Things to do in Santa Marta

Activities, attractions and tours

Taganga Beach showing a coastal town, a sandy beach and a bay or harbor
Santa Marta
Rodadero Beach showing a high rise building, general coastal views and a coastal town
Taganga Beach showing a beach, swimming and a coastal town
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino showing interior views and art

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Top places to visit

1. Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park is famous for its paradise-like beaches, exotic wildlife and excellent scuba conditions. The 37,000-acre (15,000-hectare) area is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the world due to its exceptional landscape, formed by a blend of ecosystems and microclimates, with environments such as thorny scrubland and dry, rain and cloud forests. The dry forest of this protected area is one of the best preserved in the country. The park is popular for hiking and tent camping deep in the forest or on the beaches. Look for many types of exotic wildlife and plants as you explore the park.
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One of the wonders of Colombia, this park is home to varied ecosystems of mountains, forests, cliffs and beaches.

2. Rodadero Beach

Rodadero Beach is a hub of sand, sun and surf on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Enjoy a range of activities including diving, sailing and paddle boating. This beach is a more active and dynamic option than its nearby rival beach, Playa Blanca. Rodadero Beach has a more Colombian atmosphere with fewer international visitors. The beach first became popular in the 1950s. Now, it is one of the most visited parts of Colombia’s northern coast.
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Rodadero Beach showing boating, a sandy beach and a skyscraper

3. Taganga Beach

Several decades ago, Taganga was a sleepy fishing village. Now, it attracts travelers from Colombia and the rest of the world with its cool breezes, mountainous landscape and proximity to Tayrona National Park. The small area is nestled beside the cliffs of the Caribbean coast. The village is a hotspot for scuba diving and sunbathing and has an animated nightlife. Enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars in Taganga or find a company to arrange a tour of the national park.
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Taganga Beach featuring boating, a sandy beach and a bay or harbor

4. Parque de los Novios

Parque de los Novios is a spacious plaza next to Santa Marta’s most historic monuments. It is a popular meeting point for couples. In fact, the name translates as the Park of Lovers. Travelers and locals gather in this plaza to watch the sun go down and enjoy a few drinks in the evening. It is a shining beacon of the city’s nightlife and has a relaxed and secure ambiance. Look for a statue surrounded by small fountains erupting from the plaza’s red-brick surface. Take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrianized park in the afternoon without worrying about traffic.
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Parque de Los Novios showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city

5. Blanca Beach

Playa Blanca is a beautiful and tranquil beach nestled in the valley of mountains separating Santa Marta from El Rodadero. It is only accessible via a short boat journey, which means the area is particularly clean and safe. Enjoy the warm and crystal clear ocean water. Look for huts serving fresh seafood caught in the area and vendors offering coconut shell drinks.
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Discover a hidden oasis with crystal-clear water and clean, white sand nestled in the valley of mountains between two charming Caribbean towns.

What to do in Santa Marta

Popular places to visit

Rodadero Beach showing boating, a sandy beach and a skyscraper

Rodadero Beach

4/5(3 reviews)

This dynamic beach is one of the most visited spots in the area. Enjoy a variety of activities: sunbathe, swim, sail, dive and snorkel.

Rodadero Beach
Parque de Los Novios showing heritage elements, street scenes and a city

Parque de los Novios

3.5/5(4 reviews)

Meet friends and share a few drinks at this plaza in the center of Santa Marta, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and vendors selling snacks.

Parque de los Novios
Rodadero Beach showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a luxury hotel or resort

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

Take the children to visit the sea life who live at Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum during your holiday to Santa Marta. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum
Ciudad Perdida

Ciudad Perdida

4/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Santa Marta when you stop by Ciudad Perdida. Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Ciudad Perdida
Santa Marta Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Santa Marta Cathedral

4/5(6 reviews)

Walk around the cathedral that holds the remains of the city’s founder and claims to be the oldest church in the country.

Santa Marta Cathedral
Blue Well

Blue Well

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Blue Well during your travels in Minca. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Blue Well
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino which includes a memorial as well as a small group of people

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Visit the 17th-century villa and art museum made famous as the place where the famous military leader Simón Bolívar died.

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Bello Horizonte Beach

4/5(2 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Bello Horizonte Beach during your travels in Bello Horizonte? Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Bello Horizonte Beach

Zazue

4/5(1 review)

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Zazue during your stay in Santa Marta. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Zazue

Areas of Santa Marta

Rodadero Beach which includes a coastal town, a hotel and a sandy beach

El Rodadero

5/5(1 area review)

El Rodadero is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping Center.

El Rodadero
Historic Center which includes heritage elements, a city and street scenes

Historic Center

4/5(8 area reviews)

Take a trip back in time as you explore the center of Colombia’s oldest surviving city, complete with colonial buildings and collections of indigenous gold and pottery.

Historic Center
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Los Cocos

While there might not be top attractions in Los Cocos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Marta Bay and Parque de los Novios.

Los Cocos
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Bello Horizonte

If you're spending some time in Bello Horizonte, Bello Horizonte Beach and Zazue are top sights worth seeing.

Bello Horizonte
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Bavaria

When in Bavaria, you can plan a visit to Parque de los Novios and Santa Marta Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bavaria
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Mamatoco

Though Mamatoco may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Tayrona National Natural Park.

Mamatoco
Photo by Danny Ospina

Mata de Platano

Photo by Olivia-Petra Coman

Los Naranjos

Villa Concha

Villa Concha

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Marta worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Santa Marta. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Marta?
Begin your day with a visit to Bello Horizonte Beach and Santa Marta Beach. Then, check out different areas of Santa Marta for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Marta?
Bello Horizonte Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Marta and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Marta?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city sights, including Santa Marta Beach, Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum and Grande Beach. The average stay in Santa Marta is three days. If you have the urge to extend your holiday, Puerto de Gaira isn't far away.
Is Santa Marta a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, Santa Marta is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Santa Marta Beach and Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum. Then take a stroll through Comuna 2, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Historic Centre, which is about 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Marta with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Marta with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Santa Marta for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Marta for adults including Mayorship of Santa Marta and Town Hall.
Are there free things to do in Santa Marta?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Santa Marta. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Santa Marta Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.