Photos: Unsplash
Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest surviving city, is the gateway to Tayrona National Park and the Lost City.
Top things to do in Santa Marta
- →Explore Tayrona National Park
- →Trek to the Lost City
- →Dive in Taganga
- →Visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Getting around Santa Marta
Simón Bolívar Airport (SMR) is about 16 km from downtown Santa Marta; taxis and ride apps connect to the city and to El Rodadero. Locally you get around by taxi and bus, and for Tayrona Park or Taganga by public transport or tours from the center.
How much does it cost?
Santa Marta is affordable: with local meals, public transport and mid-range lodging, budget about 35–70 USD a day excluding the flight; Tayrona Park entry and the Lost City trek are separate costs.
Where to stay in Santa Marta
- Centro Histórico — Colonial old town by the sea, with bars, restaurants and most of the hostels.
- El Rodadero — Beach bay with hotels, great for families and resort-style stays.
- Taganga — Former fishing village, a backpacker and diving base minutes away.
- Minca — Mountain town in the Sierra Nevada, cool, with waterfalls and coffee farms.
Is it safe?
Santa Marta is touristy but common sense helps: watch your belongings on the beach, use taxis or apps at night, and book the Lost City trek with authorized operators. In Tayrona respect the currents, which can be strong.
Flights to Santa Marta from these cities
Frequently asked questions about Santa Marta
When is the best time to fly to Santa Marta?
The dry season (December–April) is best for beaches and trekking, with firmer trails. For better prices avoid the year-end holidays and Easter week, when the region fills up.
How long is the flight to Santa Marta?
About 1 h 30 min nonstop from Bogotá; there are also flights from Medellín. SMR is the air gateway to Tayrona Park and the Lost City.
How do I visit Tayrona Park and the Lost City from Santa Marta?
Tayrona is reached by bus or tour via the El Zaino entrance, an hour from the center; the Lost City trek takes 4–5 days and is done only with authorized operators departing from Santa Marta.
How do I find cheap flights to Santa Marta?
Compare hundreds of airlines and agencies on Volar and pick the cheapest month to fly to Santa Marta. We send you to book on the official site, with no hidden fees.