City in Magdalena, Colombia
Santa Marta for solo travelers
Is Santa Marta good for solo travel?
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.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women travel here often. Catcalling is common; avoid isolated beaches alone and watch drinks. |
How to meet people in Santa Marta
Hostels in Centro and Taganga, Lost City trek groups, diving courses in Taganga, day tours to Tayrona and Minca, beach hostels with parties.
Good things to do alone
- Walk the Lost City trek with a registered guide
- Day-trip to Tayrona's Cabo San Juan
- Dive or snorkel in Taganga
- Watch sunset from the waterfront
- Take a colectivo up to Minca
Where to stay in Santa Marta
| 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 |
Solo travel across Colombia
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Medellín | 5/5 | Limited |
| Cartagena | 4/5 | Limited |
| Bogotá | 4/5 | Limited |
| Santa Marta | 4/5 | Limited |
| Cali | 4/5 | Limited |
| Salento | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Andrés | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Minca | 4/5 | Limited |
| Palomino | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Gil | 4/5 | Limited |
| Pereira | 4/5 | Limited |
| Guatapé | 3/5 | Limited |
| Villa de Leyva | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jardín | 3/5 | Rare |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 | Limited |
| Leticia | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Santa Marta good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Caribbean base for Tayrona, Minca and the Lost City trek, with beaches and cheap stays.
How do you meet people in Santa Marta?
Hostels in Centro and Taganga, Lost City trek groups, diving courses in Taganga, day tours to Tayrona and Minca, beach hostels with parties. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Santa Marta?
Limited.
Is Santa Marta safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women travel here often. Catcalling is common; avoid isolated beaches alone and watch drinks.
More about Santa Marta
Going to Santa Marta solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Santa Marta meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.