Practical Guide

Santa Marta has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) year-round. The sea is always warm, between 26°C and 30°C.

Dry season (December to April): ideal for beaches and outdoor activities. It is the high season, with more tourists.

Rainy season (May to November): short but intense showers, usually in the afternoon. Fewer tourists and lower prices.

By plane: Simón Bolívar Airport (SMR) receives direct flights from Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. Flights from Bogotá take about 1h 15min.

By bus: Santa Marta's bus terminal connects with major cities. From Bogotá it's about 16h, from Barranquilla about 2h.

Getting around town: Taxis have no meters; agree on the fare before getting in. Moto-taxis are cheap for short distances. Buses and minivans run all over the city.

The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Live exchange rate: $1 USD ≈ loading... Source: open.er-api.com · updated on page load

• Cash: essential on beaches, in small towns and at street stalls. There are ATMs all over the city.
• Cards: accepted at hotels, formal restaurants and supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard are the most common.
• Tipping: not mandatory. 10% is optional at restaurants if the service was excellent.

Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but as in any city, use common sense:

• Don't show valuables on the beach or on public transport.
• Use ATMs inside malls or banks.
• On beaches, don't leave your belongings unattended.
• At night, prefer official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• In the Historic Center, stick to main, well-lit streets.

• Light cotton or linen clothes, light colors
• Swimsuit (bring at least two to rotate)
• Biodegradable sunscreen (protected beaches require it)
• Mosquito repellent (especially at sunset and in Minca/Tayrona)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes and water/snorkel shoes
• A light jacket for breezy nights
• Cash in small bills (COP $10,000 and $20,000)

The official language is Spanish. In tourist areas you will find people who speak basic English.

Useful phrases for visitors:

• "¿Cuánto vale?" — How much is it?
• "La cuenta, por favor" — The check, please
• "¿Dónde queda…?" — Where is…?
• "Gracias" — Thank you
• "Una más, por favor" — One more, please (useful at the beach 🥥)

Colombia's Caribbean coast has one of the country's richest cuisines. Don't leave without trying:

• Corvina ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime with onion and cilantro
• Coconut rice — Sweet, creamy side dish, perfect with fried fish
• Fried fish — Whole fried mojarra or snapper, served with patacones and salad
• Patacones (fried plantain) — Fried and flattened green plantain, crispy outside
• Carimañola (cassava fritter) — Cassava fritter stuffed with meat
• Corozo juice — Typical regional drink, slightly tart and refreshing

Voltage: 110V / 60Hz (same as the United States). Type A and B plugs (two flat prongs).

Internet: WiFi available in most hotels, restaurants and cafés. Speed is good downtown and in El Rodadero, more limited in rural areas (Minca, Tayrona).

SIM cards: You can buy a local Claro, Tigo or Movistar SIM at the airport or city shops. Prepaid plans with data from COP $20,000.