Anthony Bourdain once said about Colombia, “It’s ludicrous this place exists and everybody doesn’t want to live here!” There is no doubt this is true as you witness the amazing colorful Street Art of Cartagena, explore the volatile history of Medellin, or release your inner foodie in Bogota! But when you tour Santa Marta, Colombia, you will realize, here you can have it all!

Founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, a Spanish conquistador, Santa Marta is the oldest remaining city in Colombia. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, amazing food, and proximity to the Tairona Indian ruins in Tayrona National Park, it is easy to see why it has become a popular Colombian travel destination. Perhaps that is why when you tour Santa Marta you realize it is a bucket list destination!

Tour Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro

Once a sugar cane refinery and colonial house, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro is where Simon Bolivar died. Here you can take a tour of the beautiful grounds and learn the history of how the liberator of South America spent his last days. While walking around the gardens you will also be able to see different wildlife including monkeys, iguanas, and an array of beautiful birds. Skip the line and get your tickets ahead of time by buying them online here!

With its beautiful beaches, rich history, amazing food, & proximity to the Tairona Indian ruins in Tayrona National Park, it is easy to see why Santa Marta, Colombia needs to be on your bucket list! #VisitSantaMarta #VisitColombia Click To Tweet

Discover La Cathedral de Santa Marta

With a claim to be the oldest cathedral in all of South America, La Cathedral de Santa Marta is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. But besides being beautiful, it holds a major part of South American history. Until the mid 1800’s, it was home to the remains of Simon Bolivar. However, his descendants requested his remains be returned to Venezuela. Now all that remains in the cathedral are his heart and intestines.

Walk the Avenida Bastidas

Named after the cities founder, Rodrigo de Bastidas, taking a leisurely stroll down the Avenida Bastidas is must as you tour Santa Marta. Starting at the statue of Bastidas, you can walk the boardwalk along the coastline. Here, you will see the scenic views of El Morro island, eat amazing street food, and explore the many vendors selling their crafts. If you can time it right, visit is at sundown to watch the sun dipping into the Caribbean ocean.

Find treasure at the Museo de Oro

The Museo de Oro is a beautiful museum that holds a great collection of gold pieces from the Tairona tribe that still lives in the region. Not only will you see plenty of treasure, but you will learn the history of the area and local indigenous people! Also, did we mention that entrance is FREE!

Tour the beautiful beaches of Santa Marta

If you love soft sand beaches and clear water, then you will want to check out any of the multiple beaches in the area when you tour Santa Marta. If you want to hang out with the locals head to Bahia Concha. But if you want to find a quiet spot to relax Playa Blanca, is a perfect destination. Either way, going to the beach is a must when you tour Santa Marta. Just make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen when you hit any of the beaches of Santa Marta. It is quite easy to get sunburned despite beach cabanas or beautiful tropical trees nearby!

Scuba dive the amazing Caribbean

There is no doubt that exploring the underwater ecosystems along the Colombian coast needs to be added to the Santa Marta Experience. While scuba diving in Tayrona National Park, you will get to explore a stunning underwater ecosystem. This is because it’s full of outstanding corals, sponges, and colorful fish. Plus with the Scuba Diving Tour from Viator, it doesn’t matter if you are an old pro or a first timer. The only thing you need is knowing how to swim and to pack your bathing suit!

Hot Tip – There are plenty of places around Santa Marta to learn how to scuba dive & even get PADI Certified. However, we strongly recommend that you consider getting Scuba Diving Travel Insurance from World Nomads! It is simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip.

Drink fresh made Colombian Coffee

There is no doubt that Colombian coffee is considered some of the best in the world! Therefore, if you are a lover of Java, then you are going to want to head 40 minutes outside of Santa Marta to Minca. Founded in 1892, La Victoria is one of the biggest and oldest coffee haciendas in northern Colombia. After drinking some of their amazing coffee, you can take a guided tour explaining the history of the plantation and how they make coffee.

Swim in the Hidden Waterfalls of Minca

If the idea of soaking in cascading waterfalls or swimming in natural pools is on your bucket list then you are going to want to “discover” the Pozo Azul waterfalls. This popular hangout for locals and tourists alike is outside of Minca about an hour from Santa Marta. To get to Pozo Azul you can either rent a moto taxi or hike in along an organized trail for about 45 minutes. However, if you decide to hike make sure you bring comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. This is because you will be walking through areas of lush trees and rocks!

Explore the street art around the Parque de Los Novios

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Located close to the Historic Center of the city, Parque de Los Novios, is a popular destination for anyone wanting to discover great music, dancing, or street art! Translating to the “Park of Lovers”, this is a great spot to start your night. Enjoy the outdoor seating while listening to some of the local musicians on the central bandstand. Afterwards, take a stroll. Check out the different vendors selling their homemade crafts and souvenirs or explore all of the amazing graffiti street art!

Hot Tip: The Historic Center of Santa Marta is a safe place to walk around. But as in any place you travel please use common sense and stay to main areas while exploring. Also sometimes taking a guided city walking tour can help orient you with the best areas to see. In Santa Marta, check out the Santa Marta – The pearl of Colombian Caribbean or the Santa Marta Sightseeing Tour

Hike around Tayrona National Park

Located about 30 minutes outside of Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park is an outdoor paradise.  If you are an avid hiker, get ready. You will find some amazing hiking through the tallest coastal mountain range in the world. However, if you are looking to relax and disconnect, head to one of the park’s beautifully secluded beaches. Another cool option is to stay over night in the park so you can spend more time exploring it all. There are various options for you. You can stay in either a hammock, a tent, or a hotel all along the coast in the park. But no matter what you choose, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and bug spray!

Hike to the Lost City of Colombia

Built some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu, the indigenous Tayrona people built the prosperous city of Teyuna within the Sierra Nevada mountains. Then the Spanish invasion came pushing the Tayrona people further into the mountains and abandoning Teyuna forever. Now called La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City), you can take a pre-booked 4-5 day trek. Here you can explore the ruins of the ancient Tayrona civilization through the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

• For 4 Days – The 4 Day Lost City Group Tour is probably one of your best options if you like small groups as the limit it to 12 people max. Plus it includes round-trip transportation from Santa Marta, lodging, meals, and entrance fees.
• For 5 Days – The 5-Day Lost City Trek gives you everything a 4 day tour plus allows you a little more time  passing through the indigenous community of Mutanshi along the way.

Tour Santa Marta & Eat like a King

Whether you consider yourself a discerning foodie or an adventurous street food connoisseur, you won’t be disappointed as you tour Santa Marta. Being next to the Caribbean sea ensures fresh seafood is widely available especially if you love ceviche, lobsters, or red snapper (aka: Pargo). From cafes to nicer dining options, here are a couple of options:

• For Breakfast: There is no doubt that when eating breakfast in Colombia, there better be an amazing cup of coffee right beside it. Therefore, you are going to want to head to Cafe’ Bonsai for some of the best coffee in Santa Marta. But don’t forget to try their sandwiches, freshly baked breads and cinnamon rolls. Then make sure you dive into one of their amazing milk shakes!
• For Lunch: Located in Santa Marta’s historical center, La Canoa Cafe Cultural might be one of the best places for brunch or lunch. This is a hot spot for their delicious salads, burgers, soups, sandwiches, and seafood. Or if you are looking for something light, just stop by for a coffee and dessert.
• For Dinner: Hands down one of the best dinner experiences in all of Santa Marta has to be at Lulo! With their amazing cocktails, cool atmosphere, and their unbelievable selection of arepas, you might want to eat here every night! If possible, sit outside. That way you can watch all of the street performers as you sip on your cocktails made from fresh juices!

Other Santa Marta Tours

Where to stay when you Tour Santa Marta

There are plenty of places to stay in Santa Marta that will fit any traveler’s style and budget. Whether you are looking for an active hostel, a family owned guest house, or a quiet luxury hotel, you won’t be disappointed in your options.

• Budget: Whether you stay in one of the dorm beds or you get a private room, The Dreamer Hostel is probably one of the nicest hostels in all of South America! They have a great pool, fun bar, and delicious food made on site. One of the coolest features of The Dreamer is their tour desk that can offer tips on getting around the area and arrange tours to the mountains, the main beaches, and to the Lost City, as well as diving activities.
• Mid-Priced: If you are looking for convenience and a good price then check out the Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus. This beautiful hotel is located near many great sites in the Historic Center of Santa Marta. But if you stay in, you can enjoy mountain views from your terrace or take a dip in their pool.
• Luxury: Located in Santa Marta’s historical center, Casa de Leda will offer you a spa, a terrace with a bar and an indoor pool. Built in the Colonial style, it has a modern décor that will provide you with a panoramic Cathedral view from a tranquil environment.

Book Your Stay to Tour Santa Marta Today

Have you ever wanted to tour Santa Marta? Have you already been? Which of the things to do in or around Santa Marta is your favorite? Have we left out other ways to tour Santa Marta that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

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