Santa Marta Colombia Travel Itinerary 2 Days

Updated: May 2026 · by Frank Spitzer

Santa Marta Colombia Travel Itinerary 2 Days

Crafted by Pelecanus · Bogotá-based · RNT 51402 · IAGTO member · Updated May 2026

This 2-day Santa Marta itinerary covers the main attractions and experiences of the destination. Below: full day-by-day plan, route map, and practical notes. We build longer or custom-length trips on request.

Good for: travelers who want a focused Santa Marta stay with hand-picked hotels and a private guide.

Santa Marta Colombia Trip Summary

Day 1 – Santa Marta
Day 2 – Santa Marta – Tayrona Park – Santa Marta

Planned Places/Cities

Santa Marta

Santa Marta is the capital of the department of Magdalena and is located on the Caribbean coast at just 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. Therefore, temperatures here range between 21°C and 33 °C (70 – 91°F). The city spreads over a large area and is flanked by mountains from different sides. The immediate Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is mostly inhabited by indigenous communities and not only reaches the highest point in Colombia with the Pico Cristóbal Colón – at a height of 5,700 meters (18,700 feet)- but is also the highest coastal mountain in the world. Santa Marta is the perfect starting point for many leisure and holiday activities. Along the coast to the east, you will find Tayrona National Park, the most famous national park in Colombia. There are also wonderful beaches. Another highlight is the Lost City hidden in the Sierra, which can be visited in a 4-day trek.

Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park, often referred to as just “Tayrona Park,” is a protected area located along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Situated in the northern part of the country, the park is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, biodiverse ecosystems, and cultural significance as the ancestral land of the indigenous Tayrona people.

Tayrona Park is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty. It encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear rivers. The park’s rich biodiversity is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The park is famous for its stunning beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. Some of the most popular beaches include Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, Arrecifes, and Playa Cristal. Visitors can relax on the shores, swim in the Caribbean Sea, or snorkel to explore the vibrant underwater world.

The park holds significant cultural importance as the ancestral land of the indigenous Tayrona people, who have inhabited the region for centuries. Several indigenous communities still reside within the park, maintaining their traditions, language, and connection to the land.

Within the park’s boundaries, there are various archaeological sites that bear witness to the ancient Tayrona civilization. Some of these sites include ancient terraces, ceremonial areas, and burial grounds, offering insights into the history and culture of the indigenous people who once thrived in the area.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Santa Marta

Arrival to Santa Marta

You will be picked up at the airport in Santa Marta and driven to your hotel.

The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport.

Half Day Santa Marta City tour

In the Santa Marta City Tour you will enjoy an exciting tour of approximately 3 hours through the most beautiful bay of America, in which you will visit the following places: La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the Historic Center of Santa Marta, declared a National Monument in 1963; the Monument that honors the native soccer star of the Pearl of America, Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama, and Taganga, a typical fishing village. In the Gold Museum you can appreciate the exhibition of the Anthropological and Ethnological Museum of the Tayrona Culture, their beliefs, mythologies, crafts and goldsmith pieces are exposed in this place, to know and explore the legacy of the milenary culture of the Tayrona.

Accommodation

Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Colombia.

Day 2: Santa Marta – Tayrona Park – Santa Marta

Full Day Tayrona Park

You will be picked up at the hotel and drive to the entrance of the Tayrona Park. From the entrance to Cabo San Juan you will walk approximately 3 hours. In Cabo San Juan you will find nice beaches and gastronomic offer. After some hours of relaxing, the public boat will leave around 15:00 to Taganga, where your transport already will await you. You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport in Santa Marta.

Very Important Info to Know Visiting Colombia

Santa Marta Colombia Travel Guide

Tips & Tricks for travelers visiting Colombia

Medical advice and recommendations for travelers visiting Colombia

Climate and weather overview for Colombia

Related Itineraries

Need a different length or focus? Browse other Pelecanus itineraries:

• Shorter Santa Marta trips: 1 day
• Longer Santa Marta trips: 3 days · 4 days · 5 days
• Try another destination: Bogotá 2d · Medellín 2d · Cartagena 2d · Cali 2d · Coffee Triangle 2d

Want a custom length? Tell us your dates and we’ll build it.

References

• Colombia Travel Guide
• Best Places to Visit