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Colombia

Santa Marta Colombia

At a glance

Getting ashore
Puerto de Colombia, about 0.5 mile to the centre
Into town
Taxi or pre-booked transfer
Best starting point
Tayrona National Park and the old town
Currency
Colombian peso · COP

Getting ashore

Ships dock at Puerto de Colombia, about half a mile from the centre of town. It is a container terminal with no facilities for passengers, so transfers are needed.

Watch-outs

The port has no facilities, so arrange a transfer or tour in advance. Taxi fares should be agreed before you travel. Heat is strong, and mosquitoes are common.

Santa Marta

Santa Marta is one of the oldest cities in South America, with a colonial centre, the Parque de los Novios and the sea front.

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park has beaches, jungle trails and the archaeological site of Pueblito. Tours run from the town, and the park closes some days.

Ciudad Perdida

The Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City, is a pre-Columbian site reached by a multi-day trek. It is a physically hard trip.

Food & shopping

Colombian food includes arepas, bandeja paisa and fresh seafood. The market and the seafront restaurants are the easiest choice.

Money & connectivity

The currency is the Colombian peso. Cards are accepted in larger places, and cash is needed for small purchases.

Accessibility & mobility

The port is flat, but has no passenger facilities. Park trails and the Lost City trek are steep and rough. Ask your operator for accessible vehicles.