In order for you affordability and tradition, go to Medellin.
In order for you affordability, tradition, and superior seashores, go to Cartagena.
Not less than that was once the gameplan…
Forbes’ newest vacation spot feature peeled again the curtain on the last word Cartagena dupe, gaining traction as Colombia’s new trip hotspot.
On the flip facet of Barranquilla, one other underrated coastal metropolis, lies a Caribbean gem vacationers have been skipping over far too lengthy.
Brimming with historical past, vibrant tradition, and vivid blue-water shores, Santa Marta is swapping hidden gem standing for stylish must-visit this summer season.
Journey Tip: Earlier than we dive in, ensure you try Journey Off Path’s new 1-minute journey checker — a one-stop store to dot your I’s and cross your T’s for a seamless journey to Colombia.
Pleased five hundredth Birthday To Colombia’s Oldest Metropolis 🎉
Vacationers have been offered by a single look at Cartagena’s towering skyline and shimmering waters, however Cartagena ticks off one other field as a pleasant Colonial metropolis oozing Outdated Colombia allure and gorgeous Caribbean magnificence all wrapped up in a single vacation spot.
As immersively inviting as Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed cobbled streets and colourful facades could also be, it is truly Santa Marta that has been round since 1525, and provides expansive seashores backdropped by lush nature for arguably an much more picturesque cityscape than Cartagena’s.
Given Cartegena’s outstanding rise as a high Latin American vacation spot, you possibly can anticipate extra of a way of authenticity in Santa Marta, therefore the newfound fame seeing a 22.7% uptick in worldwide guests, in keeping with Forbes.
For now, whereas it is caught within the in-between of being a name-brand vacation spot and nonetheless comparatively unknown to the lots, Santa Marta has fewer pushy distributors, so you possibly can wander timeless streets and golden shores with out being guilt-tripped into vacationer traps or overpriced excursions.
Seize that excellent cup of Colombia espresso at a comfy cafe, savor low cost road cart empanadas, and benefit from the surroundings of not solely Santa Marta’s astounding nature however the sightly maze of colonial structure all through the town heart, the place you will discover centuries-old marvels standing the check of time, resembling Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta and scenic parks with scattered landmarks like Parque de los Novios.
Santa Marta’s Postcard Seashores 🌊
Very similar to Cartagena, Santa Maria boasts a vibe different Caribbean locations simply cannot replicate. Equal elements metropolis life and Caribbean bliss, Santa Maria is a far cry from the Bahamas and even Mexico’s sprawling shoreline, with a few of the most immediately recognizable seashores People have grown to like.
In different phrases, at the same time as widespread as they’re, downtown Cancun and Nassau simply do not provide the identical stage of allure, being solely acknowledged as a resort vacation spot the place no person bats an eye fixed if you happen to by no means depart your poolside lounger.
Right here in Santa Marta, you will unquestionably wish to discover past the seashore, however there is not any denying the sheer fantastic thing about the coast stretching West towards aforementioned Barranquilla, and east towards Venezuela (don’t be concerned — it isn’t that shut).
Westward lies a cluster of coves and crowd-free shores resembling Playa del Amor, a white-sand seashore haven the place one current beachgoer claimed ‘hardly anybody goes’ — and that makes it all of the extra fulfilling.
Hidden, but equally lovely seashores, resembling Playa Gusano and Playa Inca Inca stretch to the neighboring city of Gaira, however let’s circle again and deal with the other way too.
Eastward, towards Taganga, you will discover fewer choices however there are gorgeous outlooks like Sea Pescaito sandwiched between a row of waterfront accommodations, which Forbes recommends staying at Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida.
Although, there’s Playaca, a public seashore away from the town bustle, however does not have the best critiques in comparison with Santa Marta’s westside paradises, however Tayrona National Park previous Taganga is the last word seashore lovers dream, full of rainforests, hidden coves, and even preserved websites of ruins.
The Elephant In The Room: Security Issues ⚠️
“How secure is Colombia?” is a typical query, and rightfully so given quite a few safety alerts and journey advisory updates in recent times.
Really, Santa Marta could have an additional layer of uncertainty.
From a pure geographic standpoint, Santa Marta is hours away from the no-go zone of Venezuela to place considerations comfortable, however let’s not sugarcoat Colombia’s personal set of issues of safety.
The U.S. State Division final up to date Colombia’s advisory in April 2025, designating the nation as Stage 3: Rethink Journey with no particular point out of Santa Marta.
We did report on Colombia’s courting app scams final 12 months, so swiping proper in Santa Marta will not be the most effective concept.
For what it is value, Santa Marta’s official tourism website states “Santa Marta is a secure vacationer website, and has grow to be a favourite trip paradise for Colombians and foreigners” and goes on to listing these 3 places because the most secure within the metropolis:
- The historic heart
- El Rodadero
- Pozos Colorados
- Taganga
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