How to Tour Santa Marta, Colombia

How to Tour Santa Marta, Colombia

Anthony Bourdain once said about Colombia, “It’s ludicrous this place exists and everybody doesn’t want to live here!” There is no doubt this is true as you witness the amazing colorful Street Art of Cartagena, explore the volatile history of Medellin, or release your inner foodie in Bogota! But when you tour Santa Marta, Colombia, you will realize, here you can have it all!

Founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, a Spanish conquistador, Santa Marta is the oldest remaining city in Colombia. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, amazing food, and proximity to the Tairona Indian ruins in Tayrona National Park, it is easy to see why it has become a popular Colombian travel destination. Perhaps that is why when you tour Santa Marta you realize it is a bucket list destination!

Tour Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro

Picture of flags near the memorial in Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro in Santa Marta Colombia
Once a sugar cane refinery and colonial house, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro is where Simon Bolivar died. Here you can take a tour of the beautiful grounds and learn the history of how the liberator of South America spent his last days. While walking around the gardens you will also be able to see different wildlife including monkeys, iguanas, and an array of beautiful birds. Skip the line and get your tickets ahead of time by buying them online here!

With its beautiful beaches, rich history, amazing food, & proximity to the Tairona Indian ruins in Tayrona National Park, it is easy to see why Santa Marta, Colombia needs to be on your bucket list! #VisitSantaMarta #VisitColombia Click To Tweet

Discover La Cathedral de Santa Marta

Picture at Sunset of La Cathedral de Santa Marta during a Self Tour of Santa Marta Colombia
With a claim to be the oldest cathedral in all of South America, La Cathedral de Santa Marta is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. But besides being beautiful, it holds a major part of South American history. Until the mid 1800’s, it was home to the remains of Simon Bolivar. However, his descendants requested his remains be returned to Venezuela. Now all that remains in the cathedral are his heart and intestines.

Walk the Avenida Bastidas

Eric Gamble and Darcee Snider standing along the shore line of the Avenida Bastidas in Santa Marta Colombia

Named after the cities founder, Rodrigo de Bastidas, taking a leisurely stroll down the Avenida Bastidas is must as you tour Santa Marta. Starting at the statue of Bastidas, you can walk the boardwalk along the coastline. Here, you will see the scenic views of El Morro island, eat amazing street food, and explore the many vendors selling their crafts. If you can time it right, visit is at sundown to watch the sun dipping into the Caribbean ocean.

Find treasure at the Museo de Oro

The Museo de Oro is a beautiful museum that holds a great collection of gold pieces from the Tairona tribe that still lives in the region. Not only will you see plenty of treasure, but you will learn the history of the area and local indigenous people! Also, did we mention that entrance is FREE!

Tour the beautiful beaches of Santa Marta

Picture of Bahia Concha a local Beach during our Tour of Santa Marta Colombia
If you love soft sand beaches and clear water, then you will want to check out any of the multiple beaches in the area when you tour Santa Marta. If you want to hang out with the locals head to Bahia Concha. But if you want to find a quiet spot to relax Playa Blanca, is a perfect destination. Either way, going to the beach is a must when you tour Santa Marta. Just make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen when you hit any of the beaches of Santa Marta. It is quite easy to get sunburned despite beach cabanas or beautiful tropical trees nearby!

Scuba dive the amazing Caribbean

scuba diving in Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta Colombia
There is no doubt that exploring the underwater ecosystems along the Colombian coast needs to be added to the Santa Marta Experience. While scuba diving in Tayrona National Park, you will get to explore a stunning underwater ecosystem. This is because it’s full of outstanding corals, sponges, and colorful fish. Plus with the Scuba Diving Tour from Viator, it doesn’t matter if you are an old pro or a first timer. The only thing you need is knowing how to swim and to pack your bathing suit!

Hot Tip There are plenty of places around Santa Marta to learn how to scuba dive & even get PADI Certified. However, we strongly recommend that you consider getting Scuba Diving Travel Insurance from World Nomads! It is simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip.

Drink fresh made Colombian Coffee

There is no doubt that Colombian coffee is considered some of the best in the world! Therefore, if you are a lover of Java, then you are going to want to head 40 minutes outside of Santa Marta to Minca. Founded in 1892, La Victoria is one of the biggest and oldest coffee haciendas in northern Colombia. After drinking some of their amazing coffee, you can take a guided tour explaining the history of the plantation and how they make coffee.

Swim in the Hidden Waterfalls of Minca

Eric Gamble and Darcee Snider posing during their Swim in the Hidden Waterfalls of Minca near Santa Marta Colombia
If the idea of soaking in cascading waterfalls or swimming in natural pools is on your bucket list then you are going to want to “discover” the Pozo Azul waterfalls. This popular hangout for locals and tourists alike is outside of Minca about an hour from Santa Marta. To get to Pozo Azul you can either rent a moto taxi or hike in along an organized trail for about 45 minutes. However, if you decide to hike make sure you bring comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. This is because you will be walking through areas of lush trees and rocks!

When you tour Santa Marta, Colombia, you can have it all! With its beautiful beaches and parks to its amazing food and art, it is easy to see why Santa Marta is a bucket list destination! #VisitSantaMarta #VisitColombia #TourSantaMarta Click To Tweet

Explore the street art around the Parque de Los Novios

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Located close to the Historic Center of the city, Parque de Los Novios, is a popular destination for anyone wanting to discover great music, dancing, or street art! Translating to the “Park of Lovers”, this is a great spot to start your night. Enjoy the outdoor seating while listening to some of the local musicians on the central bandstand. Afterwards, take a stroll. Check out the different vendors selling their homemade crafts and souvenirs or explore all of the amazing graffiti street art!

Hot TipThe Historic Center of Santa Marta is a safe place to walk around. But as in any place you travel please use common sense and stay to main areas while exploring. Also sometimes taking a guided city walking tour can help orient you with the best areas to see. In Santa Marta, check out the Santa Marta – The pearl of Colombian Caribbean or the Santa Marta Sightseeing Tour

Hike around Tayrona National Park

Exploring Tayrona National Park when you tour Santa Marta Colombia
Located about 30 minutes outside of Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park is an outdoor paradise.  If you are an avid hiker, get ready. You will find some amazing hiking through the tallest coastal mountain range in the world. However, if you are looking to relax and disconnect, head to one of the park’s beautifully secluded beaches. Another cool option is to stay over night in the park so you can spend more time exploring it all. There are various options for you. You can stay in either a hammock, a tent, or a hotel all along the coast in the park. But no matter what you choose, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and bug spray!

Hike to the Lost City of Colombia

Built some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu, the indigenous Tayrona people built the prosperous city of Teyuna within the Sierra Nevada mountains. Then the Spanish invasion came pushing the Tayrona people further into the mountains and abandoning Teyuna forever. Now called La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City), you can take a pre-booked 4-5 day trek. Here you can explore the ruins of the ancient Tayrona civilization through the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

  • For 4 Days – The 4 Day Lost City Group Tour is probably one of your best options if you like small groups as the limit it to 12 people max. Plus it includes round-trip transportation from Santa Marta, lodging, meals, and entrance fees.
  • For 5 Days – The 5-Day Lost City Trek gives you everything a 4 day tour plus allows you a little more time  passing through the indigenous community of Mutanshi along the way.

Tour Santa Marta & Eat like a King

The Amazing Ceviche and Arepas at Lulo Restaurant on our Tour of Santa Marta Colombia
Whether you consider yourself a discerning foodie or an adventurous street food connoisseur, you won’t be disappointed as you tour Santa Marta. Being next to the Caribbean sea ensures fresh seafood is widely available especially if you love ceviche, lobsters, or red snapper (aka: Pargo). From cafes to nicer dining options, here are a couple of options:

  • For Breakfast: There is no doubt that when eating breakfast in Colombia, there better be an amazing cup of coffee right beside it. Therefore, you are going to want to head to Cafe’ Bonsai for some of the best coffee in Santa Marta. But don’t forget to try their sandwiches, freshly baked breads and cinnamon rolls. Then make sure you dive into one of their amazing milk shakes!
  • For Lunch: Located in Santa Marta’s historical center, La Canoa Cafe Cultural might be one of the best places for brunch or lunch. This is a hot spot for their delicious salads, burgers, soups, sandwiches, and seafood. Or if you are looking for something light, just stop by for a coffee and dessert.
  • For Dinner: Hands down one of the best dinner experiences in all of Santa Marta has to be at Lulo! With their amazing cocktails, cool atmosphere, and their unbelievable selection of arepas, you might want to eat here every night! If possible, sit outside. That way you can watch all of the street performers as you sip on your cocktails made from fresh juices!

Other Santa Marta Tours

 

 

Where to stay when you Tour Santa Marta

The Pool Bar and Restaurant of the Dreamer Hostel in Santa Marta Colombia
There are plenty of places to stay in Santa Marta that will fit any traveler’s style and budget. Whether you are looking for an active hostel, a family owned guest house, or a quiet luxury hotel, you won’t be disappointed in your options.

  • Budget: Whether you stay in one of the dorm beds or you get a private room, The Dreamer Hostel is probably one of the nicest hostels in all of South America! They have a great pool, fun bar, and delicious food made on site. One of the coolest features of The Dreamer is their tour desk that can offer tips on getting around the area and arrange tours to the mountains, the main beaches, and to the Lost City, as well as diving activities.
  • Mid-Priced: If you are looking for convenience and a good price then check out the Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus. This beautiful hotel is located near many great sites in the Historic Center of Santa Marta. But if you stay in, you can enjoy mountain views from your terrace or take a dip in their pool.
  • Luxury: Located in Santa Marta’s historical center, Casa de Leda will offer you a spa, a terrace with a bar and an indoor pool. Built in the Colonial style, it has a modern décor that will provide you with a panoramic Cathedral view from a tranquil environment.

Book Your Stay to Tour Santa Marta Today

Have you ever wanted to tour Santa Marta? Have you already been? Which of the things to do in or around Santa Marta is your favorite? Have we left out other ways to tour Santa Marta that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin How To Tour Santa Marta to your favorite Bucket List Travel Board!Pinterest Picture of Bahia Concha Locals beach near Santa Marta Colombia

 

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83 thoughts on “How to Tour Santa Marta, Colombia

  1. Scuba diving is always one of our favorite ways to really get to experience the ocean anywhere we go! Ev’s first time was last year in Aruba and it was amazing. The fish, sunken treasure lol who knows what you’ll find.

    1. Yeah, if you love Scuba diving then you will definitely want to add Santa Marta, Colombia to your bucket list! There is so much beauty in the water surrounding this area of Colombia!

  2. I have been yearning to visit Colombia for years to see the rainbow rivers. The scuba diving will help me to persuade my partner, the pictures are beautiful!

  3. Looks so stunning! I think the beaches and scuba diving has me sold! What I like about it is that it doesnt seem as touristy as other places famous for their beaches and waters, which is always nice nowadays.

  4. The first time we went to Columbia we got just one day in Cartagena. It was so much more beautiful and interesting than I expected. And not teeming with the drug cartels I naively expected. It meant we knew we wanted to go back. It looks like Santa Marta would be a great spot to visit. And it looks like we should bring our scuba gear. Unless we never want to leave those great beaches. Love the colour in the street art. I see we will need several days to enjoy it all.

    1. Haha, at first I was like, “Who on earth is Susan talking about?” as I searched the comments to see what “Anthony” had said about how to Tour Santa Marta, Colombia! Then I realized you were agreeing with Mr. Anthony Bourdain and his feelings on Santa Marta and really All of Colombia! Haha, yeah he was right, it is an amazing country!

  5. Going to some waterfalls is one of the things I wanna do as I love the thought of being near a waterfall and hearing the sounds of water gushing. Great post.

  6. I really loved your pictures as usual. And I had read your earlier travel posts too they are so well detailed. It had been long since I had visited Colombia, you had covered all the details so well!

  7. such nice places. Thank you for sharing these places. I won’t be able to travel right now due to pandemic but this places you share here makes me feel I already traveled with you

  8. I could have visited different countries. Great adventure! If only the pandemic didn’t happen.

  9. What an amazing location to visit. And love all the useful details in your post. You had me at “Hidden Waterfalls of Minca”! I would still love to visit.

    1. Yeah, the hidden waterfalls was an amazing find that we never even knew existed. It was a fun day in the coffee farm areas and then to take a swim after was a true bucket list adventure in Santa Marta, Colombia!

  10. Santander Marta seem like an exquisite location to visit. I love the beaches and the beautiful churches. I have heard a lot of wonderful things about Columbia, but this article really opened my eyes to more of its beauty.

    1. Yeah, Colombia was one of our most favorite Adventures thus far in the Americas. It had the perfect mix of Culture, Nature, and amazing FOOD!

  11. Would really love to visit once to this place and I am going to bookmark this for my next travel plan

  12. Santa Marta seems like a great place to holiday. It has something for every kind of traveler. The street art is interesting. I would love to spend time in the beach and have seafood. It is long since I have been to a beach.Love the idea of a visit to the national park too.

  13. Colombia would be fascinating to visit and I’m sure I would enjoy Santa Marta. I haven’t heard of it before, but the beaches and nearby waterfalls sound inviting. I would check out the museum and the oldest cathedral in South America for sure. I am a big fan of seafood so would enjoy the local food scene here.

  14. We loved our small taste of Columbia on a visit to Cartagena and always wanted to explore more. The beaches of Santa Marta would certainly be a draw for us. And as scuba divers, we would definitely be heading underwater. Hubby is a coffee snob so he would savour the local coffee for sure. I would be out exploring the street art scene. Santa Marta certainly does look like it has it all!

  15. We had no idea that Santa Marta is the oldest remaining city in Colombia! We’ve never been to Colombia, but when we visit someday, we’d love to explore Teyuna for sure! And of course drink a lot of coffees!

  16. Santa Marta sounds like an absolute paradise location to visit. Beautiful beaches, hidden treasure (with free entry), cascading waterfalls and amazing food. I didn’t know much about the place, but now it’s up there on the list of places I’d love to check out one day.

  17. Scuba diving sounds fun and is a perfect reason for me to travel all the way to Santa Marta. I just love exploring the underwater and being able to do this along the Colombian coast would be awesome.

    Thank you for sharing these tips. Would love to try some fresh Colombian coffee too. will definitely consider this during our future trips.

  18. A very interesting post. I know that there are a lot of beautiful beaches in Columbia according to what I’ve heard and this post just confirmed it. It’s really lovely.

  19. That is a heavenly beautiful reef! You are so lucky to enjoy diving at the Caribbean 😀

  20. Everything I need to learn about Santa Marta, Colombia is literally here! I’m glad that you have variety of recommendations for the accommodations. I might do the same for my next blog posts too. Thank you for this!

  21. Thanks for an amazing post. Whenever I travel, I like to visit cathedrals because the architecture is incredible. La Cathedral de Santa Marta looks so pretty. And let’s talk about scuba diving…. I just added this to my scuba bucket list!

    1. Never thought visiting Columbia , Sta Marta in particular but it seems it’s a lovely place to visit , so many things to do and the place really looks nice. My eyes went so big for scuba diving, though I don’t swim but it’s something that I really really wanna try.

  22. I have heard so much about Colombia and I really want to visit it !!! I really like how you have explained the route and everything that it has to offer. I will definitely try out those beaches and the waterfall of Minca looks like a paradise. I am bookmarking and sharing this for sure!!

  23. This will come in very useful when I visit Santa Marta. I always love finding out about street art, so that’s awesome. The waterfalls and Tayrona National Park look great too! I was only planning to spend about 3-4 weeks in Colombia and it’s going to be nowhere near enough…

  24. I loved Colombia. In fact, it was probably my favourite place in the world. However, I didn’t visit the Caribbean coast, so I’d love to go back to visit Santa Marta and Minca. I couldn’t miss the latter because it’s got a great reputation for coffee.

  25. While it seems like a far-fetched dream for me to make it to Columbia, Santa Marta would have to be on my list if and when I go. Tayrona National Park looks gorgeous, I’d want to go hiking there, the views are amazing. Also, Colombian coffee! What a pleasure it would be to dive in the Caribbean!

  26. Thanks for introducing Santa Marta. I didn’t know much about the place and I am glad to know there are so many things to see and do there – I would love to go scuba diving! I may put in on my itinerary when I am visiting Colombia

  27. My best friend just went on her honeymoon to Colombia and I fell in love with the country through her photos. I really appreciated you sharing so many great places to visit in Santa Marta. I especially hope to see Tayrona National Park one day!

  28. I got to say I didn’t really know Santa Marta existed until reading this post (I really just knew about the bigger cities in Columbia). Santa Marta does look pretty amazing, especially the Tayrona National Park. And the free Museo de Oro sounds like it would really fun to check out.

  29. Columbia seems to be a hot destination that’s becoming more popular every month. This region looks truly blessed with natural beauty waiting to be explored by all who visit. The beaches at Tayrona National Park look amazing

  30. I have been seeing a lot of wonderful things about Colombia lately. Mostly about Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota. Thanks for putting Santa Marta, the oldest remaining city in Colombia and Tayrona National Park on the map for us.

  31. I’ve always been curious about Columbia and this article makes me want to go even more. The seafood dishes sounds delicious!

  32. I’ve always been curious about Colombia and this post has really opened my eyes to how much there is to see and do there. It looks amazing. Adding to the list!

  33. Awesome post – I’m bookmarking for when I go. I love the different sections, I went straight to the beach section first!
    I’m salivating over trying Columbian coffee though 🙂
    #coffeeaddict #beachlover

  34. Nice! I haven’t had the chance to visit this side of the world yet. It looks stunning and with everything I like, natural and wild.

  35. What a fabulous looking place. Not somewhere that has been on my list, although seriously tempted – especially with all that lovely coastline – right up my street.

  36. It really look like it has it all, beautiful beaches, great food, history etc…. should really think of moving there! Anyway nice article.

  37. Columbia is on my list as I love the diversity of the South American countries. I would love to do the 4 day hike to the Lost City of Columbia. What a diverse region, county and people. Great post outlining fun things to do.

  38. We only did coastal cities, therefore we loved Santa Marta and Cartagena! We spend some time in Barranquilla, but it’s more of a corporate City when it’s not Carnival so I wouldn’t really recommend it.

  39. Looks like a great place to base yourself when visiting this part of Colombia. We only passed through it enroute to another destination, but it looks like we should’ve spent a bit more time exploring it instead!

  40. We seek active vacations plus good food! Santa Marta, Colombia seems to offer ample of both! 🙂 We would love to hike around Tayrona National Park and eat like a king! Thanks for sharing recommendations for stay for all categories! Budget and slow travel feels like a calling for Santa Marta for us!

  41. I have heard great things about Colombia from friends. My husband would love learning about the story of Simon Bolivar. We just hiked Machu Picchu, maybe we need to hike again haha. I can’t wait to try fresh Colombian coffee.

  42. What a beautiful itinerary to Santa Marta! Colombia in general is somewhere I really want to see, so this is a pretty perfect post! The beaches look wonderful as does that ceviche, yum!

  43. I visited Santa Marta few years ago. My favourite places there are Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro, Tayrona National Park and La Cathedral de Santa Marta. Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to do scuba diving.

  44. I’ve always wanted to visit Colombia and after reading this guide I will have to book a trip now! I especially am excited to see the hidden waterfalls that you mentioned in this article. Thank you!

  45. We’ve heard great things about the Tayrona Park area. We’ll be heading to Medellin next month, but we’ll have to add this to a future trip!

  46. It’s great to see that Colombia has everything a traveler needs. It has beautiful waterfalls, pretty churches, and also beaches. You also mentioned top places to eat and provided us a great array of accommodations. This is surely gonna be in my bucket list.

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