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:
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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
Language:
Spanish
hello
goodbye
yes
no
how much
please
thank you
excuse me
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Private Tour to Tayrona National Park
If you like adventure, nature and hiking this is your best option, a private tour from the city of Cartagena to the Tayrona National Park round trip in which a bilingual guide will accompany you to visit the most beautiful national natural park in the country, which is located within a reserve of indigenous Tayrona. It is habitat for a large number of species that are distributed in regions with different thermal floors that go from sea level to heights of 900 m. Of the 15,000 hectares that make up the park, 3,000 are marine area. In the park's maritime strip, more than 350 species of algae are distributed, while the terrestrial flora has more than 770 different species of plants. You will be able to enjoy the best paradisiacal beaches, while enjoying nature and exercising while hiking.
From $450 USD
Six beaches of Santa Marta by yacht
Looking for an unforgettable experience? Join us for a yacht ride you won’t forget! Navigate the beautiful waters of Santa Marta and enjoy a day full of fun and relaxation. What we offer: Captain and 2 assistants: Our professional team will make sure your day is perfect. - Delicious lunch: Savour a lunch prepared with love, ideal for replenishing energy. - Snacks and drinks : Stay cool with our snacks and a refreshing drink. - Music : Enjoy your favorite songs as you browse and relax. - Destination : 6 Beaches of Santa MartaExplore the natural beauty of this amazing place! Whether you are looking for a relaxing day or an exciting adventure, our yacht internship is the perfect choice. Book now and live a unique experience at sea!
From $60 USD
Maritime Adventure by Boat to Tayrona Santa Marta
We will sail to Tayrona Cabo San Juan del Guia, we will enjoy the Caribbean Sea seeing beautiful panoramic views of Bahia Concha, Gairaca, Bahia de Cinto, arriving at Cabo San Juan you will be able to visit different beaches, walking trails and enjoy a beautiful landscape.
From $55 USD
Minca, Waterfalls and Coffee Farm Tour from Santa Marta
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
Private Santa Marta Historic Center Walking Tour
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 $70 USD
Private Tour Piedras de Donama in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Among the sites to visit are ancestral lagoons that have been considered sacred by the Indigenous people within the jungle, also an indigenous town with Tayrona terraces that is like visiting a lost city in a single day and by vehicle, succulent lunch either with protein your choice, vegetarian and vegan options. We have highly trained personnel in all areas of the tour, all the places in the mountains look like a dream! It is a tour designed by us, exclusive and to places little frequented by tourists and wholesale tourism agencies, which makes it a personalized experience of immersion in the ancestral culture of the region in a private way. Come and live an adventure and unforgettable experience with us!!!
From $150 USD
Santa Marta Beaches Private Boat Tour
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
Santa Marta City Tour
Enjoy a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of Santa Marta with our half-day city tour. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this coastal gem, guided by a knowledgeable local expert who will illuminate every step of your adventure. From lush mountains to sparkling seas, Santa Marta boasts a unique blend of natural wonders and historical landmarks, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both beauty and heritage.
From $148 USD
4 Days Santa Marta, Tayrona and Minca
Explore the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Including Tayrona Park, Minca, and both a coffee & a cacao Tour! 4 days of nature, culture, indigenous, beaches, and mountains, unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
From $827 USD
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