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Santa MartaWikimedia Commons
City guide

Santa Marta

Colombia's oldest city, between the Caribbean Sea and the world's highest coastal mountain range.

Santa Marta, founded in 1525, is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, the Sierra Nevada, Minca and the Lost City. This guide organizes the visit between history, beaches, adventure and Indigenous communities, with specific places and planning tips.

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Must-see Santa Marta

Things to do in Santa Marta

Historic center and waterfrontFelipe Restrepo Acosta · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Historic center Historic center and waterfrontFounded in 1525, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in Colombia. Its center has colonial houses,…2 to 3 hours · Free
Santa Marta CathedralFelipe Restrepo Acosta · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cathedral Santa Marta CathedralWhite-walled colonial cathedral, considered one of the oldest in Colombia.30 minutes · Free
Quinta de San Pedro AlejandrinoKamilokardona · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
House museum Quinta de San Pedro AlejandrinoHacienda where Simón Bolívar died in 1830, with a museum, botanical garden and the Bolivarian Museum of…2 hours · $20.000 – $40.000
Tairona Gold Museum — Casa de la AduanaUser:Oliver H · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Museum Tairona Gold Museum — Casa de la AduanaColonial house on the bay with Tairona goldwork and the history of the Sierra Nevada and the city, part of…1 hour · Free
Parque de los NoviosFelipe Restrepo Acosta · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Food and nightlife square Parque de los NoviosThe liveliest square downtown, surrounded by restaurants, bars and terraces.One evening · $40.000 – $150.000
El RodaderoJulieth Gómez Durán · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
City beach El RodaderoThe city's most popular beach, with high-rises, restaurants and boats to Playa Blanca and the aquarium.Half day · Up to $80.000
Bahía ConchaHectorPertuz · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Beach in a national park Bahía ConchaCalm-water beach inside Tayrona National Park, a short ride from the city.Half day · $20.000 – $60.000
Cabo San JuanKasio2442 · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Beach in a national park Cabo San JuanTayrona's most famous beach, with a lookout on a rock, at the end of the jungle trail from El Zaino.Full day · $50.000 – $150.000
Lost City (Teyuna)REPÚBLICA DE COLOMBIA · Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Archaeological site Lost City (Teyuna)A city built by the Tairona in the Sierra Nevada centuries before the Spanish arrived. You get there on a…4 to 5 days · $1.500.000 – $2.500.000
Pozo Azul and Minca waterfallsGiancarlos1234 · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
River and waterfalls Pozo Azul and Minca waterfallsCold-water pools and waterfalls in the Minca mountains, an hour from Santa Marta, among coffee farms and…Half day · Up to $30.000
TagangaHenrr Pomares · Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Fishing village TagangaFishing village in a neighboring bay, a base for diving and boats to nearby beaches.Half day · Up to $250.000
Plan your visit

Santa Marta in 24, 48 and 72 hours

Where to stay

Areas of Santa Marta

History and nightlife

Historic center

Close to everything, with restaurants and the waterfront.

Beach and family

El Rodadero

High-rises on the sea, ideal with kids.

Diving and backpackers

Taganga

Fishing village with dive schools.

Mountains

Minca

Lodges among coffee farms and forest, an hour away.

Day trips

More near Santa Marta

Parque TayronaGiulian Frisoni / Wikimedia Commons
Parque TayronaMagdalena · 2 days
MincaUnsplash
MincaMagdalena · 2 days · ES
PalominoJonathan Dalrymple
PalominoLa Guajira · 2 days
CiénagaJdvillalobos · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
CiénagaMagdalena · 1 days · ES

Independent editorial selection. Reference: Alcaldía de Santa Marta y recuento de los 500 años (El Tiempo) ↗. Prices and opening hours are indicative: check before you go.

Plan and book

Book your trip to Santa Marta

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