Like many city beaches, Santa Marta’s main beach, Playa de Bahia, is certainly nothing to write home about. The downside? If you want a private room, the price puts it firmly in the flashpacker category. It has two swimming pools, a cinema room, an open-air kitchen, nightly events, comfortable and clean pod-style bunk beds and a rooftop terrace making it feel more like a 5* resort than a backpacker hostel. Our pick for the best Santa Marta Hostel has to be the ridiculously plush Masaya Hostel. The Dreamer Hostel is a popular place for backpackers in Santa Marta. They have dorm rooms and privates but be warned… in true Colombian style the music pumps on into the early hours! Bring earplugs if you want a restful night’s sleep. There is an outside social area with a bar, swimming pool and pool table. This modern flashpacker hostel is very popular amongst travellers of all ages. One of the best hostels in Santa Marta, The Dreamer is located a little way out of the city. The inner courtyard comes complete with a swimming pool but the pool table is where all the best chats happen. It’s home to probably the best social scene for travellers in Santa Marta. Within Santa Marta city, there are a few really good hostels that will enhance your travel experience, help you to stay safe and assist you to book onward trips to nearby destinations.Ĭheck out the famous Brisa Loca Hostel located in El Centro Historico. Crime can and does happen (see the comments at the end of this article!) so if you do travel here, always be careful. One thing to mention… We’ve heard quite a lot of rumours recently about crooks targeting foreigners in Taganga. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and late-night discos making it a good spot for those who want to party. There are plenty of dive schools here and a range of hostels, notably La Tortuga Hostel and Hostal Palohe Taganga. However, many travellers recently have reported that the town itself has become rather shabby.

It’s located in an undoubtedly beautiful setting with golden beaches surrounded by green mountains. Originally a small fishing village that has seen its popularity spiral somewhat out of hand, Taganga has gained a reputation as Colombia’s diving hotspot. With high-rise 5* hotels, all-inclusive resorts, luxury spas, restaurants and private clubs – this is certainly a very different (manicured) side to Santa Marta than most backpackers see! As you’d expect from an area attracting wealthier tourists, it is much safer than the historic centre. You should avoid walking the streets after dark if possible, especially if you are on your own.ġ0 minutes from the city centre, this upmarket area is popular amongst high-class, rich Colombians who prefer to stay in the classier resorts for their beach holiday. Lodgings offer fairly good value for money, however, it isn’t the safest area.

As you’d expect, you are within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions here, including museums and cathedrals. The main tourist area of Santa Marta is its historic centre. Booking/buying through links you find on this site is a great way of supporting the work we do at no extra cost to you. July, August and September are the rainest months – hiking to the Lost City at this time of year is sure to be a muddy (yet adventurous affair)! The seafront at Santa Marta, Colombia

However, December and January also see an influx of Colombian tourists, hiking up prices. December to early March marks the dry season, making this an ideal time to visit if you are hoping to do the Lost City trek. Santa Marta has a well-earned reputation for being hot and humid year-round. Santa Marta, Colombia – Budget Travel Guide Best Time to Visit Santa Marta Santa Marta, Colombia – Budget Travel Guide.

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