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

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

Wondering where to stay in Santa Marta? From the romantic Centro Histórico to hippy Taganga and upscale Rodadero, these are the best districts and hotels in the city.

Wondering where to stay in Santa Marta? From the romantic Centro Histórico to hippy Taganga and upscale Rodadero, these are the best districts and hotels in the city.

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
Where to Stay in Santa Marta: A Summary

If you don’t have the time or the patience to read the whole article, here is a quick recap of our recommended areas to stay in Santa Marta. Keep on reading to discover more information about each of these areas.


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

Home to the city's main beaches, El Rodadero is the best location for tourists in Santa Marta. Our absolute favorite hotel in this area is Tamaca Beach Resort
Home to the city’s main beaches, El Rodadero is the best location for tourists in Santa Marta. Our absolute favorite hotel in this area is Tamaca Beach Resort (pictured)

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


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

Santa Marta's Historic City Center is a lovely quarter full of colonial-era attractions and typical Latin American charm
Santa Marta’s Historic City Center is a lovely quarter full of colonial-era attractions and typical Latin American charm. A great boutique property in this quarter is Casa de Leda, a Kali Hotel

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:


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

Santa Marta, Colombia Accommodation Map
Click here to see all Santa Marta hotels on a map

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
El Rodadero Accommodation Map
El Rodadero is the best area for first-time visitors to Santa Marta
El Rodadero is the best area for first-time visitors to Santa Marta
With attractions like Acuario Mundo Marino, Rodadero is a great district in Santa Marta for families
With attractions like Acuario Mundo Marino, Rodadero is a great district in Santa Marta for families
Some of the best boutique hotels in Santa Marta can be found in Rodadero
Some of the best boutique hotels in Santa Marta can be found in Rodadero

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.

Is Rodadero a Safe Area for Tourists in Santa Marta?

El Rodadero is widely considered one of the safest areas to stay in Santa Marta. However, caution is recommended at night, especially in poorly lit and lonely areas and on the beach.

Best Hotels in El Rodadero, Santa Marta

KH Hotel Boutique
Best 5-star hotel
KH Hotel Boutique

Located near El Rodadero Beach, KH Hotel Boutique offers 5-star accommodation in Santa Marta and has a bar. Providing a restaurant, the property also has a garden, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna. The hotel features a hot tub, room service, and free WiFi.

Tamaca Beach Resort
Best 4-star hotel
Tamaca Beach Resort

With direct beach access, a large swimming pool with bar service, and sea views from every room, Tamacá offers free WiFi, á la carte flavors, and an on-site beauty salon.

Hotel Marco Polo
Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Marco Polo

Featuring 3-star accommodation, Hotel Marco Polo is set in Santa Marta, 200 m from El Rodadero Beach. This hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. 

Hotel Betoma
Best budget hotel
Hotel Betoma

Hotel Betoma offers panoramic sea views, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast in Santa Marta.

Apartamentos La Mansión - Issa Carrillo
Best tourist apartments
Apartamentos La Mansión – Issa Carrillo

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, Apartamentos La Mansión – Issa Carrillo is situated in Santa Marta, not far from El Rodadero Beach and Salguero Beach.

The Cantamar Beach Hostel
Best hostel
The Cantamar Beach Hostel

The Cantamar Beach Hostel features an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a terrace and a restaurant in Santa Marta. A few steps from Salguero Beach and 1.4 km from El Rodadero Beach, the property provides a bar and a private beach area.


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
Santa Marta Centro Histórico Accommodation Map
Not far from the Old Town, Santa Marta Marina offers an upscale experience in the Colombian city
Not far from the Old Town, Santa Marta Marina offers an upscale experience in the Colombian city
Santa Marta's colorful Historic Quarter is packed with bars and budget restaurants
Santa Marta’s colorful Historic Quarter is packed with bars and budget restaurants
Parque de los Novios is one of the most famous attractions in Santa Marta's Old Town
Parque de Los Novios is one of the most famous attractions in Santa Marta’s Old Town

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.

Is the Old Town a Safe Area for Tourists in Santa Marta?

The Old Town is not the safest Santa Marta neighborhood for tourists, especially at night. That said, there should be no problems walking its streets during the day. The Marina area, on the other hand, is very safe day and night.

Best Hotels in Santa Marta Old Town

Hotel Boutique Don Pepe
Best 5-star hotel
Hotel Boutique Don Pepe

Located 200 m from the commercial center and 150 m from the beach, Hotel Boutique Don Pepe offers free Wi-Fi and a personalized a la carte breakfast in Santa Marta. A restaurant, a spa, and an outdoor pool are featured on-site.

Casa de Isabella, a Kali Hotel
Best 4-star hotel
Casa de Isabella, a Kali Hotel

Just half a block from Santa Marta’s Marina, Casa de Isabella, a Kali Hotel has rooms with iPod docking stations and free Wi-Fi. There are mosaic tile floors and a rooftop swimming pool with sun loungers.

Akuamarina Hotel
Best 3-star hotel
Akuamarina Hotel

Well located in Santa Marta, Akuamarina Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and a terrace. Providing a restaurant, the property also has a bar and a hot tub. The property is non-smoking and is located less than 1 km from Bahía de Santa Marta Beach.

Hotel Tayromar
Best budget hotel
Hotel Tayromar

Only a 3-minute walk from Santa Marta’s beach area, Tayromar offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There is a charming terraced balcony where a daily breakfast is served.

Grand Marina Suites Santa Marta
Best tourist apartments
Grand Marina Suites Santa Marta

Situated 500 m from the center of Santa Marta, Grand Marina Suites Santa Marta features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a terrace. The aparthotel features both WiFi and private parking free of charge.

República Bahía Santa Marta Hostel
Best hostel
República Bahía Santa Marta Hostel

Conveniently situated in the middle of Santa Marta, this accommodation features an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk.


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
Bello Horizonte Accommodation Map
Bello Horizonte is home to some of the best public beaches in Santa Marta
Bello Horizonte is home to some of the best public beaches in Santa Marta
Bello Horizonte's beachfront promenade is lined with luxury hotels & resorts
Bello Horizonte’s beachfront promenade is lined with luxury hotels & resorts
Santa Marta Simón Bolívar International Airport is one of the busiest in Colombia
Santa Marta Simón Bolívar International Airport is one of the busiest in Colombia

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.

Is Bello Horizonte a Safe Area for Tourists in Santa Marta?

Bello Horizonte is widely considered the safest area for tourists in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Best Hotels in Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta

Zuana Beach Resort
Best 5-star hotel
Zuana Beach Resort

Zuana Beach Resort offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and plasma TVs in Santa Marta, only 30 m from Bello Horizonte Beach, featuring a hot tub, a pool, a fitness center, and a tennis court.

Mercure Santa Marta Emile
Best 4-star hotel
Mercure Santa Marta Emile

Mercure Santa Marta Emile offers accommodation in Santa Marta, featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool. The hotel has a terrace and fitness center, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Private parking is available on-site.

Sanha Plus Hotel
Best 3-star hotel
Sanha Plus Hotel

Sánha Plus hotel offers accommodation in Santa Marta. Two swimming pools surrounded by palm trees can be enjoyed by guests. WiFi is available.

Hotel West Plaza
Best budget hotel
Hotel West Plaza

Only a 3-minute walk from Santa Marta’s beach area, Tayromar offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There is a charming terraced balcony where a daily breakfast is served.

Santa Marta Apartamentos Bello Horizonte - Ocean Club
Best tourist apartments
Santa Marta Apartamentos Bello Horizonte – Ocean Club

Santa Marta Apartamentos Bello Horizonte – Ocean Club offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, and access to a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.

Casa Mediterranea
Best B&B
Casa Mediterranea

Casa Mediterranea features a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant in Santa Marta. The property is around 1.7 km from Bello Horizonte.


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
Taganga Accommodation Map
Taganga offers a lovely landscape far from the over-development of places like El Rodadero & Bello Horizonte
Taganga offers a lovely landscape far from the over-development of places like El Rodadero & Bello Horizonte
Taganga has one of the best beaches in the Santa Marta area
Taganga has one of the best beaches in the Santa Marta area
Snorkeling and diving are some of the best activities in the beach town of Taganga
Snorkeling and diving are some of the best activities in the beach town of Taganga

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.

Is Taganga a Safe Area for Tourists in Santa Marta?

While the area is quieter and safer than the Old Town, you should exercise common sense if you stay in Taganga, especially at night when most day visitors go back home. It is also safer to reach the virgin beaches via a boat tour than taking the hiking trails.

Best Hotels in Taganga

Hotel Bahia Taganga
Best 3-star hotel
Hotel Bahia Taganga

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a sundeck with views of the surroundings, and a spa, Hotel Bahia Taganga offers free WiFi and an American breakfast in Taganga. The Santa Marta city center is 4 km away.

Hotel Cactus Taganga
Best budget hotel
Hotel Cactus Taganga

Set atop a small hill and boasting a terrace with panoramic views of the sea, Hotel Cactus has air-conditioned rooms in Taganga. The beach is a 2-minute walk away.

Alojamiento Casa D'mer Taganga
Best B&B
Alojamiento Casa D’mer Taganga

Set on the El Camellón seafront boulevard just 40 m from Taganga Beach, Alojamiento Casa D’mer Taganga features a garden and 2 terraces overlooking Taganga Bay.

Svahns-Ocean Lovers ApartHotel
Best tourist apartments
Svahns-Ocean Lovers ApartHotel

Located 20 m from Taganga beach, Svahns-Ocean Lovers ApartHotel offers self-catering accommodation with free Wi-Fi in Santa Marta, Colombia. BBQ facilities are available for guest use.

Divanga Hostel
Best hostel
Divanga Hostel

Divanga Hostel features an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant in Taganga. Featuring a bar, the hostel is close to several noted attractions.


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
Pozos Colorados Accommodation Map

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.

Is Pozos Colorados a Safe Area for Tourists in Santa Marta?

Yes, Pozos Colorados is a safe area day and night.

Best Hotels in Pozos Colorados

Casa Verano Beach Hotel - Adults Only
Best 5-star hotel
Casa Verano Beach Hotel – Adults Only

Located in Santa Marta, a few steps from Playa Cabo Tortuga, Casa Verano Beach Hotel – Adults Only provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. Conveniently set in the Pozos Colorados district, this hotel features a bar as well as a hot tub.

Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro De Convenciones
Best 4-star hotel
Estelar Santamar Hotel & Centro De Convenciones

This 4-star beachfront hotel is situated just a 10-minute drive from Santa Marta city center. It offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, and sun loungers on the beach.

GIO Hotel Tama Santa Marta
Best 3-star hotel
GIO Hotel Tama Santa Marta

GIO Hotel Tama Santa Marta is located between Simón Bolívar Airport and Santa Marta, set on Pozos Colorados Beach and featuring a seafront terrace and outdoor pool. Its rooms come with free Wi-Fi.


6. Tayrona National Park: Stay in the Wilderness

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

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

Senda Watapuy
Best 5-star hotel
Senda Watapuy

Senda Watapuy offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. This 5-star hotel offers a bar. The hotel features an indoor pool and room service, and free WiFi.

Kantawa Eco Spa Hotel
Best 4-star hotel
Kantawa Eco Spa Hotel

Kantawa Eco Spa Hotel, located in Calabazo, only 3 km from the entrance of the Tayrona National Park, features an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a wellness centre offering a steam bath, a floatarium, a spa bath, and a Turkish bath. Free WiFi access is also available.

Casa Isabella Tayrona - los naranjos
Best 3-star hotel
Casa Isabella Tayrona – Los Naranjos

Casa Isabella Tayrona – Los Naranjos offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a restaurant.

Tayrona Cachaco River Ecohostal
Best budget hotel
Tayrona Cachaco River Ecohostal

Tayrona Cachaco River Ecohostal provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a barbecue.


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).


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