Santa Marta
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Santa Marta

Colombia - Magdalena

About this destination

Santa Marta, the oldest tourist city in Colombia, is the gateway to the Sierra Nevada and Tayrona National Park. It combines colonial history, Caribbean beaches and access to Ciudad Perdida. Perfect for adventure, culture and relaxation.

🔗 Official links

Check official sources for opening times, prices, temporary closures and other important information before your trip

📍 This destination is part of these routes:

Seasons throughout the year

🔴 High season🟡 Shoulder season🟢 Low season

Click any month to see the temperature, the weather and why it is high, medium or low season.

 
Jan
15%
 
Feb
20%
 
Mar
25%
 
Apr
75%
 
May
80%
 
Jun
85%
 
Jul
30%
 
Aug
35%
 
Sep
80%
▼ Now
Oct
70%
 
Nov
25%
 
Dec
15%

Places to visit

Discover the best attractions in this destination

1 / 11 | Historic Centre
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Historic Centre

Historic Centre

The oldest tourist city in Colombia, with colonial architecture and Caribbean culture

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San Pedro Alejandrino Estate

San Pedro Alejandrino Estate

Historic estate where Liberator Simón Bolívar died, with a museum and gardens

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El Rodadero

El Rodadero

Seaside resort with a beach, boat rides and nightlife

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Santa Marta Cathedral

Santa Marta Cathedral

Historic cathedral in the heart of the city, one of the oldest in Colombia

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Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park

Park access from Santa Marta, with pristine beaches and tropical rainforest

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Ciudad Perdida

Ciudad Perdida

Pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada, reached from Santa Marta

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Pueblito Chayama

Pueblito Chayama

Archaeological site of the Tayrona culture deep in the rainforest

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Cabo San Juan Beach

Cabo San Juan Beach

The most iconic beach in the park, with white sand and palm trees

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Playa Cristal

Playa Cristal

Pristine beach with crystal-clear water and coral reefs

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Cañaveral

Cañaveral

Camping and beach area with easy access to the park

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Arrecifes

Arrecifes

Area with natural reefs, ideal for snorkelling

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📍 How to get there

Enter your location to see the route and travel requirements

🏨 Hotels

Hotel Santa Marta

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🕐 Opening hours: 24 hours

📞 Contact: +57 5 555 6666

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Caribe Hotel

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🕐 Opening hours: Check-in: 3 pm, Check-out: 12 pm

📞 Contact: +57 5 666 7777

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Marina del Mar

⭐⭐⭐⭐

🕐 Opening hours: 24 hours

📞 Contact: +57 5 777 8888

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🍽️ Restaurants

La Casa del Mar

⭐⭐⭐⭐

💰 Estimated price: $20-40

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El Pescador

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💰 Estimated price: $10-25

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Mar y Sol

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💰 Estimated price: $15-35

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🚗 Transport

✈️ Flights

From: Bogotá
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $100-200

🚌 Buses

From: Barranquilla
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $15-25
Schedule: Departures hourly from 5:00 AM
Route: Barranquilla - Santa Marta

🚕 Taxis

Name: Taxi Santa Marta
Plate: STM-001
📞 Contact: +57 311 999 0000
Name: Uber Santa Marta
Plate: STM-002
📞 Contact: +57 312 000 1111


🎯 Tours

Santa Marta Tours

📍 Places they visit: Historic Centre, San Pedro Alejandrino Estate, El Rodadero

🕐 Horario: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📞 Phone: +57 313 111 2222

Sierra Nevada Explorer

📍 Places they visit: Ciudad Perdida, Tayrona, Playa Cristal

🕐 Horario: 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

📞 Phone: +57 314 222 3333

🍽️ Typical dishes and drinks

Taste the traditional flavours of this region

Pescado Frito con Patacones

Pescado Frito con Patacones

Arroz de Coco

Arroz de Coco

Rum

Rum

Recommended products for your trip

Essential items we recommend packing for Santa Marta

Hooded rain poncho, waterproof, for men, women and adults

Hooded rain poncho, waterproof, for men, women and adults

A compact waterproof cape to protect you from sudden weather changes in cities such as Bogotá or the Coffee Region.

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Colombia national team cap

Colombia national team cap

Official cap of the Colombian national football team, perfect for showing your support during matches and sporting events.

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DEET-free insect repellent

DEET-free insect repellent

Get hours of insect relief. This handy summer travel essential helps you enjoy the park, the beach, the backyard or camping without worrying about annoying insects.

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