Santa Marta
is a summertime playground
Welcome to Santa Marta
Santa Marta is South America's oldest surviving city and the second most important colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. But despite its long history and charming center, it gets a bad rap from many travelers, who rightly cite its unsightly urban sprawl and terrible traffic as reasons not to hang about here. The secret to Santa Marta is to use it for what it does well: hotels, restaurants and bars, and then... Read More
Top experiences in Santa Marta
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
The wonders of Colombia's Caribbean coast
Cartagena de Indias has been called the crown jewel of the coast for very good reason – it is stunning to look at and even better to wander. The beautifully preserved colonial section of town, beaming with buildings of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, is still surrounded by the 13km of original stone walls, which provide a heavy dose of historical atmosphere. When strolling within their confines, the narrow streets and the bougainvillea-draped balconies suddenly combine to frame some rather majestic views of towering church spires in distance. These streets spill into open plazas, each bordered by palms and grand architecture, and dotted with monuments to a bygone time.
Travel guides
Starting at $26.99
Santa Marta adventures
Caribbean Colombia Express
Take it from us – the nature of Colombia and the Caribbean is like nowhere else on Earth. On this one week trip packed with active highlights and laid-back moments, you’ll get the best of beach relaxation and wilderness exploration. Beach time, rural village visits, and Tayrona National Park are all on the bill here, including plenty of chances for hikes down picturesque trails. Get back to nature in Taganga, Cartagena and more – it’s the great outdoors with a Caribbean twist.
Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City
Colombia has a certain kind of magic that you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. On this trip, you’ll experience it first-hand via visits to rural villages, treks through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and (of course), downtime on the beach. Later, head to deep into the jungle to Teyuna – the fabled Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) older than Machu Picchu – a place crowded with history and free of crowds. Colombia is mysterious. Come figure out the riddle.
Colombia - Lost City Trekking
Everyone wants to visit an undiscovered region before it becomes a hotbed of tourism. By trekking the "Ciudad Perdida" at Teyuna, that honour can definitely be attained. Sleep in hammocks among local communities while absorbing the unique culture of the area, then trek through lush jungles and across streams before arriving at the ruins of Teyuna. Explore the uncrowded ruins at leisure and marvel at what would have been here in years gone by. Say you got here first and had the Lost City all to yourself.
Colombian Culture, Caribbean & Lost City
Embracing nature in Colombia and the Caribbean is like nowhere else on Earth. Imagine picturesque beaches, busy cities, and the freshest coffee you’ve ever had. And you’re only scratching the surface of what’s in store for you on this 22-day trip. Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellín, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe of Cartagena, explore Tayrona National Park, get back to nature in Taganga, and trek to ancient Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), known to the locals as Teyuna. Colombia will change you. All you have to do is let it.
Classic Colombia
Colombia tends to be an underrated travel destination, which just means there’s more untouched parts of this beautiful country for you to explore. If you have two weeks to spare, there’s no better way to experience Colombia than to jump in with both feet and experience the national parks, beaches and cities firsthand. Plus, there’s no better place to be if you’re looking to try delicacies such as fresh seafood on the beaches of Cartagena and delicious coffee from the region of Calarcá. Be a part of the revitalization of this warm, welcoming country and come back with more stories than you’ll ever have time to tell.