In this post, I will highlight the best areas to stay in Santa Marta and suggest some hotels.
Santa Marta is one of Colombia’s top tourist destinations. Its historical heritage, beaches, and Tayrona National Park are some of its main attractions.
Visiting Santa Marta means experiencing one of the oldest cities in South America while also enjoying the natural biodiversity of this Caribbean paradise. The city is a major hub for tourism.
Every year, it welcomes an average of 500,000 visitors who enjoy memorable experiences shaped by the beauty of its beaches, its vast marine ecosystem, and the sublime snow-capped peaks nearby.
Santa Marta holds historical importance as the location of the famous Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where the Liberator of South America, Simón Bolívar, spent his final days.
It is also one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1525. Its centuries of history have left behind a valuable colonial architectural legacy worth exploring.
Where to Stay in Santa Marta: The 5 Best Areas
Finding a wide range of accommodation in Santa Marta to suit any budget is easy. What really matters is choosing the right area to stay, as the city offers everything from modern urban neighborhoods to historic quarters and beachfront spots.
To help you pick the best place to stay in Santa Marta, it’s useful to understand what makes each area unique. Below, I’ve highlighted the top recommended areas and what you can expect from each one.
1. Rodadero, the Best Beach Area to Stay in Santa Marta
Rodadero is undoubtedly a favourite area for many visitors. Over the years, it has become a top choice thanks to its modern and growing tourist infrastructure. Its high level of commercial development makes it feel like a “city within the city.”
Rodadero Beach, with its calm, turquoise waters and expansive sandy shoreline, is lined with coconut trees that provide shade to benches along the boardwalk overlooking the sea.
Rodadero is a safe area to explore.
By day, you can go for a run, dive, snorkel, or rent a sailboat. By night, you can walk along the beach and enjoy the festive atmosphere coming from its bars, restaurants, and food stalls serving local cuisine and drinks in coconuts.
The area also features an aquarium where you can swim and interact with dolphins, take photos with sea lions, and observe some of the 900 marine species housed in 13 pools—some of which have glass walls.
Next to the aquarium, a museum displays marine equipment, preserved specimens, and an exhibit of pre-Columbian nautical artefacts.
As Santa Marta’s central tourist hub, Rodadero offers a vast range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxury hotels.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN RODADERO
2. Santa Marta’s Historic Center, Culture and Budget Accommodation
The city centre is Rodadero’s main competitor in terms of lodging. It reflects the colonial era, dating back to the city’s founding in 1525, through old mansions with wooden balconies.
After a period of neglect, it has recently undergone a complete restoration by the local authorities and now looks its best.
Visitors can admire beautifully restored architectural gems, such as the Santa Marta Cathedral or Simón Bolívar Park, a central city landmark situated near government buildings.
A special mention goes to Los Enamorados Square (also known as Plaza de los Novios), a favourite hangout for couples enjoying food and colonial-style bars and restaurants at affordable prices. It’s also a popular spot for families and groups of friends.
The centre also houses the San Juan de Dios cloister, the old Customs House, the Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Art, the Ethnographic Museum, and the House of Culture.
Don’t miss the seafront promenade, which is lined with food kiosks offering outdoor dining. It is highly sought after in the evenings for watching the sunset over the bay of Santa Marta while sipping a local coffee or craft beer.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE HISTORIC CENTRE
3. Bello Horizonte, A High-End Beach Area to Stay in Santa Marta
This residential area is considered an exclusive place to stay in Santa Marta and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Santa Marta.
Its main attraction is its extensive hotel infrastructure—not just luxury hotels but also well-maintained residences and cabins that offer quality service.
However, the true highlight of Bello Horizonte is its namesake beach. It stretches for three kilometres and features clean, calm waters, ideal for families, corporate retreats, groups of friends.
Unlike Rodadero, Bello Horizonte’s beachfront lacks a public avenue, which makes it quieter. To reach the beach, you must pass through residential complexes monitored by security services.
If you’re not staying in the area, it’s best to bring everything you need, as food and beverage services by the beach are limited compared to other areas of Santa Marta.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BELLO HORIZONTE
- (€€€) Zuana Beach Resort
- (€€) Mercure Santa Marta Emile
- (€) Hotel West Plaza
4. Pozo Colorado, A Quiet Beach Area Next to Bello Horizonte
Located just 10 minutes from Simón Bolívar International Airport, it’s a quiet area, free from heavy tourist crowds, and home to several small beaches with strong waves stretching from the airport to Punta de Gloria.
Near the beaches, it’s hard to find a wide range of shops, bars, or restaurants. The few that exist usually open after 9:00 a.m. and close around 6:00 p.m.
At night, public transportation in this area is scarce, so it’s recommended to use a rental car or private vehicle.
For shopping, the Zarzue Plaza area offers a variety of retail stores.
The area attracts many executives attending business meetings organized by companies such as Ecopetrol, Colombia’s state-owned oil company, which has a facility nearby, thereby enhancing tourism.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN POZO COLORADO
- (€€€) Casa Verano Beach Hotel – Adults Only
- (€€€) Apartasuites Samaria – Club de Playa
- (€€) Hotel Los Veleros Santa Marta
5. Taganga, the Backpackers’ Favorite and Gateway to Tayrona Park
Taganga is a small fishermen town with over 2,900 residents. It is only a 10-minute bus or taxi ride from central Santa Marta.
The area is surrounded by mountains and a calm bay with clear water, attracting divers and water sports enthusiasts each year.
Taganga is also a key departure point for boat trips to Tayrona National Park, making it a popular spot for those looking to explore the park’s beaches and islands along the Santa Marta coast.
The town is known for its diving schools and is one of Colombia’s most popular spots for scuba diving training and certification.
Taganga has a lively nightlife scene geared toward backpackers, with bars and restaurants catering to different budgets, many of which are run by foreigners who fell in love with the town and decided to stay.
It lacks the urban bustle and resort-style hotels of Rodadero. Instead, it offers a more laid-back, alternative escape from traditional hotel chains.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TAGANGA
- (€€) Cabañas Paraiso
- (€€) Hotel Bahia Taganga
- (€) Casa Tara
Final Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Santa Marta
| Area | Best For | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Rodadero | Families, nightlife, beach lovers | Lively, touristy |
| Historic Center | Culture, budget stays | Colonial, charming |
| Bello Horizonte | Luxury, peace | Quiet, upscale |
| Pozo Colorado | Business travel | Secluded, relaxed |
| Taganga | Backpackers, divers | Bohemian, adventurous |