What are the best things to do in Santa Marta?
Explore local landmarks, neighbourhoods and day trips around Santa Marta, Colombia. This guide covers attractions, food and where to stay.
Photo: CristhianVarela · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Santa Marta
Travel guide for Santa Marta, Colombia — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Santa Marta is a stop in Colombia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. Mid-range ground costs are about 35–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal
Weather
From highland cool to tropical warmth
Budget
Santa Marta trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 35–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Santa Marta, Colombia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Santa Marta
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Santa Marta mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 35–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
grilled cut sausages and meat skewers
A big variety of street food
BrosFy
street food
Panadería y restaurante Baraca
Restaraurant Las delicias
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Nueva Granada
Hotel Imperial Caribe
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
Hotel Palma Blanca
Hostal Casamart
Shopping
- three BBVA ATMs
- big supermarket Exito
Nightlife
- Santo Domingo
- Crab's Bar
- Burukuka
- Juan Valdez Cafe
In pictures
Santa Marta gallery
Photos: CristhianVarela, Felipe Restrepo Acosta — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Santa Marta travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Santa Marta?
The dry season (roughly May–September) is ideal.
How many days do I need in Santa Marta?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Santa Marta, depending on how many day trips you want in Colombia.
Where should I stay in Santa Marta?
Popular stays in Santa Marta include Hotel Nueva Granada, Hotel Imperial Caribe, Hotel Boutique Don Pepe. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Santa Marta cost?
On the ground in Santa Marta (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 35–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Santa Marta, Colombia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
