Santa Marta, located in the beautiful region of Magdalena, Colombia, offers a unique blend of natural wonders and vibrant city life. With its stunning beaches, charming cafes, and breathtaking nature, it is an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore the coral reefs, and embark on exhilarating hiking tours. Don't miss the iconic Bristol Beach and the picturesque Salguero Beach, both popular among tourists. At night, Santa Marta comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a taste of the city's lively nightlife. Indisputably, Santa Marta is a true gem that showcases the best of Colombia's coastal beauty.

Santa Marta Hotels from ₹1,931
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Our top choices for Santa Marta hotels




1. Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel



2. AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta
AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta



3. Courtyard By Marriott Santa Marta Resort
Courtyard By Marriott Santa Marta Resort



4. Hilton Santa Marta
Hilton Santa Marta



6. Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida



7. Hotel be La Sierra
Hotel be La Sierra



8. Mirador Puerto Alto
Mirador Puerto Alto



9. Santorini Hotel & Resort
Santorini Hotel & Resort



10. Perla Roca Hotel Boutique - Beach Front
Perla Roca Hotel Boutique - Beach Front



12. Hotel Terranova SM
Hotel Terranova SM



13. Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro de Convenciones
Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro de Convenciones



14. Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina Santa Marta
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina Santa Marta



15. GHL Relax Hotel Costa Azul
GHL Relax Hotel Costa Azul



16. Hotel Irotama del Sol
Hotel Irotama del Sol



17. Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta



18. Hotel Casa de Hadas
Hotel Casa de Hadas



19. Hotel Santorini Kima Beach Resort
Hotel Santorini Kima Beach Resort



20. Sanha Plus Hotel
Sanha Plus HotelHoliday Rentals in Santa Marta




Grand Marina Santa Marta
Grand Marina Santa Marta"The best place Clean Safe and all is walking distance"




Soy Local Santa Marta
Soy Local Santa Marta"Matresse are cheap and pool seams dirty"




Hotel Irotama Reservado
Hotel Irotama Reservado"Perfect place to stay with kids. The service was 10 points and the place was much better than we imagined"




El Cactus Luxury Apartments in Historic Center
El Cactus Luxury Apartments in Historic Center"Great location, big rooms and nice pool. "




Apartamentos Porto Horizonte by oxoHotel
Apartamentos Porto Horizonte by oxoHotel"Very nice hotel"




Grand Marina Oceanview Apartments by Xarm Apartments
Grand Marina Oceanview Apartments by Xarm Apartments"Everything was excellent during my stay. The service was impeccable, the staff was very friendly and attentive, and the facilities were in perfect condition. It was truly a great experience that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it!"




Terrazas Tayrona Travelers Apartamentos y Suites
Terrazas Tayrona Travelers Apartamentos y Suites"Great apartment great location nice place for vacation "




Zirwa Hotel Boutique
Zirwa Hotel Boutique"Very nice place. Clean and very nice people: food takes a while to come. Otherwise everyone is very helpful and friendly."




Casa Dorada Apartasuites by Xarm Apartments
Casa Dorada Apartasuites by Xarm Apartments"Great location. Attentive staff. Beautiful, spacious and fully equipped rooms."




Reserva del Mar Apartamentos
Reserva del Mar Apartamentos"Everything was amazing from check in till check out "




Aparta Hotel Roca Marina
Aparta Hotel Roca Marina"Roami at Lola was a great stay! Easy check in and the entire place was clean. "




La Casa del Mono
La Casa del Mono"Absolutely beautiful! Will go back again. The views were stellar. The bartender, John was magnificent. Definitely a must stay in Minca. "
Where to stay in Santa Marta





Historic Center
Step into the cobblestone streets of Santa Marta's Historic Centre where colonial charm meets Caribbean flair. White-washed buildings with colourful balconies frame views of the Cathedral Basilica's towering facade. Wander through Plaza de Bolívar where palm trees provide shade from the tropical sun. The neighborhood's rich cultural heritage reflects a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. Museum lovers can explore pre-Colombian treasures at the Gold Museum or visit the historic Casa de la Aduana with its elegant courtyards. The area connects easily to the waterfront promenade with its seaside views. Traditional Caribbean restaurants serve fresh seafood and coconut rice just steps from centuries-old plazas.





El Rodadero
El Rodadero's golden crescent beach draws visitors with its warm Caribbean waters and vibrant atmosphere. Street performers and artisan stalls line the beachfront promenade, creating a festive scene day and night. This resort area blends relaxation with energy, making it perfect for beach lovers seeking both sun and social scenes. The Mundo Marino aquarium showcases fascinating local marine life just steps from the shore. Take the cable car up nearby hills for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and turquoise sea. With seafood restaurants, beachside bars, and water sports aplenty, El Rodadero offers a complete coastal escape in Santa Marta.

Bello Horizonte
If you're spending some time in Bello Horizonte, Bello Horizonte Beach and Zazue are top sights worth seeing.

Los Cocos
Los Cocos is a prime beachfront area in Santa Marta where golden sands meet the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Modern high-rise condominiums line the shore, offering upscale accommodation with ocean views. Elegant seaside restaurants serve fresh seafood on terraces perfect for watching spectacular sunsets. Palm-lined walkways invite evening strolls along the water. The area caters primarily to luxury travellers seeking relaxation and water activities. Crystal-clear waters provide excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities right from your doorstep. Though limited in cultural attractions, Los Cocos excels with its sophisticated beachfront bars and pristine natural setting.


Mamatoco
Though Mamatoco may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Taganga Beach.
Stay near popular Santa Marta attractions

Rodadero Beach

Parque de los Novios

Ciudad Perdida

Santa Marta Cathedral
Bello Horizonte Beach
Zazue
Concha Bay
Buritaca Beach
Santa Marta and related destinations
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Sierra Nevada mountains, this coastal gem offers pristine beaches and the gateway to Tayrona National Park. Visit the historic city centre for local seafood, then arrange a tour to Ciudad Perdida's ancient ruins where guides reveal stories of the Tairona civilisation.
See all hotels in Santa Marta
Top Santa Marta Hotel Reviews
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
"The hotel itself is beautiful and very well maintained, and some of the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, the service was inconsistent, especially at the front desk. Several staff members did not come across as welcoming or particularly polite, and at times even a simple “good morning” was missing. For a hotel in this price range, I expected a much warmer and more professional level of hospitality. The biggest disappointment was the pricing. The hotel is extremely overpriced for food and drinks. Even local beer was more than double the price of what you could purchase just steps outside the property. I understand paying a premium at a resort, but the difference felt excessive. Overall, it is a beautiful property, but the service and pricing did not match the level of experience I expected for what the hotel charges."
AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta
"Great property and convenient location"
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
"Everything was great only no chairs or anything for the beach staff very helpful i will visit again"
Courtyard By Marriott Santa Marta Resort
"Excellent stay Our stay at the hotel was excellent! The staff was incredibly attentive and friendly, and the hotel was very comfortable. We truly enjoyed our experience and would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended!"
Hotel Aguamarina
"The property was good, just the air was too cold, we try to adjusted and was not possible."
Hotel Irotama del Sol
"En general fue buena la estancia, el desayuno muy bueno y el personal muy servicial"
Hotel Irotama Bungalows & Bohios
"Buena experiencia, buena relación costo beneficio."
GHL Relax Hotel Costa Azul
"Muy lindo el lugar , el servicio excelente"
Hotel Irotama Lago
"The hotel was great. The only bad thing was the hallways at night were pitch black."
More cheap stays in Santa Marta

hotel wanderlust

SGH SAN AGUSTIN HOTEL

Casana Rosa Hotel

Hotel Casa de Hadas

Viajero Santa Marta Hostel
Find out more about Santa Marta
Paradise in Colombia: Santa Marta's stunning beaches and rich culture
Top reasons to visit Santa Marta
- Beautiful Beaches: Santa Marta offers stunning beaches such as Bristol Beach and Salguero Beach, where tourists can enjoy crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
- Charming Cafes: The city is filled with picturesque cafes, particularly in Parque de Los Novios and Barrio Centro, providing a relaxing ambiance for visitors.
- Breathtaking Nature: Santa Marta boasts breathtaking natural beauty, including the opportunity to explore coral reefs, go diving, snorkeling, and embark on exhilarating hiking tours.
- Vibrant Nightlife: At night, Santa Marta comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere, offering tourists a taste of the city's lively nightlife.
- Rich History: The Historic Center of Santa Marta allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich history, featuring charming cafes, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for diving and hiking.
Find your hotel in Santa Marta
When it comes to accommodation options in Santa Marta, you'll be spoilt for choice. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels, Santa Marta has it all. Here are some popular hotel options for your holiday:
- Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida - This 4.5-star rated hotel is located on the beach and offers a range of amenities including cafes, scuba diving, relaxing spa facilities, tours, coral reefs, and birdwatching opportunities.
- Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta - With a 3.5-star rating, this hotel provides comfortable accommodation in Santa Marta.
- Irotama Resort - This 4.0-star rated hotel features a waterslide, beach access, free airport transportation, a steam room, poolside bar, and facilities for activities like waterskiing, tennis, windsurfing, and weddings.
Staying in Santa Marta offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exciting activities. With its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and proximity to attractions like Tayrona National Natural Park and Ciudad Perdida, Santa Marta is the ideal destination for a memorable holiday. Book your hotel in Santa Marta and get ready to explore the wonders of Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in Santa Marta
Santa Marta, located in the Magdalena department of Colombia, offers a variety of exciting neighborhoods for tourists to explore.
- El Rodadero: This destination is known for its beautiful beach and is a popular spot for diving, snorkeling, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant cafe culture and explore nearby natural parks and coral reefs.
- Historic Center: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Santa Marta by visiting the Historic Center. This area features charming cafes, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for diving and hiking. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's natural parks and coral reefs.
- Barrio Centro: Located in the heart of Santa Marta, Barrio Centro offers easy access to the city's top attractions, including beaches, cafes, and natural parks. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, go hiking, or take a tour to discover the stunning coral reefs and natural beauty of the area.
With its diverse neighborhoods and array of activities, Santa Marta promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a perfect destination for a luxury holiday, offering a variety of experiences and attractions.
- Ciudad Perdida: Immerse yourself in the ancient history and stunning natural beauty of this archaeological site, with its breathtaking beaches, cafes, nature, and relaxing atmosphere.
- Rodadero Beach: Indulge in the pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere of this beach, perfect for diving, snorkeling, and exploring coral reefs.
- Parque de Los Novios: Discover the charm of this urban park, surrounded by picturesque cafes, offering a relaxing ambiance, and serving as a starting point for hiking tours to natural parks.
How to find great deals and cheap hotels in Santa Marta
- Take advantage of the "more deals" option on Expedia to explore a variety of hotel options at discounted rates.
- Consider staying at hostels, apart-hotels, or Bed & Breakfasts in Santa Marta for budget-friendly accommodation.
- Use the search filters on Expedia under the "Travel experience" header to find the cheapest hotels that suit your preferences and budget.
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches, cafes, and nature in Santa Marta without spending a fortune.
- Engage in activities like diving, scuba diving, hiking, and taking tours to experience the city's natural beauty and coral reefs.
- Visit the natural parks in Santa Marta for a relaxing and enjoyable time.
- Consider traveling to Santa Marta during off-peak times to avail lower prices for flights, hotels, and attractions.
- Utilize budget-friendly transportation options such as local buses or trains to save on travel expenses.
Discover the flavours of Santa Marta
Santa Marta offers a delightful dining experience with its local cuisine and unique dishes. Whether you're seeking traditional flavours or innovative creations, this coastal city has it all. From fresh seafood platters to mouthwatering Latin American dishes, Santa Marta's restaurants cater to diverse palates. El Mexican is a popular Latin American restaurant, serving up authentic flavours and vibrant dishes. For seafood lovers, Restaurante Don Chucho is a must-visit, offering a variety of fresh and delicious seafood options. If you're in the mood for European cuisine, Ouzo is a fantastic choice, providing a taste of the continent in Santa Marta.
Best time to go to Santa Marta
Santa Marta boasts a year-around average temperature of 28.1°C, peaking at 28.9°C in May, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 27.0°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 141.2mm annually, with September seeing the heaviest showers and January, February, March being the driest month.
Month![]() | Temperature (Celcius)![]() | Rainfall (mm)![]() |
| January | 27.0 | 27.9 |
| February | 27.3 | 27.9 |
| March | 28.1 | 27.9 |
| April | 28.6 | 94.0 |
| May | 28.9 | 167.6 |
| June | 28.6 | 166.4 |
| July | 28.6 | 157.5 |
| August | 28.6 | 248.9 |
| September | 28.2 | 287.0 |
| October | 27.5 | 248.9 |
| November | 28.1 | 152.4 |
| December | 27.5 | 87.6 |
The nearest major airports for your trip to Santa Marta
Flying into Santa Marta, Colombia, is convenient with three major airports nearby. Simon Bolivar Airport (SMR) is the closest, located 14km from Santa Marta, with hotels such as the Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida just 2km away, offering airport shuttle services. Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) is 74km away, with nearby options like the 4.5-star Dann Carlton Barranquilla, 14km from the airport. Lastly, Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is situated 167km away, featuring luxurious hotels like the 5-star Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, only 3km from the airport, ensuring easy access to transportation services.
The Santa Marta info point: What you need to know
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia |
| What is Santa Marta known for? | Beach, Adventure, Cultural Heritage |
| Most popular month? | December, January, February |
| Length of Stay | 4-7 days |
| Weather | Tropical and humid year-round |
| Don't miss | Tayrona National Natural Park, Lost City Trek, Ciudad Perdida, Taganga |
| Cuisine | Seafood, Colombian cuisine, Caribbean flavors |
| Places to visit | Historic Center, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Rodadero Beach |
























