Santa Marta Caribbean Coast, Colombia Travel Guide
Staying connected in Santa Marta easy with local SIM cards. Major mobile carriers Claro, Tigo, Movistar. Claro generally widest coverage.
Internet access and Wi-Fi widespread. Most hotels and hostels free Wi-Fi, quality can vary. Many restaurants and cafes free Wi-Fi.
Spanish official language in Colombia. English spoken by some staff in larger hotels, tourist agencies, upscale restaurants. Limited English proficiency elsewhere.
Local SIM cards for widespread coverage. Wi-Fi common in tourist spots. Learn basic Spanish phrases for better interaction.
Navigate local opening hours and special days.
Generally 9/10 AM to 7/8 PM. Many smaller shops may close for lunch.
Lunch 12-3 PM, Dinner 7-10 PM. Some cafes open earlier for breakfast.
Typically 8/9 AM to 4/5 PM weekdays. ATMs widely available.
Colombia observes numerous public holidays, many religious, like Holy Week, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Seasonal closures and limited schedules can affect your plans.
Business hours vary; check for public holidays. ATMs generally available. Plan for potential seasonal changes.
Cultural insights for respectful interactions.
For formal greetings, a handshake common for men. For women, a light kiss on the cheek (right cheek first) common with friends and acquaintances. Informally, a simple "Hola" sufficient.
It is polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Always respect their wishes and cultural protocols. Avoid photographing military personnel or police officers without permission.
Dining and tipping practices covered in detail in other sections.
Solo female travelers should exercise standard precautions, especially at night. While generally safe, machismo can still be present, but respectful interaction important. Colombia generally progressive for LGBTQ+ rights in Latin America.
Research specific hotels and tour operators for stated accessibility. Online travel forums or disability travel blogs provide anecdotal advice.
