Santa Marta

ExploreSanta Marta

Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

Santa Marta, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and proximity to stunning natural parks.

Santa Marta is a diverse destination that offers a mix of history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, lounging on the beaches, or exploring the city’s cultural heritage, Santa Marta provides a rich and memorable experience on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Oldest CityColombia's
Fishing and ScubaPopular Activities
Lost City (Predates Machu Picchu by 650 Years)Archaeological Site
Private Tayrona Park and Cabo San Juan Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.7 (21 Reviews)
Private Minca Tour from Santa Marta
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.7 (21 Reviews)
Private Tayrona Park and Playa Cristal Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.7 (21 Reviews)
Private New Venice Tour
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.7 (21 Reviews)
The Flamingo Sanctuary Tour of La Guajira
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.7 (21 Reviews)
The Lost City of Taironaka
(*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● (*)●● 4.7 (21 Reviews)

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 experiences

The Perfect Gift For Every Occasion

Surprise your loved ones with unforgettable experiences they'll remember forever.

Buy Gift Card
Spur gift card

Things to See in Santa Marta

  • Tayrona National Natural Park

    Explore Tayrona National Park, a breathtaking natural reserve where lush tropical forests meet pristine beaches. Hike through the jungle, visit ancient indigenous ruins, and relax on beautiful beaches like Cabo San Juan.
  • Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

    Discover the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain range. This area is home to indigenous communities and offers incredible trekking opportunities, including the famous Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) trek.
  • Historic Center

    Wander through Santa Marta’s historic center, with its charming colonial architecture, lively plazas, and the beautiful Santa Marta Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Colombia.
  • Rodadero Beach

    Enjoy the sun and sand at Rodadero Beach, one of Santa Marta’s most popular beaches. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, water sports, and enjoying fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.
  • Minca

    Take a day trip to Minca, a small mountain village located just above Santa Marta. Known for its cooler climate, coffee farms, waterfalls, and scenic views, Minca is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing in nature.

When to Visit Santa Marta

  • Winter (December - February)

    Winter in Santa Marta is part of the dry season, with warm temperatures ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). This is an ideal time to visit, as the weather is perfect for enjoying the city's beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Taganga. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The nearby Tayrona National Park is also a must-visit during this season, offering picturesque hikes through the jungle to secluded beaches. The lack of rain makes it an excellent time for exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems and ancient ruins.
  • Spring (March - May)

    Spring in Santa Marta continues the dry season, with temperatures remaining warm and pleasant. This is a great time for outdoor activities, such as exploring the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world. You can visit indigenous communities, hike to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), or enjoy birdwatching in the lush forests. The relatively low humidity makes exploring the city’s colonial architecture, including the Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta, a comfortable experience. Spring is also an excellent time to visit the Rodadero area, known for its lively beach scene and water sports.
  • Summer (June - August)

    Summer in Santa Marta marks the beginning of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 90°F (25°C to 32°C). While there are more frequent showers, especially in the afternoons, mornings are often clear, allowing for continued exploration. The rains bring lushness to the region, making it an excellent time to visit waterfalls such as Quebrada Valencia and enjoy the vibrant green landscapes. Despite the rain, the coastal areas remain warm and inviting, and the beaches are less crowded than in the peak dry season. It's also a good time to explore the local markets and sample fresh seafood.
  • Autumn (September - November)

    Autumn in Santa Marta continues the rainy season, with similar temperatures to those in summer. This season sees fewer tourists, making it a quieter time to explore the region’s natural beauty. Tayrona National Park is particularly lush during this time, with the rainforest thriving in the wet conditions. Autumn is also a great time to explore the Magdalena River and take boat tours to see the diverse wildlife. The rain can lead to fewer crowds at popular sites like the Lost City, providing a more serene experience for those who enjoy trekking and exploring archaeological wonders.

The Wall of Love

What Our Guests Are Saying

5.0/5

Based on 1,411 Reviews

Saskia

Saskia

25 days ago

What an amazing tour. We saw whales, dolphins and porpoises. The crew was very friendly and enthusiastic. We could really tell they are very respectful towards the animals, we were able to see two humpbacks for nearly half an hour, everybody was silent, the engine was off and the crew was also in awe. Only when the whales left, the engine was back on and we also started moving again. We really felt like we had all the time in the world and we didn't disturb the animals.

Campden

Campden

25 days ago

We had an amazing time flying over the beautiful canyons, admiring the waterfalls from above. While we are both quite adventurous, I have an occasional fear of heights. The staff was incredibly friendly and professional, putting our minds perfectly at ease and making the best experience for us possible.

Kera

Kera

25 days ago

This was one of the BEST experiences I have ever had! We extended our trip into a two-tank dive and got to explore the surrounding areas of the garden eel bay before going into our manta show.

Alex and Benjamin

Alex and Benjamin

25 days ago

This was one of our favorite experiences on the trip. Kensington Market is an incredible neighborhood with a vibrant culture. We had a LOT of food on this tour. If you're thinking this will be sample size HAHA you're wrong.

Kayla and Andrew

Kayla and Andrew

25 days ago

We loved the small town atmosphere of this winery, and just how welcoming the staff and environment was. Definitely recommend doing this to anyone in the area!!

Bonnie

Bonnie

25 days ago

Thank you Spur Experiences and Jessica for a great day in the Cinque Terre! The day included colorful towns, sea breeze, hiking, dipping my toes in the Mediterranean, history & local cuisine lessons, delicious food and gelato, and wonderful views.

Kathleen

Kathleen

25 days ago

A wedding guest bought this voucher for me and my husband from our wedding registry via The Knot. We had Chiqui and Jonathan as our guides and they were great! Very personable and knowledgeable. They provided a cooler with water, soda and beer.

Whit

Whit

25 days ago

The catamaran was smooth and clean. The food was wonderful. The captain and staff were friendly and engaging. We could have have asked for a more fun and educational experience around the island. The snorkeling was wonderful with tons of fish, corral and eels.

Ellen

Ellen

2 years ago

My husband and I went on the catamaran cruise during our honeymoon in Milos... exceptional experience! I can not recommend it enough! Beautiful views, crystal clear water, delicious food and awesome crew! A trip to Milos would not be complete without this cruise! 10/10!

Courtney

Courtney

2 years ago

Francesca, our guide, was super personable and knowledgeable about the city and legends of Venice. The tour started near the train station and followed through all the alleys and streets to San Marco Square. The weather and the sunset were absolutely beautiful as well.

Trusted By

Brand Partners