Santa Marta: How to get there, what to do and where it is located

Santa Marta is the oldest colonial city in Colombia and the second in South America, it is a dream destination on the north coast. Known as "The Pearl of America", it will captivate you with its paradisiacal beaches, lush nature, and rich history. Get ready for a great adventure in this magical place in Colombia! 🌅

Where is Santa Marta

Santa Marta is located next to the Caribbean Sea, at the base of the imposing Sierra Nevada. Thanks to this privileged location, it enjoys a warm and semi-arid climate, ideal for enjoying its beaches and outdoor activities all year round

The urban area of Santa Marta extends from the bay to the Ziruma hill, covering a coastal strip of 10 kilometers. In its surroundings, you will find natural jewels such as the Tayrona National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

How to get to Santa Marta

Getting to Santa Marta is easy thanks to its excellent transport connections. The Simón Bolívar International Airport, receives national and international flights. You can also choose to travel by bus or private vehicle through the roads that connect Santa Marta

By plane: The Simón Bolívar International Airport. Companies such as Avianca, Latam, JetSky, etc. arrive. You can search on their websites for the price of the flight and select the dates for your trip

By bus: Santa Marta has good roads that connect it with the rest of the country. The travel time can vary depending on your location. If you want to go by bus, we recommend the RedBus or Pinbus platforms to check schedules, prices, and routes.

Hotels in Bahía Concha

If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount or more on your next getaway by clicking here

We leave you three options of hotels that we found in Santa Marta:

• Casablanca Hotel - Historic Center: This accommodation is well located and offers an outdoor pool, garden, and air-conditioned rooms. In addition to family rooms, it also has a sun terrace, 24-hour reception, and room service. Click here to book

  

  Photo obtained from Booking

• ADAZ Boutique Hotel: Offers air-conditioned rooms and cable TV. Just a 5-minute walk from the Beach of the Bay of Santa Marta, and close to the Cathedral and the Gold Museum. It also has a 24-hour reception and concierge service. Click here to book

  

  Photo obtained from Booking

• SEALOJA: It is located 3.3 km from Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and the Cathedral of Santa Marta, offers free wifi, terrace, and balcony. It consists of 2 bedrooms, living room, full kitchen, and 2 bathrooms. Click here to book

  

Photo obtained from Booking

What to do in Santa Marta

Santa Marta is full of adventures, lush nature, and vibrant culture. From exploring unique beaches to discovering its colonial history, Santa Marta has something for all tastes. Keep reading to discover some of the best activities you can enjoy in this unique destination!

1. Tayrona National Natural Park

   This paradise of biodiversity and wildlife awaits you with open arms for you to discover the amazing natural beauty of Colombia. We have a complete guide to this place 😁! Click here to learn more.

   

2. Taganga

   A small fishing village located a short distance from the city of Santa Marta. This village, located between green mountains and the Caribbean Sea. We have a complete guide to this place 😁! Click here to learn more.

   

3. Bahía Concha

   Bahía Concha stands out for its natural beauty, Imagine surrounding yourself with mountains while enjoying a beach with white sand and crystal clear waters. We have a complete guide to this place 😁! Click here to learn more.

   

4. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

   This place is famous for being the last home of Simón Bolívar, it holds important moments of Colombia's independence. It is a popular destination for those who enjoy cultural tourism and national heritage. We have a complete guide to this place 😁! Click here to learn more.

   

5. Historic center of Santa Marta

   Let yourself be carried away by the cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings of the historic center of Santa Marta. Visit emblematic places like the Basilica Cathedral

   

Recommendations for your trip to Santa Marta

Before embarking on your trip to Santa Marta, it is important to keep in mind some recommendations to make the most of your stay

• Santa Marta's climate: Santa Marta has a warm and dry climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 33°C. Make sure to bring light clothing and sun protection

• Vaccines: It is recommended to get vaccinated against yellow fever if you plan to visit natural areas such as the Sierra Nevada or Tayrona Park.

• Transport: You can easily move around the city by taxi or public transport. Remember to negotiate the price before boarding a taxi.

• Currency: The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP). Make sure to exchange your money at authorized exchange houses or banks

Thank you for reading our Santa Marta guide! 🌴🌊 We hope you enjoy every moment of your adventure. Have a good trip, Backpacker! (Mochiliante) 😉🌎 See you on a next adventure!