Santa Marta is the capital of Colombia’s Magdalena Department. Located in the north of the country, on the Caribbean Sea, it is famous for its beaches and well-preserved colonial architecture. It is also the gateway to exploring Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This post will uncover the best areas to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia.
Founded in 1525, Santa Marta is home to historical landmarks such as the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta, one of Colombia’s oldest churches, and Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days. The Historic Center preserves colonial-era architecture, lively public squares, and small boutique hotels. Find accommodation in Centro Histórico.
Beyond its historical sites, Santa Marta is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, known for its beaches, jungle trails, and pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. The park’s Playa Cristal and Cabo San Juan are among the most visited beaches, while Taganga, a fishing village just north of the city, is a well-known destination for scuba diving and budget accommodations.
Santa Marta is served by Simón Bolívar International Airport. Located 10 mi (16 km) south of the Historic Center, it offers domestic flights to Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali and international flights to Panama City. The city is well-connected by bus to Cartagena and Barranquilla, with taxis and ride-hailing services being the most common modes of transport within Santa Marta. While the city center and the beach areas are pedestrian-friendly, you will likely need to use a taxi or book a tour to get to Tayrona. Another option would be to rent a car during your stay.
What are the best areas to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia?
From a tourist standpoint, Santa Marta can be loosely divided into three main areas: the central core, which includes the Historic City Center and the Marina; Gaira & El Rodadero, the main tourist development south of the city center; and Taganga, a laid-back beach town located directly north.
The best area to stay in Santa Marta is El Rodadero. This safe seaside tourist development is home to some of Santa Marta’s top resorts and hotels, the best nightlife, restaurants, and shops, and direct access to the beach. Find accommodations in El Rodadero.
Other great options to consider when considering where to stay in Santa Marta include the charming Centro Histórico, the area around Marina de Santa Marta, and the beach towns of Taganga and Bello Horizonte.
Keep reading to learn more about the best location in Santa Marta for tourists.
Best Location in Santa Marta, Colombia: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Santa Marta, depending on your travel style and what you plan to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find more information about each area mentioned here.
- Best location for sightseeing: Centro Histórico
- Best location for beach lovers: El Rodadero
- Best location for nightlife: Centro Histórico | El Rodadero
- Best location for families: El Rodadero | Bello Horizonte
- Best location for nature lovers: Tayrona National Park
- Best location for first-time visitors: El Rodadero
- Best location for backpackers: Taganga
Best Hotels in Santa Marta, Colombia by Theme
Got something specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Santa Marta. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Oasis Fresh Hotel
- Best mid-priced hotel: Hotel San Miguel Imperial
- Best budget hotel: Hotel Nueva Granada
- Best luxury hotel: Casa de Leda, a Kali Hotel
- Best boutique hotel: Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina
- Best hotel with a pool: AC Hotel By Marriott Santa Marta
- Best inn / B&B: Hostal Kaia
- Best hostel: La Brisa Loca Hostel
- Best resort: Decameron Galeon – All Inclusive
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Santa Marta
1. El Rodadero
The best location to stay in Santa Marta
With its beachfront location, entertainment options, and easy access to major attractions, El Rodadero is one of the best areas to stay in Santa Marta.
Rodadero is Santa Marta’s most developed beach district, located 3.7 mi (6 km) south of the Historic Center. Known for its wide sandy beaches, high-rise hotels, and lively atmosphere, it is the city’s main tourist hub, attracting local and international visitors.
Originally a small fishing area, El Rodadero grew into a popular resort destination in the mid-20th century, thanks to its proximity to the city center and calm Caribbean waters. Today, it features a mix of modern beachfront resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and short-term apartment rentals, making it a versatile option for different types of travelers.
The main attraction is El Rodadero Beach, a long stretch of soft sand with warm, shallow waters ideal for swimming. The area is also a departure point for boat trips to Playa Blanca, a quieter beach accessible only by water. Nearby, the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum offers visitors a chance to see marine life up close, including sea turtles, sharks, and dolphin shows.
El Rodadero has a busy nightlife scene, with bars, beachfront clubs, and live music venues along its main avenues. Dining options range from fresh seafood stalls to high-end Colombian and international restaurants.
Transportation is convenient, with frequent buses and taxis connecting El Rodadero to Santa Marta’s Historic Center and Simón Bolívar International Airport. The area is also a key point for travelers heading to Tayrona National Park, with boat and shuttle services available.
Our hand-picked accommodations in El Rodadero
Hotel Arhuaco Rodadero
Hotel Arhuaco Rodadero provides an outdoor pool, accommodations with balconies, and free WiFi. It is located in Santa Marta´s touristic Rodadero area.
Del Mar Hotel
Del Mar is located in El Rodadero, just 2.5 mi away from Santa Marta. Free WiFi access is available. The hotel is a 3-minute walk from El Rodadero Beach and from Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum.
Hotel Mandalas House by DOT Boutique
Located in Santa Marta, a 5-minute walk from El Rodadero Beach, Hotel Mandalas House by DOT Boutique has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. With a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
2. Centro Histórico
The best location in Santa Marta for history and culture
With its colonial charm, cultural attractions, and central location, Centro Histórico is an excellent area to stay in Santa Marta for those interested in history and dining.
Santa Marta’s Centro Histórico is the city’s cultural and historical heart, located along the waterfront and extending inland for several blocks. Officially recognized as Colombia’s oldest historic quarter, this district preserves its colonial-era architecture, lively plazas, and important landmarks. While the area is generally safe during the day, caution is advised at night, especially on less-traveled streets.
Founded in 1525, Centro Histórico is home to the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta, one of the oldest churches in South America. The district’s Parque de los Novios serves as a social hub, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels.
Centro Histórico’s waterfront promenade, Camellón de la Bahía, offers views of the marina and nearby beaches. The district is also home to the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona), which exhibits indigenous artifacts and provides insight into the region’s pre-Columbian cultures.
The area has a growing nightlife scene, with cocktail bars, rooftop terraces, and live music venues catering to both travelers and locals. Dining options range from street food vendors to upscale Caribbean and international restaurants.
Centro Histórico is well-connected, with taxis and local buses providing access to El Rodadero, Taganga, and Simón Bolívar International Airport. It is also a departure point for boat trips to Playa Blanca and Tayrona National Park.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Santa Marta’s Old Town
Casa Gaitana – Alma Hotels
Located conveniently in Santa Marta, Casa Gaitana – Alma Hotels has air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service. The hotel has family rooms.
Oasis Fresh Hotel
In Santa Marta, Oasis Fresh Hotel has air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and a shared lounge. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property has a restaurant and a terrace. The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub,b, and room service.
Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa
Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa is located at Parque de Los Novios next to the restaurants and bars in the Historic Center of Santa Marta, 3.1 mi from El Rodadero Beach. The property offers an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a sauna, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
3. Santa Marta Marina
The best location in Santa Marta for luxury hotels
The marina area is home to several internationally recognized hotel brands, making it one of the best areas to stay in Santa Marta for those looking for a modern, well-located, and safe stay by the water.
The Santa Marta Marina is one of the most important marinas in the Colombian Caribbean, located directly south of the Historic Center along the shores of Santa Marta Bay. While it is part of the city’s central area, it stands out for its modern condo buildings, luxury accommodations, and a safer atmosphere compared to other downtown districts.
The marina is a popular spot for yacht owners and travelers seeking high-end accommodations and waterfront views. Many of the city’s most exclusive restaurants and bars are found in this area, offering a mix of Caribbean seafood, international cuisine, and upscale dining options. Its well-maintained streets and pedestrian-friendly layout make it an attractive place for evening strolls along the bay.
Thanks to its proximity to the Historic Center, cultural attractions like the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta and the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona) are within walking distance, as is the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Our hand-picked accommodations near the Santa Marta Marina
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
4. Taganga
A Bohemian beach area in Santa Marta
With its beachfront setting, affordable lodging, and diving opportunities, Taganga is one of the best areas to stay in Santa Marta for budget-conscious travelers.
Taganga is a small fishing village located 3.7 mi (6 km) north of Santa Marta, known for its relaxed atmosphere, budget-friendly accommodations, and reputation as the city’s main diving destination. Originally a quiet coastal town, it has grown into a backpacker hub with a mix of locals, travelers, and expats.
The main attraction is Taganga Beach, where fishing boats line the shore and diving schools offer excursions to nearby coral reefs and Tayrona National Park. The area is one of the most affordable places in Colombia to get PADI certification, making it a popular choice for diving enthusiasts. In addition to diving, boat tours from Taganga provide access to Playa Grande, a scenic beach with calm waters just across the bay.
Taganga has a small but active nightlife scene, with beachfront bars and hillside terraces offering drinks and live music. Dining options range from fresh seafood restaurants serving local catch to casual eateries catering to the international backpacker crowd.
Public transportation to Santa Marta is available via frequent shared taxis and local buses, but the winding road between the two can be congested. While Taganga has a more laid-back feel than the city, safety precautions are recommended at night, especially in less populated areas.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Taganga
Casa D’mer Taganga
Featuring a garden, terrace, and views of the garden, Casa D’mer Taganga is located in Taganga, a 3-minute walk from Playa de Taganga.
5. Bello Horizonte
A safe and quiet district to stay in Santa Marta
Bello Horizonte is one of the best areas to stay in Santa Marta for a relaxing beach holiday.
Bello Horizonte is a modern beach district located 8 mi (13 km) southwest of Santa Marta’s Historic Center, known for its upscale resorts, tranquil beaches, and quieter atmosphere compared to El Rodadero. With a mix of luxury hotels, private condominiums, and all-inclusive resorts, it is a preferred area for travelers looking for a more exclusive stay by the Caribbean.
The main attraction is Bello Horizonte Beach, a long stretch of golden sand with calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. The area is significantly less crowded than other beaches in Santa Marta, making it a great choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Many beachfront resorts offer private beach access, pools, and full-service spas.
Dining options in Bello Horizonte include seafront restaurants, hotel dining venues, and casual eateries serving fresh seafood and Colombian cuisine. While the nightlife is more subdued compared to El Rodadero, some hotel bars and lounges provide live music and cocktails in an elegant setting.
Bello Horizonte is located just 2 mi (3 km) from Simón Bolívar International Airport, making it the most convenient beach area for travelers arriving by plane. Taxis and ride-hailing services provide direct connections to the airport and other parts of the city, while local buses link the area to El Rodadero and Santa Marta’s Historic Center.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Bello Horizonte
Hotel Santorini Resort
Located 328 feet from the Bello Horizonte Beach and 3.6 mi from Santa Marta town center, the Hotel Santorini Resort offers a beach club with three swimming pools, a spa with body treatments, and a fitness center.
6. Pozo Colorado
Another excellent beach community in Santa Marta
With its tranquil beachfront setting and upscale accommodations, Pozo Colorado is one of the best areas to stay in Santa Marta for a quiet and comfortable coastal retreat.
Pozo Colorado is a quiet beachfront district located 6 mi (10 km) southwest of Santa Marta’s Historic Center, known for its secluded beaches, upscale resorts, and residential developments. It offers a more relaxed alternative to El Rodadero and Bello Horizonte, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful stay away from the busier tourist areas.
The main draw of Pozo Colorado is its long, uncrowded beach, with calm waters and soft sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Unlike more commercialized beach districts, this area is primarily residential, featuring private beach clubs, gated communities, and luxury villas.
Dining options are mostly found within hotels and resorts, with a focus on Colombian seafood and international cuisine. While nightlife is limited, nearby El Rodadero offers a more vibrant scene for those looking for entertainment options in the evening.
Pozo Colorado is conveniently located 4 mi (6 km) from Simón Bolívar International Airport, making it a practical choice for travelers arriving by plane. The area is accessible via taxis and ride-hailing services, while local buses provide connections to Santa Marta’s city center and surrounding beach districts.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Pozo Colorado
Casa Verano Beach Hotel – Adults Only
Located 328 feet from the Bello Horizonte Beach and 3.6 mi from Santa Marta town center, the Hotel Santorini Resort offers a beach club with three swimming pools, a spa with body treatments, and a fitness center.
7. Tayrona National Park
The absolutely best beach area near Santa Marta
With its unspoiled landscapes, cultural significance, and opportunities for adventure, Tayrona National Park is one of the best areas to stay near Santa Marta for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most famous natural reserves, located 21 mi (34 km) northeast of Santa Marta. Known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, it is a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park stretches along the Caribbean coast and features scenic hiking trails, archaeological sites, and secluded coves.
The most famous beaches include Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal, and La Piscina, each offering crystal-clear waters and stunning natural scenery. The park also holds cultural significance as the ancestral land of the Kogi, Arhuaco, and Wiwa Indigenous communities, who continue to preserve their traditions within the protected area. Pueblito, an ancient Tayrona settlement, is a key historical site accessible via a moderate hike through the jungle.
Accommodations in Tayrona National Park range from eco-lodges and glamping sites to hammocks and rustic cabins. Due to conservation regulations, development is minimal, and most overnight stays require prior booking. Visitors should also note that the park closes for maintenance and Indigenous ceremonies several times a year.
Transportation to Tayrona is available via buses and private shuttles from Santa Marta, with the main entrance at El Zaino. From there, visitors can hike or take a boat to the park’s beaches and attractions.
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