How to get around Santa Marta? It is what people wonder when they arrive for the first time in the city. Santa Marta, Colombia is the oldest city and has a population of more than half a million people. It is divided into urban and rural areas and has several natural reserves within its official perimeter. It has an area of 3,393 KM2 which makes it one of the largest departmental capitals in the country.
If it is your first visit or you have been here a few times, getting to different places in Santa Marta can be a bit tough. But don't worry, at Visit Santa Marta we are experts in guiding visitors in the fabulous city of Santa Marta, Colombia, and we will explain how to get around in Santa Marta.
You might be interested in reading: Top things to do in Santa Marta Colombia: More than 30 tips!
Santa Marta has a diversified transportation system. You can find public transportation (cabs and buses) and private transportation practically everywhere in the city. Below we explain the transportation options in the city and some of the costs briefly.
Public Buses in Santa Marta: The city has several public bus routes that you can take from the airport to the main neighborhoods and tourist destinations in Santa Marta. They are blue and you can board them at any main avenue. The cost from any point within the urban area is $2,300 pesos and if you are not sure where to get off, you can ask the driver who will help you.
The city has 3,584 cabs according to the secretary of transportation, which work independently or linked through more than 18 cab companies. You can take it on the street or order it by phone, but for your safety we recommend that you ask the receptionist or security guard at your place of accommodation. Local cabs are metered, but have some additional fares according to how far are some places in the city.
Santa Marta has different transportation companies where you can rent a private vehicle to move around the city. We know that we all enjoy travel experiences in different ways and transportation companies also understand this. Depending on your preference, the transportation can include a driver or can be driven by you. The cost of the vehicle varies depending on the type, distance, and time you need it. For your peace of mind and to facilitate your experience, Visit Santa Marta can arrange your private transportation, so you can enjoy your visit without worrying.
Tayrona Park is one of the most important spots in Colombia. It is a tropical jungle just 35 kilometers from the city of Santa Marta and less than an hour's drive along the Troncal del Caribe highway.
If you have an adventurous spirit, you can take an inter-municipal transportation bus from the Santa Marta public market directly to the main entrance of Tayrona Park (Zaino). It costs $8,000 pesos and takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes (depending on traffic).
You also have the option of taking a cab from anywhere in the city, which will have a different cost depending on where you take it from. In addition, you can take private transportation that costs approximately $250,000 pesos for the whole day. You may be interested in reading Tayrona Park
The Corredor de las Olas is all the territory that goes from the Tayrona Park to the magical town of Palomino. Throughout the route you will find more than 100 fabulous places to stay, get lost and walk in dozens of kilometers of paradisiacal beaches and the best surfing spots in the Colombian Caribbean. The whole area is located between the Caribbean Sea and at the foot of the magical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, giving you wonderful views that you will remember your whole life.
As in all destinations in Santa Marta, you can take public transportation to tour the Corredor de las Olas or get to Palomino. The bus to Palomino leaves from Santa Marta's public market and costs $10,000 pesos, and a cab costs approximately $150,000 pesos from almost every point in the city.
If you prefer private transportation, you can contact us at Visit Santa Marta and one of our consultants will provide you with all the necessary information and prices of the service.
Minca is a wonderful little town located in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and is considered the ecological capital of Colombia. Here you can find many trails in the middle of the jungle and mountains, adventure sports and spectacular birdwatching activities. It is the starting point for different destinations in the Sierra Nevada and we can assure you that you will not get bored in Minca.
It is very easy to get to Minca, and we will briefly describe your options:
Bus to Minca: You can take it from the Public Market in Santa Marta, it costs $9.000 pesos and takes approximately 1 hour (depending on traffic).
Cab to Minca: You can take it from any point in the city and it costs between $60,000 and $80,000 pesos, depending on the point where you take it.
Private transportation to Minca: It is very easy to hire private transportation from any of the local transportation companies, but if you want a specialized and preferential service, Visit Santa Marta can arrange your transportation to Minca.
Santa Marta is definitely an absolutely incredible place where you can find a lot of adventures full of experiences, so don't worry about how to get there! You can count on Visit Santa Marta to give you all the information you need. Just contact us through WhatsApp (+ 57 3108720384) or our social networks (@visitsantamarta).