The beautiful geography of Santa Marta is its most distinctive feature: its unforgettable landscapes in which the green foliage, the blue of the sea, the yellow of the sun and the sand, and the contrast between the beaches and the Sierra Nevada of white peaks, make Santa Marta, an unmissable destination.
There are also around 30,000 people from the KOGI, ARHUACO, KANKUAMO and WIWA indigenous ethnic groups living in Santa Marta. In fact, UNESCO declared the area a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in 1979.
Santa Marta is a captivating city with beaches and cultures that can help anyone disconnect. Santa Marta has activities for all tastes, from getting lost in the waves on a forest-lined beach, to observing the colorful birds that seem to be trying to say something through their songs. Or take a historical walk through the city and visit TAYRONA, the cultural heart of the city and its colonial treasures.
The charm of the locals, with that characteristic touch of the Caribbean, is another factor that makes visiting Santa Marta so memorable.
What to do in Santa Marta?
During your stay in Santa Marta, you won't want to miss the opportunity to learn about the remarkable culture of TAYRONA. To do so you must visit the Tayrona National Natural Park. This natural reserve of crystal clear waters, white sands and incomparable sunrises is considered one of the most beautiful bays in America. The reserve is a quiet and ideal place where the sound of the sea and the clean air of the Santa Marta mountain converge.
The Park has incredible beaches, each with its unique charm that attracts visitors to enjoy the weather, the sun and delicious cocktails. Some of the best-known beaches include Cabo San Juan; Bahía Concha, a beautiful resort with cabins and restaurants; Neguanje; and Cañaveral, with its camping area and beautiful beaches in the middle of the flourishing nature of Santa Marta.
Just five minutes from the historic center of Santa Marta, you will find El Rodadero, a place with white sand beaches where the sand is slightly coarse and does not stick to the skin, and a clean, blue-green sea, warmed by the heat. . of the sun.
In addition to its natural wealth, of which El Rodadero is also a part, Santa Marta has an impressive historical legacy represented in its architecture and the streets of the center of Santa Marta, which offer the ideal route to visit the Cathedral, the museums and the Malecón Bastidas, where you can also enjoy a romantic sunset.
Another place you should add to your itinerary is the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, which was the last residence of Simón Bolívar and is considered one of the main national monuments of Colombia.
Take advantage of your daily excursions to try some of Santa Marta's local dishes, such as chipi chipi (clam soup), fried fish, patacones (fried green plantains), arroz con coco (coconut rice), and cocadas (coconut macaroni) .
Unique experiences
Santa Marta is also the scene of celebrations such as the Sea Festivals, which take place in the middle of the year. The main activities of these festivals are water sports, accompanied by different cultural and musical activities.
The International Caribbean Theater Festival is also held in Santa Marta, which is at the end of August or beginning of September, and brings together national and international theater companies.
Activities you don't want to miss
If you consider yourself an adventurer, you cannot miss the opportunity to practice extreme sports with the impressive natural environment of Santa Marta.
You can also visit the Aquarium and Museum of the Sea, where you can enjoy the marine world and the rich biodiversity of Colombia, in addition to participating in entertaining activities such as swimming with dolphins.
But one activity you won't want to miss for anything is visiting Taganga, where time seems to stand still. In this town there are no traces of industrialization, nor large hotel chains, nor restaurant franchises. Everything in the town is artisanal and the town's beautiful beaches offer a unique view that affirms the incredible diversity of the area.
Connectivity.
Regarding the air connectivity of this destination, it is highlighted that the direct international operation is with Copa, through 3 direct weekly flights that arrive from Panama City, connecting travelers from all of the Americas. Additionally, there are domestic connections from Bogotá, Cali and Medellín, with Avianca, LATAM and Wingo, which can connect with its international route network.
recommendations
The climate of Santa Marta is warm, with an average temperature of 82.4 °F and a dry climate due to the breezes coming from the Sierra Nevada.
The city's Simón Bolívar International Airport is located 10 minutes from Rodadero and 15 minutes from the historic center of Santa Marta. This airport has national and international connections.
Within the city, you can use taxis and buses to reach any place of interest.
We strongly recommend that you get vaccinated against yellow fever 15 days before visiting any natural area. We also recommend bringing medications, pain relievers, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It is also very important that, while visiting Santa Marta, you drink only bottled water, not tap water.
The city is a tourist destination that brings together an excellent hotel infrastructure with luxury hotels, apartments and hostels for the most adventurous travelers, where you can meet people from all over the world, participate in cultural exchanges and make your vacation truly unforgettable, so Make sure you book in advance.