Tayrona National Natural Park
Near Santa Marta 8 hrs
Explore pristine beaches and lush jungle trails.
Where to stay
Hotels in Santa Marta
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At a glance
Climate
Tropical
Languages
Spanish
Local currency
COP
(COP)
Local time
(GMT-5)
Ideal trip length
4–8 days
Cost level
2 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Historic Center
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
10% for good service is appreciated
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Pescado Frito con Patacones
Arepas con Huevo
Sancocho de Pescado
Arroz con Coco
When to visit Santa Marta
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, December
Busiest: Dec-Jan, Jun-Aug
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Jan85
Dry, sunny, pleasant
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Feb80
Dry, sunny, pleasant
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Mar75
Dry, sunny, warm
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Apr70
Hot, start of rains
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May65
Hot, increasing rain
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Jun70
Hot, some rain
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Jul75
Hot, some rain
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Aug70
Hot, increasing rain
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Sept60
Hot, wettest month
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Oct60
Hot, wet, humid
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Nov65
Hot, decreasing rain
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Dec85
Dry, sunny, pleasant
Things to do in Santa Marta
6 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 6 of 6 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Minca Coffee Region
Sierra Nevada foothills 6 hrs
Discover coffee farms and refreshing waterfalls in the mountains.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Santa Marta outskirts 2 hrs
Visit the hacienda where Simón Bolívar spent his last days.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Santa Marta Historic Center
Historic Center 3 hrs
Wander through colonial streets and vibrant plazas.
Museo del Oro Tairona
Historic Center 1.5 hrs
Learn about the rich indigenous Tairona culture and gold artifacts.
Any time of day
1 place
El Rodadero Beach
El Rodadero 4 hrs
Enjoy popular beaches, water sports, and lively atmosphere.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Santa Marta
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Activity tour
4 Hour Scuba Diving Course in Tayrona Park
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Historic Center Bike Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Afternoon in a Private Sailing Boat in the Tayrona Park
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
One amazing day in a private recent sailing boat in the Tayrona Park. The best sail trip from Santa Marta!
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Artisanal chocolate: from the garden to the table
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Sunset in the bay of Santa Marta in a sailboat
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Santa Marta Colombia
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Palomino and Ceviaka Village Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Santa Marta
Straight-line distance from the centre of Santa Marta.
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