From pristine beaches, to tropical rainforests and ancient ruins. Santa Marta is a gateway to some of the most incredible natural destinations in the world. It’s also where you can find a vibrant cultural experience complete with flavorful Caribbean street food, coffee farms, beautiful colonial architecture and a rich history that dates back to 1525.
If you’re looking for a destination equally rich in awe-inspiring natural landscapes (both underwater and on land) and historic culture, Santa Marta is the place to be. Here are three more reasons to make this city part of your next getaway to South America.
First, let’s start with a little introduction.
Santa Marta is a coastal city located in northern Colombia on the Caribbean Sea about a 4-hour drive from Cartagena. With only about 500,00 residents, this South American destination is much smaller than Cartagena and Medellin, making it an easy city to navigate and explore.
Check the weather - The average temperature is about 30 degrees Celsius with the wet season being from April - December. The best time of year to visit for enjoying outdoor activities is from late December to early March.
Taste the local cuisine - Arepas are one of the foods you can’t miss in Santa Marta. Made from fried corn, you can find them stuffed with cheese, meat and vegetables. Patacones (normal or stuffed) made from green banana are another restaurant staple. Or if potatoes are more your thing, try salchipapa. This mixture of fried potatoes, meat, salad and cheese doesn’t disappoint.
Try the coffee - Located just 45 minutes from Santa Marta you can find some of the best single origin coffee in the world in the tiny town of Minca. Here you can tour different coffee farms or even a coffee and chocolate farm.
Get your beach vibes at Playa Blanca - With Rodadero being the most popular beach in Santa Marta, it doesn’t always have much offer when it comes to peaceful relaxation. Beat the crowds, and head to Playa Blanca, just a 10-minute water taxi ride away.
Don’t miss the exotic fruit - Colombia has an array of delicious and exotic fruits from lulo to guanabana. Stop by the Santa Marta Public Market to buy some of these tropical fruits along with a vast select of offerings from more than 500 different vendors.
Being the oldest city in Colombia, Santa Marta has a lot of history to tell. Stories ranging from pre-Hispanic times, the conquest, the colony and the period of piracy, which lasted for about 200 years. Local history also goes through the independence period, the republican era, and finally, the contemporary age. Each building has an attractive, unique and interesting history.
Santa Marta is also home to La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, built in the 17th century and famous for being the death place of historic figure Simón Bolívar. Today it is the most famous museum in the city.
To learn more about the history of Santa Marta, try our Free Walking Tour experience which starts in the city’s historic center.
The Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta (Nevada de Santa Marta) is a magical natural destination. Reaching an elevation of 5,700 m (18,700 ft), it is the highest coastal mountain range in the tropics and one of the highest coastal ranges in the world. The Sierra Nevada is home to different indigenous ethnic groups such as: Arhuacos, Kankuamos, Koguis and Wiwas; who share the same love for mother earth or, as they call it: “the pachamama.”
With its biodiverse landscape, the Sierra Nevada is also where you’ll find countless species of flora and fauna and the Tayrona National Park. If a day of hiking through lush jungle and along spectacular coastal lagoons sounds like your idea of paradise, this is a must-see destination. Here you’ll find countless options for day trips where you can do everything from scuba diving to sailing or just spending a day at the beach.
Another reason for choosing Santa Marta is the popular and impressive Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), an archeological site founded around 800 CE (some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu). The ancient indigenous city was discovered in 1972 by a group of treasure hunters and later in 1976 by archeologists who helped restore the site.
Today visitors can admire the impressive architecture, strategically built within the mountains and jungle. This city is called “Teyuna” by the natives and is known by archaeologists as Buritaca 200. However, it is most popularly known as: Lost City. If you’re thirsty for adventure and seeking a deeper connection with nature, you can find it in the Lost City.
One of the local phrases that best describes this historic city is "the magic of having it all.” You won’t have to be there long to see why. Experience a day of sun and fun at Playa Cristal (Crystal Beach), admire historic monuments with a stroll through Parque de Los Novios and learn about the region’s vibrant culture at Museo del Oro Tairona. You can do it all in Santa Marta.
Undoubtedly, the reasons to choose Santa Marta are undeniable. For every experience, there is a destination. You just have to choose yours.