Solo Travel in Santa Marta
Colombia
About Santa Marta for Solo Travelers
The oldest European city in South America and gateway to Colombia's Caribbean coast — solo travelers base here for Tayrona's jungle beaches and the extraordinary Lost City trek through the Sierra Nevada.
Solo Travel Tips· Solo Friendly
Santa Marta is the gateway to Tayrona National Park and the Lost City trek — both are outstanding solo experiences. The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) 4-6 day trek groups you with other trekkers; the jungle camps are socially lively at night. Tayrona's beaches are reachable by bus and daypack. The city centre is basic but the Rodadero beach and Taganga fishing village nearby are pleasant solo stops.
Safety Score
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Cost Level
Language
Spanish
Currency
COP
Solo Level
Great infrastructure, English-friendly, well-established solo traveler culture.
📋 Resources for your trip
Where to stay in Santa Marta
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Solo-friendly tours
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Things to do in Santa Marta
Solo-friendly tours & activities, hand-picked
Top Spots in Santa Marta for Solo Travelers
Showing 3 spots
La Brisa Loca Hostel
Accommodation
A big, sociable hostel in a restored colonial mansion in Santa Marta's historic centre, with a pool, dorms and private rooms, and a rooftop bar with live music and DJs from Thursday to Sunday. It's a party hostel, so bring earplugs, but it's also a handy base for trips to Tayrona, Minca and the Lost City trek.
📍Calle 14 #3-58, Centro Histórico, Santa Marta, Colombia
Lulo Café Bar
Cafes
A relaxed café-bar in the historic centre that grew over 15 years from a tiny arepa stand, serving arepas, ceviche, salads, wraps and fresh tropical juices from breakfast until late. It's a popular meeting point for travellers heading to Tayrona or back from the Lost City trek, and a comfortable place to eat alone.
📍Carrera 3 #16-34, Centro Histórico, Santa Marta, Colombia
Playa Grande Taganga
Nature
A sheltered beach reached by a short boat ride or a walk over the headland from the fishing village of Taganga, just north of Santa Marta. Beach shacks serve fried fish with coconut rice and patacones, and the water is calm for swimming. Taganga is known for cheap diving courses; keep an eye on belongings.
📍Playa Grande, Taganga, Santa Marta, Colombia
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