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Founded in 1525 by Don Rodrigo de Bastidas over a beautiful bay, Santa Marta is the oldest town in Colombia and enjoys a privileged location wedged between the Caribbean and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
This is a popular destination for holidaying Colombians who flock to the clean, wide beaches and resorts of the area, but the modern outskirts belie the charming colonial centre and a stop in Santa Marta can make for a diverse few days exploring Magdalena department.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Santa Marta by contacting one of our Colombia specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 683
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Santa Marta
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Santa Marta, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Santa Marta
- Tayrona National Park 11 miles away
- Caribbean Coast 106 miles away
- Cartagena 107 miles away
- Los Llanos 291 miles away
Photos of Santa Marta
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![Santa Marta, Colombia]()
Santa Marta, Colombia -
![Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino]()
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino -
![Casa Verde, Santa Marta]()
Casa Verde, Santa Marta
Our expert guides to exploring Santa Marta
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Santa Marta, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Santa Marta at its best.
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What to do in Colombia: our highlights guide ![Colorful façades, Bogotá]()
What to do in Colombia: our highlights guide
What to do in Colombia: our highlights guide
From cultured Cartagena to youthful Medellín, you can witness how Colombia is reinventing itself on a tailor-made Audley trip.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Santa Marta
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Santa Marta. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Seating area by pool]()
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
Santa Marta -
![Casa de Isabella, Santa Marta]()
Casa de Isabella
Santa Marta
Ideas for experiencing Santa Marta
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Santa Marta, and which use the best local guides.
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Tayrona National Park ![Tayrona National Park, Colombia]()
Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park
Head east from Santa Marta into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal mountain range in the world.
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Santa Marta Half Day City Tour ![Santa Marta, Colombia]()
Santa Marta Half Day City Tour
Santa Marta Half Day City Tour
A good introduction to Santa Marta, the oldest Spanish colonial city in the Americas.
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Minca Tour ![Minca church]()
Minca Tour
Minca Tour
Travelling west from Santa Marta you will head up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, soon noticing the cool fresh climate as you leave the humid coast behind and wind up into the peaceful countryside.
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