Santa Marta, Colombia: Top 5 Things to Do
Take an off-the-beaten-path trip to Santa Marta, Colombia.
By:
Scott Sherwood
Established in 1525 by the Spanish as a base of conquest, Santa Marta sits at the foot of the world’s highest coastal mountain range, the towering Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Sultry by day and balmy by night, the Santa Marta area requires a streak of adventure and willingness to learn a little Spanish, but the broad range of activities and excursions -- including the area’s crown jewel, Tayrona National Park -- are well worth the effort.
Tayrona's Beauty and Beaches
ProExport Colombia
Take land or sea transport to must-see beaches such as Neguange, Playa Cristal and Concha, surrounded by bays jutting out of the Sierra Nevada’s knarled jungle cover and palm trees. After seeing all the beaches, experience some waves on your own or with the family by taking surfing lessons at the relaxed Casa Grande Surf school, just 3 miles from Tayrona.
Diving and Snorkeling off Taganga
Scott Sherwood
Taganga is popular with the backpacker crowd. Loud music from the one club in town can turn a tranquil location into a loudspeaker, but Taganga is worth a visit. Try the Bahia hotel and restaurant overlooking the bay, where the friendly staff are ready to assist with travel arrangements utilizing the best taxi driver in town, Nestor.
6-Day Trek to the "Lost City"
Andrew Hyde, flickr
Minca's Waterfalls, Coffee Plantations and Exotic Birds
Scott Sherwood
Where to Stay
Haceme un 14, flickr
Getting Around Santa Marta
Next Up
Costa Rica's Puerto Viejo Is a Great Off-the-Beaten-Path Pick
Less crowds and more fun on the Caribbean coast.
South America's Earth Wonders
South America is a magical place with natural wonders including the Amazon River, the wild Galapagos Islands and Angel Falls.
Try a Voluntour Vacation
These trips mix service, adventure and fun.
Costa Rica Adventures
As you plan your visit to Costa Rica, put these unique outdoor experiences on your must-do list
Pernambuco, Brazil
Known for its beautiful beaches, Pernambuco is exotic and remote, providing the ultimate escape from reality.
Where to Get an Adrenaline Rush in 2014
Get your adrenaline rush with 2014's wildest adventure destinations.
Where to Get an Adrenaline Rush
Get your adrenaline rush with 2014's wildest adventure destinations.
Florida Wildlife
Travel Channel's top picks for spotting wildlife in Florida.
7 Peru Adventure Ideas
Plan your next adventure in Peru with help from Travel Channel.
Surfing Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the best waves on the planet, crashing along beaches that are clean and blissfully empty.