Location: Santa Marta
Top Things to do in Santa Marta
Top Restaurants in Santa Marta
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What to do and see in Santa Marta, Magdalena Department: The Best Walking Tours
The oldest city in Colombia, romantic Santa Marta is fringed by beautiful beaches and the stunning mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. Ancient ruins take cover in the lush mangrove forests of Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot for a day hike. Snorkel along vibrant reefs, then make your way to a café for a multicultural meal that incorporates the flavors of Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks up its heels in the bars and discos of the Parque de Los Novios.
Restaurants in Santa Marta
1. Carlos Vives shows you the Pearl of America
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Carlos Vives guides you through his home city. Discover the history and stories of Santa Marta with Carlos. In this unique soundwalk you will set off in the pursuit of the pearl, and we are going after the pearl!
Inclusions: All chapters and maps offline and tips to explore Santa Marta
Exclusions: Snacks, Smartphone and headsets
2. Food Tour Santa Marta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
we are people from the city of santa marta, locals guides who will show you the best of the beautifull bahia de america. we go from restaurands around the historichal centre to the street traditional fruts and food. we also try the best fruits juices of the city and the best coffee in town the idea is to show you the best of our Caribbean gastronomy; and at the same time share with you about our culture and history.
Inclusions: westop in 7 diferent places to try diferent colombian costeño traditional food and at the end we will get enought food for lunch and dinner, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By Mayacothran
This experience was GREAT! The host Fredy was very knowledgeable about everything and I love that he loves what he does. All the food was delicious and it was great meeting all the local business owners. Beyond worth it. I got so full and so much variety of food and culture. Thanks Fredy!!
3. Hiking - Ñymejan-Santa Marta-Colombia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The most beautiful valley you can appreciate when you visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Ecological walks, bird watching, share with peasant and indigenous families, enjoy the best views, eat organic fruit
Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Agua Embotellada , Productos Artesanales , Licor
Reviewed By ZornsLemma
I did the four day/three night walking tour of Valle de Ñymejan in February 2020. I was a bit uncertain at first as this is obviously a relatively new and unknown option; Santa Marta is chock full of tour operators offering beach tours and treks to the Lost City, but this was something different and I couldn't find much information about it on the internet or in my guide book. I was travelling alone and I had hoped the company would be able to assemble a group for me to go with. In the end although there was supposed to be one other guy going on the tour with me, he dropped out at the last minute and so I ended up doing the tour alone (i.e. just me and a guide). I wasn't charged any extra for this and while at first I was a bit nervous, it worked out well. I was taken out by taxi to the edge of Santa Marta to meet the guide, who then took me on the back of his motorcycle to where we started walking. I hadn't expected to be going on the bike but it was quite fun really once I got used to it. I guess this was a side-effect of the tour being just me and the guide and alternative transport would have been arranged if there'd been more people. The difficulty of the walking varied; I found one or two days pretty strenuous, but with a moderate amount of willpower it wasn't too bad. I'm not super fit but not a couch potato either. I didn't do the Lost City trek so I can't compare the difficulty to that. On the whole I'd say it was challenging enough that I felt pleased with myself for managing it, without being so hard I felt I'd bitten off more than I could chew. The guide was obviously incredibly fit and although I tried not to ask for extra rest stops as much as possible, I did have to on occasion. I did get mildly sick on the last night of the tour - possibly dehydration, I had plenty of water with me but I was worried I'd run out and so perhaps didn't drink as much as I should have while walking - and that made the last day a bit more of an exercise in willpower, but I don't think this was anything except bad luck. Although I sometimes felt too tired to truly appreciate it while we were walking, some of the scenery was absolutely amazing. The accommodation was fairly basic but comfortable on all three nights, and - bearing in mind I have pretty plain tastes in food anyway - I was pleasantly surprised by the meals provided. This is a family-run tour, a lot of the walking takes place across their own land and each of the hostels is operated by family members. They were all very accommodating and I was glad to have the opportunity to practice my Spanish talking with them each evening. (My guide did not speak English, but I am told English-speaking guides are available.) This is a real off-the-grid experience; I didn't expect to have mobile reception or any access to wifi during the tour, and I didn't. I can live without the internet but it was a little disconcerting to feel I couldn't exchange "I'm OK, are you OK?" messages with my family back home. I had a Colombian Movistar SIM in my phone and I never had any signal; the guide had a Claro SIM in his and he did occasionally have reception. So in hindsight it would have been good if I had had a Claro SIM, then I might at least have been able to keep in basic contact with my family and that would have made me feel more relaxed. (I did leave the company's contact details with my family and probably in a real emergency they would have been able to get a message to me through the guide, but I don't think there would have been any guarantees.) I don't know if the business will have been affected by the recent coronavirus pandemic, but if it hasn't I would highly recommend the tour. The one low spot for me came when I was trying to book, as the price I'd been shown earlier was apparently incorrect and that caused some friction, though we got it sorted out in the end. I'd suggest asking to make sure the price you're initially quoted is correct and then there won't be any unpleasantness when you come to book. Other than that, everything was handled smoothly and with no problems and I felt I was in safe hands.
4. Lost City Trek 4 days - 3 nights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is the archaeological territory of an ancient Tayrona city located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta whose construction is attributed to the year 800 A.D. many years before Machu Picchu. The Tayrona paradise is made up of a series of terraces dug into the mountainside formed by a network of tiled roads and small circular squares. Get to Ciudad Perdida is done by climbing some 1200 stone steps through the vast jungle of the region, an adventure that begins in the city of Santa Marta and forces you to cross kilometers of mountain between rivers and jungle, an unforgettable experience that will allow you to meet the natives of the area, have an experience amid nature and live an extreme journey between the mountain and the sea.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Contribution to native communities, peasant communities and ICANH , Travel Insurance
Exclusions: Breakfast on the first day., Mules to carry luggage., Services not specified in the plan
Reviewed By ARVCART
We did a hike to beautiful waterfall in Minca. At the waterfall we were able to swim in pristine cold water to cool down. The scenery was spectacular...the hike also included stop along the way at a coffee farm for a coffee discussion and tasting. After the waterfall we stopped at “Jungle Joes” hostel which Included a Cacao tasting and discussion. “Jungle Joes” cook an absolutely delicious gourmet lunch which is as good a meal as we have had in the 1.5years that we have been living in Colombia. Coordinating logistics and planning our excursion was great with this tour company....They were always extremely responsive.
5. Lost City Trek 3 days - 2 nights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is the archaeological territory of an ancient Tayrona city located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta whose construction is attributed to the year 800 A.D. many years before Machu Picchu. The Tayrona paradise is made up of a series of terraces dug into the mountainside formed by a network of tiled roads and small circular squares. Get to Ciudad Perdida is done by climbing some 1200 stone steps through the vast jungle of the region, an adventure that begins in the city of Santa Marta and forces you to cross kilometers of mountain between rivers and jungle, an unforgettable experience that will allow you to meet the natives of the area, have an experience amid nature and live an extreme journey between the mountain and the sea.
Inclusions: Contribution to native communities, peasant communities and ICANH , Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Travel Insurance
Exclusions: Breakfast on the first day., Mules to carry luggage., Services not specified in the plan
Reviewed By ARVCART
We did a hike to beautiful waterfall in Minca. At the waterfall we were able to swim in pristine cold water to cool down. The scenery was spectacular...the hike also included stop along the way at a coffee farm for a coffee discussion and tasting. After the waterfall we stopped at “Jungle Joes” hostel which Included a Cacao tasting and discussion. “Jungle Joes” cook an absolutely delicious gourmet lunch which is as good a meal as we have had in the 1.5years that we have been living in Colombia. Coordinating logistics and planning our excursion was great with this tour company....They were always extremely responsive.
6. 2 Day Adventure to Cerro Kennedy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
This journey is full of wildlife, flora, stunning views, & adrenaline. Our 2 day trek is ideal for those who do not have much time, & want an unforgettable way to discover the magic and panoramic views of this biodiverse mountain range. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the second-highest coastal mountain range in the world and the source of 36 rivers, contains almost every ecosystem on the planet: deserts, alpine lakes, rainforests, wetlands, tundra, coral reefs, & glaciers. The mosaic of habitats and species found here are like nowhere else on Earth. Separated from the Andes mountain chain by plains & deserts, the Sierra Nevada is a self-contained microcosm of diverse ecoregions & lifeforms containing thick, misty jungles, snow capped peaks, rare and unusual species, ancient lost cities, & isolated indigenous people rich with culture and tradition, all of which steep these mountains in myth and intrigue. Many plant and animal species here are found nowhere else in the world.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Insurance , Private transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 891abbya
We did waterfall repelling with these guys and it was INCREDIBLE! Such great energy! Would do again!
7. Ciudad Perdida: 4 or 5 Day Trek to the Lost City from Santa Marta
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 16 reviews
Trek through the jungle to Ciudad Perida, Colombia’s ‘Lost City’ in the Sierra Nevada, the mountain range outside Santa Marta. This ‘into the wild’ experience will have you trekking over rivers and alongside waterfalls for four, five or six days as you make your way to the ancient archaeological site, founded by an indigenous culture around the 9th century. This outdoor adventure can be tough — you’ll walk up to several hours each day — but worth it for the amazing experience of getting ‘lost’ in the jungle and finally arriving at the extraordinary Ciudad Perdida, surrounded by lush mountain foliage.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santa Marta, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Bilingual guide, Accommodation at the camps, Entry tickets
Exclusions: Unspecified food and drinks, Optional tips and gratuities
8. The Native Expedition - Sierra Nevada (3 days Awesomes view points)
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 7 reviews
This project was started by a group of peasant families who have decided to leave aside activities with a negative impact on the environment (like intensive agriculture and livestock) and work in tourism. These families saw that the place what has always been their home is a paradise of landscapes, biodiversity and cultural experiences. And now they want to show this paradise, and everything it offers, to the rest of the world. This trek is outside of others tourist treks saturated with visitors, wildlife full, ancient rainforests, impressive waterfalls, friendly people and stunning views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Of course, to get to the most beautiful places requires great effort, hiking along steep slopes, grass fields, forests and mountains. As such, it is necessary to be in a good physical and mental condition. You will be rewarded at the end of each day, when we will be welcomed, eat and sleep in the peasants houses where we will have a cultural exchange.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By mezadaniel
I had the chance to go on a 1-day trekk with Leo to Minca It was spectacular. He was so knowledgeable of the landscape, the birds, the animals, the trees - I had never been exposed or had any previous knowledge of any of these and he explained them to me in such a great manner. Leo is funny and he will go at your pace. Lunch was amazing! the views spectacular. And when I felt like I couldn't go any longer - Leo encouraged me and took his time with me. I'd truly recommend this trek. Wish I'd have more time and could do more. I did this tour in Spanish as Spanish is my 1st language, but wanted to share my experience with all :)
9. Cartagena - Barranquilla - Santa Marta excursion
Overall Ratings
3.7 based on 3 reviews
You will be picked up at the hotel for an incredible tour to Santa Marta by bus or air-conditioned van. Upon arriving in Barranquilla, a panoramic tour and a stop for breakfast or snack are made. The route to Santa Marta is followed. Panoramic tour of the old city and visit with entrance to Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, house where the liberator Simón Bolívar died. Visit to the monument of the best soccer player in the country “El Pibe”. Free time to enjoy the sea in El Rodadero. Typical lunch --- Please provide us with an email --- --- Please provide email ---
Inclusions: Lunch, Bilingual guide, Transportation Hotel - Santa Marta- Hotel
Exclusions: Breakfast, Refreshment
Reviewed By Seaside85278
Badly organized no response from the organizer to our request to know where to go to take the bus and in the evening we arrived 1 hour before departure and we waited until 8 am PM and no bus people on site offered us other buses to pay again !!!!
10. Discover Minca
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
The tour is a route around the town of Minca, the departure is at about 9.00, once in Minca you will take a walk of about 45 minutes to reach Pozo Azul (on holidays you will reach another area of the river with waterfall to avoid overcrowded areas of tourists) here we will stop for about an hour with the possibility of taking a bath. Another 45 minute walk to reach the finca where you will have the typical lunch with a panoramic view of Santa Marta. Another 45-minute walk to reach the organic coffee crops where the various processing procedures will be explained and a test of the finished product will be offered. Finally we will reach the cultivation of organic cocoa and also here we will provide information on the manufacturing process and a taste. Return to the hotel around 18.00
Inclusions: Lunch
Exclusions:
Reviewed By G6196YXmarcoz
No words can describe such beauty, but I have to type 100 characters, so... Pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes, and everything you can tell from the attached images
