Santa Marta is a city on the Caribbean Sea in the northern Colombian department of Magdalena. A busy port, it was also the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. It's the gateway for trips into the Tayrona National Natural Park, and for multiday guided treks to the Lost City (Teyuna) archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. ― Google
Population: 555,030 (2023)
Elevation: 15 m
Area code: 57 + 5
Demonym(s): Samario, -a
Department: Magdalena
Founded by: Rodrigo de Bastidas
Foundation: July 29, 1525
Best Months: December to April – Dry season with plenty of sun, ideal for beach and trekking.
Avoid: September to November – Peak of the rainy season with possible storms and muddy trails.
The coastal breeze helps ease the tropical heat year-round.
By Air: Fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), 30 minutes from the city. It connects with Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and international hubs via layovers.
By Bus: Regular buses from Cartagena (4–5 hours) and Barranquilla (2–3 hours).
By Boat: For adventurous travelers, small boat tours link to nearby beach towns and Tayrona beaches.
Tayrona National Park – Pristine beaches, tropical jungle, and Indigenous history.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) – An ancient archaeological site older than Machu Picchu.
Taganga – Backpacker-friendly beach town known for diving and sunsets.
Minca – Cool mountain escape with waterfalls, birdwatching, and eco-lodges.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino – Colonial estate where Simón Bolívar died; museum and gardens.
Santa Marta Cathedral – Oldest cathedral in Colombia.
Playa Cristal – Crystal-clear waters, great for swimming and snorkeling.
Bahía Concha – A quieter alternative to crowded Tayrona beaches.
Rodadero Beach – Popular urban beach with lots of vendors and family activities.
Pueblito Chairama – Ancient Tayrona village ruins inside Tayrona Park.
Hike to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) – 4- to 6-day guided trek into the Sierra Nevada jungle.
Swim and relax at Playa Cristal, Bahía Concha, or Playa Blanca.
Snorkel or dive in Taganga, a small fishing village with scuba schools.
Trek in Tayrona National Natural Park and camp under the stars at Cabo San Juan.
Visit a coffee farm or Indigenous village in Minca, a mountain town 45 minutes away.
Take a cultural walk through Rodadero and the Santa Marta Historic Center.
Luxury: Beachfront resorts and boutique hotels in Rodadero and near Tayrona.
Mid-range: Hotels and glamping sites in Taganga, Minca, or central Santa Marta.
Budget: Hostels in Taganga, Minca, or the Historic Center.
Eco-lodges: Jungle accommodations with mountain or river views in Minca or near Tayrona.
Coastal Cuisine:
Cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew)
Arroz con coco (coconut rice)
Fried fish with patacones (plantains)
Arepas de huevo (stuffed corn cakes)
Where to Eat:
Lulo Café Bar (Santa Marta center): Fresh smoothies and Caribbean fusion
La Canoa: Upscale seafood with a view
Casa de Felipe (Taganga): Local favorite for backpackers
Minca cafés: Great for coffee, chocolate, and fresh organic meals
Indigenous Heritage: Home to the Kogi, Arhuaco, and Wiwa peoples. Their traditions and spiritual views shape much of the local ecology and culture.
Music: Expect vallenato, champeta, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, especially during festivals.
Festivals:
Fiesta del Mar (July): Boat parades, music, dance, and beauty contests.
Carnaval de Barranquilla is nearby and worth timing your trip for.