Discover Santa Marta

Gateway to Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Explore its historic center and enjoy the nearby beaches and natural wonders.

✨ Why Visit Santa Marta, Colombia?

Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city where Caribbean charm meets Colombian history and nature. As the oldest city in Colombia and South America, it offers a mix of colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and a gateway to Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, hiking to a waterfall, or relaxing on a white-sand beach with an arepa and a cold drink, Santa Marta is a favorite for both adventure seekers and laid-back travelers looking for that tropical balance of culture, coast, and calm.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Santa Marta, Colombia

The best time to visit Santa Marta is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny, and humidity is lower — ideal for beach days and exploring national parks. The rainy season from May to November brings more humidity and short tropical showers, especially in the afternoons. That said, Santa Marta is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F).

🧭 Top Things to Do in Santa Marta, Colombia

🏖️ Relax on the beaches of Rodadero, Playa Blanca, or Taganga
🌿 Hike in Tayrona National Natural Park, home to jungle trails, wild beaches, and the stunning Cabo San Juan
🏛️ Visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the estate where Simón Bolívar spent his final days
🌄 Trek to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) on a multi-day adventure through the rainforest
🛶 Take a boat tour to Playa Cristal for clear waters and coral snorkeling
🍽️ Stroll through the historic center, enjoy street food, and dine in colonial-style restaurants
🎶 Experience the nightlife in Parque de los Novios, full of music, bars, and locals

💸 Local Currency in Santa Marta, Colombia

The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller beach towns, street food, local shops, and tipping. ATMs are widely available in the city center and tourist areas.

🚖 Transportation in Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta is served by Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), located about 20 minutes from the city. You can reach Santa Marta by bus or car from Cartagena (4–5 hours) or Barranquilla (2.5 hours). Inside the city, taxis, buses, and moto-taxis are the most common forms of transport, and prices are generally low. Many tours to Tayrona or nearby beaches include pickup and transport.

💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Santa Marta, Colombia

✅ Pack light and breathable clothing, plus swimwear, hiking shoes, and bug spray
✅ Book Tayrona Park tickets in advance, especially in high season
✅ Stay hydrated and take precautions against heat and sun exposure
✅ Respect local communities and nature when visiting indigenous lands or parks
✅ Try local Caribbean dishes like patacones, cazuela de mariscos, and arepa de huevo

🏞️ Top Day Trips from Santa Marta, Colombia

🌊 Tayrona National Park – Hike, swim, and explore jungle-meets-beach paradise
🏝️ Playa Cristal & Playa Blanca – Reachable by boat and ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing
⛰️ Minca – A lush mountain town with waterfalls, coffee farms, and nature lodges just 45 minutes away
🚶‍♂️ Ciudad Perdida Trek – A challenging but rewarding 4–5 day jungle hike to ancient ruins
🌆 Taganga – A backpacker-friendly fishing village known for diving, beach vibes, and sunsets

📸 Instagram Moments from Santa Marta, Colombia

📷 Hammock views over the turquoise beaches of Tayrona
📸 Colorful colonial streets and street art in the historic center
🌄 Sunrise or sunset at the Sierra Nevada foothills in Minca
🐚 Crystal-clear waters and white sands at Playa Cristal
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @intoholidays

📬 Plan Your Santa Marta Coastal Adventure

📧 info@intoholidays.com
📞 +44 777 1951895
📱 Message us on WhatsApp to plan your Tayrona visit, city tour, or Lost City trek