On the Caribbean coast of Colombia,
between the ocean and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, sits the country's oldest
city, Santa Marta. At the end of July, the city commemorated its 500th
anniversary with a variety of cultural events and celebrations, from
photography exhibits to theatrical performances and concerts with local
musicians.
Most importantly, the city re-examined its history, both
good and bad, and how it wanted to be perceived by international tourists. The
result? A focus on culture and uplifting the diversity of various communities
in the region.
The Santa Marta region is home to 7 different Indigenous
groups and various Afro-Colombian ethnicities, who offered input on how they
wanted to see the 500-year commemoration of the city play out, which ultimately
set the tone for the kind of cultural and tourist offerings they expect to lead
in the future.
Santa Marta's diverse communities, combined with its
beautiful landscapes, make it the ideal destination in South America. Keep
reading to learn about the kinds of experiences you can have in this city.
How to get there
As it stands, there are no direct flights from the United
States to Santa Marta, so you’ll likely fly to Bogota,
Colombia, then board a shorter flight (less than two hours) to the coastal
city.
Where to stay
Travelers who want to be in the middle
of downtown Santa Marta might find the Best
Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel ideal, especially since it offers a
fantastic rooftop pool and bar with stunning views of the entire region. For
something a little more upscale, consider the AC
Hotel Santa Marta, located just a block from the beach.
Then there’s Hotel Tamaca
Beach Resort, a short 15-minute drive from Santa Marta. Its beachfront
location on Playa Rodadero and stunning pool make it very popular with
travelers.
Those who prefer a quiet, jungle stay might want to drive an
hour outside of Santa Marta to Finca
Barlovento. This splendid escape has three different accommodation types and
is set between a river on one side, the beach and ocean on the other, and
surrounded by Tayrona National Park. Not only is the food exquisite, but you
can enjoy massages, daily yoga classes, and one of the best surf spots in the
area. Plus, it's a perfect jumping-off point to Tayrona National Park.
Beach at Finca Barlovento. (Photo Credit: Alex Temblador)
Cultural experiences
Learn about the history, culture, and environment of Santa
Marta and the surrounding areas at local museums like the Bolivarian Museum of
Contemporary Art, Sea Aquarium and Museum, and the Tairona Gold Museum -
Customs House.
For an in-person guide, consider Pedro Noguera of Walking with Pedro (on
IG), a local Afro Colombian historian who offers bilingual and insightful
historic city center tours through Santa Marta, making sure to highlight the
experiences of various ethnicities that have called the area home for
centuries.
Day trips from Santa Marta are a must. Some tour guides
offer literary tours of Aracataca, the hometown of famed author Gabriel Garcia
Marquez (it’s less than two hours from Santa Marta). Engaging with Indigenous
communities is possible through various tours or by staying at places like Taironaka EcoHotel. Always make sure to
check with the tour companies to ensure the Indigenous communities are being
fairly paid.
Don’t miss a chance to hear champeta, the popular music of Colombia’s
Caribbean coast. Many restaurants have live music in the evening, and there are
always bars like La Puerta or El Mono Rojo. Taberna de Manuelito is a
phenomenal queer-friendly bar to visit.
Outdoor activities
From birdwatching
to hiking to cocoa and coffee farms, Santa Marta is an ideal destination for
outdoor enthusiasts.
You can’t visit Santa Marta without having a beach day.
Playa Rodadero, Playa Blanca, Playa Inca Inca, Playa Calderon, Playa Arenilla,
can be found within Santa Marta or short drives away. Sailing and boat
adventures are possible from Santa Marta, but the biggest outdoor attractions
have to be Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Tayrona National Park is the ancestral homelands of the
Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa, and Arhuaco. Here, you can experience a ton of hiking
trails through the jungle, archeological ruins, waterfalls, rivers, beaches,
swimming areas, and even scuba diving.
Boardwalk in Santa Marta. (Photo Credit: Alex Temblador)
Embark on a three-to-five-day outdoor trek to Ciudad Perdida
Teyuana, also known as the Lost City, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This journey culminates in a tour of the city's archeological ruins, where the
Kogui people continue to preserve their traditions.
Where to eat
The food scene in Santa Marta is varied, but the one thing
you can expect is fantastic Colombian dishes, many of which include fresh
seafood. Serena Restaurant has a chic design. The laid-back atmosphere, great
food, and views of the marina make it a favorite among locals and tourists
alike.
Casa Magdalena’s courtyard and soft pink tones create the
perfect environment to enjoy fish in shrimp sauce, ceviche, or mushroom
croquettes. Its sister restaurant, Agua de Rio Restaurant, is next door, and
while it's not as large, it offers a slightly different menu, an intimate
environment, and a lovely bar space.
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