Last updated on December 29, 2023.

Santa Marta is the second oldest surviving European city in South America, founded in 1525. It’s also the place where the liberator Simón Bolívar died, at La Quinta de San Pedro.

With that kind of history, you would think it would have a lot to show for. It doesn’t have much to see, but it’s enjoyable enough to visit for a day and a great base for trips to nearby Tayrona National Park. It’s also the base for many trips into La Guajira and Ciudad Perdida.

 

Transfer from Cartagena or Barranquilla

MarSol is a decent transfer service to get from Cartagena or Barranquilla to Santa Marta. It’s a very easy door-to-door service that can be booked in advance by your hotel. The trip takes just over four hours from Cartagena and about two hours from Barranquilla. It costs about COP$60,000 to get to Cartagena and COP$35,000 to get to Barranquilla (as of December 2023). It’s not the most comfortable ride but it’s convenient.

 

Airport

Simón Bolívar International Airport is a good 25 minute drive from the city center. It’s a very small airport with only a few gates. Most flights are to Bogotá, but it’s possible to get direct flights to cities like MedellínCali, and Panama City (as of December 2023).

 

Getting Around

The city center is very flat, compact, and easy to get around on foot. You won’t need to see much outside the small historic center. It’s also safe. There is a beach in the bay of Santa Marta but I wouldn’t swim there. There was a lot of garbage on the beach and the port is very close.

Beach in Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
Beach

 

Where to Stay

For hotels, there are several in the historic city center. Many people also choose to stay at the upscale suburb of El Rodadero or the backpacker haven of Taganga.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.