If you’re like me, you may not have heard of Santa Marta.
Santa Marta isn’t the most famous Caribbean beach town. Hell, it’s not even the most famous Caribbean beach town in Colombia (looking at you, Cartagena).
But don’t write off this quiet destination just yet — what Santa Marta lacks in touristic luster, it makes up for in pristine beaches, friendly locals, and warm vibes.
- What is Santa Marta known for?
- Is Santa Marta worth visiting?
- Is Santa Marta safe?
- Is Santa Marta expensive?
- Medellin to Santa Marta / Bogota to Santa Marta
- Things to Do in Santa Marta
What is Santa Marta known for?
More than anything, Santa Marta is known today as a relaxing beach destination. You’ll find chilled out locals and out-of-towners side by side on any of the town’s scenic beaches — but if you look beyond that you’ll also find adventure and traces of Santa Marta’s historical past.
Once a bustling port for merchant ships in the Caribbean, Santa Marta was also the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. Now, the city acts as a gateway to the stunning Tayrona National Natural Park and the enigmatic Lost City of Teyuna.
Even with all this going for it, many travelers in Colombia are unfamiliar with humble Santa Marta, leaving many asking…
Is Santa Marta worth visiting?
It could be that you’ve never heard of Santa Marta, but that doesn’t make the city any less worthwhile. With warm sandy beaches, solid nightlife, and a unique history, Santa Marta has something for everyone.
Those seeking relaxation will find it at one of the spacious, uncrowded beachfronts, while party types will head to Parque de Los Novios (Boyfriend Park) for drinks on the square. Whatever your taste, Santa Marta deserves a slot on your Colombia itinerary.
Santa Marta vs. Cartagena
Those seeking a tropical escape on their Colombia trip will probably be weighing the decision between Santa Marta and its more popular neighbor, Cartagena. Ultimately, Santa Marta and Cartagena offer comparable experiences, with a few key differences.
There’s a lot to love when it comes to Cartagena. The cobblestone streets and colonial buildings of the walled Old Town are a big draw, and so are the beautiful island sites accessible by boat.
But Santa Marta has a charm all its own. With fewer tourists, this friendly beach town offers a real slice of the laid-back life. There’s plenty to do and see, especially for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. But the defining factor for me was the warm attitude of the locals. People love to lay out on the beach, vibe with the tourists, and have a drink outdoors in the Caribbean weather.
I didn’t go to Cartagena myself, but what I can say is that a trip to Santa Marta will leave anyone feeling refreshed.
Is Santa Marta safe?
Santa Marta sees plenty of tourist traffic, and is generally safe for travelers. There may be some petty crime here and there, but overall Santa Marta is a beach town with a local feel, not a big city full of danger.
Around Boyfriend Park at night, you’ll see folks floating around selling weed and coke — but also a noticeable police presence. I will say this, though: multiple folks in Medellin told us accounts of friends who used Tinder to meet girls in Santa Marta, only to wake up in their hotel room with no recollection of the night and all their money stolen.
A word of warning to those seeking companionship in Santa Marta.
Is Santa Marta expensive?
Santa Marta is far from expensive. For many travelers, prices in major Colombian cities like Medellin and Bogota will be seen as low, and the cost of living in Santa Marta is even less.
Here are some sample prices I encountered in Santa Marta:
- Ocean view apartment on the beach, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen: $70 / night
- Fresh grilled fish dinner on the beach: $10
- Classic cocktails in the town square: $3
- Taxi from Gaira – El Rodadero across town to Boyfriend Park: $4
Getting to Santa Marta
Traveling to Santa Marta is quick and painless.
Sure, you could travel by bus, but why would you? Intra-Colombia flights are frequent and cheap, and instead of spending 15 hours through bumpy jungle roads, you’ll arrive in just over an hour.
Here are some sample routes from Colombia’s two biggest cities:
Medellin to Santa Marta
– Take a taxi to José María Córdova International Airport
– Board one of the many daily flights to Santa Marta. Major operators include Viva Air Colombia, LATAM Airlines, and Avianca. I had a great experience with Viva Air Colombia, who were able to check my skateboards last-minute for a very reasonable fee. LATAM, on the other hand, had a glitch on their website that prevented us from purchasing tickets, while Avianca charges $50+ for checked bags.
– Flight Time: around 1 hour 15 minutes
– Approximate Cost: $60 – $120
Bogota to Santa Marta
– Take a taxi to El Dorado International Airport in Bogota
– Like Medellin, Bogota also offers numerous daily flights to and from Santa Marta. In addition to the above carriers, Wingo is also an option in Bogota.
– Flight Time: around 1 hour 30 minutes
– Approximate Cost: $60 – $120
Where to Stay in Santa Marta
El Rodadero – Gaira
I stayed in Gaira during my visit to Santa Marta, and it couldn’t have been better for my needs.
Gaira is home to El Rodadero beach, the nicest beach in town. Since I had just two nights in Santa Marta, it was great to be able to walk downstairs and immediately be on the beach.
Our two-bedroom Airbnb had a stunning ocean view, and cost a total of $70 per night. Downstairs there’s plenty of fresh seafood, and a staff that was weirdly competitive about who got to serve us. Nonetheless, they served a mean cafe tinto with panela, and it felt natural to start our mornings here on the quiet beach.
El Centro Historico
The Historical Town Center is another great place to stay in Santa Marta.
Though not as pristine as El Rodadero, beach options in the town center are still solid. Between Playa Bahia and Parque Camellión Rodrigo de Bastidas, it’s not hard to get to the water.
Besides that though, you’ll also have access to downtown Santa Marta’s bustling restaurant and nightlife scene.
Bello Horizonte
Bello Horizonte’s calm, chilled-out beaches aren’t so different from those of its neighbor district Gaira – El Rodadero. The main distinction is that Bello Horizonte tends to house more upper middle-class families and luxury travelers.
It may be a bit more expensive at times, but it’s right near the airport, and has a more quiet, exclusive feel.
Taganga
Taganga is a traditional fishing village located about ten minutes north of Santa Marta. Both settlements were founded by conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas, but today they function as part of the same whole.
Today it’s known as part of the “Gringo Trail” of backpacker destinations, and a string of youth hostels have sprung up to cater to the tourism boom. Taganga’s history as a fishing village lives on, though — this is one of the best spots for snorkeling and fish-finding.
Things to Do in Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a happy little town that pulls plenty of tourists on the strength of its vibe alone. That being said, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this warm, seaside destination.
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is the most iconic site in Santa Marta. People come from all over to explore the park’s lush forests, blue waters, and diverse wildlife.
You can spot monkeys, sloths, and other creatures, as well as some of Colombia’s most important architectural sites. Spend your time exploring beautiful secluded swimming coves that trail off into hidden forest walkways.
Be careful, though — while the park is only a $2, one-hour bus ride from Santa Marta, it’s not as simple as it sounds. You’ll want to show up around 8:00 – 9:00 AM to beat the crowds on the long walk from the bus stop into the park. It will definitely take some time to get up and running.
For this reason, most folks recommend staying at least one or two nights in the park for a smooth, un-rushed experience. There are hotels on the periphery, but having to walk through the whole park again defeats the purpose of spending the night. Instead, there are hammocks, tents, and sheds set up on the beach, available at different tiers of comfort and pricing.
Boyfriend Park
Parque de los Novios, or Boyfriend Park, is a different vibe entirely.
This bustling town square really comes alive at night. Friends and college students crack open beers on the park benches, while others fill the outdoor bar seating that spans the strip.
Let me tell you, the energy here is immaculate. Think two-for-one cocktails and lively conversation, and look out for a really entertaining crew of bboys who use this space for street shows.
Go find yourself a boyfriend, or become someone else’s.
Lost City of Teyuna
The “Lost City” (Ciudad Perdida) was built by the Tayrona people around 800 AD, and it’s only for the Indiana Joneses out there.
The ancient stone ruins are located in deep jungle terrain, abandoned centuries ago and only rediscovered in the 1970s. It’s a multi-day trek for sure, and you’ll have to cross rivers, fight off mosquitoes, sleep in hammocks, etc.
But if you do make it through, you’ll be in close contact with a piece of ancient history that relatively few in our modern world have experienced.
Beach Vibin’
Yeesh, that Lost City trek sounded rough. Luckily, if you’re seeking a more relaxed vibe, you’re clearly covered in Santa Marta.
I touched on some of the city’s beaches in the Where to Stay in Santa Marta section, but I’ll take this opportunity to re-iterate that this is a great way to spend an afternoon.
Bring a book and your favorite music, or a cooler of mojitos and a volleyball. You can’t go wrong on the beach.
La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Formerly a colonial hacienda and sugarcane refinery, La Quinta is known primarily as the place where Simón Bolívar spent his final days.
Today it’s a charming place to spend an afternoon, complete with an art gallery and botanical gardens featuring local flora.
Historic City Center
The Historic City Center of Santa Marta is another easy must-see, and could easily transition into a refreshment at nearby Boyfriend Park.
Here you can wander through cobblestone streets and colonial Spanish buildings. Find your way into a little shop, grab a bite, or take in the history.
There’s also plenty of nightlife here, once the sun goes down.
Experience an Authentic Colombian Market
Nearby the spot where you’d catch the bus to Tayrona National Park, you can find an authentic local market.
There are two floors of vendors hawking everything from clothes and electronics to fresh fish, herbs, and vegetables.
Spot something you like, and have them cook it for you right there for a true local flavor.
Local Spotlight
Local Spotlight is the section where I shut up and let you hear from a local.
Here are three insider recommendations from Valentin Simpson, a Santa Marta-based promotional model and student of entomology:
- Crazy Soda — come here for creative drinks with tequila, slushees, gummy worms, and more. Fun place to start the night!
- Oh la la La Puerta — very good place to go party, with upbeat music and atmosphere.
- Playa Cabo de Tortuga — a hidden beach in Santa Marta, and one of my favorites! Quieter than Rodadero, it’s a great place for a picnic.
All in all, Santa Marta has something for everyone — beach bums and adventure seekers alike will find plenty to do in this sunny seaside town.
Cartagena is also cool, I’m sure. But I can say for certain that Santa Marta deserves a spot on your bucket list.
For more travel, culture, and conscious curiosity from around the world, join the Earthshifting newsletter:
Photos: Adan Kohnhorst / Earthshifting, Azzedine Rouichi, Where in the World Are Bill and Cindy, Datingscout, Alejandro Ortiz, Valentin Simpson