Santa Marta is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It is the capital of the Magdalena department and one of the oldest cities in Ciolombia. But what to do in Santa Marta in Colombia? You can definitely spend a nice day in the city. But you mainly use Santa Marta as a startingpoint for a trip to the Tayrona National Park, mountain village of Minca, the surrounding beaches and the Lost City trek. In this Santa Marta Colombia travel guide I’m sharing my tips for the best things to do, hotels, restaurants and the most beautiful beaches, national parks and tours in the surroundings.
- Things to do in Santa Marta in Colombia
- Discover the colonial center – what to do in Santa Marta town
- Stroll along the seaside
- Parque de los Novios
- Visit the Gold Museum – cultural things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
- Learn about history in La Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino – historical things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
- Go shopping in Santa Marta & support local talent
- What to do in Santa Marta Colombia | tips for things to do in the surroundings
- Mini travel guide Santa Marta Colombia
- More about Colombia
Things to do in Santa Marta in Colombia
Santa Marta was founded at the beginning of the 16th century by the Spanish. Because of its strategic location at the sea, it has always been an important trading and harbour city in Colombia. Nowadays it is a popular tourist destination, because of surrounding highlights such as La Ciudad Perida – the lost city and the Tayrona National Park. In this Santa Marta Colombia travel guide you will find my tips for things to do in the city, tours, places to visit and beaches in the surroundings.
Discover the colonial center – what to do in Santa Marta town
One of the best things to do in Santa Marta Colombia is to stroll through the colonial center and observe daily life. There are many lovely streets with colorful houses and there is a lot of cool street art to see. The architecture is old but beautiful, it always reminds me of the outskirts of Havana in Cuba, only in a more luxurious way.
Stroll along the seaside
Santa Marta is most of the year very hot and local people always look for a cool spot along the coast. Street-vendors sell their goods, fishermen are working, and in the weekend many locals enjoy the beach with a lunch or bbq. Even though the Santa Marta beaches are not particularly beautiful, going for a walk, is always a good thing to do.
Parque de los Novios
Parque de los Novios (the park of the lovers) is a lovely square. Have a drink at one of the terraces or choose a bench and have a chat with the locals. There is often live music and salsa on weekends.
Visit the Gold Museum – cultural things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
One of the best things to do in Santa Marta Colombia, if you are interested in history and pre-Columbian civilizations, is to visit the Museo del Oro. The museum explains about the Tayrona indigenous poeple, their way of living and their home: The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will find many gold and pieces of art. If you are planning to do the trekking to la Ciudad Perdida – the Lost City, or visit the Tayrona National Park, the museum is highly recommended before your tour.
Are you interested in history and archaeology? Thousands of years ago, the southern part of Colombia was home to a mysterious civilization. This civilization built several burial mounds in which they placed beautiful statues. In this article I’m taking you to the mysterious statues and tombs of San Agustín, Colombia.
Learn about history in La Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino – historical things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
Anyone who has read about the history of Colombia and South America has come across the name Simón Bolívar. Bolívar was the independence fighter, who liberated many parts of Latin America. He therefore played an important role in the history of the Latin American continent. You will find him throughout South America as a statue on a central square, and many cities even have a street or square named after him. He spent his last days in Quinta San Pedro de Alejandrino in Santa Marta Colombia.
Nowadays you can visit this old villa, a museum with a botanical garden. It is one of the things to do in Santa Marta Colombia, if you are interested in history and want to step into the former world of this independence hero. Quinta San Pedro de Alejandrino is located 4 km outside the colonial center. It is best to go by local bus or taxi.
Go shopping in Santa Marta & support local talent
You will find them everywhere in and around Santa Marta: The beautiful bags, which are handmade by the indigenous Wayuu people. On the square Parque Bolívar around the gold museum there are often locals who sell the bags. Are you looking for work by other Colombian talent? In Casa Triada you will find beautiful things for on the wall, in your bag or in the bathroom And the good thing is that they focus on local talent and the use of natural materials. A recommended place to go, if you are still looking for souvenirs.
Do you want to read more about the Wayuu? Have a look in my article about Awatawaa Ecolodge in La Guajira Colombia, where I visited a Wayuu community.
What to do in Santa Marta Colombia | tips for things to do in the surroundings
Tayrona National Park – top things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
Do you want to go on a nice day trip from Santa Marta? Then make sure to visit the Tayrona National Park. This park is located on the coast in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and is the former home of the Tayrona people. Especially the combination of beaches, viewpoints and rainforest make it a unique place. Along the way you will encounter small indigenous settlements, with remains of huts, burial mounds and ceremonial places.
Playa La Piscinita and Cabo San Juan are great beaches for swimming and relaxing. A perfect hike is the trail to Cabo San Juan and back (2 hours one way). The walks are doable, but the heat and humidity can make it difficult at times! If you don’t feel like walking, you can also go by horse.
The Tayrona National Park is closed annually in February. In this period the park is spiritually cleaned by the local population. Do you want to visit Tayrona National Park? You can book your tour here.
Spend the night in Tayrona National Park
Keep in mind that this park is one of the most popular places and things to do in Santa Marta Colombia. It is therefore best to spend one night in the park. This way you can avoid the day crowds a bit. Accommodation options in the park are generally simple (think of a tent or hammock). If you want to spend the night more comfortably:Hhave look at Ecohabs Bamboo and Ecohabs Tequendama, small houses located in the park. Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge and Cabaña Barlovento are a 5-minute drive from the main entrance.
In the next links you will find the latest prices and availability for Ecohabs Bamboo, Ecohabs Tequendama, Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge and Cabaña Barlovento. Looking for more options? This is an overview with hotels in and around the Tayrona National Park.
Mountain village Minca
Minca is a village in the hills of the Sierra Nevada and one of the best things to do around Santa Marta in Colombia. It is also a perfect destination to cool down, from hot and sweaty Santa Marta. In Minca you can go for nice walks, bird watching or just enjoy the sunsets from your hammock. It is a nice place to spend a night or two.
Minca is located, 15 km outside the Santa Marta and can be reached by taxi or car on a bumpy road. It is also possible to book a day tour here. Do you want to learn more about what to do in Minca? Check out my Minca travel guide with many tips in the next article.
Hotels in Minca
One of the best places to stay in Minca, is Trekker Glamping. You will be sleeping in a luxuriously furnished dome, located in a natural environment. From your private terrace, you enjoy amazing views of the jungle, Santa Marta and the Caribbean coast.
Interested in staying at Trekker Glamping in Minca? Check the availability and latest rates here.
Curious about Trekker Glamping in Colombia? In the next article you’ll read everything you want to know about Trekker Glamping, including tips for things to do in Minca.
Taganga – one of the best Santa Marta Colombia beaches
There are different opinions about Taganga. But for me, it is still think one of the nicest beaches near Santa Marta in Colombia to visit for an afternoon. The vibe is very relaxed and you are there within 20 minutes by taxi or car. There are several local eateries along the beach serving fresh local. One of my favorite restaurants is Pachamama, right on the beach with your feet in the sand.
La Ciudad Perdida tour Colombia
Looking for some adventure? Then the hike to the Lost City in Colombia, is one of the best things to do in Santa Marta Colombia and could be a trip of a lifetime. This lost city of the Tayrona, is located in the middle of the jungle of the Sierra Nevada. The only way to reach this place, is by foot, through the jungle, for four days. You will be hiking for two full days to reach this mysterious city and afterwards you will have to return the exact same way back.
The highlight of the La Ciudad Perdida tour is your visit to the archaeological site. There is not much left, but you will be amazed by the colors, mystery and peacefulness, as you won’t find many visitors here. But not only the destination is worth it, the landscape, lush vegetation and isolated indigenous communities along the way, will make every day of this trip unforgettable.
Do you also want to hike the Lost City? You can book your tour here. In the next article you can read everything you want to know about the Lost City trek and hike in Colombia, including a packing list + many useful tips.
Where do you sleep
The campsites along the trail to the Lost City, run by local people, are convenient. You will either spend the night in hammocks or in bunkbeds, with matrasses, pillows and mosquito nets. There are even showers (cold water) and meals are prepared by your team of guides.
How difficult is the hike
For a long time the Lost City wasn’t accessible due to the insecurity and civil war in Colombia. Nowadays it’s one of the most popular treks of the country. That being said, this hike is not for everyone. You need to have a good physical condition, as the walks are 7 to 8 hour every day, and the humidity is intense. Besides that, a lot of adventure is involved, you will be crossing rivers and climb steep mountains. I won’t lie if I say that there are moments, that you just want to quit and go home. But that’s exactly what makes this trip so unique and rewarding. If you like hiking, adventure and history, this is a hike not to miss and one of the ttop things to do in Santa Marta Colombia.
Do you also want to hike the Lost City? You can book your tour here. In the next article you can read everything you want to know about the Lost City trek and hike in Colombia, including a packing list + many useful tips.
Santa Marta Colombia beaches – Palomino
The most beautiful beaches in Santa Marta Colombia can be found around Palomino. It is more quiet here than on beaches around Cartagena. You can enjoy the beach, but also go on trips to the flamingo reserve Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos or visit the waterfalls in la Quebrada de Valencia.
Do you want to visit flamingo reserve? You can find more information here. Have a look in my article about Awatawaa Ecolodge in La Guajira Colombia, a good starting point for your visit.
Hotels in Palomino
Do you love unique places in nature and are you looking for a true paradise? Then you should stay at One Santuario Natural, also known as One Love hotel, near Palomino in Colombia, located along the Palomino River. The jungle surroundings, the flowers, the sound of the river, the delicious food and the sounds of the birds will make you relax and completely disconnect from the outside world. In this article you will read all about my stay at One Santuario Natural.
Interested in staying at One Santuario Natural – One Love Colombia? Check the availability and latest rates here.
Mini travel guide Santa Marta Colombia
Restaurant travel guide Santa Marta Colombia
Santa Marta in Colombia offers many restaurants, coffee shops and bars. And there is nothing better than enjoying a drink and great meal after exploring the many things to do in Santa Marta. In my Santa Marta restaurant travel guide, you will read all my tips for the best restaurants and coffee stores.
Hotels in Santa Marta | 2 tips
Are you looking for a nice and affordable boutique hotel in Santa Marta? Casa de Leda is located in the center of town. There are different types of rooms. The suites have a large balcony and private jacuzzi, but the standard rooms are nice to stay as well. You can have breakfast on the roof terrace with a view of the cathedral and relax in the spa after a day of sightseeing in Santa Marta. No availability at Casa de Leda? Casa de Isabella is the sister boutique hotel, a nice colonial building, also located in the center of the city.
In the next links you will find the latest prices and availability for Casa de Leda and Casa de Isabella. Looking for more options? This is an overview with hotels in Santa Marta Colombia.
Tours in Santa Marta Colombia
More about Colombia
Did you enjoy reading this article with best things to do in Santa Marta Colombia. Want to read more about Colombia? Check out the next articles with lots of inspiration and tips.
- The best things to do in Colombia
- Bogota city guide
- Medellin city guide
- Best boutique hotels in Colombia
- Popayán – discover the white city
- A unique itinerary through the coffee region of Colombia
- Valle de Cocora – tips for your visit
- Lost City trek – everything you want to know
- Salento – tips for your visit
- Discover Mompox in Colombia
- Tatacoa desert – everything you want to know
- San Agustín statues
- Tips and things to do in Minca
- Villa de Leyva – tips for your visit
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