Before you go

Your trip to Santa Marta.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Santa Marta – Magdalena Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar (SMR) 16 km
Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta 5 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before purchasing. Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar is about 16 km south of the center, with flights from Bogotá, Medellín and other cities; a taxi takes 20 to 30 minutes. From Cartagena it’s about 230 km by road, four to five hours via Barranquilla. For some areas, such as Parque Tayrona, yellow fever vaccination is commonly recommended or required; check before you travel.

How many days

With four days, the city and the Quinta take one day, Tayrona one or two, and Minca the last. With more time, add Taganga, El Rodadero and an overnight inside the park.

When to go

The heat is constant, around 30 °C. From December to April it usually rains less and is the busiest season; from September to November rains are typically heavier. Tayrona often closes during periods in February, June and from October to November; check before you go.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is walkable; taxis and city buses take you to the Quinta, to El Rodadero and to Taganga; buses leave the center for the Tayrona entrance and vans go to Minca. A car helps if you want to combine Tayrona with other points along the road to Riohacha.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Santa Marta

Morning
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
By taxi to the Quinta, to the house where Bolívar died, the Altar de la Patria and the gardens.
Afternoon
Historic centre
Have lunch in the center and visit the Museo del Oro Tairona at the Casa de la Aduana, and the Cathedral.
Late afternoon
Taganga
Go to Taganga for the sunset over the bay, with a stop at the roadside viewpoint.
Evening
Parque de los Novios
Dine at the restaurants in Parque de los Novios or on the malecón.

2 days in Santa Marta

Day 1

Morning
Center and museum
Cathedral, Parque de Bolívar and Museo del Oro Tairona at the Casa de la Aduana.
Afternoon
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and the gardens, in the shade of the samanes.
Late afternoon
Malecón
Walk along the malecón of the Bahía in the late afternoon.
Evening
Parque de los Novios
Dinner at Parque de los Novios.

Day 2

Morning
Parque Tayrona
Leave early for the El Zaíno entrance and hike from Cañaveral to Arrecifes and La Piscina.
Afternoon
Cabo San Juan
Continue to Cabo San Juan del Guía, with a swim and lunch on the beach.
Late afternoon
Return or overnight stay
Return along the trail before it gets dark or sleep in a hammock or cabin in the park.
Evening
Rest
Simple dinner in the park or back in Santa Marta.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from the airport to downtown Santa Marta?

By taxi, about 16 km and 20 to 30 minutes, via the road that passes near El Rodadero.

What to eat in Santa Marta?

Fried fish with coconut rice and patacones, cayeye, green plantain purée with cheese, arepa de huevo, cocadas and fruit juices such as corozo and níspero.

Where to stay in Santa Marta?

In the historic center, to walk around; in El Rodadero, for a beach hotel; in Taganga, for diving; and in Minca, for the mountains.

Can you go to Tayrona as a day trip?

Yes. The bus or taxi takes about an hour to the El Zaíno entrance, and a day allows you to hike to Cabo San Juan and back.

How to get to Minca?

By van or shared taxi from the center, near the market, in about 45 minutes.

Back to Santa Marta