Santa Marta is Colombia’s top beach destination and the launching point for a number of amazing tours to surrounding areas such as Tayrona National Park, Minca and the trek to the Lost City. Being the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, it’s historic center is adorned with colonial architecture and churches which make it a pleasure to stroll around. It also has a very active nightlife, full of a variety of great restaurants, bar and nightclubs. Santa Marta has something for everyone, the only problem is choosing and how much time you have.
Historic City Center & the Port
I highly recommend that you stay in the historic district which is centered around Parque de los Novios (the “Park of Lovers”). It is easy to stay here as there are a wide variety of options from luxury to boutique hotels to hostels to fit anyones budget. This area also has all the great restaurants and nightlife. While there are not a large amount of museums it does have the Tyrona Gold Museum “Museo del Oro Tairona” in the old Customs House where you can see pottery, statues and jewelry from the region’s indigenous and colonial past and churches like the Catedral Basilica de Santa Marta and the Church of San Francisco..
The Port- Santa Marta Bay
About eight blocks from the Parque de Los Novios is the Santa Marta Bay. Here in addition to swimming, you can see the Marina, walk along the boardwalk, visit the craft shops and try the local dishes at the restaurants which are both on the boardwalk and line the street along the water. It is also a nice place to enjoy the sunset.
Taganga
While the beach in town is fine, there are much better beaches outside town. I would suggest Taganga Beach, in the small town of the same name, a 20 minute taxi (COP 25,000) from the city center. A beautiful beach with restaurants to eat and relax. Also if you want a more secluded beach you can rent a boat here out to Playa Blanca. This area is also famous for its scuba diving.
Tayrona National Park
One of the top tourist destinations in the country is Tayrona National Park. There are many tours offered to there and even options to stay in the park if you like. It is about a two hour trip from Santa Marta and then an easy one hour hike through the jungle (or you can rent a horse to take you) until you get to some very beautiful beaches. There are a couple restaurants here to enjoy the local fish and food.
Minca
One of my favorite places. A relaxing chill town in the mountains a forty minute drive above Santa Marta. With waterfalls to swim at, numerous hiking and tubing options, birdwatching, coffee and cocoa plantations and craft beer this is a must if you make it to Santa Marta. Also if you prefer a more secluded vacation, you may decide to stay here instead of bustling Santa Marta. For the activities see Minca- What to see and do.
The Lost City Trek- "La Cuidad Perdida"
For the adventurous there is the trek to the Lost City “La Cuidad Perdida”. This is a challenging 4 or 5 day hike through the mountains to the the ruins of an huge ancient civilization. It is beautiful and interesting but tough. A once in lifetime experience.
For details on what to expect and what you need to know see here at : The Lost City
Restaurants & Bars
For those looking for nightlife, Santa Marta has it. From great restaurants like Porthos Steak House to cocktail bars like Charlies Bar to rooftop clubs that go late into the night. Go to the intersection of Calle 19 and Carrera 3 in the historic district and follow the crowds in any direction. For a more detailed guide of places to eat, drink and enjoy check Santa Marta Restaurants and Bars.
Conclusion
Santa Marta is an amazing city, I keep going back as there is so much to do and enjoy from beaches to nature to nightlife and the value for your money is incredible. (If you are leaving Colombia straight from Santa Marta, the Covid testing Lab near the historic district is SOLAB at KRA 3A #24-113). Let us know the places you have found and we would love to hear of any tour experiences or new tours. Enjoy!
