CO
Santa Marta
Colombia’s oldest city, gateway to Tayrona National Park, Minca and the Lost City trek
Colombia’s oldest city, gateway to Tayrona National Park, Minca and the Lost City trek
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
Governments advise against travel to some regions of Colombia, mainly border and rural areas affected by armed groups, and the US asks travellers to reconsider travel. The main cities and tourist areas are widely visited; check the latest regional advice.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
Jungle-backed beaches and granite boulders about an hour east of Santa Marta, reached by hiking trails. Many beaches have dangerous currents; swim only where signs allow, such as at Cabo San Juan.
The park closes for a few weeks each year for ecological and cultural reasons; check dates before visiting.
Photo: David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Lost City, built by the Tayrona people centuries before Machu Picchu, sits deep in the Sierra Nevada. It can only be reached on a guided trek of four to six days.
Treks must be booked with licensed operators.
Photo: William Neuheisel, CC BY 2.0
A small village in the hills about 45 minutes from Santa Marta, with a cooler climate, coffee and cocoa farms, waterfalls and birdwatching.
Photo: Samuel Rengifo, CC BY-SA 4.0
A fishing village in a bay just north of Santa Marta, known for diving and boat trips to nearby beaches.
Photo: Alanwolfx, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fresh fried fish with coconut rice and patacón, cayeye (mashed green banana), seafood soup and tropical juices.
Parque de los Novios in the historic centre is surrounded by restaurants and bars.
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) is about 20 minutes south of the city. Buses link Santa Marta with Cartagena, Barranquilla and Palomino; minibuses go to Tayrona and Minca.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. All foreign visitors must complete the free online Check-MIG migration form before arriving. Check current rules before you travel.
Santa Marta is good value; Tayrona has entrance fees and higher prices inside the park. Colombia uses the peso (COP). Cards are accepted in cities, but carry cash for taxis, markets and small towns; use ATMs inside banks or malls.
The Lost City trek is a separate, all-inclusive cost.
Beaches, jungle and mountains.
Explore the historic centre and waterfront, with dinner around Parque de los Novios.
Hike through the jungle to the beaches of Tayrona National Park.
Head into the hills to Minca for coffee farms, waterfalls and birdwatching.
Dive or snorkel from Taganga, or relax on a nearby beach.
Many Tayrona beaches have strong currents; obey warning signs.
Bring repellent for jungle hikes.
Do not show phones carelessly on the street, never leave drinks unattended, and be careful meeting people from dating apps; drugging and robbery are known risks.
Tayrona closes for a few weeks each year; check dates before planning.
Quick answers for planning time in Santa Marta.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many others can stay up to 90 days visa-free, but must complete the online Check-MIG form before arrival.
Four to six days with a licensed guide.
About an hour east by road to the main entrance.
At some beaches, such as Cabo San Juan and La Piscina; many others have dangerous currents.
December to April, the drier season.
Google Maps and Moovit work well in cities; download offline maps for treks.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is limited outside tourist businesses.
Free
WhatsApp is used for almost everything in Colombia, from hotels to tour bookings.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Colombia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.