TOP 10 of Tourist Sites of Santa Marta, a complete city that has it all with its sea, Santa Marta is an experience where mountains, history, nature and the purest Caribbean merge. Those who have visited its corners know that each place offers a different experience: from crystalline beaches to coffee villages, from jungle hotels to urban bustle. Here I share with you the top 10 must-see tourist attractions in Santa Marta, told from direct experience and with the best tips to enjoy them to the fullest.
Destinations to visit in Santa Marta
You can't talk about Santa Marta without starting with the Tayrona National Natural Park. It is the ecological jewel of Colombia and one of the most impressive places in the country. It combines thick jungle, white sand beaches and an almost hypnotic blue sea. The biodiversity here is overwhelming: howler monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles, and even archaeological remains of ancient indigenous peoples.
One of the most memorable treks in the park is the hike to Cabo San Juan, crossing jungle trails, wooden bridges and natural viewpoints. The reward upon arrival is unparalleled: a beach nestled between rock formations with calm, crystal-clear waters.
Cabo San Juan del Guía is probably the most photographed site in Tayrona, and with good reason. To get there you have to walk for about two hours from the entrance of El Zaino, but believe me, it is worth every step. During the walk, you will pass through stretches of rainforest, open stretches with a view of the sea and ideal spots to rest such as Arrecifes or La Piscina.
Once you arrive at Cabo San Juan, the scenery looks like something out of a postcard: turquoise waters, a hill with a viewpoint of palm trees, and a camping area where you can sleep under the stars. For many, this point marks the climax of their visit to the park.
I was lucky enough to go through this route, and what made the experience unique was stopping before arriving, in a place that became one of my favorites.
In the middle of the journey to Cabo San Juan is the Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona, one of those places that seem to be taken out of a dream. It is an ecological space, surrounded by giant trees and designed for visitors to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort.
I remember waking up to the sound of howler monkeys, having breakfast overlooking the jungle, and then walking along private trails before continuing to the beach. This hotel was not only a stop along the way, it was a deep breath, a pause to connect with the energy of Tayrona.
If you are looking to split the journey to Cabo San Juan or live a more intimate experience inside the park, Yachay Tayrona is a choice that does not fail.
Minca is only 40 minutes from downtown Santa Marta, but it seems like a world apart. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, it is a destination that has won the hearts of backpackers and travelers seeking tranquility, nature and good vibes.
Among the not-to-be-missed activities are:
Walk to Pozo Azul and bathe in its icy waters
Visit an artisan coffee farm and learn about the entire coffee process
Climb to the Los Pinos viewpoint, from where you can see Santa Marta, the Caribbean Sea and the mountains in a single panoramic view
Minca was that necessary respite in the middle of the itinerary, a place where the jungle mixes with the aroma of coffee and where every conversation with a local gives you a story.
If you love hiking and like to explore places off the tourist radar, La Tagua is for you. This small village is located at more than 2,000 meters above sea level and offers a completely different landscape from the rest of Santa Marta.
Walking through fog, crossing rural farms, receiving a freshly brewed coffee from farmers, and sleeping in eco-lodges with endless views are just some of the experiences that await you here. It is one of those places that make you reconnect with the essential, where every step feels sincere and every smile, authentic.
There are many beaches in Santa Marta, but few like Playa Cristal. Its name is no coincidence: the water is so clear that you can see the fish without diving. It is a controlled access beach to protect its ecosystem, which also ensures that it is less crowded.
There I swam among colorful fish, snorkeled in coral-filled areas, and ate some of the freshest fish of the whole trip. It is the perfect place to relax, disconnect from the noise and just let yourself be carried away by the calmness of the sea.
Taganga has gone from being a small fishing village to a bohemian and backpacker epicenter. Although its infrastructure is more rustic, its atmosphere is authentic and relaxed. Here you can:
Take affordable diving courses
Taste ceviche on the beach with your feet in the sand
See one of the best sunsets in all of Santa Marta
Taganga is for those looking for genuine experiences, something less touristy but full of character and local life.
If comfort, good food and nightlife are your thing, then El Rodadero is your place. It is one of the most developed areas of Santa Marta, with hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches where you can rent jet skis or paddleboard.
After several days of mountains, jungle and hiking, El Rodadero was the perfect closing of the trip: comfortable beds, cocktails in front of the sea, live music and all the facilities at hand. Ideal for those who want to close their experience with comfort and fun.
To understand the history of Santa Marta (and Colombia), you must visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. It was the place where Simón Bolívar died, and today it serves as a museum, botanical garden and cultural center.
Walking through its gardens, seeing the sculptures, and entering the rooms where the Liberator lived, is like taking a pause in time. A cultural and educational experience that perfectly complements the natural landscapes of the trip.
The historic center of Santa Marta is small, but charming. Its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and lively squares make you feel like you are in a lively and vibrant city.
There you can visit:
The Cathedral Basilica, the oldest in Colombia
The Tairona Gold Museum
Enjoy a cocktail in the bars of Parque de los Novios
We offer you the best natural experience in the Tayrona National Park, we design exclusive activities for eco tourism and adventure lovers. We are an Ecolodge located within the Tayrona National Park, Zaino sector, we are committed to sustainable tourism.
The name of our brand YACHAY, is a word of Quechua origin that means knowledge or wisdom; It also refers to experience or experience as complements to the understanding, we believe that nature is the first source of knowledge that the human being must have.
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