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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: COP
- Languages: Spanish
- Climate: Tropical
- Timezone: America/Bogota
- Population: Approximately 500,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can enter Colombia visa-free for tourism stays up to 90 days. Some nationalities may require an e-visa or visa on arrival. It is recommended to check specific requirements before travel, but generally, a valid passport and proof of onward travel are needed.
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and cultural diversity. Founded in 1525, it is one of the oldest cities in South America and serves as a gateway to some of Colombia’s most spectacular landscapes. The city offers a unique blend of colonial charm, modern amenities, and access to pristine beaches and lush jungles. Visitors are drawn to Santa Marta for its proximity to Tayrona National Park, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the nearby Lost City archaeological site. The warm tropical climate and friendly local culture make it an inviting destination year-round. Whether you seek adventure in nature, relaxation on sandy shores, or immersion in Afro-Caribbean culture, Santa Marta provides a compelling mix of experiences that appeal to all types of travelers.
Top Attractions
1. Tayrona National Park – A protected natural reserve with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. 2. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino – The historic hacienda where Simón Bolívar spent his last days, now a museum and cultural site. 3. Rodadero Beach – A popular beach area with calm waters, restaurants, and water sports. 4. Taganga Village – A small fishing village known for its diving schools and vibrant nightlife. 5. The Gold Museum – Showcases indigenous artifacts and the region’s rich pre-Columbian history.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking in Tayrona National Park, snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral reefs, exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains, visiting indigenous communities, and relaxing on Caribbean beaches. Cultural tours, bird watching, and boat trips along the coast are also popular. Nightlife and local festivals offer lively entertainment options.
Santa Marta Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Caribbean Coast
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy hiking in Tayrona National Park, snorkeling and scuba diving in the coral reefs, exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains, visiting indigenous communities, and relaxing on Caribbean beaches. Cultural tours, bird watching, and boat trips along the coast are also popular. Nightlife and local festivals offer lively entertainment options.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. Pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for hiking. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious or indigenous sites. Stay hydrated and be cautious with street food. Use cash in small denominations and carry a secure bag for valuables.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
299 Available Tour Excursions in Santa Marta
All inclusive motorcycle tour of Colombia's north coast. Many more tour options available. Come with the longest running / highest rated motorcycle tour company in Northern Colombia!
Price: $359.00
Duration: 48 hours
Your safety is our top priority. With highly trained and professional drivers behind the wheel, rest assured that you're in expert hands. Our rigorous safety protocols, including regular vehicle inspections and real-time GPS tracking, guarantee a secure trip from start to finish. Our fleet of well-maintained vehicles ensures a smooth ride, providing you with the ultimate peace of mind during your travels. From the moment you step into one of our comfortable cars, you'll feel right at home, focusing on what matters most – enjoying the journey! Cherish moments with your loved ones without the hassles of navigating traffic or worrying about directions.
Price: $225.00
Duration:
Have a vivid story to tell next time you see your friends, by exploring the emerald-green Colombian mountains on this full-day tour to Minca. Hike through muddy trails, escorted by exotic songs composed by the endemic birds nesting on the bicentennial trees, surging from the slopes of the world's highest coastal range in the tropics. As a reward, relax for a moment and swim in the tranquil natural pool of Marinka, a 100-feet tall tiered waterfall. Later on, head to the coffee farm where you will meet lifelong farmers that will personally teach you in detail from seed-to-cup everything they know about Colombian coffee. Highlights: - Perfect option for coffee lovers who wish to visit an authentic Colombian coffee farm - Avoid the crowds: Private car and guide just for you and your companions - No hidden fees: The only thing you have to worry about is your food, the rest is included. - This tour is a fantastic option for solo travelers, couples and families with +8-years-old kids
Price: $178.00
Duration: 10 hours
This project was started by a group of peasant families who have decided leave aside activities with a negative impact on the environment (like intensive agriculture and livestock) and work in tourism. These families saw that the place what has always been their home is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity and cultural experiences. And now they want to show this paradise, and everything it offers, to the rest of the world. This trek is outside of others tourist treks saturated with visitors, wildlife full, ancient rainforests, impressive waterfalls, friendly people and stunning views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Of course, to get to the most beautiful places requires great effort, hiking along steep slopes, grass fields, forests and mountains. As such, it is necessary to be in a good physical and mental condition. You will be rewarded at the end of each day, when we will be welcomed, eat and sleep in the peasants houses where we will have a cultural exchange.
Price: $826.00
Duration: 85 hours
IMPORTANT- There is a dress code for this tour! Swimwear, sandals, hats, sportswear, and sunglasses are NOT allowed! Furthermore, we do not allow any aspects of sex tourism either. We are a group of local friends that host bar crawls in Colombia. We wanted to give foreigners and tourists a unique "locals' experience", so we started these bar crawls. This bar crawl consists of 3 local bars and 1 disco bar/club, all located in the historic center of Santa Marta. Centro Histórico is one of the most popular nightlife areas among locals and tourists in Santa Marta. We will meet at the first bar at 8:30 pm to congregate and converse. We will then proceed to the next bars every hour, finally finishing off at the rooftop disco bar/club by 12:15 am. Sometimes locals also come on our crawls, so you may have the opportunity to connect with some Colombians and practice your Spanish!
Price: $22.50
Duration: 4 hours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the hidden treasures of Tayrona National Park with our private full-day hike to San Juan Cape. Explore pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this breathtaking wilderness. Covering 7.5 to 9.5 miles (12 to 15 kilometers) of diverse terrain, including some small hills, our knowledgeable local guide will lead the way, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the journey. Gain fascinating insights into local culture, indigenous tribes, and the region's unique flora and fauna. Operated by a passionate local agency, our tour includes private round-trip transfers from Santa Marta, exclusive local tour guide, admission fees, and bottled water for each traveler. Book now and create unforgettable memories on this extraordinary journey through Tayrona National Park!
Price: $182.00
Duration: 6-9 hours
Coffee Tour to the oldest coffee farm in Sierra Nevada DISCOVER MINCA'S NATURAL BEAUTY: WATERFALLS AND COFFEE FARM TOUR Minca, a small town located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Join us for a full day tour and explore the area's rivers, waterfalls and magnificent views. POZO AZUL WATERFALL Begin your day with a refreshing swim in the cool waters of Pozo Azul, a stunning waterfall located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. LA VICTORIA COFFEE FARM TOUR Next, we'll head to the historic La Victoria coffee farm. Enjoy a tour of the farm and learn all about coffee production and the farm's rich history. LUNCH AND CASCADA MARINKA After the tour, we'll sit down to a delicious lunch. Then, we'll visit one more waterfall, Cascada Marinka, where we can swim once more before returning to Santa Marta. Don't miss this opportunity to explore Minca's natural beauty and learn about coffee. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Price: $145.00
Duration: 8-10 hours
Enjoy a private stress-free transfer from your hotel in Los Naranjos to your hotel in Cartagena de Indias. A professional driver will take you to your next hotel. The trip lasts 5 hours (time varies depending on traffic). Drivers do not speak English. Once you meet him he will take you to the vehicle and the next destination will be your hotel. There is one optional stop after passing Barranquilla where you can stretch your legs, drink a cup of coffee and go to the toilette. There is also the possibility to stop for lunch in case you need it.
Price: $319.00
Duration: 5 hours
On this trip we will have the opportunity to get to know the Kogui Sewiaxa community where around 25 families live that basically live off nature, growing cassava, corn, beans, among others. In the visit we will see the mamo who gives us his teachings and a sacred ritual, on the tour we are surrounded by a lot of fauna such as hummingbirds, the toucan and monkeys, we also have the opportunity to look at the peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the beaches of palomino and at the end we bathe in the palomino river where by decision of the client can take the option of tubing to go down to the sea. This Tour is exclusive.
Price: $137.13
Duration: 8 hours
Embark on a full day adventure into jungle waterfalls, panoramic views and nature in the depths of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains at the private nature reserve of Nevada San Martin.
Price: $90.00
Duration: 7 hours
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is the archaeological territory of an ancient Tayrona city located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta whose construction is attributed to the year 800 A.D. many years before Machu Picchu. The Tayrona paradise is made up of a series of terraces dug into the mountainside formed by a network of tiled roads and small circular squares. Get to Ciudad Perdida is done by climbing some 1200 stone steps through the vast jungle of the region, an adventure that begins in the city of Santa Marta and forces you to cross kilometers of mountain between rivers and jungle, an unforgettable experience that will allow you to meet the natives of the area, have an experience amid nature and live an extreme journey between the mountain and the sea.
Price: $560.00
Duration: 96 hours
Do not bother trying to understand locals language and enjoy a stress-free transfer from Simon Bolivar International Airport to your hotel in Tayrona Park. This rate includes bottled water per person, and also the meet & greet service; a professional driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall with a sign. The trip last from 60 to 85 minutes (time varies depending on traffic). Drivers do not speak English. Once you meet him he will take you to the vehicle and the next destination will be your hotel. No stops are made throughout the trip.
Price: $110.00
Duration:
- Access to Exclusive Routes: Forget the crowds. We'll guide you along ancient trails that don't appear on maps, guaranteeing an experience of peace and authentic connection with Minca's pristine nature. - Expert Guide: Your guide is more than just a guide; they are a passionate interpreter of the mountains. You'll discover the secrets of the mountains and the local legends that bring the landscape to life. - Small Groups: We believe in quality over quantity. Our groups are deliberately small to ensure personalized attention, a comfortable pace, and minimal impact on the sacred environment we visit. - Deep Immersion: Our focus is not on distance, but on depth. Each stop is designed to feel the energy of the waterfalls, understand the history, and connect with the soul of the place. - All-Inclusive and Planned: We take care of every detail. Your only mission is to walk, feel, and enjoy a memorable and worry-free experience.
Price: $60.00
Duration: 4-5 hours
Minca is a small coffee, tourist town and a sanctuary for wildlife in its surroundings, as it is nestled in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, has a lush rainforest, coffee and cocoa, waterfalls and friendly and diverse people . Come and visit this eco-tourist paradise in a formidable trekking adventure that will go from the foot of the mountains to the half peaks and slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and on the way you know about the exuberant bio-diversity and History of the minetraste region you exercise in this demanding trek.
Price: $190.00
Duration: 9-11 hours
Enjoy a stress-free transportation from Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR) to your hotel in Tayrona Park area. The estimated time of arrival is approximately 60 minutes (depending on traffic), on the road to your hotel you will be able to observe the majestuosity of the Sierra Nevada which embrace this magnificent, unique and authentic city.
Price: $66.00
Duration:
Enjoy a stress-free transfer from Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR) to your hotel in Palomino. The estimated time of arrival is 1h40 minutes (depending on traffic conditions), on the road to your hotel you will be able to observe the wonderful mountains of the Sierra Nevada which embrace this magnificent, unique and authentic city.
Price: $87.00
Duration:
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF TAIRONAKA & THE DON DIEGO RIVER An Exclusive Journey Through History, Culture & Nature Taironaka, nestled along the Don Diego River, is home to an ancient archaeological site of the Tairona civilization. Walk in the footsteps of this lost city as you explore a museum, restored stone paths, terraces, and stairways that reveal a remarkable past. Connect with the Kogi, descendants of the Tairona, and gain insight into their sacred traditions. A TOUR OF HISTORY, ADVENTURE & RELAXATION Surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife, explore pristine nature of Don Diego river. Observe Howler monkeys in their natural habitat and relax on a secluded beach. Swim in the calm river or the wild sea, enjoying a stunning contrast. THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE Step into a world where history and nature intertwine. From ancient Tairona ruins to the vibrant ecosystems of the Don Diego River, this journey offers a unique blend of cultural discovery and natural beauty.
Price: $179.00
Duration: 9-10 hours
If you enjoy exploring the less known treasures of a region: you are in the right place. In this tour you will go to the Seviaka indigenous town. You will have a motorbike ride. And you will also talk to a Kogui indigenous leader who will teach you about their cosmology, customs and beliefs. Besides this cultural approach, you will enjoy a tire ride down the Palomino River and its rapids to enjoy surrounding nature in a different way. - A 3-hour hike among nature - The unique experience of learning and interacting with the indigenous of the Seviaka town - A trip by motorbike - Tubing downstream the river - A lesson about medicinal plants and indigenous beliefs and customs.
Price: $68.00
Duration: 5-8 hours
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Santa Marta’s cuisine features fresh seafood such as fried fish, ceviche, and coconut rice. Local specialties include arepas, empanadas, and the traditional dish “cazuela de mariscos” (seafood stew). Dining customs emphasize fresh, flavorful ingredients with Afro-Caribbean influences. Noteworthy restaurants include Lulo Café Bar and Ouzo Santa Marta, known for their authentic local flavors and vibrant atmospheres.
Getting Around
Santa Marta is accessible by air via Simón Bolívar International Airport, with domestic and some international flights. Local transportation includes taxis, buses, and mototaxis for short distances. Walking is common in the city center. For excursions, organized tours or rental cars are options. Transportation costs are generally affordable.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. Pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for hiking. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious or indigenous sites. Stay hydrated and be cautious with street food. Use cash in small denominations and carry a secure bag for valuables.
Culture & Customs
Santa Marta’s culture is a blend of indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish influences. Social customs emphasize friendliness and hospitality. Important festivals include the Fiesta del Mar and the Festival of the Sea. Visitors should greet locals politely, avoid sensitive political topics, and respect traditional dress and ceremonies when visiting indigenous communities.
