Tourists in Colombia often travel to Cartagena due to tis exquisite colonial architecture or maybe to San Andres to visit the virgin beaches, but Santa Marta offers the best balance of both history and ecotourism.

Founded in 1525, Santa Marta has the Tayrona (also spelled Tairona) National Park, which is the largest ecological reserve in the country, and the 17th century home of Simon Bolivar (leader of the independence movement in South America). The city is located between the clear waters of the Caribbean and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern Colombia, home of the Tayrona tribe.

Note: As with most any port city, tourists should be cautious when traveling through the city since pickpocketing and petty theft are frequent even in the increasingly safe, contemporary Colombia. Do not travel late at night or alone and try not to display any expensive belongings such as cameras, jewelry, ect.

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Facts

Where is the cruise port in Santa Marta?

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Santa Marta, located on the northern coast of Colombia, boardering the Caribbean Sea (see map).

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What language is spoken in Columbia?

Spanish is the official language of Santa Marta, Colombia. Most people involved in the tourist industry speak at least limited English, or will at least make an attempt to understand and converse with you.

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What is the time zone in Santa Marta, Colombia?

Santa Marta, Colombia is -5 GMT.

Current Time - Santa Marta, Colombia

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Money & Currency

What is the national currency in Columbia?

The Colombian Peso is the national currency (COP).

Where can I get or exchange money?

A bank is the best (and safest) place to exchange money in Colombia. The exchange rate as of June 2011 is US$1 = $1784.09 pesos. DO NOT exchange money with anyone on the street since scams and fraudulent bills are common.

• Banks closest to cruise port: 

  Most banks in Santa Marta are in the Edificio de Bancos area between Calles 14 and 15 (tellers are on the second floor), which is about 1km south of the port area (see map.)
• ATMs closest to cruise port: 

  ATMS are available throughout the city and at most any bank.

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Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Public telephones using pre-paid calling cards, cell phones (both your own and there are also people on the street that will let you make calls for a price), Internet cafes and cabinas will help you keep in touch.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

Public telephones are available throughout the city and operate with money and pre-paid calling cards. Some Internet cafes and cabinas have international phone services, charging $0.15-0.30 per minute to the US.

Where are the Internet cafes?

• Cafenet Tayrona on Calle 12
• Compucesco.Web on Calle 15
• Compusystec-Edunet on Calle 18
• Cybercafe on Calle 23

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

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Weather

Current Temperature in Santa Marta, Columbia

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Santa Marta

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Getting Around Santa Marta

Walking

The historic city center is not within walking distance of the cruise ship docks, but after a short taxi ride it is a safe and interesting area to explore on foot. You can take a stroll down the promenade, at sunset if possible. The main street of the city winds along the shoreline, and there are vendors nearby selling food and drink.

Taxis

Taxis will be waiting at the cruise ship dock in the gated, policed area. If you chose not to participate in a guided tour, negotiate the fare before getting in the taxi take since some of them are not metered.

Buses

Small vans called busetas are used for bus service in Santa Marta, usually seating 14 people. They are a readily available and extremely inexpensive way to travel.

Car Rentals

The major car rental agencies (Hertz, Alamo, Budget, National, Dollar, etc.) have offices in Santa Marta. However, renting a car in the area can be expensive and it is easy to get lost within the crowded and poorly signed roads. Using a taxi is highly recommended.

Scooter Rental

Not recommended for the same reasons listed above under car rentals.

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Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Santa Marta? Where are the best places to get them?

Sopa del Mar (a seafood-stew) is something to try while visiting Santa Marta. A good place to find it is at Merkabar Restaurant located at Calle 10 No 2-11.

You also may want to try Sancocho, a meat and vegetable stew, sometimes made with fish.

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What are the must-drinks in Santa Marta? Where is the best place to get one?

Coconut water is very popular in Colombia and is served by many of the street vendors, cutting the coconut right in front of you. There are also many varieties of rum cocktails served in every bar, sometimes in a coconut shell.

Note: Beware of food and drink sold in the streets, as many use unfiltered ice/water and may make you ill.

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Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Santa Marta? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Juan Valdez Coffee is an obvious choice as a gift and/or souvenir from your time in Colombia. Next to the Tayrona Museum, opposite the Simon Bolivar Park, is a Juan Valdez Cafe.

$25-$75

A mochila (Spanish for backpack) is a hand-woven Colombian bag usually worn over the shoulder and it's a practical and inexpensive reminder of your visit. They are available everywhere in multiple sizes, colors, and prices.

Over $75

Emerald jewelry is the obvious choice when contemplating a higher priced souvenir from Santa Marta. At La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, three miles southeast of the city, there is an emerald museum, as well as a shop, dealing specifically with emerald jewelry.

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Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Santa Marta? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Taganga is a fishing village just outside Santa Marta and it's an ideal destination for a day trip. The bars, music, and laidback atmosphere make it a popular site for backpackers wanting to escape the chaos of the city. Be careful not to consume tap water or food washed with tap water in Taganga (including fruits, vegetables, and ice) because many tourists become ill.
• Tayrona National Park, located about 40 minutes by bus or taxi from the city center, is also worth a visit. Once at the park there is a beach area about an hour’s hike, so dress appropriately with comfortable shoes. Look for Lucas the guide dog – he leads people in both directions from the beach. If he leads you down a path, trust that it’s the right one
• El Museo del Oro Tayrona (The Museum of Tayrona Gold) is located at 15-82, Carrera 6, in the famous Casa De La Aduana (Customs House). Built in 1531, this building is the oldest in the Americas and today contains a fascinating display of gold from the pre-Colombian era, including Tayrona gold which is unique to the region.

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Beaches

The beaches in Santa Marta itself, where there can be a smell of raw sewage at times, are too close to the busy working port to be of interest.

A much better option is El Rodadero, a resort area just a few miles outside of the city center. There are many things to do and see in El Rodadero, such as swimming with dolphins, water sports, a theme park, an aquarium and several museums.

The beaches of Tayrona National Park are also known to be among the best in South America.

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Shopping

Shopping in Santa Marta ranges from street vendors, who can be extremely persistent (remember that haggling is common, especially with tourists) to upscale malls. The Market Place on 9th Avenue has a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and inexpensive souvenirs. Fifth Avenue or Avenida Quinta, on the other hand, offers boutiques, jewelry stores, clothing, and shoe stores.

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Golf

There are no golf courses in or around Santa Marta; several hotels have putting greens, but that’s about it.

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Scuba

Poseidon Dive Center in Taganga has PADI-certified teachers which speak Spanish, English, French and German. You can choose from night dives, underwater photography, deep dives and wreck dives. If you choose a Colombian-owned dive operator, be aware that they may not be PADI-certified.

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Tours

There are several entertaining and informative tours offered in Santa Marta, below are a couple of options:

• Chivas bus tours are traditional, bright-colored party busses that drive throughout the city. Passengers dance, sing, and play instruments until the bus reaches the next bar or site. Definitely upbeat and not for everyone, but a great time is had by most.
• Tayrona Park tours will take you through this 150 square kilometer piece of untouched paradise. Tourists can hike to the Lost City of the Tayrona Tribe or simply relax in the tranquility of it's sandy beaches.

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