The historic port of Santa Marta showcases Colombia’s best features through well-organized city tours. In my decades of travel experience, three tours stand out: The Lost City Trek, though demanding, rewards hikers with South America’s most mysterious archaeological site. The Market-to-Table food tour connects travelers with local vendors and home cooks, offering the truest taste of Caribbean Colombia. The Historical Bike Tour efficiently covers the colonial center’s highlights in just three hours, perfect for beating the heat while learning about the city’s past.
I especially love the Lost City Trek for its expert indigenous guides and untouched jungle settings. The food tour wins points for letting visitors shop alongside locals and learn authentic cooking techniques.
Let’s explore the best tour options in Santa Marta.
Key Points
- Lost City Tours offer comprehensive 4-day guided treks to the ancient Tayrona ruins, with moderate fitness requirements and high satisfaction rates.
- Culinary Tours provide immersive experiences exploring Santa Marta’s local markets, dishes, and gastronomic traditions, catering to diverse tastes.
- Historical and Cultural Tours offer in-depth explorations of Santa Marta’s colonial heritage, including visits to key landmarks and museums.
- Adventure and Nature Tours combine outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and river explorations with cultural learning experiences.
- Tour operators offer a variety of booking options, flexible cancellation policies, and consideration for accessibility, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience.
4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada
The four-day walking tour to the Lost City of Sierra Nevada offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of the Tayrona people deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park.
Guided by experts, hikers will trek through lush jungle and mountainous terrain to reach the 1,200-step climb leading to the ruins. This small-group tour, limited to 12 participants, provides a personalized experience for those with moderate physical fitness.
Accommodation, meals, and pickup from hotels are included, though the tour isn’t recommended for those with serious medical conditions or mobility issues.
With 100 reviews and a 99% recommendation, this tour is an excellent choice for adventurous travelers seeking a close-up look at Colombia’s storied past.
Read our full review: 4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada Review
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Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City
For travelers seeking a deeper dive into the vibrant culinary scene of Santa Marta, the Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City promises an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
Priced at €63.09 per person, the 4-hour tour allows participants to explore the city’s Caribbean cuisine, visiting local markets, food stands, and historical sites.
Guests can expect to sample a variety of dishes, including bollo, patacón, carimañola, ceviche, and coconut rice, while interacting with the locals and learning about their culinary traditions.
With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and all risk insurance included, this tour offers a well-rounded gastronomic adventure in the heart of Santa Marta.
Read our full review: Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City Review
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4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta
Adventurous travelers seeking to uncover the ancient wonder of Colombia’s Lost City can embark on a 4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta.
This moderate-difficulty tour offers an immersive experience, with a maximum of 12 travelers. During the 3-night stay, guests will enjoy meals, transportation, and activities guided by English-speaking experts.
The tour includes national park fees, light refreshments, and opportunities to purchase indigenous crafts. While not recommended for those with certain health conditions, the tour receives high praise for its challenging yet rewarding trek, professional guides, and small group dynamic.
However, some travelers have reported issues with accommodation and communication, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly reviewing the tour details and policies.
Read our full review: 4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta Review
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Old Town and Quinta Pedro Alejandrino Santa Marta City Tour
Immersing visitors in Santa Marta’s vibrant history, the Old Town and Quinta Pedro Alejandrino Santa Marta City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of this Colombian coastal gem.
Priced at $87.89 per person, the 7-hour tour covers key historical landmarks, including the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Santa Marta’s charming old town.
Travelers can look forward to a guided tour, entry to the Tayrona Gold Museum, and a local lunch.
With pickup included and a free cancellation policy, this tour provides a convenient and enriching way to discover Santa Marta’s colonial heritage and the legacy of the iconic Simón Bolívar.
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended for this walking tour.
Read our full review: Old Town and Quinta Pedro Alejandrino Santa Marta City Tour Review
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Unmissable City Tour by Bicycle Through Santa Marta
Offering a unique perspective on Santa Marta, the Historic Center Bike Tour provides travelers with an unmissable way to explore the city’s vibrant history and landmarks.
Priced at just €15.40 per person, this highly-rated tour boasts a 99% recommendation rate from previous participants.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the 5 PM tour allows visitors to soak in the sunset views as they cycle through the streets, visiting key sites like the library, beach, church, and school.
With a maximum group size of 10, the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for acclimating to the city, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads.
Travelers can enjoy complimentary bottled water and benefit from the tour’s free cancellation and rescheduling policy.
Read our full review: Unmissable City Tour by Bicycle Through Santa Marta Review
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From Santa Marta: 4-Day Lost City Discovery Tour
For those seeking a more immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and natural wonders, the 4-Day Lost City Discovery Tour from Santa Marta is an unparalleled opportunity.
Priced from €754.12 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive itinerary that includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided visits to the Lost City.
Highlights include hiking to Cabañas de Adam, exploring the Buritaca River, and a 3-hour guided tour of the Lost City.
While not suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or young children, the tour offers a rewarding experience for active travelers.
With free cancellation and a pay-later option, this is an excellent choice for discovering the area’s treasures.
Read our full review: From Santa Marta: 4-Day Lost City Discovery Tour Review
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Old Town and Quinta San Pedro Santa Marta City Tour
Exploring the historic heart of Santa Marta, the Old Town and Quinta San Pedro City Tour provides an in-depth glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Rated 5.0 with 95% traveler recommendation, this private tour offers a well-rounded experience, including a knowledgeable guide, hotel pickup, and lunch. Guests can expect a flexible, accommodating experience, with specific praise for guides like Ceasar, Jose, and Andrea.
The tour covers notable sites like the Gold Museum, though it’s closed on Mondays.
Read our full review: Old Town and Quinta San Pedro Santa Marta City Tour Review
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Gold Museum & Santa Marta Old City Tour
This comprehensive 3-hour Gold Museum & Santa Marta Old City Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour includes a guided exploration of the Tayrona Gold Museum, showcasing indigenous metalwork, and visits to historical sites like Los Novios Park, the Cathedral Basilica, and Simon Bolivar Park.
Guests can also savor local snacks and traditional juices. Highlights include strolling along the bay, admiring colonial architecture, and engaging in a gastronomic experience.
With private transportation, an expert guide, and all-risk insurance, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Santa Marta’s history, traditions, and flavors.
Read our full review: Gold Museum & Santa Marta Old City Tour Review
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Tour of 2 Days Explore the New Lost City Ctg-Sta Marta
Set out on a captivating two-day journey to discover the New Lost City, seamlessly connecting Cartagena and Santa Marta. This tour offers a price from Kč 10,686 per person and limits the group size to 16 participants.
It includes roundtrip transportation, meals, accommodation, and a bilingual coordinator. On day one, you’ll explore Barranquilla and Calabazo before staying overnight at Makuma hostel.
The second day is dedicated to discovering the New Lost City, with opportunities to connect with nature and learn about the local community.
Booking is flexible, with a reserve now & pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Tour of 2 Days Explore the New Lost City Ctg-Sta Marta Review
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Santa Marta City Tour + Gold Museum
A compelling Santa Marta city tour and visit to the renowned Gold Museum await travelers. For $63 per person, this private tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights.
Travelers will be picked up from their accommodations or the airport and enjoy a guided tour, including the Gold Museum. Lunch is included, and the tour is accessible for most visitors, though not wheelchair-friendly.
With a perfect 5-star rating on Viator and TripAdvisor, this tour offers an excellent way to discover Santa Marta’s rich history and culture.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies allow travelers to secure their spot with peace of mind.
Read our full review: Santa Marta City Tour + Gold Museum Review
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From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour
Travelers seeking to explore beyond Cartagena can join this comprehensive guided city tour that takes them to the vibrant cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
The 15-hour tour departs from Cartagena before sunrise and includes visits to iconic landmarks like La Venta del Mundo monument and Sharks Fin monument in Barranquilla.
In Santa Marta, highlights include the Pibe Valderrama Monument, historic colonial streets, and the Rodadero beach.
With transportation, a guided experience, lunch, and entry to various sites included, this tour offers an efficient way to experience the highlights of these two cities.
However, participants should note the tour’s limitations regarding medical conditions and fitness levels.
Read our full review: From Cartagena: Barranquilla & Santa Marta Guided City Tour Review
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Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City Half-Day
Visitors to Santa Marta can enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene through the Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City Half-Day.
On this highly-rated tour, guests will experience local flavors by visiting markets and tasting dishes like ceviche, bollo, and coconut rice. They’ll engage with locals and learn about food origins and ingredients.
Priced from $66 per person, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide, transportation, food and drink samples, and lunch. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, participants can expect a personalized experience.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior makes this tour a convenient and flexible option for exploring Santa Marta’s gastronomic delights.
Read our full review: Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City Half-Day Review
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Lost City Teyuna 4 Days Tracking Tour
Trekking through the lush forests and rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Lost City Teyuna 4 Days Tracking Tour offers adventurous travelers a glimpse into the ancient ruins and rich cultural heritage of this remote region.
Priced from $650 per person, the tour accommodates up to 4 travelers and includes meals, fees, and tips.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the tour requires a moderate fitness level.
Pickup is available around the Santa Marta area, with an additional cost for transport from Palomino.
Reviewers rate the tour 4.5/5, though none have given it a 5-star rating.
Advance booking is required, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Lost City Teyuna 4 Days Tracking Tour Review
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Lost City Trek [Ciudad Perdida Tour] From Santa Marta & Taganga
![Lost City Trek [Ciudad Perdida Tour] From Santa Marta & Taganga](https://travel-buddies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1_lost-city-trek-ciudad-perdida-tour-from-santa-marta-taganga.jpg)
The Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida Tour) from Santa Marta and Taganga offers a four-night adventure through the Colombian jungle, catering to travelers with moderate fitness levels.
Participants will hike through the rainforest, visiting native communities in the Sierra Nevada region and exploring the ancient Ciudad Perdida ruins.
The trek includes all food, accommodation, and professional guides, with a maximum group size of 8 travelers.
However, it’s not suitable for those with certain medical conditions due to the moderate-to-high difficulty level.
Pickup is between 7-9 am, with a 9 am start time, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is priced at $579.23 per person.
Read our full review: Lost City Trek [Ciudad Perdida Tour] From Santa Marta & Taganga Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Marta offers a variety of engaging city tours to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. From walking tours of the Lost City to food tours of the old town, visitors can enjoy the diverse attractions of this coastal gem. Whether you prefer a guided bicycle tour or a multi-day trek, Santa Marta caters to all interests and fitness levels.