If you need affordability and tradition, go to Medellin.
If you need affordability, tradition, and superior seashores, go to Cartagena.
Not less than that was the gameplan…
Forbes’ newest vacation spot feature peeled again the curtain on the final 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, be sure you take a look at Journey Off Path’s new 1-minute travel checker — a one-stop store to dot your I’s and cross your T’s for a seamless journey to Colombia.
Completely happy five hundredth Birthday To Colombia’s Oldest Metropolis 🎉
Vacationers have been bought 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 Previous 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 affords 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 may 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 may 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 comfortable 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 town heart, the place you may discover centuries-old marvels standing the check of time, reminiscent of Catedral Basílica de Santa Marta and scenic parks with scattered landmarks like Parque de los Novios.
Santa Marta’s Postcard Seashores 🌊
Very like 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 Individuals have grown to like.
In different phrases, whilst widespread as they’re, downtown Cancun and Nassau simply do not provide the identical degree of allure, being solely acknowledged as a resort vacation spot the place no one bats a watch if you happen to by no means depart your poolside lounger.
Right here in Santa Marta, you may unquestionably need to discover past the seaside, however there isn’t any denying the sheer fantastic thing about the coast stretching West towards aforementioned Barranquilla, and east towards Venezuela (don’t fret — it is not that shut).
Westward lies a cluster of coves and crowd-free shores reminiscent of Playa del Amor, a white-sand seaside haven the place one latest beachgoer claimed ‘hardly anybody goes’ — and that makes it all of the extra fulfilling.
Hidden, but equally stunning seashores, reminiscent of Playa Gusano and Playa Inca Inca stretch to the neighboring city of Gaira, however let’s circle again and give attention to the other way too.
Eastward, towards Taganga, you may discover fewer choices however there are gorgeous outlooks like Sea Pescaito sandwiched between a row of waterfront inns, which Forbes recommends staying at Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida.
Although, there’s Playaca, a public seaside away from town bustle, however does not have the best evaluations in comparison with Santa Marta’s westside paradises, however Tayrona National Park previous Taganga is the final word seaside lovers dream, filled with rainforests, hidden coves, and even preserved websites of ruins.
The Elephant In The Room: Security Issues ⚠️
“How protected is Colombia?” is a standard query, and rightfully so given quite a few safety alerts and journey advisory updates lately.
Truly, 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 relaxed, however let’s not sugarcoat Colombia’s personal set of questions of safety.
The U.S. State Division final up to date Colombia’s advisory in April 2025, designating the nation as Degree 3: Rethink Journey with no particular point out of Santa Marta.
We did report on Colombia’s relationship app scams final yr, so swiping proper in Santa Marta is probably not the most effective concept.
For what it is value, Santa Marta’s official tourism website states “Santa Marta is a protected vacationer website, and has turn out to be a favourite trip paradise for Colombians and foreigners” and goes on to record these 3 areas because the most secure within the metropolis:
- The historic heart
- El Rodadero
- Pozos Colorados
- Taganga
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