The 10 Best Things to do in Santa Marta, Magdalena Department

April 24, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.
Restaurants in Santa Marta

1. Ciudad Perdida

El Mamey Sierra Nevada, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality 470007 Colombia
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,782 reviews

Ciudad Perdida

Reviewed By JMSBellido

We just finished a 4 days trecking with Magic Tours Sta Marta and we really wanna thank the team Keilly, Saul & Rodrigo for the amazing experience we have got, well organised, warm people, good and healthy food for finally arriving to that wonder : The Lost City!!????, thanks Magic Tours we will come back for sure JM & Sindre.....1000 kisses

2. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Av. del Libertador, sin numero Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality Colombia +57 5 4331021 [email protected] http://www.museobolivariano.org.co
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,478 reviews

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

This final home of Simon Bolivar contains a museum housing works of art from countries he helped liberate.

Reviewed By marciaa513 - Hanoi, Vietnam

This landmark where Simon Bolivar spent his final days is a reminder that Santa Marta has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches and good sea food. The "libertador" of South America is a figure well worth learning about and no better place than this. You can see the original structures of Bolivar's hacienda, as well as the monuments that have been raised in his honor. I also highly recommend using one of the young local guides who provide a 40-minute informative tour and are eager to answer visitors' questions. They are paid in tips only and do a great job. We spent about an hour here and it's only about 15 minutes from the historic center or Rodadero beach. Don't miss it!

3. Cristal Beach

Via a Cienaga Tayrona National Natural Park, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality Colombia
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,554 reviews

Cristal Beach

Reviewed By alessandracruy - Bogota, Colombia

Very nice and pleasant stay at Crystal beach. The water is super clean and you can see many yellow fishes very close to the sand. There are available chairs/umbrella to rent and a small restaurant.

4. Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana

Carrera 2 con Calle 14, Parque Bolivar, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality 470004 Colombia +57 5 4210251 [email protected] http://www.banrepcultural.org/santa-marta/museo-del-oro-tairona
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 318 reviews

Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana

The building which functioned in the Spanish colonial era as the Customs House (Casa de la Aduana) for the port of Santa Marta is today a museum that lets you explore stories of the past and present from this corner of Colombia's magic Caribbean region.

Reviewed By treetrippers - Fredericton, Canada

Nice museum, free admission, some areas air con and clean bathrooms. Don’t need a guide. Most signs in English and spanish

5. Playa Blanca

Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality Colombia +57 319 4868455 http://www.santamartacolombia.com.co/playa-blanca-santa-marta
Excellent
33%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,915 reviews

Playa Blanca

Reviewed By Vidjcb

Playa Blanca is located in north South America, Colombia, Magdalena Department, Santa Marta, Gaira (El Rodadero) And yes, the beach and sea are just beautiful, white sand emerald blue sea, calm waves, delicious fresh sea food… So far these words seem to be pretty standard for all who love the Ocean and Caribbean weather. However, for me it’s all about the mountains. Santa Marta is full of mountains and this particual sport has an easy to hike mountain. In just 15 minutes you will feel a real sense of freedom and just for a second, you will have a bird eye view of Playa Blanca and Santa Marta Mountains. Getting there is so easy and cheap. Round trip by boat, including typical sea dish Coconut rice, salad plus fried fish all for less than US 30. I rather went straight to the top of the mountain, sit there, watched the beautiful landscape and flew my drone. Anyway, feel free to canopy, swim or burn your skin if you want to do so! Is your first trip there? DON’T miss hiking. Have you been there? Well next time you comeback, you will have the chance to see it! So what do you think? Do you agree with me? It’s more about the mountains? Let me know in the comments!

6. Parque de Los Novios

Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality Colombia +57 301 4558455 http://www.bogotaturismo.gov.co/parque-el-lago-de-los-novios
Excellent
37%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,690 reviews

Parque de Los Novios

Reviewed By Colombianresident - Santa Marta Municipality, Colombia

A square with benches and atmosphere. It is located in the center of town with access to may nice bars and restaurants.

7. Mundo Marino

Carrera 2a # 11-68 El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality 470001 Colombia +57 5 4229334 [email protected] http://www.mundomarinoacuario.com.co/
Excellent
39%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 248 reviews

Mundo Marino

Mundo Marino aquarium display has more than 276 marine species , including sharks, rays , sea horses , starfish , octopus and others. The journey in the aquarium is fully guided and takes about 45 minutes. Monday-wednesday-Friday at 4:00pm: Food of sharks and fish. ¡We will wait for you!

8. Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

Carrera 1 No. 7 - 69 Edificio Fuentemar, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality Colombia +57 317 3641113 [email protected] http://www.acuariorodadero.com/#inicio
Excellent
33%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 426 reviews

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

Reviewed By tsareviews - Cape Town Central, South Africa

The first stop aboard the ferry from Rodadero beach to Playa Blanco is a great one. The sea aquarium is just that. An aquarium along the side of a cliff. Its an amazing feat and adds to the mystery of the place. The dolphin show was great and this is a must see for the whole family. You have the option of zip-lining to the adjacent Playa Blanco beach nearby.

9. Bahia Concha

Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality 470007 Colombia
Excellent
40%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 568 reviews

Bahia Concha

Reviewed By MZvaigzne91 - Tampa, United States

We loved it! We were lucky to be in a small group! Our guide Cesar was fun an informative. Probably one of the best beaches of Santa Marta?

10. Buritaca

Playa Buritaca, Santa Marta, Santa Marta Municipality Colombia
Excellent
45%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 162 reviews

Buritaca

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