Santa Marta: a destination that has it all

What makes it unique? Its main characteristic is its terrain: unforgettable landscapes where the green vegetation, the mountains, the blue sea, the yellow sun, and the contrast of the beaches with the white Sierra Nevada make this paradise a must-see destination.

It's a captivating city. There are activities for all tastes, from losing yourself in the waves of a beach that meets the jungle to observing the colorful birds whose songs seem to want to speak volumes. Don't leave off your list a historical tour of the city and a visit to the heart of the Tayrona culture and its colonial treasures.

Plus, there's the charm of its people, with that characteristic Caribbean sparkle that makes Santa Marta an unforgettable experience.

What to do in Santa Marta?

One of Santa Marta's tourist attractions that you must include in your visit is the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a national historic monument and Simón Bolívar's final resting place. Also worth a visit is the Tairona Gold Museum (Casa de la Aduana) in the city's Historic Center. This imposing colonial house houses the cultural heritage of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and its surrounding areas.

Also in Santa Marta, you can enjoy biodiversity in all its splendor. The Aquarium and the Marine Museum are must-sees if you appreciate the marine world and its richness. And if you want to continue the adventure, Taganga is another must-see, a small town where time seems to have stood still. An ideal place for recreational diving, enjoying the sun and the beach, and deep rest.

If you consider yourself an adventurer, you can't miss out on taking advantage of Santa Marta's impressive natural landscape to practice extreme sports.

Activities you can't miss

Explore the diverse landscape of Santa Marta and its surroundings with a visit to Tayrona National Natural Park. In this nature reserve, you can swim in crystal-clear waters and walk on white sand. You can also enjoy its unique sunrises, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the Americas.

Another must-see destination in the surrounding area is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is the highest coastal mountain in the world, at 5,775 meters above sea level. A Biosphere Reserve, it is inhabited by nearly 30,000 indigenous people of the Kogi, Arhuaco, Kankuaro, and Wiwa ethnic groups. This lush green landscape is ideal for hiking and birdwatching.

In addition to its natural charm, the gastronomic offering is exquisite. Don't forget to visit the restaurants in Santa Marta and enjoy Samarian cuisine. Chipi chipi (a mollusk), fried fish, patacones (fried plantains), coconut rice, and cocadas (coconut sweets) are the must-try dishes of Santa Marta's typical cuisine.

All of this, combined with the charm of its people, its sparkle, and its Caribbean flavor, make any experience in Santa Marta, Colombia, unforgettable.

In addition to this natural wealth, which includes El Rodadero Beach, there is an impressive historical legacy, represented in the architecture and streets of downtown Santa Marta, which offer an ideal route to visit the Cathedral, museums, and the Malecón de Bastidas, where you can also enjoy a romantic sunset.

Unique experiences

Santa Marta has been known since colonial times as the pearl of the Americas due to its wonderful natural landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and idyllic beaches. Some of Santa Marta's best beaches are located in Tayrona National Natural Park: Cabo San Juan, Bahía Concha (a beautiful resort with cabins and restaurants), Neguanje, and Cañaveral, which has an excellent camping area, are some of the best known.

While any time is a good time to enjoy Santa Marta's beaches and the city's charm, the best time to travel is between December and April. This is an ideal time to explore and marvel at the imposing Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the biodiversity of Tayrona Park, and Taganga Beach.

The Fiestas del Mar, held mid-year, marks another excellent season to enjoy Santa Marta, its traditions, and all the Caribbean flavor. At this event, you can enjoy water sports, accompanied by various cultural and musical activities.

Between late August and early September, national and international theater companies gather to bring to life one of the city's most anticipated events of the year: the International Caribbean Theater Festival.

Recommendations

Thanks to its diverse landscape, Santa Marta, Colombia, is blessed with a warm, dry climate, with an average temperature of 28°C. The breeze from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains caresses the city's beaches, providing the necessary freshness for a truly memorable stay.

You can reach Santa Marta, Colombia, by air from major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali. Most flights are direct and arrive at Simón Bolívar International Airport, located ten minutes from El Rodadero and fifteen minutes from the Historic Center. Taxis and other transportation services are available at the airport to take you from there to your accommodation.

To get from the city to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Natural Park, you must take a 42-km road trip that will take you to the San Lorenzo Experimental Station, the authorized entry point.

To reach the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you must drive to Vereda el Mamey. Then, you'll take a guided hike along a 23.3 km trail to reach the indigenous reserve.

We recommend getting vaccinated against yellow fever 15 days beforehand if you plan to visit natural areas. We also recommend bringing medication, pain relievers, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It's also very important to drink bottled water, not tap water.

The city is a tourist destination that combines an excellent hotel infrastructure with luxury hotels, apartments, and hostels for the more adventurous, where you can meet people from all over the world, exchange cultures, and enjoy an unforgettable vacation. So book early!

With these recommendations, you'll be able to feel the rhythm of Santa Marta. A place that welcomes you with sun and beach activities, nature, adventure, and unparalleled cuisine. Visit the most welcoming country in the world and begin to discover its charm here!

Source: Colombia.Travel