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The Colombian Caribbean
Santa Marta has all you need for an unforgettable trip to Colombia, from its endless stretches of palm-fringed beaches to its
proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tayrona National Park. It’s known for its beaches, including
Playa Blanca and El Rodadero.
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. Founded in 1525, Santa Marta was the first place the Spanish settled in Colombia. Today, it
remains a busy port and one of the top places that should be on any trip to the Colombian Caribbean itinerary.
Experience Santa Marta
GASTRONOMY1 / 4
Santa Marta’s cuisine is an exquisite mix of flavors that bring together Spanish, African, and indigenous cultures, all with a Colombian coastal feel. Here, you can taste fresh fish and seafood that incorporate tropical flavors like coconuts and plantains to create exquisite dishes. Try dishes like carimanola, cassava stuffed with meat and cheese served with chili sauce, or coconut rice - a side that is served with most seafood dishes in the region. Experience diverse flavors and don’t be afraid to add a little hot sauce - you’re in the Caribbean after all!
CULTURE2 / 4
A blending of the Colombian Caribbean’s African and Indigenous roots with Spanish culture is what you’ll find in the lively city of Santa Marta. Though the entire country of Colombia is known for its friendly locals and laid-back vibe, nowhere is that more evident in the country than this coastal city, where island time rules all and locals are ready to greet you with friendly island hospitality.
ADVENTURE3 / 4
Santa Marta, with its prime coastal location is the perfect place for adventurers looking for easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and all of the adventure activities that come with proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can enjoy a short journey to pristine coral reefs and biodiverse waters with colorful fish and other incredible sea creatures. Hikers can also embark on the Lost City Trek, a 4-day hike that departs from Santa Marta and takes you through the jungle and mountains showcasing some of the most remote areas of Colombia. You will visit “Ciudad Perdida” or the “Lost City” which is a complex of ancient ruins.
NATURE4 / 4
With its close proximity to nature hubs like Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Santa Marta’s surrounding nature is one of the most alluring draws to the city. Tayrona National Park is known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, rainforest, and rich biodiversity. At its heart, the Pueblito ruins are an archaeological site accessed via forest trails, with terraces and structures built by the Tayrona civilization.
BROWSE THROUGH SAMPLE
Signature Colombia Itineraries
Our custom-designed itineraries are suited to the needs and
preferences of each traveler, every time.
When booking a luxury vacation to Colombia, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind so you enjoy the spoils of this
untouched Eden to the fullest extent. Be inspired by a few of our signature itineraries, then talk with one of our team
members to begin curating the ultimate luxury vacation to Colombia!
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DISCOVER THE
Best Time To Travel
Experiencing the Colombian paradise of Santa Marta is best during December to May, when
temperatures are tame, generally between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is also the dry season in the Colombian Caribbean and will ensure minimal chance of spending your
beach vacation in the rain.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Insider Tips
GET THE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS IN TRAVEL
With travel experts who have explored Colombia, the Kuoda team knows the
ins and outs of the country and the best way to experience it. and sustainability.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO1 / 4
Old Town Santa Marta Santa Marta, much like its famous older sister, Cartagena, features incredible Spanish architecture, much of which can be found in the Centro Historico or historic Old Town of Santa Marta. As the oldest surviving city in South America, the Old Town is a cultural and architectural gem that has its fair share of worthwhile sights like the gold museum, or many of the old churches, like the gorgeous Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta, which contains the remains of Rodrigo de Bastidas, the Spanish conquistador who founded Santa Marta in 1525.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO2 / 4
Museo Del Oro (Gold Museum) Set in an old building that used to act as the customs house in the colonial era, the Tayrona Gold Museum charts the history of Santa Marta, details the lives and customs of the four indigenous groups of the region, the cultural roots of northern Colombia, and details the huge ecological importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO3 / 4
Minca Minca is a little slice of heaven on earth. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Minca is a popular getaway for those looking to experience the serenity of the Colombian coast, with a little elevation. Although it’s becoming more and more popular each day, it remains somewhere to get away from urban stresses and streets for a few days of nature trails, waterfall swims, coffee farm visits, stunning rainforest views, and peaceful relaxation. This gorgeous destination can be enjoyed as a day trip, or an overnight trip depending on the accommodations available in Minca during the season.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO4 / 4
Tayrona National Park Tayrona Park is one of the jewels of the Colombian Caribbean that you can’t miss, not only is it one of the most coveted areas by visitors, right outside of Santa Marta, but it is also a haven for ecotourism of the highest level where visitors can enjoy the mangrove beaches and lagoons or coral reefs. This beautiful natural paradise offers amazing beaches of crystal waters: Chengue, Gayraca, Cinto, Neguanje, Concha, Guachaquita, among others. Visitors can also enjoy stunning hikes, dives, and the incredible ancient ruins that give more insight into the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Colombia.
WHERE TO EAT1 / 3
Carmen De Bolivar Afro African flavors and Colombian flair come together at this fine dining establishment that brings the flavor, and the culture to Santa Marta. Enjoy live Afro-Colombian music and a diverse menu with plenty of options for adventurous eaters, or those looking to simply enjoy flavorful food. The cocktail menu is also extensive for those looking to unwind with a drink. Located in the center of town, with an open-air concept - the restaurant gives visitors the option to experience fine dining in Santa Marta, while also enjoying the ambiance of being seaside, overlooking the Caribbean ocean.
WHERE TO EAT2 / 3
Donde Chucho Gourmet Santa Marta is no stranger to open-air dining concepts, where dozens of tables are intricately laid on the sidewalk or in the colorful alleys of the restaurant, allowing visitors to people watch, soak up the ambiance of the city and dine al-fresco, but few compare to Donde Chucho - which boasts a beautiful location right in front of Parque Santander in the historic center of town. The restaurant is truly an unassuming, colorful seafood restaurant offering homestyle meals. Be delighted in their grilled fish cooked with Caribbean spices and served with a side of coconut rice, or shrimp cooked in a rich garlic sauce.
WHERE TO EAT3 / 3
Burukuka Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean in the trendy Rodadero district, it doesn’t get much ritzier than a night out at Burukuka. On weekends, delicious though expensive Colombian and Caribbean dishes kick off the evening before the city’s young and beautiful turn up to dance the night away in style.
WHERE TO STAY1 / 3
Placita Vieja Hotel Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa is located at Parque de Los Novios next to the restaurants and bars in the Historic Center of Santa Marta and offers an outdoor pool, a terrace and sauna, and a complimentary drink at the bar. Rooms feature stylish décor and include air conditioning, a minibar, and a private sauna inside of the bathroom. Nearby, you can find Santa Marta Cathedral and The Gold Museum.
WHERE TO STAY2 / 3
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe Offering a personalized stay is Hotel Boutique Don Pepe, which gets to know about the preferences of each guest before they arrive on property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, spa, and luxurious outdoor pool in a tranquil environment. Guests at the vintage boutique hotel Don Pepe are welcome to relax in the hot tub and on the terrace. Gourmet dishes can be ordered at the restaurant and art exhibitions can be found regularly in the gallery.
WHERE TO STAY3 / 3
Hotel Mandalas House Located right by Santa Marta’s famous El Rodadero Beach, Hotel Mandalas House by DOT Boutique is a stylish property that features a large, lush garden and bar onsite. Among the facilities at this property are room service and concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. In the morning, feast on a continental or à la carte breakfast.
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