery has been reported on the trail – so the boat is your best bet!

For a unique experience from Santa Marta, you can join this guided E-bike and kayaking tour to Playa Grande. It begins with an electric bike ride to Taganga before kayaking to Playa Grande. It’s a 5-hour tour that’s perfect for active travelers. The tour also includes breakfast and lunch.

You can reserve your dates for this e-bike tour and select pay later here!

7. Go on a food tour

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!

Book our FAVORITE food tour in Santa Marta here!

8. Go scuba diving

If you want to go scuba diving while in Colombia, then Santa Marta is the place to do it! Not only are there a lot of great dive sites around, but diving in Santa Marta is relatively cheap when compared to other places around South America.

There are both shore dives and boat dives available and a selection of scuba companies to choose from. The crystal clear Caribbean waters are perfect for scuba diving and when visibility is good, you can see so much!

If you’ve never scuba-dived before you can do your PADI course here in Colombia and become a certified diver. If doing a course doesn’t sound right for you, there is also an option to do a “discovery dive” which allows you to scuba dive with no experience for the first time with an instructor!

One of the best companies in Santa Marta is Caribbean Pro Centro de Buceo which offers lots of dive courses and tours. I love scuba diving and highly recommend giving it a try.

9. Visit the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)

I’m not going to lie, I am not a huge museum fan. Especially in South America, where I’ve found many museums to be only in Spanish. However, in Santa Marta city center you’ll find the Museo del Oro, which is definitely worth a look!

This museum is in both English and Spanish, and it is free to visit!

Here you’ll find ancient artifacts and tons of information about the history and landscape surrounding Santa Marta. It only takes about 30 minutes to explore the museum and it’s one of the best free things to do in Santa Marta.

There’s also this city tour that includes a stop at the Museo del Oro, so if you’re short on time, it’s a great option that combines a lot of Santa Marta’s main attractions! This is a great tour to do when you first arrive so you can get a feel for Santa Marta and ask for your guide’s recommendations on what else to check out.

Visit the Museo del Oro and other great stops by booking this private guided tour!

10. Take a cooking class

The Caribbean food made in Santa Marta is delicious! Imagine a whole fried fish, coconut rice, and rich spices. The only bad part is leaving and not being able to bring the food with you.

That’s why one of the best things to do in Santa Marta is to learn how to cook Caribbean food for yourself and join a cooking class!

Cooking classes used to be very easy to book; however, recently, many of the tours have closed for good. Although I can no longer recommend the tour I did, be sure to keep this in mind during your visit and ask your hotel for recommendations.

11. Explore Rodadero Beach

The area of El Rodadero is really nice. It is a neighborhood only a 10-minute drive from Santa Marta city center and features lots of hotels, highrise apartments, restaurants, and a massive beach!

To me, El Rodadero is even a great area to base yourself and find a hotel. It is a safer area than centro and as such, a lot of wealthier people live here.

You can head to the beach during the day or late afternoon for sunrise. There will be tons of street food around (the pineapple pizza is delicious) and people selling drinks on the beach. It is a vibrant and fun place to hang out for a few hours.

I’ll warn you that Rodadero Beach is pretty busy with lots of vendors trying to sell things. It isn’t the place to go to relax, but it sure is vibrant and fun!

12. Take the boat to Playa Blanca

From Rodadero Beach you can jump on a boat for 12,000 COP ($3 USD) return that takes you to a very popular beach called Playa Blanca.

This beach is famous for its calm water and white sand. Although it can be busy, it is a very beautiful and easily accessible spot popular with tourists and locals alike!

The best thing to do here is to grab a shaded tent and enjoy some drinks and food while you relax!

13. Visit the Simon Bolivar Museum (Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino)

This is the most famous museum in Santa Marta simply because Simon Bolivar, the man who led Colombia and many other Latin American countries to independence from the Spanish empire, actually died in the building.

Today, this building is a contemporary art museum that is a tribute to Simon Bolivar.

The museum is located about a 15-minute drive from the city center in a complex called Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. It is actually located quite close to the popular Dreamer Hostel (where most backpackers spend a night or two).

Entrance to the museum is included in the entrance fee to the complex and is 23,000 COP (around $6 USD) for adult foreigners. This is well worth a look if you love history and want to visit the end place of the most famous man in South America.

14. Watch the sunset at “Sunset Bar”

Right in between the beach and the marina in Santa Marta center, you’ll find a trendy bar called Los 7 Mares Santa Marta. It is an elevated bar that definitely offers some incredible views at sunset.

We actually visited this place on two separate occasions and really enjoyed their ice-cold beer and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a comfortable bar that also serves tasty food – especially fresh seafood!

15. Visit Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most famous attractions, and for good reason as it is absolutely incredible! I recommend spending a night in the park, just leave your luggage at your hotel in Santa Marta and bring only the essentials.

There is a local bus from Calle 11 and Carerra 11 in Santa Marta city center, which goes directly to Tayrona National Park. From here, you can hike in and spend the night at one of the campsites or choose to stay at a hotel near the entrance. If you plan on spending a night or two, be sure to check out our blog about where to stay in Tayrona National Park.

If you are short on time and can’t stay the night in Tayrona National Park, consider booking an organized day trip. One of the best tours we’ve found is 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. It includes a 2-hour guided hike, time on the beach, and the hike back. It starts at $170 USD each for 4 people but is cheaper for larger groups.

If four hours of hiking isn’t your style, then this boat tour is the way to go! Instead of trekking through the park by land, you’ll see the beautiful bays of Tayrona from the water. It’s a full-day tour with plenty of time exploring the coast, snorkeling, sunbathing on beautiful beaches, and lunch by the sea. It sounds like the perfect vacation experience to me! Tickets are only $93 USD and tend to sell out.

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.

Book this private hiking tour to Tayrona or opt for this leisurely boat tour to see the bays of Tayrona!

16. Eat fresh seafood

Coming from Cartagena to Santa Marta, I immediately noticed how that seafood is much cheaper here. So, I took advantage of this and tried some seafood restaurants. The seafood in this city is fresh, high quality, and prepared perfectly.

I found two restaurants (both in slightly different areas) that were incredible:

LamArt – Right smack in the middle of the city, this family-run restaurant produces gourmet-style dishes that will not disappoint. The pasta is homemade and the seafood is all prepared to perfection (my salmon was delicious!). The restaurant offers some outdoor seating on the walkway where there is lively street music and performers on the weekends.

Restaurante Karey – Located at El Rodadero which has a beach view, this place has all the seafood you could imagine at a reasonable price (and 2-for-1 cocktails from 6 pm!). The portions are huge and the menu has everything you could imagine to choose from. I recommend the Kerry Style Shrimp which was incredible. Expect to pay around 50,000 COP ($12 USD) for a main and the 2-for-1 cocktails are only COP 25,000 COP ($6 USD).

17. Go Shopping

There is some great shopping in Santa Marta (and by “great” I mean cheap!). There are food markets that are perfect for buying fresh, local ingredients to cook with. Or, if you are in need of some new clothing or trinkets, you’ll find a market for that too!

While in Santa Marta, Daniel and I both bought new pairs of sunnies, Daniel got some great shorts, and I got a pair of shoes! It definitely was a successful shopping trip.

If you want cheap clothing, head to Carrera 5 in the city center. If you want a more traditional market, head to “Mercado Publico de Santa Marta.”

18. Visit Minca

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, take tours from Minca to 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!

But this last time I visited, I actually spent 2 nights in Minca. While a day trip is good if you’re short on time, if you can spare a night or two, I highly recommend booking the beautiful hostel/hotel called Casas Viajes as they have the most incredible infinity pool with mountain views right in the jungle – amazing!

You can either jump on a shared shuttle to Minca (check out the shuttles available on Bookaway here), take a taxi, or use this private shuttle. Personally, we used the private shuttle service since it was affordable (only $42 USD for the two of us) and reliable.

While there, check out our list of the best things to do in Minca!

Book this day trip to Minca if you’re short on time, or take this private shuttle and spend a few days!

19. Drink great coffee

It’s no secret that Colombia is known for its coffee and drinking a cup of coffee here is easily one of the best things to do in Santa Marta.

One of the best little coffee shops we found in Santa Marta is Vívolo Café. They make a great flat white and cappuccinos for under $2 USD! But what we really love is their coffee-tasting workshops! It’s a great way to try a variety of coffee and hear some of the history behind the brews. There’s indoor and outdoor seating here and free WiFi if you’re working on the go like we often are.

We also recommend Ikaro Cafe for excellent coffee. It was so hot the last time we were here, I wanted something cold! The cold brews are great and the orange-infused espresso was super refreshing. They also make amazing food if you’re hungry too!

If you do want to go right to the coffee bean, you’ll have to head to the hills around Minca. This full-day tour includes a hike to a coffee farm where you’ll learn all about the bean-to-cup process. There are also bonus stops at a waterfall and a cocoa farm where you’ll make a chocolate bar.

Trying Colombian coffee is not only one of the best things to do in Santa Marta, but also in all of Colombia!

You can read their glowing reviews and book this full-day tour here!

Related Read: For another great coffee experience, the coffee tour we went on was one of the best tours in Cartagena!

20. Relax at Playa Cristal

Of course, this list of things to do in Santa Marta has to finish off with another amazing beach! Playa Cristal is one of the best in the area and is easily reached by boat from Santa Marta!

This beach is much less built-up than the others and therefore is the perfect place to relax on the white sand between dips in the calm sea. In fact, many consider Playa Cristal one of the best beaches in all of Colombia!

The number of visitors is limited each day to ensure the beach is never too crowded. My recommendation is to join this boat tour that includes transport to Cristal Beach along with other gorgeous (and more remote) beaches in the area.

You’ll have time to snorkel, lay on the sand, and enjoy a scenic boat ride, and lunch with a view of the sea!

This boat tour is popular! Don’t forget to reserve your dates ahead of time here.

Where to Stay in Santa Marta, Colombia

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!

Low Budget – Backpacker Hostels

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 – 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.

Mid-Range

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!

Luxury

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.

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