CITY GUIDE SANTA MARTA

Travelers visiting Santa Marta, Colombia, come for many reasons: to explore the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park, travel to the coffee paradise of Minca, scuba dive in Taganga, trek to the Ciudad Perdida/Lost City, or simply relax in Palomino.

Regardless of their initial intentions, travelers often find Santa Marta to be a beautiful colonial city full of history and adventure, surrounded by beautiful natural attractions.

Although its colonial history is not the most admirable, Santa Marta is an ideal stopover for those wishing to experience Colombia’s rich culture, national parks, tropical beaches and mountainous jungle walks. For these reasons, Santa Marta is one of the most popular destinations on the Caribbean coast.

Though Santa Marta’s true gift is the beautiful scenery surrounding the city, the downtown area is bustling with restaurants, bars and historical attractions that are absolutely worth the visit.

History of Santa Marta

Climate and weather

The weather in Santa Marta is hot and humid and does not change much throughout the year. The average temperature is 31°C/88 °F, and temperatures remain high even during the night.

July, August and September usually receive the most of the rainfall, which means that the best time to visit Santa Marta is from December to April, which is the dry season. Although hot, there is almost always a pleasant breeze.

For more detailed information, click this link:
Weather Details Santa Marta

What to pack?

As already explained, Santa Marta is a great place to visit, but it is also a jumping-off point for some of the top destinations in the country. You should be prepared for sightseeing in the city, but also for hiking through the jungle or exploring the cloud forest high in the mountains above the coast. Have a swimsuit, travel pouch to keep your valuables safe, a comfortable backpack and sunscreen. When traveling in the wet season, also include a rain poncho. Trails get muddy after rain, so make sure to wear quality hiking boots for trekking adventures.

Things to do and see in Santa Marta

Santa Marta is a beautiful city, full of visitor attractions that are worth experiencing. Most imagine that the principal places to visit are the beaches, but in fact, this city is full of history and culture. A good starting point is the museums.

The Tayrona Gold Museum: Contains a collection of ceramics, gold and other ethnographic objects that throw light on the culture and history of Santa Marta.

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The Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Art: found at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the museum has an exhibition of permanent works and other visiting exhibitions
This museum was established to create reality through art, intending to integrate the Bolivarian countries – Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Venezuela – as a tribute to the Liberator of Nations, Simón Bolívar.
Santa Marta Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Marta is undoubtedly one of the most familiar images and loved patrimonial sites in the city.
It is a beautiful church that the local Santa Marta residents are proud to call their own.

Santa Marta Market

‍Parque los Novios Relax on a shady bench and people watch in this recently remodelled park. When inspiration strikes, migrate to one of the restaurants or bars dotted all around the park for refreshments or indulge in some delicious street food from one of the many local vendors. The street food in Santa Marta is among the best in Colombia. The streets surrounding Parque de los Novios are lined with fun bars for dancing, drinking, live music and meeting both locals and fellow travellers.

Things to do in the city

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Activities and Attractions
Outside of Santa Marta City

To take full advantage of what Santa Marta has to offer, travel out of the city itself. Serving as the perfect base for exploring the Caribbean coast and Sierra Nevada mountains, Santa Marta provides easy access to Parque Tayrona, Minca, Palomino and others for a wide range of adventures, including beach-hopping, scuba diving and trekking.

Playa Cristal, Santa Marta

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona is Colombia’s most famous natural area. It is a well-deserved title, as the area is absolutely gorgeous. Here you can see a picturesque view of the mountains of the Sierra Nevada running into the sea and also enjoy unspoiled and undeveloped beaches.

Underwater paradise

Fresh Mountain Air in Minca

It is not all beaches along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. You can also explore the lovely mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A great place to do that is in the small town of Minca, located less than an hour outside of Santa Marta.

Taironaka Nature and Indigenous Reserve

The ancient Tayrona people once inhabited this entire area of Colombia. They were considered one of the most advanced indigenous cultures of their time. Today, their descendants, known as the Kogui, make up the indigenous population.

Taironaka Nature

Lost City Taironaka

A unique and largely undiscovered place to visit near Santa Marta is the Kogui town and archaeological site of Taironaka. Here you can see the remains of ancient settlements cut into the green hills. You can also interact with the present-day Kogui inhabitants and learn more about their culture and traditions.

Nueva Venecia

Nueva Venecia (New Venice) is a small pueblo located on the Cienaga de Santa Marta, the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia. Small traditional fishing pueblos, many of them composed of the ancestors of former slaves, have long dotted this area. However, perhaps the most unique is Nueva Venecia.

Nueva Venecia

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Outside Santa Marta

Where to stay

The best places to stay in Santa Marta are El Rodadero, the Historic Downtown, Bello Horizonte and Taganga. However, for those who are just visiting Tayrona Park, the hotels near the park are ideal for lodging.

The most vibrant part of the city is Historic Downtown, which is also the greatest choice for visitors on a budget or those only staying for a day in Santa Marta. El Rodadero offers a lovely beach and a good assortment of comfortable hotels.

Younger travellers love Taganga as it is a beachside, affordable area. Meanwhile, the Bello Horizonte area offers a great range of hotels and resorts, along with excellent beaches.

In addition to choosing the best area, it is important to pick the right hotel for your stay in Santa Marta. The region is fairly hot, so opting for a hotel with air conditioning is recommended. If the hotel also has a pool, it will be an added bonus for enduring the hotter days.

For a selection of good places to stay, click on these links:

5 Star Hotels
4 Star Hotels
3 Star Hotels

Gastronomy

Caribbean Gastronomy

Dining out in Caribbean Colombia is a real treat. The ingredients are wonderfully fresh, the portions plentiful and the flavours deliciously rich. Colombia’s amazing cuisine is born from its diverse array of meats, fresh fish, vegetables and fruits. Known locally as Comida Costeña, it is distinguished by its incredible freshness.

For some excellent dining options, please click on these links:
5 Star Restaurants
Economical Restaurants
Outstanding Cafes
Great Bars
Colombian Street Food

Festivals and Events

Santa Marta is a stunning coastal city known for its rich culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is by attending a festival or event. From traditional festivals and cultural celebrations to music and culinary happenings, the city offers a vibrant calendar of events that showcase the essence of this tropical paradise.

Here are some of the best:

Carnaval of Santa Marta

This is an annual celebration that showcases the city’s vibrant culture and rich traditions. Held in February, this event transforms the streets into a lively explosion of colours, music, and dance. Artists, musicians and dancers unite to create an unforgettable experience.

Christmas Festival

This a magical time when the city transforms into a winter wonderland filled with lights and joy. Taking place in December, this event draws locals and tourists who want to embrace the festive spirit.

As you stroll through the streets, you will see vibrant decorations adorning parks and plazas. Moreover, a significant highlight is the magnificent Christmas tree that lights up the main plaza, providing a perfect backdrop of the holiday season.

Semana Santa

A solemn yet beautiful celebration that showcases rich traditions. This event, occurring in late March or early April, commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Visitors will witness processions filled with fervent faith as religious figures are paraded through the streets.

The intricate artistry of the floats and the solemnity of the participants create a deeply moving experience. Onlookers are not just spectators but are often encouraged to participate in the rituals, making it a communal affair. In conclusion, attending Semana Santa allows you to connect with local traditions while appreciating the deep spiritual significance behind the events.

Festival del Mar

This Festival celebrates the beautiful coastal city of Santa Marta and its relationship with the ocean. Typically held in July, this festival is a tribute to Colombia’s marine biodiversity and its vital importance to local culture. The festival features a range of activities, including water sports, marine exhibitions and gastronomic showcases.

Jazz Festival

One of the most anticipated events is the Jazz Festival, which attracts music lovers from all over. This event usually takes place in October and features both local and international jazz artists. Set against a stunning coastal backdrop, the festival creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

Festival de la Candelaria

Typically held in early February, this festival draws both locals and tourists eager to experience its vibrant atmosphere, which makes it an essential event showcasing the rich religious traditions and cultural heritage of the region. During the celebration, parades filled with colourful costumes and lively music fill the streets, inviting everyone to join the festivities.

Santa Marta Film Festival

The Film Festival is an exciting event that celebrates local and international cinema. Taking place annually, this festival serves as a platform for filmmakers to present their work and connect with audiences. Moreover, it highlights the cultural and artistic contributions of the region, firmly positioning Santa Marta on the map of film enthusiasts.

Festival Insular de las Tradiciones

A remarkable celebration of Santa Marta’s cultural diversity and heritage, which is typically held in September. This festival emphasizes the importance of local customs, music and dance, enriching both residents and visitors alike. Notably, the event showcases indigenous influences, Afro-Colombian traditions and the history of this vibrant community.

Independence Day

Every July 20^th,the city comes alive in celebration of Colombia’s Independence Day. This joyous occasion marks the day Colombia declared independence from Spanish rule in 1810.

In Santa Marta the festivities are particularly vibrant and engaging, offering both locals and visitors a chance to partake in the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

Conclusion

If the idea of a culturally rich coastal city with delicious food, affordable stays and magical nature experiences is your ideal getaway, Santa Marta delivers on all fronts. The city’s magnificent white-sand beaches are bordered by the lush mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria Range, the highest coastal range in the world. It is the perfect blend of land and sea and delivers an exceptional experience.

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