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Picture of Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

Travel Guide for
Santa Marta

Colombia

Tropical, hot and humid, dry and rainy seasons

Introduction

Santa Marta, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains, is Colombia's oldest city, blending colonial heritage with a lively modern vibe. Its historic center offers charming plazas, colorful streets, and easy access to beaches and natural parks.

In January, expect warm, sunny weather and gentle breezes—ideal for working from beachside cafés or rooftop coworking spaces with ocean views. The city’s friendly culture, vibrant food scene, and affordable accommodation make it perfect for digital nomads seeking both productivity and relaxation. Santa Marta’s laid-back pace and proximity to Tayrona Park provide endless opportunities to balance work and adventure.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates18-25 January 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, villa, apartment or house, resort

Interests and Activities:

nightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuressightseeing and toursfestivals and eventsgastronomyarts and culture

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Picture of Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

Key Facts

Location

Magdalena Department

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

550,000

Language

Spanish

Electricity

110V, 60Hz, Type A/B

Time zone

UTCColombia Standard Time (UTC-5)

Country code

+57

Internet access

Broadband/wifi widely available, moderate speeds

Climate

Tropical, hot and humid, dry and rainy seasons

See More Colombia Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-toh kwes-tah es-toh)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-ahs)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pehr-dohn)

Map

Logistics

Getting to Santa Marta is easiest by air, with direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena landing at Simón Bolívar International Airport, just 30 minutes from the city. Budget airlines make flying affordable and efficient for digital nomads. Taxis and ride-share apps are readily available for airport transfers.

Overland travel is also convenient, as comfortable buses connect Santa Marta with major Colombian cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla. No train service exists, but coastal boat trips to nearby towns and Tayrona National Park are a scenic option. January weather is typically sunny and dry, making travel reliable with minimal disruptions during this time.

Weather

Santa Marta enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures between 28–32°C (82–90°F). Humidity is high, and the city generally sees a dry season from December to April, bringing plenty of sunshine and balmy nights—perfect for enjoying nightlife, outdoor adventures, and sightseeing.

From January 18 to January 25, visitors can expect dry, sunny weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach days, tours, and exploring local festivals and gastronomy. Extreme weather events like heavy rains or storms are highly unlikely during this period, so the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene and outdoor attractions can be enjoyed without weather concerns.

Food & Drink

Santa Marta offers delicious Caribbean flavors, famous for pescado frito (fried fish), coconut rice, patacones (fried plantains), and refreshing limonada de coco. For local eats, try Lulo Café Bar, Ouzo for Mediterranean-Colombian fusion, and Donde Chucho for excellent seafood. Vibrant street food, like arepas and fresh fruit, is everywhere.

Trendy cafes like Ikaro Café or Café Bonsai suit digital nomads with great coffee and WiFi. For drinks, La Azotea rooftop bar and La Brisa Loca hostel offer friendly atmospheres and ocean views. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, but menus still focus on seafood and meat.

Tipping is customary, around 10% if not included in your bill. Many places accept cards, but street vendors and smaller spots often prefer cash.

A picture of Ajiaco

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a hearty Colombian soup made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and a variety of herbs. It's a...

A picture of Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian platter featuring a generous serving of rice, ground beef, chicharrón, chorizo, black...

A picture of Arepa

Arepa

Arepa is a popular Colombian staple made of corn dough and often filled with cheese, meat, or eggs....

A picture of Sancocho

Sancocho

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian stew featuring a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with...

A picture of Lechona

Lechona

Lechona is a popular Colombian pork dish made by stuffing a whole pig with rice, peas, and a...

Accommodation

Santa Marta offers excellent options for digital nomads on an average budget, especially in neighborhoods like El Rodadero and the historic city center. You'll find modern hotels, cozy apartments, and charming villas with good Wi-Fi for remote work. Bustling areas like Taganga offer scenic views and relaxed vibes, too.

Top hotels to consider bookable via Hotels.com include Hotel Boutique Don Pepe in the city center and AC Hotel by Marriott in El Rodadero. Consider apartment rentals or modern guesthouses with kitchenettes for extra comfort and flexibility—check listings on Hotels.com for vetted quality.

From January 18 to 25, book early as Santa Marta gets popular this time of year. For tranquility, avoid beachfront party spots and opt for quiet neighborhoods with coworking spaces nearby.

Itinerary

Start your adventure by soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Connect with local culture, explore bustling streets, and indulge in Colombian flavors as you get settled.

Stroll Along Parque de Los Novios

Begin your Santa Marta journey at Parque de Los Novios, the city’s social heart. This lively square is perfect for coffee, people-watching, or sampling street foods. Don’t miss nearby colonial architecture and vibrant street art.

Coffee Tasting at Ikaro Café

Immerse yourself in Colombian coffee culture at Ikaro Café. Sample locally sourced beans and enjoy fresh pastries. It’s a great spot to relax, get a sense of the local vibe, and even catch up on some remote work.

Walk the Callejón de Donado Art Alley

Discover Callejón de Donado, a revitalized alley known for its bold murals and creative energy. Perfect for snapping colorful photos and chatting with local artists starting your artistic exploration of the city.

Santa Marta City Tour + Gold Museum

Santa Marta City Tour + Gold Museum

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Santa Marta is a magical city known for its diversity and for making all its visitors feel at home. In this walking tour, you will explore its history and traditions among its streets and houses. Visit the Tayrona Gold Museum, Parque de los Novios, the Malecon, the Cathedral, and many other places. This experience includes more fun people to walk with, and a very knowledgeable local guide. • Historical landmarks about Santa Marta City • A walk through Tayrona Gold Museum • Visiting Santa Marta’s bay or Malecon, and the main parks and squares • A brief lesson about Colombian diversity through its history and guide’s recommendations

4.6 (14 reviews)

From $63 USD

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Attractions

4.8 (6 reviews)
Explore Santa Marta’s History, Museums and Architecture in 4 hours

Explore Santa Marta’s History, Museums and Architecture in 4 hours

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

With your personal guide and driver, you will explore Santa Marta with this 4-hour city tour precisely designed for cruise ship passengers. Get to know the top highlights of Santa Marta and fall in love with this gorgeous city. Its ancient streets and colonial architecture still prevail, even after having being sacked and burned dozens of times by pirates. Santa Marta is also known for being the place where Simon Bolivar (El Libertador) lived his latter days. Get to know his history, what he did and how he managed to liberate six Latin-American countries from the Spanish empire.

From $90 USD

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4.5 (2 reviews)
Private Santa Marta Historic Center Walking Tour

Private Santa Marta Historic Center Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Embark on a unique journey through the heart of Santa Marta’s Historic Center. Your adventure begins at Parque de Los Novios, a charming square surrounded by colonial buildings. Wander through vibrant streets and witness architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Santa Marta Cathedral, South America’s first church. Visit the lively Simón Bolivar Park, then conclude at El Camellón, a scenic promenade with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. This private tour offers you a deeper connection with the city’s rich history and stunning beauty, leaving you with unforgettable memories.

From $66 USD

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4.8 (4 reviews)
Santa Marta Beaches Private Boat Tour

Santa Marta Beaches Private Boat Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The pristine waters of the Caribbean beaches in Santa Marta are a must-see while in Colombia. In this full-day tour you will enjoy a relaxing experience getting to know some of the best beaches in Santa Marta. Lay under the shade of the palm trees, have a traditional lunch made by locals (not included), swim in crystal-blue waters and many more things. Swimming in blue pristine waters Visiting some of Santa Marta’s most beautiful beaches An ideal spot for you to spend a relaxing day

From $399 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Flavors of Colombia - Santa Marta Street Food Tour

Flavors of Colombia - Santa Marta Street Food Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join us for an unforgettable street food excursion, meticulously crafted to immerse you in Santa Marta's lively culinary landscape. Guided by experts, this half-day experience guarantees a gastronomic odyssey through the city's core, where each morsel narrates a tale of tradition, taste, and heritage. From savory treats to revitalizing tropical drinks, anticipate a sensory banquet that will tantalize your palate and leave you yearning for further delights.

From $91 USD

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4.7 (13 reviews)
Minca, Waterfalls and Coffee Farm Tour from Santa Marta

Minca, Waterfalls and Coffee Farm Tour from Santa Marta

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you enjoy exploring the less known treasures of a region: you are in the right place. In this full-day tour, you will be taken into the woods to meet the small and humble but magical and memorable Minca village. You will be in connection with nature on a hike to waterfalls and you will have the chance to try Colombia’s world's most famous goods: coffee, after visiting a farm. Let this cozy and cool village enchant you. • A reviving experience in the waters of waterfalls and Pozos Azules • A brief lesson and tasting of one of the most unique Colombian coffees in La Victoria farm • Eco-walks through Minca’s cool weather and magical nature • A traditional lunch (not included) in the small town and quick tour around it • Unforgettable memories of Minca’s landscapes

From $128 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Door to door transportation Cartagena Santa Marta

Door to door transportation Cartagena Santa Marta

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The service is shared transport, several users are collected at different addresses, door to door is collected, that is, we pick up at the address of Cartagena that you indicate at the time of making the reservation and leave at the address that you give Driver in the city of Santa Marta, a change of vehicle is made in Barranquilla.

From $57 USD

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