Planning a trip to Santa Marta is an adventure full of excitement and an experience you’ll never forget. However, it can also be a challenge if you have questions, such as which documents are necessary or which are the best places to see. That’s why having a tool that simplifies your trip planning is essential to making the most of your time in this vibrant coastal city.
That’s why in this post we’re going to explain the most important steps to take when planning a trip to Santa Marta and some of the things that are important to keep in mind. From how to get travel insurance to the dishes you should not forget to try on your trip, we tell you everything you need to know. We’ll also introduce you to a tool that can help you with the paperwork.
1. What documentation do I need to plan a trip to Santa Marta?
One of the first steps when planning a trip to Santa Marta is to know what documents are required to enter the country and prepare them in advance. A visa is not required for tourist stays of less than 90 days, but it is essential to have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. In addition, on arrival you will be asked for return tickets and to submit the Check Mig form, an online document that collects information about your health and recent movements before entering the country. This form must be completed prior to travel and presented to the immigration authorities upon arrival in Colombia.
Other travel recommendations include carrying copies of important documents, such as your passport, and taking out travel insurance, which we’ll cover in more detail below. It is a good idea to have all your documents organised on your mobile phone for easy access to photocopies, reservations and boarding passes during your trip.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Santa Marta
In general, when planning a trip, whether to Santa Marta or any other destination, it is important to consider the dates as not all times of the year are the most favourable. In the case of Santa Marta, its tropical climate offers warm temperatures all year round, with a clear distinction between the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, which generally runs from December to April, experiences sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, outdoor activities and tourist attractions without interruption. On the other hand, the rainy season, which runs from May to November, brings more frequent and heavy rainfall, especially in the months of September and October, which can hamper some tourist activities and affect accessibility to certain areas.
In short, the best time to travel to Santa Marta is during the dry season, when the weather is more predictable and conducive to fully enjoying all that the city has to offer.
3. Compare and find accommodation
Of course, it’s impossible to organise a trip without knowing where you’re going to stay. Santa Marta offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxurious beachfront hotels and all-inclusive resorts in El Rodadero, to cosy hostels and inns in the historic centre. You’ll also find holiday flats and rental houses, ideal for families or groups. The Taganga and Minca areas, close to the city, offer accommodation options in more natural and tranquil settings, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed, close-to-nature experience. The average price range you can expect to find accommodation in Santa Marta ranges from 25 to 85 euros per night.
We recommend always researching and booking accommodation in advance to find the hotel that best suits your preferences and budget.
4. How to get to and around Santa Marta?
To get to Santa Marta from abroad or from other Colombian cities, several airlines offer direct flights to Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR). From abroad, you can find flights to Santa Marta with airlines such as Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air, with possible stopovers in cities such as Bogotá or Medellín. From other Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena or Barranquilla, direct flights are also available with these same airlines, as well as with other companies such as EasyFly and SATENA.
Once in Santa Marta, getting around the city is relatively easy. Distances in the city are not very long, so walking is a viable option in certain areas. Otherwise, you can use urban buses that cover the main areas of the city or motorbike taxis for short distances. Of course, if you prefer, you can rent a car to get around more freely.
5. What places to see in Santa Marta?
Another essential task in planning your trip to Santa Marta is to create an itinerary of all the places you want to visit. This fantastic Colombian city offers a variety of interesting places to visit and activities to enjoy during your trip. Highlights include the imposing Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta, an architectural icon of the city. The lively Parque de los Novios is perfect for strolling and enjoying local life, while Carrera 3 offers shops, restaurants and a vibrant urban atmosphere. The historic Casa de la Aduana is a must-see for history buffs, as is the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar died. For sun and beach, El Rodadero is an excellent choice with its beautiful coastline and numerous water activities. Finally, Santa Marta is the starting point for the exciting route to Ciudad Perdida, an adventure that takes you through the jungle to ancient archaeological ruins.
If you want to know more destinations for your itinerary to Santa Marta, discover them here: Things to do in Santa Marta Colombia
6. Find the best restaurants in Santa Marta, Colombia
Gastronomy is a fundamental part of any trip and trying the typical food of Santa Marta will take your experience to another level. Its gastronomy is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and coastal location. It is characterised by the use of fresh ingredients from the sea and tropical products. Seafood dishes, such as ceviche, fried fish and seafood casserole, are especially popular. Coconut rice, a preparation of rice with coconut milk, is a typical side dish that enhances the flavours of the Caribbean. Carimañolas (cassava empanadas stuffed with meat or cheese) and arepas de huevo (egg arepas) are also traditional delicacies. Tropical fruit juices, such as mango, soursop and tamarind, are refreshing and much appreciated. The combination of marine and tropical flavours makes Samarian cuisine a unique and delicious culinary experience.
If you want to try these delicious dishes, be sure to seek out the best restaurants and, if possible, book in advance to ensure you get a table so you don’t miss out.
7. Is Santa Marta safe for tourists?
If you are planning a trip to Santa Marta, you may wonder whether it is a safe destination for tourists. It is understandable to have concerns about safety when visiting a new place, but in general, Santa Marta is considered a safe city for travellers. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to take basic precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not displaying valuables and taking special care with personal belongings in crowded areas. In other words, with a little common sense and attention to your surroundings, you will have a safe and pleasant experience in Santa Marta.
In the case of travelling to Santa Marta to make the journey to Ciudad Perdida, we recommend that you keep a few basics in mind to prevent risks:
- Maintain a good physical condition, the hike can be quite demanding.
- Keep hydrated.
- Use insect repellent.
- Take only the essentials to avoid loss and unnecessary weight.
- Follow the guide’s instructions at all times and do not deviate from the group.
- Bring a first aid kit.
- Wear good trekking shoes suitable for the conditions you will encounter.
8. Take out travel insurance: cover yourself against unforeseen events
If you’re planning a getaway to Santa Marta, you’re probably thinking about taking out travel insurance, and we firmly believe it’s a sensible move for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will provide you with comprehensive medical cover in case of illness or injury during your stay, allowing you to receive medical attention without worrying about the associated costs. In addition, travel insurance can cover eventualities such as flight cancellations, lost luggage and other unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your adventure. It also provides emergency assistance, including repatriation in serious medical situations. In short, having insurance will give you the peace of mind you need to fully enjoy your trip.
Before taking out insurance, it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions, making sure you understand all the clauses. Comparing different options will allow you to choose the insurance that best suits your needs and planned activities during your trip.
9. How to plan a trip with friends to Santa Marta?
Exploring new destinations with friends is an unbeatable experience, especially when it comes to places as fascinating as Colombia, with gems like Santa Marta, Cartagena and Bogotá. However, organising a trip between several people can be a challenge. Coordinating schedules, keeping everyone up to date, and adjusting the budget to suit everyone’s needs can become a more complicated process than anticipated.
With the Passporter App, organising such trips is easier as you can plan your travel itinerary from start to finish, taking into account everyone’s opinion. Add your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your route together. After the trip you can share your experience through the pictures you take during the adventure. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.
10. How to plan a travel itinerary to Santa Marta?
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
- Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
- Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
- Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own tips on how to plan your trip to Santa Marta.
- Enjoy your trip to Santa Marta!
If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
11. Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Santa Marta
Santa Marta’s climate is tropical and warm throughout the year, with temperatures between 25 °C and 35 °C. The city has two main seasons: a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November. Humidity is high due to its coastal location, which is accompanied by a pleasant sea breeze and trade winds.
The best time to plan a trip to Santa Marta is during the dry season, from December to April. During these months, the weather is sunnier and rainfall is low, allowing you to fully enjoy the beaches, outdoor activities and tourist attractions without the discomfort of heavy wet season rains.
To get to Santa Marta from abroad, take a flight to Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR) with stopovers in Bogota or Medellin. From other cities in Colombia, you can fly directly to Santa Marta from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena or Barranquilla. Alternatively, there are bus and car rental options connecting Santa Marta with nearby cities such as Cartagena and Barranquilla.
Distances in the city are not very long, so walking is a viable option in certain areas. Otherwise, you can use urban buses that cover the main areas of the city or motorbike taxis for short distances.
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