Travel tips

1. Enjoy traditional food (but be careful with drinks)

Water quality in most of the towns in the Caribbean Coast, including in Santa Marta, does not meet the standards of international travellers so make sure if you buy any drink on the way that it is either comes in a bottle or was prepared with water from a bottle.

2. Be respectful when meeting the indigenous people:

Meeting the traditional indigenous groups of the Sierra de Santamarta is an unforgettable experience, however, we recommend you to arrange your visit through reputable tour operators who respect their privacy and cultural practices. Also, keep in mind they do not live in a rush like us, so book enough time for your visit.

3. Don’t forget good hydration, sunscreen and vaccines:

While this is a tropical paradise, it also comes with the usual downsides of the tropics, namely, humidity, heat, lots of sun and mosquitos. Make sure you take the Yellow Fever and Dengue vaccines before travelling to Santa Marta. Also bring enough sunscreen, and mosquito repellents. Also, drink enough (bottled) water and avoid tap water or natural juices made with it. .

Day 1-2  Exploring the Historic Heart of Santa Marta

Santa Marta’s historic centre is where the city’s rich past comes alive. Start your day with a visit to the Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta, the oldest cathedral in Colombia, and walk through the colonial-style historic centre of Santa Marta, where at the end of the day you can go for dinner and stroll through its colourful streets. Going partying in one of the night clubs in Santa Marta is also highly recommendable.

On day two, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the final resting place of Simón Bolívar, which is a must-see hacienda, surrounded by gardens and houses a museum dedicated to Bolívar’s legacy. End the day with a dip in the Caribbean Sea and watch the sunset from one of the calm beaches.

Day 3-4 Enjoy the Beaches of Santa Marta in Taganga

Santa Marta’s coastline is full of beautiful beaches, each offering something unique. While Rodadero is the city’s most popular beach, known for its lively atmosphere, soft sands, and clear waters and it is perfect for families, we recommend going to a more quiet part of town and explore Taganga is a small fishing village just a short drive away from the city centre and it offer a more laid-back vibe.

Taganga’s beach is a favourite among backpackers and offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Food and party opportunities are also plentiful in this small town, so we recommend to stay here at least one night to make the best out of it.

Day 4-5, Cooling down in Minca, the eco-tourism  town

Just an hour’s drive from Santa Marta, Minca is a mountain town that offers a cool retreat from the coastal heat and has become incresinly popular as eco-turims destination, both for Colombians and foreigners visiting Santa Marta.

Known for its coffee farms, waterfalls, and panoramic views, Minca is a paradise for nature lovers. You can viisit a local coffee farm, hike to the Pozo Azul waterfalls for a refreshing dip, or hire a motorcycle and drive around chasing the views from the town, which are spectacular, especially at sunset.

Suggestions for longer road trips

1. Cultural Immersion:  Meet the Indigenous People from the Sierra

For a deeper cultural experience, consider visiting an indigenous village in the Sierra Nevada mountains.  There are four indigenous groups living in the Sierra: the Kogui, the Arhuaco, the Wiwa and the Kankuamos. These indigenous group who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. A guided tour in one of their towns will provide an understanding of their way of life, spiritual beliefs, and efforts to protect their environment. This experience offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature, far removed from modern life.

2. Get your diving license in Taranga

Taganga is not only known for its beautiful beaches but also as a top destination for scuba diving in Colombia. This small fishing village offers a variety of diving schools that cater to beginners and experienced divers alike. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the underwater world, Taganga is the perfect place to get your diving license. Several PADI-certified dive schools in Taganga offer Open Water Diver courses, which typically take three to four days to complete and only cost a few hundred dollars. The course includes theory lessons, pool sessions, and open water dives, allowing you to gain confidence and experience in a controlled environment before heading out to the open sea.

3. Trekking Adventure to Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City   

Hidden deep within the dense jungles of the Sierra Nevada mountains lies the ancient Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, one of Colombia’s most iconic archaeological sites. Believed to have been founded around 800 AD by the Tairona civilization and been “lost” for over 400 years until its discovery in the 1970’s. This remote site is older than Machu Picchu and offers an unforgettable journey through history and nature. The trek to the Lost City typically takes four to six days. It is physically demanding, with humid conditions and challenging terrain, but the experience of reaching the Lost City is well worth the effort. Take a look at our detailed blog describing our trekking experience here.