Where is Santa Marta, Colombia?

Santa Marta is a colonial city located on the Eastern Caribbean Coast of Colombia. Founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, it is the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. With more than 500,000 inhabitants and an important harbor, Santa Marta is the capital of the Magdalena department and the third largest city on the Caribbean coast after Barranquilla and Cartagena.

In my opinion, the interest in this destination lies in the surroundings of Santa Marta. Less than an hour to the south is the Ciénaga Grande. A unique ecosystem mixing fresh and saltwater on which stand the famous palatito towns. The city is also located at the Sierra Nevada and Tayrona Park’s door, where some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches are hidden.

The temperature in Santa Marta is warm all year round. Some months are rainier, but this should not prevent you from enjoying your stay. Most of the time, it will rain briefly and heavily.

Even if it is not as touristy as Cartagena, I suggest you consider the high peak season and book your hotels and experiences in advance. You should also check the annual closure dates if you want to do the Lost City trek or go to Tayrona Park. They might change from year to year.

Visiting Santa Marta from December to April

It’s the dry season. There is a pleasant breeze, and the heat is more bearable.

The months of December to February are considered the high season. Try to book your accommodation in advance so that you have a choice. Secure your reservation in advance if you plan a multi-day trek, such as the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City).

The number of tourists drops in March and April, and it rains more frequently.

The sea is rough in the afternoon.

Visiting Santa Marta in May

It rains almost daily. You just have to take shelter :). The winds are declining, and the sea is getting calmer.

Visiting Santa Marta from June to August

Days of rain decrease slightly, and foreigners return in July. Many Colombian students are on vacation in June.

The Festival ”Fiestas Del Mar” happens for ten days at the end of July. Try to anticipate your reservations during this period.

Visiting Santa Marta from September to November

In September, tourism declines again. The rainy season is coming.

October is usually the rainiest month, and rainfall decreases during November. Daily showers are the norm, but it is manageable most of the time.

There are fewer tourists during this period, and you’ll get better prices.

1# Discover the best beaches in Santa Marta

Many travelers include Santa Marta in their Colombia itinerary. They think they will enjoy a beautiful historical center with its colonial atmosphere and magnificent white sand beaches.

Unfortunately, the most beautiful beaches in Santa Marta are not in the old city but in its surroundings, especially inside the Tayrona National Park. It is an important detail to remember, especially if you plan to spend several days relaxing on the beach.

Allow one day to discover the city center, visit the hacienda Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (the house where Simon Bolivar died), stroll through the colorful colonial architecture, and discover 1 or 2 museums (Museo del Oro Tairona). After that, you will have all the time to search for your dream beach.

The white sand and turquoise blue water of Bahia Concha and Playa Grande are ideal destinations near Santa Marta. The beaches of El Rodadero are too touristy, and the street vendors are tiresome. The beaches of Pozos Colorados and Bello Horizonte are more pleasant and less crowded.

A 1-h boat ride from Taganga will take you to Tayrona Park’s beaches. The combo of playa Cristal and playa Cinto is a highlight. Finally, you can go to the famous beach of Cabo San Juan, but I suggest you get there by hiking if you plan to visit the Tayrona National Park.

2# Diving in Santa Marta (Taganga)

Taganga is a little fisherman’s village located a few minutes away from Santa Marta. On the main beach, you’ll find the boats that leave for Tayrona’s beaches.

In addition, Taganga is also famous for scuba diving. Many Scuba dive centers offer low-cost packages for those who want to get certified (PADI) or wish to book a fun dive. You’ll dive in Tayrona and around Santa Marta

3# Birdwatching in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Minca is the most famous town in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Travelers looking for tranquility, lush vegetation, and nature are eager to come here. The lodging offer has risen in the last few years, and you’ll find something for every taste. Most of the accommodations blend perfectly into the mountainous landscape.

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a prized destination for birdwatchers and professionals alike. 7% of the world’s bird species are home in these mountains covered by dense rainforest.

Located on the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, the El Dorado reserve is a paradise for bird lovers. The diversity of the fauna and flora won’t make them indifferent.

4# Visit Tayrona National Park 

The fame of Tayrona National Park is well established. This destination has become a must-see in Colombia. Santa Marta is only 1 hour from Tayrona, so why don’t you go for a hike?

I always advise spending several days in the Tayrona National Park. It allows enjoying the site, between sea and jungle. Enter by the “secret” entrance of Calabazo and head towards the beach of Playa Brava. Spend your first night in this beautiful location, which tourists rarely visit.

The next day, hike to Cabo San Juan beach. During your hike, you may hear and see howler monkeys. And be careful not to get eaten by a caiman or a jaguar #joke. Spend your second night in Cabo San Juan and get up early to enjoy the beach without the daily visitors. Then, exit by El Zaino (main entrance) without forgetting to do some snorkeling in “La Piscina.”

5# Meet with indigenous communities  

For hundreds of years, the Tairona people have lived in harmony with nature in this area of Colombia. The Koguis, Wiwas, Kankuanos, and Arhuacos are indigenous communities descended from these people. Today, they still inhabit this natural territory between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada.

They continue to live in respect of their culture and tradition with the permanent concern of protecting the “mother earth.” Some of these communities welcome travelers wishing to discover their culture, beliefs, and way of life. In some experiences, you will even have the opportunity to spend a night in the village.

These indigenous people have a different and much more spiritual worldview than we do. Keep an open mind and enjoy their wisdom.

6# Hike to the legendary Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

The Lost City trek is the most famous multi-day trek in Colombia. Yet, I am sure you are hesitating to live this experience. It is not so easy to “use” 4 days of your vacation to explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

However, the whole experience is worth it. Hiking for several days, getting out of your comfort zone, and facing tropical weather and mosquitoes to arrive at this archaeological site full of history is a fantastic reward. You will get great personal satisfaction and unforgettable memories.

The trek to Ciudad Perdida is well-organized and accessible to anyone in good physical condition. The agency takes care of everything, and your bag should not weigh more than 5 to 6 kg. You will only need your legs and a strong mind.

👉 Are you interested in the Ciudad Perdida trek? Discover Fanny’s local agency, one of the 5 agencies authorized to organize this experience.

7# Explore the desert of La Guajira

The desert of Tatacoa is most often mentioned when talking to travelers. However, the northernmost part of South America hides the desert of La Guajira. It is, in my opinion, much more impressive and spectacular than Tatacoa.

The city of Riohacha is the gateway to this desert. It is there where your journey will begin. Board a jeep to discover lunar landscapes, endless yellow dunes, and incredible sunsets over the Caribbean Sea. The more adventurous will push their experience to the oasis present in the Macuira National Park.

Depending on your tour, you can also discover the Wayuu culture. These indigenous people have learned to live in the harshness of the desert. Here again, you will be surprised by a living style different from our habits.

👉 Beatrice, our partner, is your best choice to enjoy La Guajira. Find out more about her local agency.

Santa Marta is not considered a dangerous city, but I advise you to be vigilant. And above all, avoid drugs and prostitutes 😉

During the day, you can walk around the neighborhoods mentioned in this guide (but be careful not to show off your valuables). However, I don’t recommend walking from the city center to Ek Rodadero — you’ll be walking through unsavory areas.

In the evening, the area around Parque de Los Novios (downtown) is fine for enjoying the restaurants. The alleys quickly become lonely and scary as soon as you leave this area. Avoid them.

Taganga also has a bad reputation at night. Take a cab and don’t stray outside the bars and clubs.

The safest neighborhoods are Pozos Colorados and Bello Horizontes.

👉 I also invite you to read our article to know the best travel insurance for Colombia.