This Santa Marta travel guide shares the best things to do in Santa Marta.
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Recommended Tours in Santa Marta:
Hike for 4 days to the Lost City, Santa Marta: https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Marta/Walk-for-4-days-to-Ciudad-Perdida-Santa-Marta/d4520-158442P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-SantaMarta
Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team:https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Marta/Sailing-to-Tayrona-with-Luis-Unique/d4520-173175P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-SantaMarta
MINCA TOUR – Explore waterfalls and discover the origin of coffee and cocoa: https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Marta/Minca-Coffee-and-Cocoa/d4520-196065P10?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-SantaMarta
2-Day Coastal Motorcycle Tour: https://www.viator.com/tours/Santa-Marta/2-Day-Coastal-Motorcycle-Tour/d4520-66846P2?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-SantaMarta
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Welcome to Santa Marta, Colombia, a historic coastal city where the Caribbean meets the Sierra Nevada mountains. Known for its beaches, colonial charm, and gateway access to Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta, Colombia is one of the country’s top destinations for both relaxation and adventure.
Start your visit in the city’s historic center, the oldest in Colombia. Walk through narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, cafés, and small shops. The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta is one of the oldest churches in South America and is believed to hold the remains of Rodrigo de Bastidas, the city’s founder. Around Parque de los Novios (Lovers’ Park), you’ll find lively restaurants and bars where locals and travelers gather in the evenings.
Santa Marta, Colombia is also home to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a peaceful estate surrounded by gardens and mango trees. This is where Simón Bolívar, the liberator of South America, spent his final days. Today, the site serves as a museum dedicated to his life and the history of Colombia’s independence.
For beach lovers, Santa Marta offers easy access to some of the most beautiful coastal spots in the country. El Rodadero Beach is the most popular urban beach, filled with restaurants, hotels, and water sports. For a quieter experience, head to Taganga, a fishing village just a few minutes away. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent diving schools that offer trips to coral reefs nearby.
The highlight of the region is Tayrona National Park, located about an hour from Santa Marta, Colombia. This protected area combines jungle, mountains, and beaches, making it one of the most scenic places in South America. Hike through tropical forests to reach beaches like Cabo San Juan, where palm trees meet turquoise waters. Along the trails, you might spot monkeys, tropical birds, and other wildlife.
Beyond Tayrona, you can visit the indigenous village of Minca, set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This small mountain town is known for its coffee farms, waterfalls, and cool climate — a refreshing escape from the coast.
Food in Santa Marta, Colombia reflects its coastal setting. Fresh seafood dishes like ceviche, fried fish with coconut rice, and patacones (fried plantains) are local favorites. Street vendors also sell arepas, empanadas, and tropical fruits like mango, guava, and passionfruit.
At sunset, head to the Santa Marta Marina or the Malecon for a walk along the waterfront. The views of the sun setting behind the mountains and the sea are unforgettable.
With its mix of beaches, history, and nature, Santa Marta, Colombia offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring colonial streets, hiking through Tayrona’s jungle, or relaxing by the Caribbean, Santa Marta captures the spirit and beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Keep watching to see the top things to do in Santa Marta, top attractions in Santa Marta, places to visit in Santa Marta and Colombia travel guides.
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