Santa Marta is located in northern Colombia and is one of the oldest cities in South America. Its surroundings are known for beautiful beaches and proximity to the Sierra Nevada, housing an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from tropical forests to snow-capped peaks and indigenous communities.
I visited Santa Marta for a weekend during my trip to Colombia. It wasn’t enough time to see all the attractions, but I stayed at a party hostel that I consider one of the best I’ve been to.
Also, friends I made in Santa Marta told me about the best tours to do in the city’s surroundings.
Where to stay in Santa Marta
Party Hostel: La Brisa Loca
La Brisa Loca is the perfect hostel for party lovers who want to enjoy Santa Marta’s nightlife.
The hostel is located in the historic center of the city in a mansion over 100 years old, restored with colonial and Caribbean charm.
Almost every night there’s a party at La Brisa Loca. The parties take place on the beautiful rooftop and are usually open to the public. So, besides guests, people from other hostels or locals also enjoy the rumbas.
Since I arrived at this hostel, I felt a very positive energy. I met several other travelers with whom I enjoyed the other days in Santa Marta. We spent most of our time inside the hostel, enjoying the parties, the pool, and the bar. On my last day, I took a bus and spent a day at a beach hostel. This is the one I recommend below!
Beach Hostel: Costeño Beach
Costeño Beach hostel is located between the jungle and a beautiful beach on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, about 1 hour from Santa Marta.
As I mentioned, I went to spend a day there since it was very close and I really wanted to go to the beach. Even though I didn’t h
ave the opportunity to get to know the hostel very well, I could see that it’s a very peaceful hostel with various activities.
In addition to being on the beach and close to the city, Costeño is 5km from the famous Tayrona National Park, which I recommend in the next topic. Check it out!
What to do in Santa Marta
Historic Center
Santa Marta’s historic center is characteristic of Colombian culture, with cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and colonial architecture. One day is enough to explore the city and visit Santa Marta Cathedral and other historic sites.
Tayrona National Natural Park
This park is one of Colombia’s main natural attractions, with paradisiacal beaches, jungle trails, and a great diversity of wildlife.
Tayrona is located about 34 km from Santa Marta. You can take a bus or taxi to the park entrance, called El Zaino. The journey takes about an hour.
You can stay for more than one day in the park or take a day trip with guided tours.
Lost City (Teyuna)
If you like adventure and history, consider taking a guided tour to the ancient indigenous city, Teyuna, also known as the Lost City, in the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Getting there requires a challenging hike of 4 to 6 days, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions. During the hike, you pass through various landscapes, including tropical forests, rivers, and mountains.
During the hike, breaks are made at designated campsites along the trail. Nights are spent in tents or hammocks.
Upon reaching Teyuna, you can explore the ancient ruins, learn about the history and culture of the indigenous peoples who inhabited the area, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Santa Marta truly offers unique experiences ranging from natural beauty to historical heritage and outdoor adventures. If I had known before, I would have stayed much longer exploring the city and its surroundings. That’s why I recommend that you go for more than just a weekend and also take the opportunity to visit Tayrona and, perhaps, Teyuna!
Would you recommend any other attractions in Santa Marta? Share here in the comments!