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I know everybody loves Cartagena. But if you want the Colombian Caribbean coast vibe on a smaller scale, Santa Marta is a must-visit. Also, because the coast has more brown skin than inland, there’s a different welcoming vibe here. The city is very walkable, lots of activities and plenty restaurants all over to taste authentic Colombian food, like salchipapas o arroz de coco!
Santa Marta is about 4 hours east of Cartagena. But I travelled from Medellin, which is only an hour flight. I booked round trip the week I planned to go and it was only $80.
Activities:
I booked a day boat trip to Tayrona on AirBnb experiences. Lunch, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and paddle boarding were included. Definitely worth the price. This is a chill day relaxing at the beach. But Tayrona National Park has hiking, if you want something more physical. My tour was booked here: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/852564?c=.pi80.pkbWVzc2FnaW5nL2V4cGVyaWVuY2VzX21lc3NhZ2U%3D&euid=5dc230ee-54c2-3ae4-c915-50b83720c507
I always book a free walking tour, because I like to get history of the places I visit as well. GuruWalk has me covered worldwide. This one was great, the tour guide really knew the history of his city. Because I ended up being the only one on the tour, it felt more like hanging out with a friend. https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/44332-free-cultural-tour-in-the-historic-center-of-santa-marta?utm_campaign=booking_confirmed&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mktauto
If you really like the outdoors, consider a tour to the Lost City. There are only multi-day tours, and most options are full on camping. The trek isn’t for the weak, but the destination is worth it. This is one of the biggest tours for the area, so you’ll see plenty options from 3-6 days. Just note, you probably don’t want to do this as your very first hike or without equipment as it is pretty rough. I booked through GetYourGuide.
https://www.getyourguide.com/santa-marta-l32129/santa-marta-lost-city-multi-day-trek-t391869/
Lodging: I booked the week I went and still saw very decent prices. I stayed at Bonita Bay, which is newly renovated, breakfast included and right across the street from the beach. The breakfast patio faces the ocean, so what else could you really need?! It’s minutes from dozens of restaurants and stores. When I return, I’ll stay at the same location as I was very pleased.
https://en.bonitabayconcepthotel.com/
While you’re in town, Parque de Los Novios (the Park of Lovers) is a main spot to hang out at night. Street performers, food trucks, everybody just chillin.
Overall, for 10 days solo, this is a great location. It’s relatively cheap, restaurants and stores very close, nightlife was good. And for outdoor enthusiasts, Santa Marta is the starting point of several nature tours. Would definitely recommend visiting this lesser known spot!
I went to Santa Marta in early June of 2021. This is everything I know about Santa Marta, Colombia –
Santa Marta is about a 3 hour drive north of Cartagena. Currently there is no direct flight from Cartagena to Santa Marta so my mom & I decided to take a bus instead for 65,000 pesos per person one way via @berlinastur – comfortable ride with a/c & wifi on board. It did make a stop in Barranquilla.
Where to Stay – we stayed at Irotama Resort ( @irotamaresort ) which is about a 15 minute drive from the center of Santa Marta. Although it was located in the outskirts I would still highly recommend this hotel! Stay in el Lago tower if you want a hotel feel. They also offer villas and bungalows. Super cute. However you don’t get the same views as the tower. Staff was amazing! We got a welcome drink and a buffet style breakfast was included. Usually a 20,000 peso taxi ride to the center/touristy area of Santa Marta.
Where to Eat – Donde Chucho ( @dondechucho ) is a must! Food was absolutely delicious. If you are a fan of seafood, this place is for you! I had their lobster dish and absolutely loved it!
Another must is LamArt ( @lamartsantamarta ) located near el Parque de Los Novios. Small restaurant, great service, cute decorations, and the food was 10/10! Try their octopus appetizer, you will not regret it!
Almost every restaurant/bar has happy hour! If you like to enjoy some cocktails there are many places that offer 2 for 20,000 pesos! This is a great price.
If you are craving ice cream/gelato, you need to go to Gnam ( @gnamgelateria ). Located near El Parque de Los Novios. You will see a huge mural of a little child eating an ice cream cone. You won’t miss it!
Best part is their Covid cases went down 70% so during my time in Santa Marta there was no curfew.
Santa marta the Colombia’s hidden gem
Santa marta is a city on the north of Colombia, is a Caribbean city with the bests vibe ever, why is it a hidden gem? Because even when is quite touristic, still no many people know about this city, this city is very exotic and have everything, it has a national natural park, beach, mountain and jungle. Where to go ? You guys can’t definitely miss the following places:
Minca
Tayrona National park
Costeño beach
Taganga
Those places will make you feel that Santa Marta is amazing.
You guy need to see by yourself what I’m talking about, There is not many black traveler out there, but let’s make it black travelers destination.
Santa Marta is a coast city so it is easily accessible from the other bigger cities of Barranquilla or Cartagena. On this particular trip, I flew in Santa Marta airport and took a cab to my Airbnb. On page 7 of the Airbnb listing, I found a detached modern room with private bathroom, air conditioner, and a kitchen in case I wanted to cook. The location was a 15 minutes walk from the city center in barrio los angles. Here is the link for the Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23064182?guests=1&adults=1&source_impression_id=p3_1557004300_ZatIZlJgNBaYYe1SAs far a lodging is concerned, it’s not too price in this city. This is a stop on the South American backpacker trials so plenty of hostels are available as well. The flight was around 400 dollars and I spent another 300 on everything else which was a lot. I was able to visit several beaches, eat endless fruits and arepas, dined at a few night restaurants, and even visit the gym. My favorite restaurant in Santa Marta is named El Bistro. Everything I ate on the menu was very good especially the filet mignon and the carbonara pasta. As you walk the streets you can find many stands selling all types of fresh fruit for 2,3 pesos or cheaper. The country of Colombia is no stranger to black people at all. The whole northwest area of the country would have you believe you in an African country. Although I spoke very little Spanish, I was treated well. Most Colombians are very friendly easy going people
Santa Marta was the second stop of my Colombian Multi City tour.I stayed in the heart of the city El Rodadero. I took a minibus almost 4 hours from Cartegena to Santa Marta.This is the best route for a foodie like me.There is Soooooooo much local food and fruits along the way.We stayed in one of the many many many high rise beach front apartment buildings in Santa Marta. The sunrise and sunset is amazing from up there This city never sleeps literally. Live music from the Vallentos (local musicians) could be heard all hours of the night.The beach almost always had people dancing singing and just having a good time although the beach closes at 8 but they allow people to stay on the side walk without a time limit.This is also the city to get your souvenirs they are way cheaper here.The best Arepa i had was from a street vendor in Santa Marta.There is so much local food here i couldn’t stop eating.On the second day we tried to get tickets to a national park called “Cabo San Juan” but unfortunately it was sold out EVERYWHERE! So we settled on a 30 minute “Chivas”( party/music bus) ride really deep into the jungle to go to another national park called “Bahia Concha”. The beach is surrounded by huge mountains. Its truly amazing to see.There we were able to take a motor boat to a spot behind on of the the mountains where you could snorkel for free. After that we rented a cabana and sat at the beach ate and drank. Alot! The only restaurant on the beach does beach side serving. Just put in your order at the restaurant and the serve you no matter what part of the beach you are.If you’re in the search for little history mix with a lot of partying food and the beach Santa Marta is definitely the spot in Colombia.