Traveling alone is an exciting and liberating experience, but it also comes with new challenges. One advantage of traveling to Colombia is that the people are very friendly and hospitable, and there is plenty of cultural and natural diversity, making it a great destination for solo women traveling.
If you're interested in exploring Santa Marta, it's an excellent destination full of adventure, both in the mountains and on the coast. In this article, we share five tips to help you enjoy your solo trip to Santa Marta safely and without worries.
To travel to Santa Marta, you need to have some important documents ready, such as your passport or valid identification if you are a Colombian citizen or belong to the Andean Community. It's also necessary to have travel insurance, an emergency contact, a pre-trip medical check-up, and carry your documents in digital format.
Moreover, if you're a foreign woman, we recommend carrying a credit card and notifying your bank that you'll be traveling internationally to avoid inconvenience. Although most establishments in Santa Marta accept credit cards, carry cash too as it may come in handy for public transportation or for some purchases during your trip.
We recommend staying in hostels as they are an excellent opportunity to meet other travelers, and they usually offer local activities, in addition to being more affordable.
The next step is to look for free walking tours. Many cities around the world offer these tours, and Santa Marta is no exception, as it is a city full of history and iconic places that you shouldn't miss.
The Free Walking Tour of Visit Santa Marta is an excellent option that you can book by clicking on the link. Remember that even though it's a free tour, it doesn't mean that the information provided by the guides has no value, and you'll have an incredible afternoon while meeting people and learning about Santa Marta.
Santa Marta is an amazing destination because it also has delicious food. You can try the typical dishes of Caribbean cuisine such as Cayeye (mashed green banana), fish Sancocho (a regional soup), arepas de huevo (egg arepas), or even tropical fruits such as lulo, mango, or passion fruit.
Try the local food too, from fish ceviche while watching the sunset in the Bay of Santa Marta, to a tasty costeña salchipapa. We recommend the Street Food Tour Santa Marta. Also, always carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated during your adventures in Santa Marta.
Santa Marta offers a wide variety of tourist attractions, so we recommend making a list of the main places you want to visit, from the crystal-clear beaches of Tayrona National Park to the stunning landscapes offered by the Sierra Nevada.
We recommend booking your trip with an agency, as they will help you have an organized stay, include medical insurance, and carry out activities under safety standards. We assure you that this way, you'll enjoy the experience even more, as you won't have to worry about anything. At Visit Santa Marta, you'll have the right information, quality in the services provided, various payment options, and a guarantee that you'll enjoy the tourist experiences you take.
This is a list of must-do tours to take in Santa Marta:
Remember that although Santa Marta has improved in terms of safety, it is important not to neglect your belongings during the trip and to avoid going out at night or walking through solitary places. Share your itinerary with a trusted contact and enjoy this adventure in Colombia.
While we recommend that you have a medical insurance policy ready before traveling, it is also important that you feel safe during and after your experience. Traveling is an investment, and these are some aspects to consider when you come to Santa Marta:
Traveler assistance is the most important thing to consider when planning your trip to Santa Marta. Take into account these advantages of having a major medical expense insurance policy:
You have coverage in case you need to see a doctor.
The assistance that you have as a traveler must also cover transportation in case you have any illness or emergency, giving you the security that you will be sent home.
You acquire additional coverage for your electronic devices in case of theft or damage during the trip.
There are some apps that you can download on Android or iOs that can provide you with additional tools while you are traveling alone. For example, you can check out Tourlina, an application that is only for women where you can find travel companions with the same interests.
Santa Marta as a destination in Colombia is an incredible option for women traveling alone, a place full of biodiversity, gastronomy and places to discover. Traveling alone as a woman can be an empowering and enriching experience, but it is important to take safety measures and be informed about the destination you are visiting.
With the help of these tips, you can have an incredible experience in Santa Marta and explore everything the city has to offer. From stunning beaches to picturesque mountains and Colombia's unique culture, Santa Marta will surely leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
At Visit Santa Marta, we can help you plan your next adventure! If you are looking for unique experiences and safety during your solo trip to Santa Marta, we can design a personalized plan for you. Contact us via WhatsApp by clicking on the link.
This blog was written by Estephania Núñez, a Mexican traveler in Santa Marta, Colombia.