Question 1

How much is a Hostel in Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

Dorm beds in Santa Marta usually start from around €6.66 a night, and many hostels also have private rooms. Santa Marta is generally good value, but park entry, guided treks and tours can add up. Prices may rise in holiday periods, when many Colombians travel to the coast.

Question 2

What's the best area to stay in Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

The historic centre is often the first choice for backpackers, with bars, restaurants and easy transport. Taganga tends to suit divers and travellers who want a small village, and Rodadero has a busy local beach. Check how far your hostel is from the centre before you book.

Question 3

What's the most social Hostel in Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

Travellers love  Villa Layla-Naya  – Villa Layla-Naya for its atmosphere and friendly crowd. Many Santa Marta hostels have pools, rooftop bars and tour desks, which make it easy to meet other travellers. Groups often form for trips to Tayrona, Minca and the Lost City trek.

Question 4

Is Santa Marta safe for solo travellers?

Accepted Answer

Many solo travellers visit Santa Marta without problems, but you should take normal precautions. Keep your phone out of sight, use lockers, and avoid walking alone on quiet streets or beaches at night. Use licensed taxis or ones booked by your hostel after dark.

Question 5

Do Hostels in Santa Marta have private rooms or women-only dorms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most hostels in Santa Marta offer private rooms as well as dorms, and some have female-only dorms. Air-con is usually worth having, as the city is hot all year. Check each listing for pools and lockers, and read recent reviews for comments on noise.

Question 6

How do I get from the airport to my Hostel in Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

Santa Marta's airport is south of the city, near the coast. Taxis usually take you to the centre in a short ride, and some hostels may arrange pickups. Many travellers also arrive by bus from Cartagena or Barranquilla, and taxis typically wait at the bus station.

Question 7

What is there to do in Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

Hike and swim in Tayrona National Park, cool off in the mountains of Minca, and dive or snorkel from Taganga. Fit travellers often join the multi-day Lost City trek. In town, the historic centre has bars and live music, and the waterfront is usually lively at sunset.

Question 8

When is the best time to visit Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

The drier months, usually around the start of the year, tend to bring sunny days and the busiest beaches. Rain is more common later in the year, which may make jungle treks muddy. It is hot all year, so pack light clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Question 9

Can I cook in the Hostel or is breakfast included?

Accepted Answer

Most hostels in Santa Marta have a shared kitchen, and some include breakfast, so check each listing. Eating out is usually cheap at local restaurants. Try fried fish with coconut rice and patacones, fresh fruit juices, and arepas with egg, a snack typical of the Caribbean coast.

Question 10

How hard is the Lost City trek from Santa Marta?

Accepted Answer

The trek to the Lost City usually takes several days and must be booked with a licensed tour company. You hike through jungle, cross rivers and climb stone steps to the ancient site, sleeping in basic camps on the way. It is tough in the heat, so a good level of fitness is often recommended.

Hostels with kitchen in Santa Marta

Other Locations in Colombia