There are so many amazing places to go in Colombia but one of my personal favourites is Santa Marta. There is so much to do here and it’s definitely worth spending a week or more exploring. Although Santa Marta itself if pretty incredible it’s the beaches, jungle villages and countryside that is really what draws me to this region of Colombia.
1. The Lost City Trek
If you have enough time then the Lost City Trek is not to be missed. It is thought to be 650 years older than Matchu Pichu and the route has far fewer tourists. It’s fairly basic accommodation but you get to visit local villages, meet the indigenous tribes and hike through the Sierra Nevada. You will get to see amazing animals and get to feel a great sense of achievement when you reach the top of the 1200 steps to the Lost City. If this tickles your fancy why not join us on one of our tours or get in touch and we can help you plan a bespoke trip to include the lost city.
2. Tyrona National Park
Tyrona National park is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s best to have a couple of days spare so you can take full advantage of the coastline. If you can get up early and be some of the first to enter the park you can then start your two-hour hike to the main beach. Along the way you may encounter monkeys flying overhead, 100’s of different coloured lizards and the Colombian Capybara! Along the way stop for a fresh coconut and enjoy the jungle walk with stunning beach views. Check out our guide to Tyrona National Park to get a full lowdown on do’s and don’t.
3. Minca
Minca is now a well-known spot in Colombia, but when I went for the first time 6 years ago barely any tourists or Colombians had heard of this magical place. It’s about an hour from Santa Marta up in the jungle, there are now plenty of hostels to choose from to enjoy everything on offer. With incredible waterfalls, an organic coffee farm and great hiking this is the perfect place to escape for a few days. Check out our favourite things to do in Minca.
4. Ouzo
If you’re staying in Santa Marta then you can’t miss eating at Ouzo! In six years of returning to Colombia this is one place I always return. The top floor provides a romantic setting overlooking the main square and serves delicious tapas. The ground floor and my favourite place to eat has delicious main courses and not to be missed pizza’s. The atmosphere is always buzzing and drinks flowing don’t miss out!
5. Day Trip to Taganga
Take a day trip to the fishing village of Taganga. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the town. You can also get a boat to the other near by beaches and spend the day at a more secluded location. The sunsets are magical and worth enjoying. You can get accommodation here or we would recommend getting a taxi back to Santa Marta and staying in one for the fantastic boutique hotels and enjoying dinner at Ouzo!
6. Escape to jungle luxury
I am always looking for new places that are off the beaten track where you can escape the tourists and be at one with nature. My new favorite place and where we take our groups is Hotel Beyonda. Hidden away from the tourist trail it’s the perfect base for guest to recoup after a lost city trek, discover many of the delights of Colombia and enjoy fantastic hospitality.
This boutique hotel is run by great friend who will look after you as family and make sure your trip in Colombia is perfect in every way.
7. Ikaro Cafe
This little café is the perfect place to go and read a book, catch up on emails or relax with friends. Everything is organic, vegetarian and locally sourced. The food is delicious and the coffee is exactly what you would expect in Colombia. The comfy lounge seats and gentle mist that is sprayed to keep you cool makes this the perfect place to while away the hours.
8. Simon Boulevard Museum
This is a little bit of tranquility after the hustle and bustle of Santa Marta. Simon Boulevard was a Venezuelan military and political leader who was instrumental in helping Latin American countries achieve independence from the Spanish Empire. During his lifetime, he helped countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia to achieve Independence. The Simon Boulivard museum in Santa Marta is the farm where he died. There are beautiful grounds to explore and a fantastic art gallery, as the beautiful old buildings. Get a guided tour and learn more about this very interesting man.
9. Hire a boat
It’s possible to hire a boat for the day from the Santa Marta marina. You can either head out of the marina and head towards Rohdidero or head towards the beautiful beaches of Tyrona. If you head towards Tyrona you’ll need to get a speed boat to be able to reach them. There are plenty of different options you’ll be best to ask your hotel or hostel to help you find the perfect option for you.
10. Learn to make chocolate
Up in the jungle you can go and discover how to grow, make and enjoy chocolate at the organic chocolate farm. You will learn about the different Cocoa trees, the delicious fruit that the Chocolate is made from and then you will get to make your own chocolate. You will even get the option to have a chocolate face mask while enjoying a hot chocolate! This tour is in Spanish so take a translator to get the most out of this experience.
If this has made you want to discover Colombia for yourself then why not join us on one of our Colombian Adventures