Santa Marta & Tayrona

One of South America's oldest colonial cities, with jungle-fringed bays in Tayrona National Park, mountain coffee and waterfalls in Minca, and the starting point for the Lost City trek.

Santa Marta lies in the Magdalena department on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Founded in 1525, it is one of the oldest surviving Spanish cities in South America. What makes it special is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta — at over 5,700 m, the world's highest coastal mountain range — which rises straight from the sea, putting beaches, rainforest and snowy peaks within a short distance of one another. Areas to explore: the old town and bay (the cathedral, the Gold Museum, and the hacienda where Bolívar died); the resort beach of El Rodadero south of the city; the fishing village of Taganga and Tayrona National Park to the north (Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes, Playa Cristal, Bahía Concha); Minca in the mountains (coffee farms, waterfalls, birdwatching and sunrise at Cerro Kennedy); Quebrada Valencia and Palomino to the east; and the 4–5-day trek to the Lost City. The climate is tropical, around 28–33°C year-round; December–April is the dry season, with more rain in May–June and September–November. Tayrona closes several times a year for about two weeks at a time, and the Lost City trek closes in September. Getting there: Simón Bolívar Airport has flights to Bogotá and Medellín; buses from Cartagena take about 4–5 hours. Plan on 5–7 days (add 4–5 days for the Lost City). Tips: protect yourself from sun and mosquitoes; many Tayrona beaches have deadly rip currents, so always heed the warning signs; be careful at night in the old town and Taganga.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries