Santa Marta Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

Time-Based Itineraries

Itinerary suggestions based on the length of your stay in Santa Marta.

These plans offer a starting point for different trip durations.

-Hour Layover Highlights

Morning: Explore the historic center, visiting Parque de los Novios.
Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood or a "menu del día" in the historic center.
Afternoon: Visit Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.
Evening: Dinner and drinks around Parque de los Novios.

Tailored Experiences

Select an itinerary matching your travel style.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

Short trip to sample Santa Marta's offerings, focusing on highlights.

Highlights

Day 1: Explore Historic Center, enjoy nightlife at A park in los Novios.
Day 2: Full day trip to Tayrona National Natural Park (El Zaino entrance).
Day 3: Morning trip to Minca for a cup of coffee farm tour and waterfall visit.
Find bookable experiences on GetYourGuide.

Great for a quick escape to Santa Marta.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Deep dive into The Pearl of america and surrounding natural areas, a balanced trip.

Extended Exploration

Day 1-2: The Pearl of america's Historic Center for landmarks, museums, dining, and nightlife.
Day 3-4: Tayrona National Natural Park; consider an overnight stay.
Day 5-6: Travel to Minca for coffee tours, birdwatching, and waterfall visits.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

For extensive regional exploration, combining highlights with further adventures.

Further Journeys

Follow the one-week itinerary.
Days 8-10: Explore Palomino; enjoy river tubing, surfing, and beach relaxation.
Days 11-14: Embark on the challenging Ciudad Perdida Trek (4-5 days).
Alternatively, fly to Cartagena, Medellín, or Bogotá for a different experience.

Long-Term Stay Ideas

For stays longer than two weeks, immerse yourself in local life and use Santa Marta as a base.

Extended Living

Consider renting an apartment in Rodadero or a quiet neighborhood.
Use Santa Marta as a base for extensive Caribbean coast exploration.
Consider taking Spanish classes to deepen your immersion.
Explore area specialties in depth.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Santa Marta experience to your specific interests with these suggested routes.

History & Heritage

Focus on Santa Marta's Historic Center, Gold Museum, and Cathedral.

Food & Culinary

Explore local eateries, street food, seafood, coffee/cacao farm tours.

Adventure & Outdoors

Hike Tayrona, trek Ciudad Perdida, dive Taganga, river tubing Palomino, Minca activities.

Custom Plans

Mix and match interests to build your best journey. Web-based information help personalize.

Budget-Based Plans

Plans for every budget level.

Backpacker's Guide

Travel smart and save money, maximizing your experience if you're on a budget.

Budget Tips

Stay in hostels, opting for dorm rooms.
Eat street food and "menu del día" for inexpensive food.
Use local buses (busetas/colectivos) for short distances.
Focus on free attractions like plazas and open-access shores.

Consider cooking some meals in hostel kitchens to save on food costs.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Balance comfort and cost, enjoying a mix of convenience and local immersion.

Value Choices

Stay in mid-range hotels or private hostel rooms.
Enjoy a mix of local eateries and mid-range restaurants.
Use taxis for convenience for shorter distances.
Take some guided tours for specific activities.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium comfort and services, customized for an exclusive journey.

Exclusive Touches

Stay in boutique hotels in the historic center or vacation spots in Rodadero.
Indulge in fine dining experiences.
Arrange private transfers and tours for comfort and exclusivity.
Take exclusive boat trips to remote beaches within Tayrona or nearby.

Experience Santa Marta with unparalleled comfort.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Sensible choices for maximizing your experience per dollar, without compromising enjoyment.

Smart Savings

Travel during shoulder or low season for better rates on flights and accommodation.
Book accommodation that includes breakfast to save on morning meals.
Take advantage of happy hour deals at bars and restaurants.
Utilize walking whenever possible to save on transit costs.

Solo Traveler Advice

Prioritize safety and seek opportunities for social connection.

Safety & Social Tips

Be extra vigilant, especially in the evening. Inform someone of your itinerary.
Trust your gut instincts. Avoid walking alone in unlit areas.
Stay in hostels with good common areas for social opportunities.
Join group tours to meet other travelers.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Adaptations for families with children, ensuring enjoyment for all ages.

Kid-Specific Tips

Look for hotels with pools or apartment rentals with kitchens.
Rodadero beach great for young ones due to calm waters.
Visit the Mundo Marino Aquarium in Rodadero.
Sun protection essential for children. Colombian food can be kid-friendly.

Savvy Spending

Tailor your spending to your style. Local options often provide great value.

Seasonal Specialties

Discover the best time for your The Pearl of america visit.

Summer Dry Season: Dec-Apr Highlights

Enjoy perfect beach weather, ideal for Tayrona National Park and water activities.

Peak Season

Perfect beach weather.
Ideal for water activities.
Peak tourism season; book well in advance.
Ideal for Tayrona National Park.

Expect crowds and full capacity.

Winter Wet Season: May-Nov Highlights

Experience lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.

Off-Peak Charm

Lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.
Benefit from generally lower prices for accommodation and tours.
Minca is especially beautiful with increased rainfall and full waterfalls.
Be prepared for afternoon showers, which are common however brief.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Embrace the rain and enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.

Adapting to Climate

Be flexible with your plans and carry a light rain jacket or poncho.
Enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds at attractions and accommodations.
Focus on cultural activities and museums that are less weather-dependent.
Ideal for relaxed experiences and indoor activities.

Festival or Event-Centered Visits

Plan your visit around local festivals for an unique cultural experience.

Events

Carnaval de Barranquilla (Feb/March): Major nearby event.
Many visitors to Carnaval base themselves in Santa Marta.
Fiestas del Mar (Sea Festival) in The Pearl of america (late July).
This festival celebrates the city's maritime heritage.

Plan Seasonally

Seasons offer different experiences. Match your visit with desired climate or events.

Santa Marta Itineraries