What to do in Santa Marta

Tayrona National Natural Park is famous for its paradise-like beaches, exotic wildlife and excellent scuba conditions. The 37,000-acre (15,000-hectare) area is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the world due to its exceptional landscape, formed by a blend of ecosystems and microclimates, with environments such as thorny scrubland and dry, rain and cloud forests. The dry forest of this protected area is one of the best preserved in the country. The park is popular for hiking and tent camping deep in the forest or on the beaches. Look for many types of exotic wildlife and plants as you explore the park.

Rodadero Beach is a hub of sand, sun and surf on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Enjoy a range of activities including diving, sailing and paddle boating. This beach is a more active and dynamic option than its nearby rival beach, Playa Blanca. Rodadero Beach has a more Colombian atmosphere with fewer international visitors. The beach first became popular in the 1950s. Now, it is one of the most visited parts of Colombia’s northern coast.

Several decades ago, Taganga was a sleepy fishing village. Now, it attracts travelers from Colombia and the rest of the world with its cool breezes, mountainous landscape and proximity to Tayrona National Park. The small area is nestled beside the cliffs of the Caribbean coast. The village is a hotspot for scuba diving and sunbathing and has an animated nightlife. Enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars in Taganga or find a company to arrange a tour of the national park.

Parque de los Novios is a spacious plaza next to Santa Marta’s most historic monuments. It is a popular meeting point for couples. In fact, the name translates as the Park of Lovers. Travelers and locals gather in this plaza to watch the sun go down and enjoy a few drinks in the evening. It is a shining beacon of the city’s nightlife and has a relaxed and secure ambiance. Look for a statue surrounded by small fountains erupting from the plaza’s red-brick surface. Take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrianized park in the afternoon without worrying about traffic.

Playa Blanca is a beautiful and tranquil beach nestled in the valley of mountains separating Santa Marta from El Rodadero. It is only accessible via a short boat journey, which means the area is particularly clean and safe. Enjoy the warm and crystal clear ocean water. Look for huts serving fresh seafood caught in the area and vendors offering coconut shell drinks.