Things to do in Santa Marta

Activities, attractions and tours
Blanca Beach showing a sandy beach

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Top places to visit

1. Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park is famous for its paradise-like beaches, exotic wildlife and excellent scuba conditions. The 37,000-acre (15,000-hectare) area is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the world due to its exceptional landscape, formed by a blend of ecosystems and microclimates, with environments such as thorny scrubland and dry, rain and cloud forests. The dry forest of this protected area is one of the best preserved in the country. The park is popular for hiking and tent camping deep in the forest or on the beaches. Look for many types of exotic wildlife and plants as you explore the park.
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One of the wonders of Colombia, this park is home to varied ecosystems of mountains, forests, cliffs and beaches.

2. Rodadero Beach

Rodadero Beach is a hub of sand, sun and surf on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Enjoy a range of activities including diving, sailing and paddle boating. This beach is a more active and dynamic option than its nearby rival beach, Playa Blanca. Rodadero Beach has a more Colombian atmosphere with fewer international visitors. The beach first became popular in the 1950s. Now, it is one of the most visited parts of Colombia’s northern coast.
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Rodadero Beach which includes a skyscraper, a beach and a coastal town

3. Parque de Los Novios

Parque de los Novios is a spacious plaza next to Santa Marta’s most historic monuments. It is a popular meeting point for couples. In fact, the name translates as the Park of Lovers. Travelers and locals gather in this plaza to watch the sun go down and enjoy a few drinks in the evening. It is a shining beacon of the city’s nightlife and has a relaxed and secure ambiance. Look for a statue surrounded by small fountains erupting from the plaza’s red-brick surface. Take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrianized park in the afternoon without worrying about traffic.
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Parque de Los Novios showing street scenes, heritage elements and a city

4. Taganga Beach

Several decades ago, Taganga was a sleepy fishing village. Now, it attracts travelers from Colombia and the rest of the world with its cool breezes, mountainous landscape and proximity to Tayrona National Park. The small area is nestled beside the cliffs of the Caribbean coast. The village is a hotspot for scuba diving and sunbathing and has an animated nightlife. Enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars in Taganga or find a company to arrange a tour of the national park.
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Taganga Beach featuring a sandy beach, a bay or harbour and boating

5. Blanca Beach

Playa Blanca is a beautiful and tranquil beach nestled in the valley of mountains separating Santa Marta from El Rodadero. It is only accessible via a short boat journey, which means the area is particularly clean and safe. Enjoy the warm and crystal clear ocean water. Look for huts serving fresh seafood caught in the area and vendors offering coconut shell drinks.
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Blanca Beach showing a sandy beach

Popular places to visit

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Rodadero Beach

4/5(3 reviews)

This dynamic beach is one of the most visited spots in the area. Enjoy a variety of activities: sunbathe, swim, sail, dive and snorkel.

Rodadero Beach
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Parque de Los Novios

3.5/5(4 reviews)

Meet friends and share a few drinks at this plaza in the center of Santa Marta, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and vendors selling snacks.

Parque de Los Novios
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Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

Take the children to visit the sea life who live at Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum during your holiday to Santa Marta. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum
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Ciudad Perdida

4/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Santa Marta when you stop by Ciudad Perdida. Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Ciudad Perdida
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Santa Marta Cathedral

4/5(6 reviews)

Walk around the cathedral that holds the remains of the city’s founder and claims to be the oldest church in the country.

Santa Marta Cathedral
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Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Visit the 17th-century villa and art museum made famous as the place where the famous military leader Simón Bolívar died.

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
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Blue Well

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Blue Well during your travels in Minca. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Blue Well
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Bahia de Santa Marta

Learn about the local history of Comuna 2 when you spend time at Bahia de Santa Marta. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Bahia de Santa Marta
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Buritaca Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Buritaca Beach during your travels in Buritaca? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Buritaca Beach

Areas of Santa Marta

Rodadero Beach featuring a hotel, a coastal town and a beach

El Rodadero

5/5(1 area review)

El Rodadero is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping Center.

El Rodadero
Historic Center which includes street scenes, a city and heritage elements

Historic Center

4/5(8 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Center. A stop by Parque de Los Novios or Santa Marta Beach might round out your trip.

Historic Center
Historic Center featuring a city and street scenes

Barrio Centro

If you're spending some time in Barrio Centro, Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Cathedral are top sights worth seeing.

Barrio Centro
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Mamatoco

Though Mamatoco may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Tayrona National Natural Park.

Mamatoco
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Bavaria

When in Bavaria, you can plan a visit to Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Cathedral, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bavaria
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San Martín

While San Martín may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Parque de Los Novios and Santa Marta Beach.

San Martín
Valledupar

Valledupar