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Planning a three-day getaway in Santa Marta, Colombia? You’re in the right place!
Santa Marta is a colorful gem on the Caribbean coast and is everything you’d expect from a tropical escape. From golden sand beaches and turquoise waters to tempting culinary delights and historic landmarks, this city keeps you on your feet day and night.
There’s plenty to explore, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to see it all. To help you make the most of your short trip, we’ve crafted this fun 3-day itinerary so you can treasure every moment without feeling rushed.
Ready to plan the perfect adventure? Let’s explore Santa Marta!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Santa Marta was this sailing trip to Tayrona National Park! The park is a must-visit while in Santa Marta, and taking the day to enjoy the blue water and stunning beaches is even better.
Itinerary Overview
This itinerary balances city exploration and outdoor adventure for a fulfilling three days. Plan on spending some time on the beach, in the mountains, and seeing historic sights – perfect for all types of travelers!
Santa Marta is really easy to explore on foot, making it simple to get around town. If walking is out of the question, especially when heading to more remote corners of the city, Uber or taxis are easily available – just make sure they are authorized. The public buses are also cheap and efficient, and guided tours are a great option for day trips.
And a quick note on safety: while Santa Marta is safe overall, you need to use caution after dark. Stay in well-lit, tourist-friendly areas, and don’t flash valuables or walk down any shady alleyways after dark. In short, don’t draw attention to yourself, or, as the locals say, “No des papaya,” which literally translates to “not to give someone papaya” (don’t make yourself an easy target).
Let’s take a quick look at your trip. We’ve mapped everything out so you don’t miss a thing!
Day 1: Get ready to eat your way through Santa Marta’s local diners on this fantastic food tour. In the afternoon, explore museums, colorful architecture, and the gorgeous beaches, then finish the day with dinner at Ouzo Santa Marta restaurant.
Day 2: Sail away on a full-day tour to Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta’s most cherished treasure. Enjoy fresh seafood at La Muzzería, and reserve the evening for a relaxing stroll through the historic city center.
Day 3: Chase waterfalls, enjoy a coffee tour, and enjoy the mountains on this full-day trip to Minca. Finish the day with dinner and time in the historic city for local desserts or just soak in the lively energy.
Day 1
Morning – Taste your way through Santa Marta
Whenever there’s a food tour, our names are on the list. And not just for the food, but because we get to visit authentic local spots, avoid the tourist traps, and learn about the history and culture behind the food. With that in mind, the best way to start your Santa Marta adventure is with this fun 3–4 hour food tour through its historic city center and beyond, sampling Colombian Costeño food as you move from one restaurant to the next.
You’ll meet your small group at 9 am in front of the charming San Francisco Church in Saint Francis Square. From there, the first stop is a family-owned restaurant where you’ll be truly spoiled with local flavors.
At the next diner, watch as a local cook prepares a classic dish from Colombia’s Caribbean coast: arepa de huevo. Along the way, you’ll enjoy delicious Caribbean patacones with a special Santa Marta twist! But you can’t say you’ve tasted Colombia if you don’t try their coffee, which is why your next location is a local cafe serving the best organic Colombian coffee in town.
This culinary tour isn’t all about food! While it highlights authentic Colombian flavors, you also have the chance to visit some of the city’s most vibrant spots. Nothing beats a stroll along the urban waterfront of Bahía de Santa Marta or exploring the bustling Mercado Público de Santa Marta, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere.
Along the way, stop by Saint Francis Square and admire the historic Catedral de Santa Marta. It’s a lot of walking, so don’t forget to bring your comfortable walking shoes!
Book your Santa Marta food tour today and taste the city’s best flavors!
Afternoon – Explore Santa Marta or Playa El Rodadero
We savored every second of our food tour, but it didn’t hit every sight, so you can use the rest of the afternoon to explore Santa Marta on your own, as we did. Alternatively, if you feel that you’ve explored every corner of the city, you can head to Playa El Rodadero and spend a laid-back afternoon at the beach.
Santa Marta
If you decide to stay in Santa Marta, head to Parque de Los Novios, the center of the action. From here, you can explore cobblestone streets, colorful houses, boutique restaurants, and cafes, and discover the secrets behind the street art.
Once you’ve explored the city center, make your way to Malecón de Bastidas, a scenic promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and stores. While you’re enjoying the scenery, you can check out the nearby beaches, including Playa del Centro and Playa de la Bahía (Santa Marta Bay).
Next up, check out Museo del Oro Tayrona. While it’s called the gold museum, there is more to it than just gold. It also focuses on the lives, histories, and artifacts of indigenous people, and it’s free to enter.
One of our favorite highlights was the Old Town architecture. If you didn’t get to see enough during your food tour, the Old Town is filled with colorful, colonial-style buildings. We loved simply wandering around and taking in the sights. It truly is the best way to experience it.
Another refreshing stop was Playa El Rodadero, just a 15-minute taxi ride from Santa Marta. This area is super popular with tourists thanks to its abundance of palm trees and white sandy beach! You can easily spend a few hours lounging in the sand and enjoying refreshing dips in the ocean, or explore the area. The area is very walkable, and there are many shops nearby.
We had drinks with a stunning 180-degree view of the beach at BK – Burkukuka Restaurante, if you feel like staying in this area a bit longer. Or you can move on to another one of our favorite sunset drink spots, back in Santa Marta.
Sunset – Grab drinks at Siete Mares Santa Marta
The golden hour in Santa Marta is nothing short of spectacular. In search of the perfect spot for drinks with sunset views, we came across Siete Mares Santa Marta, also known as the “sunset bar”. This might not be the all-around greatest restaurant in town, but it takes al-fresco dining to a whole new level with sun-soaked views over the marina.
The restaurant offers the perfect combination of seafood specialties, chill DJ sessions, a relaxed atmosphere, and sunset cocktails. To keep it authentic, go for their signature Margarita 7 Mares, or opt for a sangria loaded with fresh fruit. As it’s a popular spot, we recommend making a reservation in advance to ensure you get a great table.
Dinner – Ouzo Santa Marta
After sunset and a few delicious aperitivos, head to this top-rated restaurant near Parque de los Nievos. We love Ouzo Santa Marta for its delicious mix of Mediterranean flavors, especially Greek cuisine with local influences and wood-fired pizza.
Ouzo, named after the classic Greek drink, draws on Greek-inspired flavors from its Michelin-starred chef, making each dish a taste of the Mediterranean.
As far as food goes, we couldn’t get enough of the fried calamari mango appetizer. The roasted lamb with orzo is another fantastic choice, and the beef fillet with red wine and corozo sauce, served with papas criollas (yellow, small potatoes), is second to none. Oh, and let’s not forget the famous brick-oven pizza! You might have to come back here another time to try it all (we certainly did!).
Day 2
Breakfast – Ikaro Cafe
Ikaro Cafe is hands down one of our favorite cafes in Santa Marta. Plus, it’s just an 8-minute walk to the starting point for the tour (Santa Marta Marina), so head here for excellent Colombian coffee and breakfast. Despite its central location, the cafe has a calm energy, so mornings here never feel rushed.
The boho-chic decor is complemented by a simple yet delicious menu that offers vegan and vegetarian options, including homemade vegan ice cream. Go for the flavorful shakshouka, the Swiss breakfast with granola, or the pancakes with caramelized pecans if you have a sweet tooth.
Portions here are generous, so don’t forget to save some room for a fresh brew of Colombian coffee. The cafe opens at 8 am every day. Head there an hour or two before your tour starts so you can enjoy breakfast and chill before the full-day adventure.
Full day – Sail to Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is one of Santa Marta and Colombia’s top attractions, and while there are several ways to see it, this all-inclusive 6-hour sailing tour is one of the best options we’ve found. We had plenty of time to lie on the beach, snorkel, swim, and feast on delicious fish; it was absolutely unforgettable!
The tour begins at 10:30 or 11 am at Marina Santa Marta and ends around 5 pm at the same meeting point. Once we boarded the vessel, a 17-meter (56-foot) yacht named Artivela, we were warmly welcomed by Captain Luis and his friendly crew, whom we got to know throughout the day!
We sailed for about 1.5 hours, but the ride felt much shorter since we tried fishing (though we didn’t catch anything) and stopped for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. There were so many colorful fish, it was unbelievable!
Once we arrived at Bahia Concha in Tayrona National Park, we had a few hours to explore on our own. The tour provided our entrance tickets, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, and lunch, and we swam, napped on the boat, and explored the beach. It was honestly one of the best parts of the entire trip!
As you sail away again, you can just gaze at the horizon and admire the stunning bays of Taganga and Garnet, and Isla Aguja. Cold drinks and beer are available all day—yay!
It’s important to note that Tayrona National Park has seasonal closures during February, June, and October. The tour will still set sail, but you won’t be able to visit the park – so check your travel dates to avoid any disappointment.
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book our favorite tour here!
Related Read: Interested in more tours to the national park? We’ve rounded up the 5 Best Tayrona National Park tours from Santa Marta so you can find the right fit for your travel style!
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.
Dinner – La Muzzería
After a long day exploring Tayrona National Park, we were ready to refuel in La Muzzeria, a cozy, family-friendly restaurant in the historic center. Our advice to you is to loosen your belt, because you’re about to indulge in some of the most delicious food in town.
This is a relaxed, colorful, and inviting spot in the historic city, serving everything from traditional Colombian specialties, pasta, and pizza. We recommend their signature dish, Kokiya de Cayeye, made of mashed plantains—yummy!
This small restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. We’ve learned the hard way that it’s best to make a reservation in advance so you don’t miss out!
Evening – Stroll through the historic center
The historic city center is full of lively nightlife, but after such a long day, we couldn’t really face hitting the bars! Fortunately, the promenade is ideal for a romantic evening walk, so if you’re feeling too tired for a proper night out, head here for a stroll instead.
If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, we recommend heading to one of the rooftop bars in the center. Refreshing cocktails with panoramic views of the marina and the city below is one way to end your evening on a high note. Just don’t get too carried away, because we’ve got another busy day planned tomorrow!
Day 3
Full day – Take a day trip to Minca
When we saw this fantastic full-day excursion to Minca, we instantly felt it calling our names. Minca is only a 35-minute ride from Santa Marta, but it feels like another world with its lush tropical forests, refreshing waterfalls, and coffee and cacao plantations. It’s the perfect jungle retreat deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Getting to experience all of this in one day, we felt really lucky!
The tour starts between 8:30 and 9:30 am in Santa Marta, where you will be picked up by your guide or taxi driver and brought back by 4:30 pm. This leaves you plenty of time to enjoy your evening back in the city.
Driving past some spectacular landscapes, we knew we weren’t wrong to book this tour! We hiked through unspoiled nature, trying to spot toucans, parrots, and local plants. We heard fascinating stories about Minca’s history and the magic behind its coffee from our guide, Tony, who taught us a great deal about this charming village.
After the hike, we stopped at the Oído del Mundo, or “Ear of the World,” waterfall for a refreshing dip – this place is like a little piece of heaven, we didn’t want to leave! Back in town, we were greeted with a traditional Colombian lunch and learned about cacao, tasted local products, and even made our own chocolate truffle to eat right away.
Overall, if you’re looking for an epic day trip that blends nature, food, and adventure, this Minca excursion is your best bet. And judging by the hundreds of five-star reviews, we’re definitely not the only ones who think so!
Don’t miss out—reserve your epic Minca day trip here!
Dinner – Guaismo
You’ll have about two hours after getting back from your tour to heading out for dinner. I recommend using this time to rest and refresh – it’s been a busy three days!
Guasimo is a well-loved restaurant in the heart of the historic center. It’s vibrant and colorful, and the food is just as creative as the atmosphere. It made for a really fun last night dinner!
A lot of the menu is tapas-style, so order a few plates and share – that means you can taste more too. We loved the ceviche, arepas, and the coconut rice with seafood. I’d recommend making a reservation in advance, and you can book it for 6 pm or later.
Evening – Your Choice!
It’s your last night in Santa Marta! If you’re anything like us and want to make your final toast count, we recommend a cold beer at Surf Monkey, although just a heads up, it’s closed on Tuesdays.
If you’re lucky, you might get to sing your heart out at a karaoke or chill to live music on Saturday nights. We ended up getting way too competitive over some of the bar games! All in all, it’s a fantastic way to wrap up your last evening in the city.
For those in the mood for something cool and refreshing, a relaxing stroll through the historic center with a stop at Gnam Gelato Italiano is a must! With a wide range of flavors to choose from, the Maracumango and Macadamia are not to be missed-they’re so yummy! It’s the sweetest, most delicious way to end your epic 3-day Santa Marta adventure.
Related Read: Looking for a few more ways to fill your itinerary? Here is a list of the best things to do in Santa Marta, including top sights and a few hidden gems
Where to Stay in Santa Marta
Now that you’ve planned your Santa Marta adventure, it’s time to find your home base! If this is your first time here, we strongly recommend staying in the historic city center. It’s the safest area, and staying here means you’ll have tons of great tours and restaurants right on your doorstep.
We know it can take hours to find the perfect hotel, which is why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and searched through all of the best options. Below, you’ll find our top picks for every budget. They’re all located in the historic center, so whichever one you choose, exploring the city will be a total breeze!
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe offers a relaxed five-star experience right in the heart of Santa Marta. Once a 16th-century convent, today Don Pepe is the perfect tropical escape, whether you’re here on a honeymoon or a beach getaway.
The rooms are spacious, and the comfortable beds make for a great night’s rest. We love the à la carte breakfast and stunning outdoor pool; there’s even an art gallery! Expect to pay around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay online here!
Mid-range – $$
You’ll find numerous mid-range hotels in the area, but we think that Hotel Boutique Maree offers the best balance of luxury and great value for money. Just a stone’s throw from Lipe Beach and Santa Marta Cathedral, this lovely boutique hotel is an ideal choice for travelers who don’t mind getting spoiled.
After a full-day tour, cool down at the rooftop pool and bar area or relax in the hot tub. Here you can get a good night’s rest thanks to the enormous, comfortable beds and spacious rooms, most of which overlook the tranquil garden.
An overnight stay here starts at around $150 USD, and you can reserve your room on Booking.com.
Budget – $
One of our favorite budget-friendly hotels is AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta. Just a short walk from Bahía de Santa Marta Beach and Santa Marta Marina, this bright and modern hotel instantly feels welcoming.
The rooftop pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a full day of exploring, while the gym and free bicycle rentals are great news for those who like to stay active on vacation. Meanwhile, the coffee shop has lots of tempting, freshly-baked pastries on offer, so you won’t have to venture far for breakfast.
At around $100 USD a night, this is possibly the best value you’ll find in the historic center. Check availability for your dates here!
Looking for a few more options? See all of the hotels available in Santa Marta here!
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Thanks for reading!
Santa Marta truly stole our hearts, and we are looking forward to the day we can return! It’s the perfect mix of city, beach, and nature right at your fingertips, paired with history and some of that Colombian charm we can’t get enough of. This three-day itinerary highlights the best of Santa Marta, so follow along, and I know you’ll love it as much as we did.
Need help planning the rest of your trip? See all of our South America blogs! We have traveled extensively across this continent and love helping fellow travelers plan a great getaway. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
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