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people swimming on sea during daytime
people swimming on sea during daytime - Photo by Miguel Castellanos

Exploring Santa Marta: The City of Emeralds and Rich Coastal

About Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta, Colombia is an idyllic travel destination located on the Caribbean coast. This colonial city boasts beautiful beaches, lush forests, and a rich history. Visitors can explore the charming old town, hike in the nearby mountains, or relax on the stunning beaches. Whether you're a nature lover or a history buff, Santa Marta has something for everyone.

If you're looking for a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Santa Marta, Colombia might just be the perfect destination for you. Located on the Caribbean coast, this vibrant city offers visitors a unique mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

One of the main attractions of Santa Marta is the surrounding natural landscape, which includes the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Tayrona National Park. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and ecosystems, including pristine beaches, dense jungles, and crystal-clear rivers. Visitors can spend their days hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach.

In addition to its natural beauty, Santa Marta is also a city rich in history and culture. The city was founded in 1525 by Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas, and was one of the first Spanish settlements in South America. Today, visitors can explore the city's historic center, which is home to a number of beautiful colonial-era buildings and museums.

Santa Marta is also a great destination for food lovers. The city is known for its fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and unique blend of Caribbean and Colombian cuisine. Visitors can sample local specialties like ceviche, arepas, and empanadas at one of the city's many restaurants and street vendors.

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, Santa Marta has something to offer everyone. So why not pack your bags and discover this hidden gem for yourself? With its stunning natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious cuisine, Santa Marta is sure to be a trip you'll never forget.

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Popular Stays in Santa Marta, Colombia

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Santa Marta, Colombia

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Business hotelsHotels with charm

Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro De Convenciones

Located just a few steps from the gorgeous beach of Pozos Colorados and the calm, clean ocean, the attractive Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro de Convenciones enjoys a prime position in the most exclusive hotel and touristic area of Santa Marta, the oldest city of America, situated at the foot of a 5,800 m mountain with permanent snow. The beach of El Rodadero, the historic city centre and the Simón Bolívar Airport can be reached within a short drive. The hotel has a friendly interior design, bright, airy and with fresh colours reflecting the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Features include 3 swimming pools, a hot tub, a massage room and complimentary wireless internet access throughout. Business guests will appreciate the business centre as well as the excellent meeting facilities in the convention centre. A fantastic choice for a relaxing beach holiday in a magnificent tropical environment and productive meetings in a relaxed ambience.
General view
Business hotelsBeach hotels

Arhuaco

The hotel is located in the shopping area, a few metres from the beaches of El Rodadero. Santa Marta, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, offers guests the chance to partake in any kind of extreme sports and adventure activities from biking in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to surfing on the beaches of Tayrona National Natural Park. Links to the public transport network are within around 2 minutes' walk. The hotel is only 15 minutes from the airport. Renovated in 2009, the air-conditioned hotel comprises 56 guest rooms and welcomes guests in a lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out service. A hotel safe, currency exchange facilities, a cloakroom, lift access, a TV room, room service and a laundry service are at guests' disposal. Meals and snacks are served in the café and restaurant and the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a favourite drink. Furthermore, conference facilities, WLAN Internet access and a garage are provided. The hotel has comfortable and functional rooms. Some come with a balcony and exterior-facing views and others overlook the pool or have interior-facing views. All rooms are comfortably equipped with individually regulated air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar and a safe deposit box. The en suite bathrooms are fitted with a shower and hairdryer and have hot water. The rooms are furnished with either a double or king-size bed. Further standard amenities include a direct dial telephone, radio with hi-fi, Internet access and a balcony or terrace. Guests may take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool and younger guests are sure to appreciate their own swimming area. Sun loungers and parasols are laid out for use. Breakfast is served each morning.
General view
Business hotels

Tamaca Beach Resort

It's located opposite the beautiful Bay Rodadero near the sea, with direct access to the beach; the rooms have a privileged view. The property possesses an exquisite architecture and unparalleled beachfront Caribbean atmosphere, the rooms are air conditioned and equipped with the services and facilities required to meet the needs of the traveler. The hotel is ideal for the traveler to stay with the whole family, with partner or with friends, all in order to offer a pleasant vacation, but mostly to enjoy the unparalleled views of the beautiful sea.
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Ghl Relax Hotel Costa Azul

In one of the most peaceful areas of the beautiful city of Santa Marta "pozos colorados" is an ideal place for relaxation, located just 7 minutes from the Simon Bolivar Airport, 15 minutes drive from the Tourist Corridor and Rodadero just 30 minutes from downtown. Each room has a unique and friendly design, offers all the amenities for a unique stay. The hotel staff is trained to provide high quality service to make your vacations unforgettable.
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Business hotelsBeach hotelsHotels with spaSport hotelsFamily hotels

Zuana Beach Resort

This beautiful beach resort is 2.3 km from Simon Bolivar Airport and only 30m from Bello Horizonte Beach. It features all the necessary amenities for a comfortable seaside vacation. Guests arriving by car can use the free parking, while the tour desk can help with various trips and excursions in the area. Within the premises, there are also numerous entertainment activities available, including tennis and bowling for the sports enthusiasts, SPA centre and sauna for the wellness fans and diving groups at the private beach area. Parents can have fun without worrying for the safety and wellbeing of their children, as there is a designated playground and a kids' club. The restaurant serves buffet breakfast each morning and offers a rich menu of international dishes for lunch and dinner.
General view
Business hotels

Ribai Hotel Santa Marta

This comfortable hotel is situated in Santa Marta. Nestled within 100 metre(s) from the town centre, the hotel allows easy access to all this destination has to offer. The hotel is close to main entertainment areas. Visitors will find the airport within 17. 0 km. The hotel is within 300 metres from the harbour. A total of 54 guest rooms are available for guests' convenience. This hotel was constructed in 2014. Ribai Hotel Santa Marta includes Wi-Fi internet connection in all public areas and bedrooms. Everyone staying at this accommodation are welcomed in a lobby with 24-hour reception. This establishment understands that accessibility is important to all guests. For this reason, it features wheelchair accessible accomodation units and is fully adapted for easy access. There is a car park at Ribai Hotel Santa Marta. Some services may be subject to additional charges.
General view
Business hotelsHotels with charm

Catedral Plaza

Cathedral Square Hotel is located in the area of the historic center of the beautiful city of Santa Marta, near the Bay. We are in an important commercial and banking area of the city and easy access to major roads. Just 10 minutes from the beaches of Rodadero.Vive elegant experience new and equipped with the latest you tecnología.Decoradas with contemporary style and retro small details that bring tranquility to your stay.
Restaurant
Business hotels

Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel

The Best Western Plus reaches the Colombian Caribbean with the opening of its new hotel in the city of Santa Marta, the Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel. In an imposing tower located in the business and commercial development area of the city, 126 rooms are available from which you can enjoy a view of the marina and the unbeatable panoramic city. Infinity pool on the top floor, four meeting rooms, fitness center and a business center complement this new option of accommodation in the city. The city of Santa Marta is located on the shore of the Bay of Santa Marta on the Caribbean Sea on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada whose peaks can be seen on clear days from the beach. The capital of the department of Magdalena, which was founded in 1525, is one of the oldest cities in South America. TAX EXEMPTION LAW : According to the 2646 decree of the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of Colombia, are exempted from payment of tax those foreign residents who purchase a plan or vacation package (accommodation + meals or any transfer) and present your passport at the hotel with corresponding migratory seals custom Colombia evidencing income due. This process is valid provided that the entrance to the hotel is in a period not exceeding 30 days of entering the country. According to Colombian law, they are only exempt from paying tourists that have VISA or permit TP-11 PIP-5 / PTP-5. Optional Hotel insurance fee of $3 USD per person per stay is not included.

Things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Santa Marta, Colombia

PNN Tayrona
Digital Voucher11 days

Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)

This travel plan is designed for all those travelers looking for a greater autonomy and flexibility compared to a completely organized trip. Would you like to discover a new country, traveling with freedom? With us, THIS IS POSSIBLE! We offer you: the entire structure of the trip that includes accommodation in 4 stars hotels (depending on your budget) with breakfast included and all transfers (local flights and private land transportation). Are you looking for something special or different? We will be happy to create a tailor-made itinerary for you. We can create a customized tour for you, to accommodate to your availability, needs and desires.
Lost City Trek 4 days - 3 nights
Digital Voucher4 days

Lost City Trek 4 days - 3 nights

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is the archaeological territory of an ancient Tayrona city located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta whose construction is attributed to the year 800 A.D. many years before Machu Picchu. The Tayrona paradise is made up of a series of terraces dug into the mountainside formed by a network of tiled roads and small circular squares. Get to Ciudad Perdida is done by climbing some 1200 stone steps through the vast jungle of the region, an adventure that begins in the city of Santa Marta and forces you to cross kilometers of mountain between rivers and jungle, an unforgettable experience that will allow you to meet the natives of the area, have an experience amid nature and live an extreme journey between the mountain and the sea.
Lost City Archaeological Park
Digital Voucher4 days

4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada

It is the archaeological territory of an ancient Tayrona city located in the Sierra Nevada whose foundation is attributed to the year 800, many years before Machu Picchu. Tayrona paradise is made up of a series of terraces dug into the mountainside made up of a network of tiled paths and small circular squares. Access to Ciudad Perdida is made by ascending some 1,200 stone steps through the vast jungle of the region.
Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 4 or 5 Days from Santa Marta
Digital Voucher5 days

Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 4 or 5 Days from Santa Marta

Trek through the jungle to the ruins of Teyuna - Colombia’s ‘Lost City’ in the Sierra Nevada, the mountain range outside Santa Marta. This ‘into the wild’ experience will have you trekking over rivers and alongside waterfalls for four, five or six days as you make your way to the ancient archaeological site, founded by the Tayrona people around the 9th century. This outdoor adventure can be tough — you’ll walk up to several hours each day — but worth it for the amazing experience of getting ‘lost’ in the jungle and finally arriving at the extraordinary Ciudad Perdida, surrounded by lush mountain foliage.
Lost City Trek in La Sierra Nevada Natural Park 4 Days Tour
Digital Voucher4 days

Lost City Trek in La Sierra Nevada Natural Park 4 Days Tour

Warning: this tour is designed for bold travelers who enjoy intense walking surrounded by lush nature. This is a 4-day challenging but rewarding hike with ancient ruins, jungle, river crossings, native villages, waterfalls, and much more. Visit the site of this ancient city that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru. A sacred and heritage land for indigenous with whom you will have the chance to share and learn. Taste traditional flavors, meet more travelers, and discover the hidden story of Colombia. • 4-day getting lost in nature • A tough but worth hiking path to the incredible Lost City • The chance to interact and share with the indigenous in their sacred terrain • Traditional local food in the campsites • The best memories of a wild Colombian experience
Minca Extreme Adventure
Digital Voucher360 minutes

Minca Extreme Adventure

In this adventure you will be able to enjoy the Marinka waterfall with its crystal clear waters, from there we will go to Sierra Minca where you will meet the most gigantic hammock in the world, in addition to also being able to carry out canopy or cable flight activities that will allow you to fly for a journey of more of 600mts on the mountain, this is a unique opportunity for you to live an experience full of a lot of adrenaline, transportation is by motorcycle or 4x4 jeep depending on the number of participants and we finish with the Cocoa tour at the Mirador de Minca
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher300 minutes

Full Day Marinka Waterfall

We start with an organic coffee from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta where you will learn everything about the coffee process to later go to a waterfall called Marinka, then a delicious lunch to finally go to a viewpoint where we finish with the Cocoa tour there we will show the whole process from the fruit to take it to a cup of chocolate
Over The Planet
Digital Voucher5100 minutes

The Native Expedition - Sierra Nevada (4 days path Of Waterfalls)

This project was started by a group of peasant families who have decided leave aside activities with a negative impact on the environment (like intensive agriculture and livestock) and work in tourism. These families saw that the place what has always been their home is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity and cultural experiences. And now they want to show this paradise, and everything it offers, to the rest of the world. This trek is outside of others tourist treks saturated with visitors, wildlife full, ancient rainforests, impressive waterfalls, friendly people and stunning views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Of course, to get to the most beautiful places requires great effort, hiking along steep slopes, grass fields, forests and mountains. As such, it is necessary to be in a good physical and mental condition. You will be rewarded at the end of each day, when we will be welcomed, eat and sleep in the peasants houses where we will have a cultural exchange.

Why People Love Santa Marta, Colombia

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Santa Marta, Colombia

K
Kamilade
5
May 2022
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Thank you Peter, Federico and the whole YourColombia team for a wonderful 2-week tour in Colombia! 😊 I wanted to explore the most emblematic sights in Colombia, but not only that, some off-the-beaten-path places too. With YourColombia's help I got to visit Bogota, Medellín, Guatape, the coffee re...
E
Explorer39828834734
5
Jun 2022
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Grazie a YourColombia ho trovato il tour perfetto per noi per visitare la Colombia: flessibilità di viaggio, professionalità e cordialità. Consiglio a tutti questa imperdibile esperienza.
S
sebastiandE4793GF
5
May 2022
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)
Dopo questi difficili anni ho avuto l’opportunità di fare questo tour con la mia ragazza grazie a YourColombia. Consiglio vivamente a tutti di fare questo tour almeno una volta nella vita; attenti al dettaglio, flessibilità di viaggio e professionalità.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Marta

What are some must-visit attractions in Santa Marta?

There are so many amazing things to see and do in Santa Marta, Colombia! Some must-visit attractions include Tayrona National Natural Park, Ciudad Perdida, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, and the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts! Some popular activities include hiking or horseback riding in Tayrona National Natural Park, exploring the Lost City of Teyuna, and taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Minca's Pozo Azul.

What is the best time of year to visit Santa Marta?

The best time to visit Santa Marta is between December and March, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, so prices may be higher and attractions may be more crowded.

What are some of the best beaches in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta has some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia! Some of the best include Playa Blanca, Bahia Concha, and Cabo San Juan in Tayrona National Natural Park. Each beach has its own unique charm, so be sure to visit a few!

What are some cultural experiences to have in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is rich in culture and history! Some unique experiences include visiting the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simon Bolivar spent his final days, and taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Colombian dishes like arepas and sancocho.

What are some adventure activities to do in Santa Marta?

If you're looking for adventure, Santa Marta won't disappoint! Some thrilling activities to try include zip lining through the jungle canopy, white water rafting on the Rio Don Diego, and scuba diving in Taganga.

What are some popular day trips from Santa Marta?

There are many great day trips you can take from Santa Marta! Some popular options include visiting the charming colonial town of Minca, exploring the pre-Columbian ruins of Pueblito, and taking a boat trip to nearby Isla del Rosario.

What is the local cuisine like in Santa Marta?

The local cuisine in Santa Marta is delicious and varied! Some must-try dishes include ceviche, arroz con coco (coconut rice), and bandeja paisa, a hearty platter of beans, rice, plantains, and meat. Don't forget to try the fresh seafood, too!

What are some luxury accommodations in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta has many luxurious accommodations to choose from! Some top options include the Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina, the Irotama Resort, and the Santorini Villas.

What are some budget accommodations in Santa Marta?

If you're traveling on a budget, don't worry! Santa Marta has plenty of affordable accommodations. Some great options include the Masaya Hostel, the Dreamer Hostel, and the La Brisa Loca Hostel.