The oldest city in Colombia (founded 1525) sits where the Caribbean meets the Sierra Nevada — the highest coastal mountain range in the world. Tayrona National Park offers jungle-fringed beaches; the 4-day Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek is one of South America's most legendary.
Must-do experiences
- Tayrona National Park (Cabo San Juan beach)
- Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) 4-day trek
- Minca — Sierra Nevada coffee + waterfalls
- Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches
- Taganga fishing village
When to visit
December-April (dry)
Safety
Santa Marta center + Tayrona are safe with normal precautions. Avoid walking the beach at night in less-visited zones.
Tours in Santa Marta + Tayrona
Tommy in Colombia
moderate
Santa Marta 10h
Tayrona National Park Beach Hike
Hike through tropical forest to Cabo San Juan — Tayrona's most iconic beach. Swim, have lunch, return by late afternoon.
$ 280.000· $70.00 USD
Tommy in Colombia
easy
Santa Marta 8h
Minca Waterfalls + Coffee Finca
Jeep up to Minca in the Sierra Nevada. Swim at Marinka Waterfalls, visit an organic coffee finca, cacao tasting, sunset views.
$ 260.000· $65.00 USD