Where to Stay in Santa Marta, Colombia: Best Areas & Hotels

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Americas” and the “Twice Holy City,” Santa Marta is no doubt an unmissable travel destination in the Colombian Caribbean region. Considered one the most historically significant cities in the country, this town is famous for its colonial heritage and for being the place of death of Simón Bolívar. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Santa Marta, you have come to the right place.

Located on the Caribbean Sea in the north of the country, Santa Marta was founded by the Spanish in 1525, making it one of the oldest European-settled towns in the New World. It is the capital of the Magdalena department and is well-regarded for its Spanish colonial houses and churches, cobblestone streets, and beaches. Today, with its neighboring resort towns and the Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s most visited tourist destinations.

Some of the main attractions in Santa Marta include its many beaches, the beautiful Catedral Basílica, the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, and Parque de Los Novios. Because of its booming tourist industry, the city is home to many luxury and boutique hotels, as well as many backpacker hostels.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time visiting Colombia or if you’re an expert in all things South America, keep reading this article to find out more about the best areas to stay in Santa Marta.

---

Accommodation Options in Santa Marta

---

---

What’s the Best Area to Stay in Santa Marta, Colombia?

The best area to stay in Santa Marta is the district of Gaira – Rodadero, especially if you are a foreign visitor looking for a safe location. Located south of the city center, El Rodadero is known for its beaches, upscale condos, and great nightlife. It is also home to some tourist attractions and some of the best-rated boutique and luxury hotels in town.

Find available accommodation in Gaira – El Rodadero.

Best Hotels in Rodadero, Santa Marta

• Best five-star hotel: KH Hotel Boutique
• Best four-star hotel: Tamacá Beach Resort
• Best three-star hotel: Hotel Marco Polo
• Best budget hotel: Hotel Betoma
• Best tourist apartments: Apartamentos La Mansión – Issa Carrillo
• Best hostel: The Cantamar Beach Hostel

---

Where to Stay in Santa Marta for Sightseeing, Beaches & Nature

As mentioned above, the Rodadero district is the best location in Santa Marta. That said, the city is home to different barrios, each with a distinct flavor and attractions. These are some of the most exciting districts for tourists in Santa Marta:

• Located directly southeast of the Old Town, the Santa Marta Marina area is one of the swankiest parts of town. It is packed with luxury condos and hotels, including the AC Hotel By Marriott Santa Marta and the Grand Marina Suites.
• Separated from the city proper by Cerro Ziruma, Gaira – El Rodadero is Santa Marta’s most popular beach area, home to Puerto Gaira and Rodadero Beaches. Other attractions in Rodadero include Mundo Marino Aquarium and the Marine Natural History Museum -MAKURIWA. Some of the best properties in this district include Tamacá Beach Resort and Hotel Marco Polo.
• If you’re looking to uncover Santa Marta’s history and enjoy the city’s colonial charm, then Centro Histórico is probably the best option. You’ll find lovely boutique hotels here, including Casa de Leda, a Kali Hotel, and Hotel 1525 By Gh Suites.
• Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a relaxed holiday in a former hippy town, Taganga is probably more your style. A great option in this beachfront town is Hotel Bahía Taganga.
• Finally, Bello Horizonte is a Santa Marta district considered the safest area to stay in. One of the best hotels in this beachside town is the Mercure Santa Marta Emile.

---

The Best Areas for Tourists in Santa Marta: District by District

---

1. El Rodadero: Best Location in Santa Marta for the Beach

Gaira – El Rodadero is a seaside district with some of the best hotels in Santa Marta.

Why is this the best area to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia:
• Beach area
• Family-friendly attractions
• Boutique and luxury hotels
• Exciting food scene
• Safe area to stay in in Santa Marta
• Easy to explore on foot

El Rodadero is located 5 miles from the Historic City Center, just south of Cerro Ziruma. This beachfront neighborhood is known for its many luxury residential developments and bustling shopping streets.

Thanks to its many beaches, including Rodadero, Puerto Gaira, and Salguero, the district of Gaira – El Rodadero is the best place to stay in Santa Marta for those looking for a sea and sun vacation.

El Rodadero is considered the commercial and entertainment heart of Santa Marta, thanks to its many seafood restaurants, bars, malls, and shops and its vibrant nightlife.

Other than its beach and seaside promenade, El Rodadero is home to a few family-friendly attractions like the Mundo Marino Aquarium and the Marine Natural History Museum (MAKURIWA), making it an ideal destination for those traveling with kids.

Best Hotels in El Rodadero, Santa Marta

---

2. Centro Histórico & Santa Marta Marina: Best Location for Sightseeing

Santa Marta’s Old Town is packed with colonial charm and historic attractions, and it’s the best location for tourists wanting to immerse themselves in the culture of this Colombian city. Not far, Santa Marta Marina is prized for its international luxury hotels.

Why is this the best area to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia:
• Historical charm
• Heart of the city
• Attractions & museums
• Santa Marta Marina
• Budget to luxury hotels
• Good transportation options

From a cultural standpoint, the Old Town, or Centro Histórico, is the most interesting area in Santa Marta. Founded in 1525 by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas, Santa Marta is the oldest still-inhabited city in Colombia.

The Old Quarter is centered around Parque Bolívar, a shady colonial-era plaza where the city’s oldest buildings, including the City Hall and the Customs House, can be found. Today, the Customs House is the headquarters of the Tayrona Gold Museum.

Another famous plaza in this quarter is Parque Santander, locally called “de Los Novios.” Nearby attractions include the Palace of Justice, Centro Cultural San Juan, and the Cathedral Basilica de Santa Marta.

Accommodations in the historic center tend to be budget and midrange properties, with a few boutique-style hotels set in refurbished colonial houses.

The old town’s coastal area is home to the city’s beachfront promenade and marina, as well as a small beach frequented by the locals.

In contrast to the historical quarter’s colonial charm and down-to-earth attitude, the Santa Marta Marina area is one of the most upscale barrios in town. Here, you’ll find fancy restaurants and international luxury hotels and experiences.

Best Hotels in Santa Marta Old Town

---

3. Bello Horizonte: Upscale & Safe Area in Santa Marta

Home to some of Santa Marta’s most exclusive developments, Bello Horizonte is a great area to consider when choosing the best places to stay in the Colombian city.

Why is this the best area to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia:
• Beach area
• Quiet & upscale
• Close to the airport
• Safest area to stay in
• Midrange & luxury hotels
• Condos and tourist apartments

Located south of El Rodadero, Bello Horizonte is a mostly residential area, home to upper-middle-class families and many luxury hotels and condos for the most demanding travelers.

It is a quiet neighborhood, ideal for those seeking relaxation during their stay in Santa Marta but without sacrificing a good location since it is very close to the beach.

Bello Horizonte is located a short distance from Santa Marta Simon Bolívar International Airport, so it is recommended for visitors who need to be close to the airport.

The beaches of Bello Horizonte are usually less crowded than those of El Rodadero, but because it is a more exclusive area, the cost of accommodation tends to be higher than anywhere else in the city.

Bello Horizonte is home to several international luxury hotels.

Best Hotels in Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta

---

4. Taganga: Best Location for a Quiet Holiday by the Beach

Located north of Santa Marta, Taganga is a former fishing village with a great beach and lots of budget and mid-range accommodations.

Why is this the best area to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia:
• Quiet & local atmosphere
• Snorkeling & diving
• Budget hotels & guest houses
• Boat trips to nearby beaches
• Close to Tayrona National Park
• Local seafood restaurants

Located north of the city center, Taganga was, at first, an independent fishing village. Nowadays, it is considered a district of Santa Marta.

This area is preferred by backpackers who visit the city, as its beaches are quiet compared to those in the main residential districts. The cost of accommodation is usually lower than in the historical quarter or the upscale districts in the south.

Taganga is packed with small seafood restaurants, small bars, and some nightclubs. The whole town offers a curious mix of hippies, American and European ex-pats, and locals looking for a cheap place to stay near the beach.

Besides its beaches and cheap food, Taganga is one of the best places to stay in Santa Marta to snorkel, thanks to its coral reefs and variety of sea animals. Alternatively, you can hire boat tours to nearby secluded beaches such as Playa Grande and Playa Escondida.

Best Hotels in Taganga

---

5. Pozos Colorados: A Lovely & Quiet Location near the Beach

Located between El Rodadero and Bello Horizonte, Pozos Colorados is a laid-back area with tons of tourist apartments.

Why is this the best area to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia:
• Quiet atmosphere
• Lots of tourist apartments & condos
• Nice beaches

Pozos Colorados is a township located south of Santa Marta and halfway between Puerto Gaira (El Rodadero) and Bello Horizonte.

Not unlike its neighboring districts, Pozos Colorados is known for its upper-class beachside developments and luxury condos.

In recent years, the area has experienced a tourist boom, with many upscale resorts and hotels, especially near the main beaches.

Pozos Colorados is a quiet residential area that lacks the nightlife and shopping opportunities found in El Rodadero. That said, it’s a great option for those looking for a relaxing beachside vacation.

Best Hotels in Pozos Colorados

---

6. Tayrona National Park: Stay in the Wilderness

Tayrona National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia.

Why is this the best area to stay in Santa Marta, Colombia:
• Natural National Park
• Breathtaking landscapes
• Virgin beaches

Tayrona National Natural Park is located north of Taganga and Santa Marta and is a must-see attraction for visitors to the Colombian Caribbean region.

This extensive national park is known for its turquoise-water beaches, jungles, mountains, hiking trails, and its great variety of animal species and plants.

While it is true that many travelers choose to visit Tayrona on a day trip and go back to Santa Marta, staying at the spectacular hotels and hostels in the park is an excellent option for exploring its wonderful natural setting in depth.

Best Hotels in Tayrona National Park

---

Where to Look for Accommodation in Santa Marta: Useful Info

Santa Marta is the capital of the department of Magdalena in Colombia and is located in the north of the country, between the Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean Sea.

This city has become one of the most important tourist destinations on the Colombian coast, following Cartagena, combining paradisiac beaches with mountains, lively nightlife, and colonial charm.

In addition, many backpackers and adventurers visit the city to see Tayrona National Park, an oasis located a few kilometers from the urban area of Santa Marta, where you can do trekking, get amazing photographs for your Social Media feed, or relax in the sea.

Because it is a Caribbean city, the city’s climate is known for its high temperatures exceeding 80ºF (27ºC) during most of the year. However, to make the most of a visit to Santa Marta, it is recommended to avoid the rainy season, usually from June to October, as well as Colombian holidays.

When deciding what to see in Santa Marta, you can not miss the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a sugar plantation farm famous for being where Simón Bolívar died, as well as the city’s cathedral, and the Tairona Gold Museum.

The public transport system of Santa Marta consists of buses, but for safety and comfort, it is recommended to use the taxi services to get around the city.

As for the best areas to stay in Santa Marta, El Rodadero stand out for its multiple accommodation options (See accommodation in El Rodadero).

---

Read this post in other languages:

• |ES| Dónde dormir en Santa Marta, Colombia: Mejores zonas y hoteles

---