Whether it's misty or sunny, you'll love the unusual landscape in the Cocora Valley. The enchanting ambiance and the sheer number of wax palms, a national symbol, are impressive, to say the least!

The lofty heights of the Corcora Valley.

Bogotá

Leticia

The Amazon

Manizales

It's the third largest town on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

South America

Colombia

Santa Marta

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

profile

Family holidays in Colombia

activity-type

Wildlife in Colombia

Hiking in Colombia

environment-type

Islands in Colombia

Colombia cycling tours

Santa Marta is one of the most touristy and charming towns on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Its beach is especially beautiful and lovely for lying in the sun with a cool beer, chatting to the locals. It's an essential during a stay in Colombia, even if most opinions about this town differ. It must certainly have been more pleasant a few years ago, before the arrival of the tourist coaches, but I find it a very endearing and entrancing town, all the same. If you like to party and you want to try and dance the salsa or cumbia, don't hesitate to visit the numerous bars in the centre of Santa Marta, where the party lasts until the end of the night.

During a stay in Colombia, Santa Marta is often the departure point for other destinations like Tayrona Park or the Lost City. However, Santa Marta itself also has much to offer tourists. I really liked spending time in Santa Marta, strolling through its historic centre and discovering its churches and little shops and bakeries. I liked its typical Colombian and Caribbean atmosphere. I also admired its hectic pace and seeing everyday life unfold - on the beach, at the port or at the market. I was in awe watching the sunsets there. Certainly, there are few attractions to discover there, but it's a pretty little town where you can enjoy some time experiencing real Colombian life.

Santa Marta is a colonial city and a port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

During your holiday in Colombia, you should head to Santa Marta if you're planning an excursion to the jungle or nearby beaches. There are several agencies that offer similar prices - according to locals, trade unions managed to stop a price war. So that you find a suitable agency, it's worth seeking advice from travellers returning from excursions.
I liked this town so much that I ended up staying on an extra day, so as to explore its streets and seafront. The town has preserved its colonial architecture, even though it's not as impressive as Cartagena. And I can't tell you how delicious the lemonades sold on the street stalls are...a refreshing blend of lime and crushed ice. Nothing better on a scorching hot day!

Santa Marta is a charming, laid back, coastal town from where you can organise nature/activity excursions to the Tayrona National Park or the Lost City. ​

Santa Marta Holidays

Visit Santa Marta

Santa Marta: How to get there?

Santa Marta: See when to go?

Santa Marta: For how long?

Santa Marta: What to see nearby?

Colombia: our articles for your holidays