Santa Marta
Santa Marta is one of the major cities alongside Colombia’s Caribbean coast surrounded by the Sierra Nevada. Most often people go there as a base before heading towards other places on the Caribbean coast. I have a pretty special relationship with Santa Marta as I have stayed there for more than 3 months, but i’ll try to be as objective as possible.
Safety in Santa Marta: Santa Marta is perfectly safe during the day, but not during the night. You must always assure yourself that there are people around, and preferably take a taxi from one place to another, even if it’s only for 5 minutes.
Where to stay in Santa Marta:
I personally think it is worth staying 2 nights in Santa in order to see what the city has to offer.
Masaya Experience: You should stay at Masaya. It is a boutique hostel offering privates and dorms, two pools, a rooftop area with a pool, karaoke and salsa night as well as live bands! You have a kitchen if you want to cook for yourself as well as relaxing areas. You also have a co-working space. I volunteered there for 3 weeks, and I am confident with myself when I say that those 3 weeks were probably one of the bests I have experienced in my life. I met so many great people from all around the world and created strong and everlasting friendships there. The staff is adorable, from the cleaning ladies to the reception, up to the bartenders on the rooftop. I have to underline that I went there as a guest too, and that the experience was the same.
If there is no more space I would recommend you going to:
Viajero: Viajero is another hostel a bit further away from the center but in a perfectly safe neighborhood. It also offers privates as well as dorms, a stunning pool and rooftop bar. Once a week they organize a discovery night around typical Colombian dishes.
Casa Rosa: A beautiful colonial house with seven private bedrooms that has been totally refurbished. It is pure happiness! The free breakfast is full of flavor (I recommend the pancakes with sunny side up eggs, bacon and maple syrup, fruit bowl and juice). They also have a
Sleep at Ana Karina’s studio: If you want a more cozy place for yourself and your friend/boy/girl friend you might check this one out on Airbnb or enter on Google “Ana Karina studio in Santa Marta”
Where to eat and drink:
Ikaro: Vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the city center. Suitable for digital Nomads!
Best pick: Swiss breakfast, Capuccino w/almond milk, Mango Lassi, Italiano sandwich, Miso glaze Umami eggplants, Ikaro’s banana bread
Lulo cafe bar: For their yummy Arepas and cocktails
Mi Oficina: For their cheap and DELICIOUS typical Colombian almuerzos (lunch)
Guasimo: If you want to eat in a fancier restaurant there is where you should go. Guasimo offers typical Colombian food revisited in many delicious ways.
Siete Mares: Best to go for the sunset and enjoy a nice drink
Mr. Arepas: I’ve called him this way. Its a man who sells delicious Arepas filled with cheese.
What to see IN Santa Marta and its CLOSE surroundings:
Historic Center: The city center has all that needs to be seen. From el Parque de los Novios (One of the most famous squares in which and around which life abounds) to the broadwalk along the beach, to its local markets, to the colorful streets with street art on nearly every wall.
Rodadero beach: Rodadero is a smaller town next to Santa Marta, easily accessible with the local bus or by taxi. The town itself is not that special, but the beach definitely is worth going to. Something else worth seeing while you are there is the:
Isla Pelicano: It is an island with an abandoned hotel on it the gives a beautiful view of the city of Rodadero and the Sierra Nevada mountains behind . You can go there with a jetski or any other little boat/paddle you’ve rented from the main Rodadero beach. It is a very unusual excursion, not many people do it because it looks like you are prohibited from entering (which is probably the case haha) but definitely worth it! Be careful to have some shoes on as there are ruins everywhere and it may sometimes be sharp.
Taganga: Taganga is a small traditional coastal village, full of old fishermen. Said like that, it does not sound appealing but I swear it has full of charm with its chill vibes, rustic streets, cozy coffee places and restaurants. I’ve actually volunteered there for one month, and before that it was my getaway from a sometimes hectic Santa Marta. If you want to learn how to dive, this is the perfect spot as they have many certified schools. It is supposed to be quite cheap too! If you want more about Taganga [Read More]
Where to go out in Santa Marta: La Brisa Loca (Rooftop nightclub, and also a hostel!), La Puerta (Latino music - Salsa, Champeta, Merengue), Masaya (for predrinks and a game of pool), Charlies Bar (cocktails and sometimes live music)
Where to workout in Santa Marta: FitCo, La Roca (Rodadero)
Popular places on the Caribbean coast:
Tayrona Park
Costeño Beach
Palomino