Guidebook for Santa Marta
Parks & Nature
The most beautiful place in town. Also the place where Simón Bolívar died. It's a botanical garden, and it has some of the prettiest trees in the area. An absolute must.
353 locals recommend
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Avenida El LibertadorThe most beautiful place in town. Also the place where Simón Bolívar died. It's a botanical garden, and it has some of the prettiest trees in the area. An absolute must.
Just wow. A humbling and incredible place, full of magic, which encapsulates perfectly everything that is wonderful about this place. The caribbean sea as you will never see it, the mountain, the rocks, the river beds, the nature, the sunsets, the heritage.
522 locals recommend
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Just wow. A humbling and incredible place, full of magic, which encapsulates perfectly everything that is wonderful about this place. The caribbean sea as you will never see it, the mountain, the rocks, the river beds, the nature, the sunsets, the heritage.
The closest Tayrona beach to Santa Marta. 12 km from downtown. Advisable to do a bike tour there very early in the morning. Watch out during high season or on Sundays, it usually gets very crowded.
113 locals recommend
Bahia Concha
The closest Tayrona beach to Santa Marta. 12 km from downtown. Advisable to do a bike tour there very early in the morning. Watch out during high season or on Sundays, it usually gets very crowded.
Charming little park in front of the local Justice Palace. The bust is Francisco de Paula Santander, one of Colombia's founding fathers. Dancing crews use the rotonda for practice, it gets quite busy during weekends and holidays.
278 locals recommend
Parque de Los Novios
Calle 20Charming little park in front of the local Justice Palace. The bust is Francisco de Paula Santander, one of Colombia's founding fathers. Dancing crews use the rotonda for practice, it gets quite busy during weekends and holidays.
Drinks & Nightlife
If you're into Reguetón, this place should be in your bucket list.
The view from the dancefloor is stunning.
Opens everyday. Closes at 4.
9 locals recommend
Hotel Mirador de Taganga
If you're into Reguetón, this place should be in your bucket list.
The view from the dancefloor is stunning.
Opens everyday. Closes at 4.
Shopping
Ocean Mall
Avenida Del FerrocarrilThis place has a cinema.
Food Scene
The great Mañe Cayón had this fisherie way back when Los Cocos was a fishermen's beach, and the favorite spot of Samarios to come on a Sunday. Now the place has been transformed, but Mañe is still selling sea food. Our favorite is the Ceviche de Ají Amarillo, or the Red Snapper. Also the Cayeye Mañe with a Sierra filet. Only opens for lunch.
26 locals recommend
Restaurante Mañe Cayon
26-37 Cra. 1aThe great Mañe Cayón had this fisherie way back when Los Cocos was a fishermen's beach, and the favorite spot of Samarios to come on a Sunday. Now the place has been transformed, but Mañe is still selling sea food. Our favorite is the Ceviche de Ají Amarillo, or the Red Snapper. Also the Cayeye Mañe with a Sierra filet. Only opens for lunch.
Best breakfasts in town, by a mile.
Suggestion: La Corralita.
Opens everyday at 8am, weekend at 9am.
72 locals recommend
Lulo Cafe Bar
16-34 Cra. 3Best breakfasts in town, by a mile.
Suggestion: La Corralita.
Opens everyday at 8am, weekend at 9am.
Wood oven pizza, mediterranean menu. Octupus is quite good. The service is a close as it gets to international standards. Manager's name is Cesar, he will take care of you. Try the limonada de corozo while you're at it.
116 locals recommend
Ouzo
19-29 Cra. 3Wood oven pizza, mediterranean menu. Octupus is quite good. The service is a close as it gets to international standards. Manager's name is Cesar, he will take care of you. Try the limonada de corozo while you're at it.
Sightseeing
It's supposed to be the oldest cathedral in South America. According to the legend, the heart of Simon Bolivar is still buried there. The full body was, until Venezuela claimed it for itself. Still, Santa Marta's cathedral is the most iconic building of the city. Take a look at the bonga's a concerned citizen planted alongside the building (northern side). If you drop by early in the morning, you'll see him watering them. They will look amazing when they grow older, and will tell the story of a man who cared enough to change the world around him.
72 locals recommend
Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta
Carrera 4It's supposed to be the oldest cathedral in South America. According to the legend, the heart of Simon Bolivar is still buried there. The full body was, until Venezuela claimed it for itself. Still, Santa Marta's cathedral is the most iconic building of the city. Take a look at the bonga's a concerned citizen planted alongside the building (northern side). If you drop by early in the morning, you'll see him watering them. They will look amazing when they grow older, and will tell the story of a man who cared enough to change the world around him.
The oldest and biggest colonial house in town. This is where the tax authority was located, and also where Simón Bolivar wake was held. It is now the setting for the local Museo del Oro, which is also worth checking out. Closes on Mondays.
185 locals recommend
Museo del Oro
The oldest and biggest colonial house in town. This is where the tax authority was located, and also where Simón Bolivar wake was held. It is now the setting for the local Museo del Oro, which is also worth checking out. Closes on Mondays.
Getting Around
This is the best spot for long range travels. If your'e heading to Barranquilla or Cartagena, best option might be a van service. Ask us and we'll help you book a spot. If you're heading to Tayrona Park, Palomino or Minca, you need to go to the market.
27 locals recommend
Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta station
31-17 Cl. 41This is the best spot for long range travels. If your'e heading to Barranquilla or Cartagena, best option might be a van service. Ask us and we'll help you book a spot. If you're heading to Tayrona Park, Palomino or Minca, you need to go to the market.
Routes to Palomino every 20 minutes since 6 in the morning. This bus will also take you to Tayrona Park, or the rivers Buritaca (Costeño Beach, Playa Koralia, Brisa Tranquila), Don Diego, Guachaca and Mendihuaca. The distance to Palomino is 90 kilometers. Tayrona Park is 40 km away from Santa Marta.
Also routes to Minca.
22 locals recommend
Public Market Santa Marta
Carrera 9Routes to Palomino every 20 minutes since 6 in the morning. This bus will also take you to Tayrona Park, or the rivers Buritaca (Costeño Beach, Playa Koralia, Brisa Tranquila), Don Diego, Guachaca and Mendihuaca. The distance to Palomino is 90 kilometers. Tayrona Park is 40 km away from Santa Marta.
Also routes to Minca.