Free or low-cost activities
There is a space for everyone
Visit other local beaches
Although many tourists enjoy visiting the same beach near their accommodations, others are worth visiting at least once or twice, especially if you're staying in Santa Marta. Some, like Playa Blanca, require a water taxi, but others like Playa Rodadero, Puerto Gaira, Playa Salguero, or Taganga can be easily reached by taxi or bus.
Go to a river
The most popular are the rivers in Minca or Palomino, but there are others just a 30-minute taxi ride from Santa Marta or Rodadero. It's best to ask a local tour operator or taxi driver for recommendations.
Hot springs in Ciénaga
An hour from Santa Marta is Ciénaga, a fishing village with a lovely central plaza and good prices downtown. There are also the Albercas de Termales, natural pools of mineral-rich hot springs. A taxi costs between 60,000 and 100,000 pesos, or you can take a bus that runs every 10 minutes for 14,000 pesos.
Hike to Rodadero or Santa Marta / Hike to Inca Inca
At the end of Carrera 5 in Rodadero, there is a dirt road that leads to Inca Inca Beach. The walk takes about 45 minutes and offers spectacular views. You can stay on the beach or return by water taxi. The road is rocky, so comfortable shoes and water shoes for the beach are recommended.
Day trip to Minca
An hour from Rodadero or 1 hour and 15 minutes from Santa Marta. Ideal for a day trip. Taxis cost around 100,000 pesos each way, or public buses cost 12,000 pesos. The most popular option is to go to Pozo Azul, with its waterfalls, natural pools, and small vendors. There are also motorcycle and ATV tours. Don't forget your insect repellent.
Visit the Historic Center
During the day, you can stroll through Parque de los Novios, Plaza Bolívar, and the seafront. Guided tours are also available.
At night, the Historic Center becomes an area of bars and nightclubs with excellent gastronomic offerings.
Shopping centers
Mentioned in the shopping section. Great for kids, food or a movie, and a break from the sun.
Skating classes for children in Playa Salguero
Skating classes are offered at the INVEMAR courtyard (Carrera 2 and Calle 25). Info: 310 7368966.
Santa Marta Water Park
Near the Buenavista Shopping Center. It has fountains, trails, turtles, pools, and water areas for children. Admission costs between 5,000 and 11,000 euros, depending on age and height.
Iguana Park
Small reserve next to the Rodadero Marina (Calle 5). You can see many iguanas and feed them lettuce. Short 30-minute trip.
Paintball
There are places to play paintball in both Rodadero and Santa Marta.
World Aquarium (Rodadero)
Small aquarium between 11th and 12th Streets, Carrera 2. No boat required. You can see marine life, feed fish and birds, and touch nurse sharks and rays.
Ziruma Trail
Trail that connects Rodadero and Santa Marta via Carrera 7. It has stations with exercise equipment, viewpoints, and a hydration area at the top. The hike takes 45 minutes to an hour. If the return walk is too long, you can take a bus for 2,700 pesos. Wear sunscreen if hiking during the day.
