2025 Santa Marta Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

Name of place: Minca in Colombia 🇨🇴 What’s special ✨: It’s most famous for coffee ☕️, like the rest of Colombia. There are plenty of coffee farms and coffee shops everywhere and even if you randomly go to one, you won’t be disappointed by at least the fragrance of the coffee. Colombian coffee tastes a bit sour without adding anything but those who know coffee say that’s the good taste of coffee (I’m no expert but I like it anyway). Mountain 🏔️ walk: you can motobike driver to take you up the mountain, otherwise it’s almost impossible to walk there and the roads are too narrow for cars. Very fun and exciting ride! #colombia #Minca #coffee #mountain

Officially “Touristic, Cultural and Historic District of Santa Marta” is a city on the coast of the Caribbean Sea in the northern Colombia. Santa Marta is full of many excellent restaurants, as well as very close beaches and waterfalls!

Dancing and swimming with dolphins in the gorgeous untouched beaches of Santa Marta in Colombia, who would’ve thought that this place was so magical. #dancingdolphins #ctripmagical #awesomepic

Tayrona National Park, in northern Colombia, is known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, rainforest and amazing beaches along the Carribbean coast.

Taganga-Colombia is where the Mountains meet the sea so certainly it has waterfalls! Located in a small fishing village not to far from Santa Marta. You can get a cab from Santa Marta and it is not very expensive, you can also take a bus. The trip is less than 20 minutes. #happynewyear #happynewyear

Taganga-Colombia is located not to far from Santa Marta which is famous for The Big Hammock at the local hostel. But this local fishing village is popular with backpackers because the Mountains literally run into the sea. It is gorgeous. Do take proper safety precautions and it is generally best to travel with friends. #happynewyear #happynewyear

Traveling is about new experiences. Casa Elemento/ Minca- Colombia//// has one of the largest hammocks in the world! It is found on the way to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The name of the hostel is Casa Elemnto and the Hammock has made it quite a famous spot to stay. #happynewyear #happynewyear

Tayrona Beach in Tayrona National Park is a hidden gem I’m so glad I found. I actually camped right by the beach, which was such a cool experience. The hike to get there was a bit tough, but the beach was totally worth it—clear water, soft sand, and surrounded by mountains. It was so peaceful, with just the sound of waves and birds. It gets pretty hot, so make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfy shoes for the hike. There aren't many places to stay, so I recommend booking ahead. The best part for me was waking up to the ocean right there—super relaxing and quiet. I really loved the whole vibe there. If you're looking for a chill spot with stunning views and a real connection to nature, this beach is perfect. #beachtime #colombia

1. Introduction to scenery Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in Colombia, has stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The white sandy beach and the blue sea reflect each other under the sunlight, forming a picturesque seaside scenery. The majestic Santa Marta Mountains stand tall, with their mist-shrouded peaks seeming to connect to the sky, adding a majestic and mysterious backdrop to the city. 2. Travel strategy It is recommended to visit for 2-3 days. On the first day, we headed to Tayrona National Park, where we traveled between ancient ruins and lush tropical rainforests, feeling the blend of history and nature. The tour lasted about 4-5 hours. On the second day, go to the old town of Santa Marta, stroll among the colorful colonial buildings, and appreciate the unique historical charm. It will take about 3 hours, and then you can go to the seaside to enjoy leisure time. You can also take a boat trip around Roda Island to experience the island style. 3. Accommodation guide Seaside resort: The location is excellent, with direct access to the beach. It has luxurious facilities, including swimming pools, private beaches, etc. The price per night is about USD150-300. Old Town Inn: full of colonial style, surrounded by many delicious food, convenient for travel, the price is about USD50-100 per night, you can choose the right accommodation according to your personal preferences and budget to start your trip to Santa Marta.

1. Travel Time and Duration Santa Marta has a warm climate all year round, making it suitable for travel. However, avoiding the rainy season (May to November) can make your trip smoother. It is recommended to spend 2 to 3 days to fully appreciate its diverse charm. 2. Travel Order and Itinerary Day 1: Nature Exploration Tour Morning: After arriving in Santa Marta, head to Tayrona National Park. Here you will find ancient Indian ruins and rich tropical rainforest resources. Take a hike to experience the wonders of nature and the weight of history. The tour takes about 3 to 4 hours. Afternoon: Head to Rodadero Beach and take a boat tour around the island. Enjoy the clear waters and white sandy beaches of the Caribbean Sea. You can also go snorkeling to get close to the underwater world. The tour takes about 3 hours. Day 2: Cultural Experience Morning: Explore the old town of Santa Marta. Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the colorful colonial buildings. Visit historical sites such as the Simon Bolivar House. The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours. Afternoon: Relax on the beaches of Santa Marta. Soak up the sun and enjoy local seafood delicacies. Enjoy a leisurely time by the sea and end your pleasant trip to Santa Marta.

The azure Caribbean Sea and golden beaches embrace each other here, with fine sand grains sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. Waves roll in, kissing the shore and playing a joyful ocean symphony. The majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta stands nearby, its peaks shrouded in mist, and the lush vegetation on the mountains adds a touch of deep green and mystery to the land. The ancient city exudes a historical charm, with colonial-era buildings witnessing the passage of time, colorful houses scattered in an orderly manner, and narrow streets seemingly telling stories of the past. Tayrona National Park is just a stone's throw away, boasting rich biodiversity, exotic tropical plants, and lively wildlife, inviting visitors to linger in the primitive and enchanting natural landscape. Santa Marta, with its coastal charm, majestic mountains, and historical culture, is endlessly captivating.

Beautiful sunset in Santa Marta

#beachlife If you are into laid back vibes and backpacker destinations. Then, just like me, you are very likely to overstay your time in Santa Marta. It's a beautiful colonial city surrounded by lovely beaches, architecture and nature attractions. I like that it offers an authentic south american beach experience along with city comforts. There are museums, markets, and an excellent dance scene for those who enjoy letting it lose. For many people this alone is enough to spend all their holiday time. But the beaches in town are worthy of your time too. El Rodadero is the place to be for beach parties, and the shore of nearby Taganga is a Caribbean paradise. Tayrona National Park is a must visit when in Santa Marta. Exquisite and truly wild, the park opens its door to South American beach experiences that you can brag about. The clear water, lush hills, and a feeling of being one with nature around you. Some of the most scenic beaches, like Playa Brava, require a bit of hiking to access, but hey nothing good comes your way with no effort. And that hike can be rewarding as very few are likely to. So no chance of crowd! #beachlife #colombia #cartel #paradise

Wave goodbye to the mundane and hello to paradise at the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida! 🌊 Nestled on the Colombian coast, this resort is a slice of heaven with its brand-spanking-new facilities and a breakfast buffet that'll make you wanna wake up at dawn. 🍳 From the moment you step in, the friendly staff will make you feel like royalty. 🤵💼 And the rooms? Talk about living large with top-notch cleanliness and amenities that ensure a stay as comfy as your favorite pajamas. 🛌✨ But wait, there's more! The food is nothing short of a culinary fiesta, with flavors that'll dance on your taste buds. 🍽️💃 Just a little heads up for my fellow cocktail lovers – you might want to stick to the mocktails, as the boozy ones are a tad light on the spirits for the price. 🍸 (But hey, more room for dessert, right?) Would I go back? In a heartbeat! 🏖️ Find your own piece of paradise at Bello Horizonte, Cra. 3 #142-60, Santa Marta, Magdalena. #SantaMarta #SantaMartaHotel #SantaMartaTravel

Hey, globetrotters! 🧳✈️ Ready for your next sun-kissed adventure? Let's talk about the Irotama Resort in Santa Marta, Colombia. Here's the lowdown on this tropical retreat: 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for families, Irotama is a haven of fun under the sun. With spacious rooms, your tribe has plenty of space to sprawl out after a day of beachy bliss. 🏖️ ✨ Cleanliness is next to godliness, and this place shines! The resort ensures a spotless environment, so you can kick back without a worry. 🧹 🍹 From sipping cocktails by the pool to enjoying the local cuisine, your taste buds are in for a treat. The dining experience? Chef's kiss! 🍽️ 💰 You won't have to break the bank for a slice of paradise. Irotama offers great value for your hard-earned cash. More fun, less fretting over finances! 💸 📍 Nestled on Bello Horizonte beach, the resort is a stone's throw from the soothing waves. The address is Km 14 via a Cienaga, Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta, so you can map out your escape to this coastal utopia. 🌅 Ready to bask in the beauty of Irotama Resort? 🏝️ #SantaMarta #SantaMartaHotel #SantaMartaTravel

Wave goodbye to the mundane and hello to paradise at the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida! 🌊 Nestled on the Colombian coast, this resort is a slice of heaven with its brand-spanking-new facilities and a breakfast buffet that'll make you wanna wake up at dawn. 🍳 From the moment you step in, the friendly staff will make you feel like royalty. 🤵💼 And the rooms? Talk about living large with top-notch cleanliness and amenities that ensure a stay as comfy as your favorite pajamas. 🛌✨ But wait, there's more! The food is nothing short of a culinary fiesta, with flavors that'll dance on your taste buds. 🍽️💃 Just a little heads up for my fellow cocktail lovers – you might want to stick to the mocktails, as the boozy ones are a tad light on the spirits for the price. 🍸 (But hey, more room for dessert, right?) Would I go back? In a heartbeat! 🏖️ Find your own piece of paradise at Bello Horizonte, Cra. 3 #142-60, Santa Marta, Magdalena. #SantaMarta #SantaMartaHotel #SantaMartaTravel

Santa Marta is such a beautiful city. Santa Marta is adorned with captivating coastal vistas, where azure waves gently caress golden shores, and lush, emerald-green mountains cradle the city, creating a picturesque harmony that captivates the senses and invites one to bask in the natural beauty that defines this enchanting Colombian destination. I love here!#falltrip #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay

Cabo San Juan is one of the many beautiful beaches in Tayrona National Park, Colombia. In order to reach Cabo, you need to first get a bus to the park entrance and then trek around 2 hours through jungle and beaches. It’s not a difficult trek and there are various stops along the way if you want to buy water etc. There are various options for accommodation including hammocks, tents and cabins - or you can just visit for the day 😊 It’s one of the most beautiful beaches i’ve seen anywhere in the world so if you’re in or around Santa Marta, be sure to check it out! #travel #2023travelwish #beachlife

Sunsets and Sunrises

Located in the northern region of Colombia, the Tayrona National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting this beautiful country. The park is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, including monkeys, parrots, and other tropical animals. One of the highlights of the park is its magical sunsets, which light up the sky in brilliant shades of pink, orange, and gold. It's the perfect place to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 🌴☀🌊 El Parque Nacional Tayrona is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. 🌿🌺🌳 📍 Location: Magdalena, Colombia 🇨🇴 🌟Highlights: Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sea and mountains 🌅 Taste the delicious seafood and tropical fruits 🍤🍍 Connect with the indigenous tribes and learn about their culture 🌺👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 ⭐ Rating: is highly recommended, with a rating of 5 out of 5 Don't miss out on this magical place! 💫🌟🤩 #Tayrona #Colombia #NatureLovers #SeaAndMountains #TravelGoals #IndigenousCulture #Foodies #SunsetLovers #Paradise #ConnectWithNature

El Rodadero is a place that you can’t miss if you are in the city of Santa Marta. You can enjoy the beach at Rodadero on a weekday which is less crowded. On weekends is very crowded and lots of vendors so I would recommend intead to select a restaurant with a nice view and enjoy a good meal with a panoramic view of the Rodadero instead. The water is clean and calm so it is a safe place for kids to swim. Do not accept massages or services of vendors on the beach, just tell them "No Thank you" and don’t pay attention as they could be very annoying . #createwithtrip #santamarta #colombia #elrodadero

Getting There - paradise in Costeño beach Attractions - relax chill Hotels - Costeño Beach Food & Restaurants - 2 restaurants grill BBq and maki Shopping - surf store

Cocoa Farm Tour, Santa Marta, Colombia. So very interesting. If you like chocolate or even if you do not, this is a great tour. The views are breathtaking but the history and information about how cocoa is harvested is fascinating as well. A full tour cost 10,000 COP and lasts ,2 hours. #happynewyear #happynewyear