City in Magdalena, Colombia
Santa Marta
Caribbean base for Tayrona, Minca and the Lost City trek, with beaches and cheap stays. Hot and humid, with petty theft and bumpy transport; the city itself is more gateway than destination.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,270–2,110Comfortable, one person · $4.2M–7MDetails
- Value for money50/100Better value than 49% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Mar, 32°CDetails
- Air quality13 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · ModerateDetails
- Internet231 MbpsFixed broadband, Colombia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; Santa Marta has had water supply and quality problems, and tap is not recommended.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–66Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work in malls, chains and many hostels; cash is needed for markets, taxis, beaches, small restaurants and Tayrona entry.Details
Where to stay in Santa Marta
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | Budget hostels, bars and the waterfront promenade |
| El Rodadero | Beach resort area with apartments and families |
| Taganga | Backpackers and dive courses; basic, noisy at weekends |
| Bello Horizonte | Quiet beach stays between city and Tayrona |
Apps that work in Santa Marta
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- redBus: Compare and buy intercity bus tickets
- Picap: Motorbike taxis in big cities
- Taxis: Taxis are plentiful but unmetered; agree a fare first. For Tayrona, Minca and Palomino, minivan colectivos from fixed spots are cheaper.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Colombia.
- Mostly cash Cards work in malls, chains and many hostels; cash is needed for markets, taxis, beaches, small restaurants and Tayrona entry.
- Currency: Peso (COP). US$1 ≈ $3,311.93 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; most charge foreign cards a flat fee and limit each withdrawal.
- Tipping: Restaurants suggest a voluntary 10% service charge and ask before adding it. Taxis and ride apps aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in cities; Nequi and Daviplata need a Colombian account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free Check-MIG form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before arriving, and again before leaving.
- Airlines and immigration may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
- San Andrés and Providencia charge a tourist card fee, usually paid at your departure airport in mainland Colombia.
Emergency numbers
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid chips from Claro, Movistar or Tigo sell in carrier stores and supermarkets; register with your passport. Claro has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Colombia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.