The northern city of Santa Marta is known for its pristine beaches, diverse ecosystem, and beautifully preserved nature parks. Thousands visit Colombia every year to enjoy the many outdoor activities and sports associated with Santa Marta's landscape.
Explore some of the most beautiful beaches, coves, lagoons, and rainforests in this large area of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Visit this charming town nestled in the mountains that overlook Santa Marta and kick back at one of the many restaurants and bars.
Take your time to understand Colombia's rich aquatic diversity through this aquarium's many interactive exhibits and shows.
Get away from the touristy Rodadero Beach to dive among some of Colombia's best coral reefs in Taganga.
Browse the work of modern Latin American artists at this hacienda-turned-contemporary art museum.
The best times to visit are from January to March or June to August due to the clear skies and dry weather.
The Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) is located 10 miles outside of the city. Most visitors take a taxi from the airport to their hotel or accommodation.
Motorway 90 will take you from Barranquilla to Santa Marta in just over two hours.
The Santa Marta Bus Terminal is a 30-minute drive outside of the city center. Cochetur has services between Santa Marta and cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla; the trip lasts between 3-5 hours. One-way tickets cost COL$50,000.
Emerald Green Guest House looks like an Irish castle with lovely room decor. Casa Loma Minca Hostel has beautiful views from the mountains and rooms ranging from dorms to private suites.
Rodadero - this area has some of the most popular beaches in the city as well as many hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Tayrona - visit this area to venture into the National Park's protected jungles and beaches.
El Dorado - this region is popular for bird watching and is one of the most important bird reserves in the world.
Tickets cost between COL$3-5,000 for your journey depending on the end destination, and can be paid to the driver upon entering the bus.
Taxis in Colombia do not run by meter, but instead by time spent in the car. Rides can cost between COL$3,500 to COL$20,000, depending on your negotiating skills.
Rental car prices start at COL$45,000 per day and can be picked up at any of the main transportation centers.
Many visitors enjoy buying souvenirs from individual vendors along Rodadero Beach; be prepared to bargain. The Ocean Mall is the biggest mall with bigger name brands and international stores.
The two main food stores are Éxito Santa Marta Centro and Supermercado Rapimercar. A dozen eggs costs COL$3,500.
Asadero Camarita, near Minca, is a great restaurant serving BBQ pork for around COL$12,000-14,000, including side dishes.