←Colombia travel guide
Magdalena Department, Colombia
Santa Marta
Colombia's oldest city, where the Andes meet the Caribbean Sea
AdventureBeachesNature & Outdoors
Founded in 1525, Santa Marta is the oldest surviving Spanish settlement in Colombia, set where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range, descends to meet the Caribbean. Its colonial centre holds the cathedral where Simon Bolivar spent his final days, while the surrounding region offers access to Tayrona National Park and the multi-day trek to the pre-Columbian ruins of Ciudad Perdida.
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Best time to visit
December to April
Region
Magdalena Department
Main airport
Santa Marta (SMR)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Santa Marta
Nature
Tayrona National Park
On the Caribbean coast, Tayrona pairs jungle-backed beaches with coral reefs and indigenous heritage. Forest trails lead to coves where the mountains of the Sierra Nevada meet the sea.
History
Ciudad Perdida
Hidden in the Sierra Nevada, the Lost City predates Machu Picchu and is reached on a demanding multi-day jungle trek. Its stone terraces, built by the Tairona people, reward hikers with a true sense of discovery.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Santa Marta
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Colombia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Colombia page at Yoogo.
Colombia uses the Colombian peso (COP). Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in major cities. ATMs are widely available. Carry cash for smaller establishments, markets, and travel in rural areas. Be aware of ATM skimming scams; use machines inside banks or shopping centres where possible.
Colombia's security situation has improved significantly in recent decades, and cities such as Cartagena, Medellín, and the tourist areas of Bogotá are generally safe with normal precautions. Drug-related crime and occasional violence persist in certain regions, particularly near the borders with Venezuela and Ecuador and in rural coca-growing areas. Petty theft is common in busy urban areas. Check your government's current travel advisory for region-specific guidance.
Domestic flights are the most practical way to cover Colombia's distances; multiple budget airlines compete on key routes. Long-distance buses are comfortable and affordable. In Bogotá, the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system is the main public transport. Ride-hailing apps such as InDrive operate in major cities. Avoid unauthorised or pirate taxis.
Colombia has two dry seasons: December to March and July to August. These are the best times to visit most destinations. The Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta) is generally sunny year-round. Medellín enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. Bogotá's altitude of 2,600 metres keeps it cool in all seasons.
Spanish is the official language. Colombian Spanish is widely considered one of the clearest and most neutral accents in Latin America, making it accessible for learners. English is spoken in tourist-facing businesses in Cartagena and Bogotá but is limited elsewhere.
A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from or travelling to yellow fever-endemic areas within Colombia, including Amazon and jungle regions. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis for jungle regions are commonly recommended. Tap water is safe in major cities but bottled water is advisable in rural areas.
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Restaurants often add a voluntary 10% service charge to the bill; you can decline if service was poor. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. Tour guides, hotel porters, and housekeeping staff appreciate a small gratuity.
Colombia has good 4G coverage in cities and along main routes, provided by Claro, Movistar, and Tigo. Rural and jungle coverage is poor. Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and widely available at airports and phone shops. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many cafes.