Last updated on March 18th, 2024 at 07:06 am
Comparison Santa Marta vs Cartagena – Comparing Santa Marta and Cartagena, while both have incredible warm weather, Santa Marta is known for its beautiful beaches while Cartagena is known for the Spanish colonial architecture and its old, historic and colorful towns. Read here Cartagena itinerary and Santa Marta itinerary
Let’s look at some of the top things to do between Santa Marta vs Cartagena, and help you choose which city to visit while in Northern Colombia. Read here Cartagena vs Medellin and Bogota vs Cartagena
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Comparing Santa Marta vs Cartagena
While you can’t go wrong with either Santa Marta or Cartagena, these destinations bring different experiences to your Colombian vacation. Cartagena is full of beautiful and colorful Spanish colonial buildings and historic old towns. Santa Marta is popular for its blue beaches and its surrounding mountains and nature.
If you’re looking for a more nature-centered trip, Santa Marta is better for you with its beautiful beaches and closeness to Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada. In comparison, Cartagena is best if you love colorful colonial towns as downtown Cartagena is complete imagery of this. There are also chances of visiting beaches and islands in Cartagena as well. When it comes to budget, a trip to Cartagena can get more expensive than Santa Marta.
Cartagena is one of the most important ports during the Spanish colonial period, and you’ll see the old fortress and walls, and buildings that have been preserved since this period. Since it has a port area, Cartagena also has beaches and islands you can go to when visiting the town.
Santa Marta, on the other hand, is near beaches like Taganga and National Park like the Tayrona National Park, and these are activities you can add to your Santa Marta trip, in addition to the blue beaches.
Getting Your Simcard in Cartagena – Cartagena vs Santa Marta
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at the Cartagena airport. If you wish for something really comfortable, you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Cartagena. Read here Colombia sim card for tourist
Language in Colombia – English and Spanish in Cartagena
If you’re looking at spending a lot of time walking around and getting in the thick of it when it comes to conversing and saying hellos to locals, you might see yourself needing some Spanish vocabulary. Apps can easily help with this. If you’ll be spending time with friends and in tourist and digital nomad areas, you’ll see Cartagena both good area for connecting to travelers and foreigners in the city so you can connect and meet English speakers.
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Where to Stay – Santa Marta vs Cartagena
Accommodation prices can take you around $10-12 USD if you sleep in a dorm. For mid-budget accommodation starts at $40-60 USD and for more than $100 USD you will find luxury accommodation in Cartagena.
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Getting There – Cartagena vs Santa Marta
Getting to Cartagena
By plane: The Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is located in Cartagena and serves domestic and international flights. You can fly to Cartagena from major cities in Colombia, as well as from some international destinations.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate routes to Cartagena from major cities in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Santa Marta.
By car: If you have your own transportation, you can drive to Cartagena from major cities in Colombia. The trip from Santa Marta takes about five hours by car.
By boat: If you are coming from nearby islands, such as Isla de Los Piratas or Isla de los Muertos, you can take a boat to Cartagena.
Getting to Santa Marta
By plane: The Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) is located in Santa Marta and serves domestic and international flights. You can fly to Santa Marta from major cities in Colombia, as well as from some international destinations.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate routes to Santa Marta from major cities in Colombia, such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
By car: If you have your own transportation, you can drive to Santa Marta from major cities in Colombia. The trip from Cartagena takes about five hours by car.
By boat: If you are coming from nearby islands, such as Isla de Los Piratas or Isla de los Muertos, you can take a boat to Santa Marta.
Read here how to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta
How Long is Enough to Visit Cartagena
The length of time needed to visit Cartagena depends on your interests and the type of trip you want to have. Here are a few suggestions for how to plan your trip:
If you want to get a taste of Cartagena’s history and culture, two or three days might be enough to visit the main landmarks and landmarks and try some local cuisine.
If you want to spend more time exploring the city and its surroundings, such as the beaches and the Rosario Islands, four or five days might be a good length of stay.
If you want to have a more relaxed trip and spend more time relaxing on the beach or at a resort, you might want to stay for a week or more.
Ultimately, the best length of time for your visit to Cartagena depends on your interests and the type of trip you want to have. It’s a good idea to make a list of the things you want to see and do, and then plan your trip accordingly.
How Long is Enough to Visit Santa Marta
If you want to get a taste of Santa Marta’s history and culture, two or three days might be enough to visit the main landmarks and landmarks and try some local cuisine.
If you want to spend more time exploring the city and its surroundings, such as the nearby beaches and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, four or five days might be a good length of stay.
If you want to have a more relaxed trip and spend more time relaxing on the beach or at a resort, you might want to stay for a week or more.
Travel Budget – Santa Marta vs Cartagena
Let’s look at possible expenses, more or less for both Santa Marta and Cartagena. Please know that these are approximate so make sure you make the necessary calculations and adjustments based on the type of trip you’ll be doing.
Budget for 1 person in Santa Marta Colombia for 1 week
The cost of a week-long trip to Santa Marta, Colombia will depend on a variety of factors, such as your travel style, the type of accommodation you choose, and your spending habits. Here are some estimates for the cost of a one-week trip to Santa Marta for one person:
Accommodation
Prices for accommodation in Santa Marta range from about $20 per night for a budget hostel to $100 or more per night for a luxury hotel.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Food
The cost of food in Santa Marta will depend on where you eat and what you order. Prices at local restaurants and street food stalls are generally lower than at more upscale establishments. You can expect to spend about $10-$20 per day on food, depending on your preferences.
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Santa Marta will depend on your mode of transportation and how much you plan to use it. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, and you can expect to pay about $5-$10 for a one-way trip within the city. Bus tickets cost about $0.50 per ride.
Activities
Prices for activities in Santa Marta will vary depending on what you want to do. A tour of the city’s historic center might cost about $20-$30, while a trip to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range might cost about $50-$100.
Based on these estimates, you can expect to spend a total of about $700-$1,500 or more for a one-week trip to Santa Marta, depending on your travel style and the type of accommodation you choose. It’s a good idea to budget a little extra in case of unexpected expenses.
Budget for 1 week in Cartagena for 1 person
The cost of a week-long trip to Cartagena will depend on a variety of factors, such as your travel style, the type of accommodation you choose, and your spending habits. Here are some estimates for the cost of a one-week trip to Cartagena for one person:
Accommodation
Prices for accommodation in Cartagena range from about $20 per night for a budget hostel to $300 or more per night for a luxury hotel.
Food
The cost of food in Cartagena will depend on where you eat and what you order. Prices at local restaurants and street food stalls are generally lower than at more upscale establishments. You can expect to spend about $10-$20 per day on food, depending on your preferences.
Transportation
The cost of transportation in Cartagena will depend on your mode of transportation and how much you plan to use it. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, and you can expect to pay about $5-$10 for a one-way trip within the city. Bus tickets cost about $0.50 per ride.
Activities
Prices for activities in Cartagena will vary depending on what you want to do. A tour of the city’s historic center might cost about $20-$30, while a trip to the Rosario Islands might cost about $50-$100.
Based on these estimates, you can expect to spend a total of about $800-$1,500 or more for a one-week trip to Cartagena, depending on your travel style and the type of accommodation you choose. It’s a good idea to budget a little extra in case of unexpected expenses.
Things to Do – Santa Marta vs Cartagena
1. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. The castle was built in 1536 and is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro.
It was built by African slave labor under Spanish supervision during the colonial era. The fortress was involved in several battles between the late 17th to early 19th centuries between European powers.
Click here to book online Cartagena activities and day trips
2. Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandria
The Cathedral of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, is located in the historic center of Cartagena. It is the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Cartagena de Indias, one of the oldest episcopal sees in the Americas.
3. Plaza de la Aduana
This is the largest and oldest square in the Old Town and was used as a parade ground. In colonial times all the important governmental and administrative buildings were here. The old Royal Customs House has been restored and is now the City Hall. A statue of Christopher Columbus stands in the center of the square.
4. Las Bovedas (The Vaults) in Cartagena
Souvenir shops are set up within each of the old jail cells and offer a wide variety of “classic” Colombian souvenirs.
Las Bovedas (ie The Vaults) may seem like an odd place for souvenir shops. There is a strong history behind these vaults, as they. have been used as prison cells during colonial times. And now they are places people can buy souevenirs for shopping.
5. Getsemani
Deemed Cartagena’s hip area, it’s full of colorful street art, and hotels that are cheaper and mid-budget. There are so many small streets here that are full of designs like colorful umbrellas and flaglets and you’ll easily get lost in a sea of Instagrammable areas!
6. Walls of Cartagena – Santa Marta vs Cartagena
Cartagena is of course most popular for its location as it is one of the most important ports when it comes to trading with the Americas in colonial times. It is also walled due to the wars happening at those times, and the relics are now a big part of what gives this old town its allure and personality.
7. Portal de los Dulces
So much colorful shops around!
8. Plaza de Santa Teresa – Santa Marta vs Cartagena
With the Cathedral de San Pedro Claver in the background, this plaza is easily one of my favorites. Full of restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, this place has an old town with a lot of modern amenities. It transports you to another place in time, and it’s just lovely to be out here, even with all the Cartagena sun!
9. Plaza de los Coches
It’s honestly hard to differentiate all the plazas around Cartagena. However, if you love walking, you’ll surely see all these places so make sure to not miss them!
10. Casa De Gabriel Garcia Marquez
One of the most famous novelists in the world, Gabriel Carcia Marquez died in his home in Colombia. His house is private property, but you can see it from outside, and it’s something you can cross off your list if it’s one of the things you always wanted to experience once in your life!
11. Bahia de Cartagena
A lot of water is surrounding Cartagena, and it just adds to the city’s beauty.
12. Parque Simon Bolivar de Cartagena
This park is created to celebrate the hero, Simon Bolivar, who fought against Spain and is the key to South America’s liberation. He is a prominent name in Latin America’s history, and all the historic area is named under the town, Bolivar, Cartagena.
13. Cartagena Streets and Walls – Cartagena de Indias Colors 444
Frankly, it’s easy to go around Cartagena town and just walk around and enjoy the old town’s historic buildings. They are all colorful, with flowers, and just gives you a feeling of beauty and being transported to another time (I know we’re repeating ourselves, but it’s part of Cartagena’s real beauty)
14. Palenquera in Cartagena
One of the more touristy things to do is take photos with the women in Cartagena, dressed in costumes. Now, this activity gets really touristy, and expect them to charge you some money for taking photos with them.
15. Street Art in Cartagena
All of South America is covered with beautiful graffiti and street art. It’s one of the ways locals have expressed their life experiences and history, and it’s visible in all of South America – like in Colombia and Brazil.
Cartagena is full of beautiful hand-painted walls with graffiti drawn by locals. You can see them around Gethsemani, the backpacker area, but in a lot more places, and a lot of this graffiti have historical significance.
If you love art, you can easily go around Cartagena to see them, or book a walking tour to have a better understanding of what all this art represents.
16. La Boca del Puente and Clock Tower Monument / Munumento Torre del Reloj – Santa Marta vs Cartagena
One of our favorite areas in Cartagena, and we loved walking here every day! These are housed in Cartagena’s Plaza de Paz.
Click here to book online Cartagena activities and day trips
Beaches to Visit When in Cartagena
Cartagena is a city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, known for its beautiful beaches and colonial-style architecture. If you are planning a trip to Cartagena and are looking for beaches to visit, here are a few options:
1. Playa Bocagrande
Located on the south side of Cartagena, Playa Bocagrande is a popular tourist destination known for its high-rise hotels and restaurants. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or try water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
2. Playa Blanca
Located on a small island just off the coast of Cartagena, Playa Blanca is known for its white sand and crystal-clear water. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or try water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
3. Playa del Pozo
Located on the north side of Cartagena, Playa del Pozo is a small, quiet beach with a laid-back atmosphere. You can relax on the sand, go for a swim, or try local seafood at one of the nearby restaurants.
4. Playa Castillogrande
Located on the western side of Cartagena, Playa Castillogrande is a popular beach known for its fine white sand and calm water. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or play beach sports such as volleyball.
5. Playa Manzanillo del Mar
Located on the east side of Cartagena, Playa Manzanillo del Mar is a quiet, secluded beach known for its crystal-clear water and white sand. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or take a walk along the beach.
6. Playa Laguito
Located on the north side of Cartagena, Playa Laguito is a small, quiet beach known for its calm water and fine white sand. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or try local seafood at one of the nearby restaurants.
Popular Day Trips from Cartagena
Rosario Islands / Islas del Rosario
Islas del Rosario or Rosario islands is a 45 minutes ferry ride from the La Bodeguita dock in Cartagena de Indias. Each ticket costs about 30,000 COP and you buy the ticket directly at the pier.
From here, you can get access to other various islands and a fun way to experience another side of Cartagena away from the old walled city (which is a gem by itself).
Isla Baru, Cartagena
Access to Isla Baru can be done by water, crossing the Bay of Cartagena. You can go on the daily boat and yacht tours that leave from Islas del Rosario. If you want to do this another way, you can do so by crossing the Canal del Dique in a planchón or ferry.
Isla Baru is not only popular for its blue waters and white sand beaches, there are also water activities like snorkelling available.
Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is one of the popular beaches part of Isla Baru.
Things to Do in Santa Marta – Cartagena vs Santa Marta
1. Santa Marta Central
Visit the historic center of Santa Marta, which is home to many interesting landmarks and cultural sites, such as the Cathedral of Santa Marta and the Gold Museum.
Click here to book online Santa Marta activities and day trips
2. Sierra Nevada
Take a trip to the nearby Sierra Nevada mountain range, which offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
3. Santa Marta Beaches
Go to the beach and enjoy the warm, tropical climate. There are many beautiful beaches in the area, including Playa Blanca and Rodadero Beach.
4. Minca
Visit the nearby village of Minca, which is known for its coffee plantations and stunning natural beauty.
5. Islas
Take a boat tour of the nearby islands, such as Isla de Los Piratas and Isla de los Muertos.
6. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the historic estate where Colombian independence hero Simon Bolivar died.
7. Eating in Santa Marta
Try some local cuisine, such as ceviche, empanadas, and arepas.
8. Market Visits in Santa Marta
Go shopping at one of the local markets or craft fairs.
9. Water Activities in Santa Marta
Participate in a variety of water sports, such as surfing, diving, and fishing.
Beaches in Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, known for its beautiful beaches and historical landmarks. If you are planning a trip to Santa Marta and are looking for beaches to visit, here are a few options:
1. Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca: Located just outside of Santa Marta, Playa Blanca is a popular beach known for its white sand and crystal-clear water. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or try water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
2. Playa Bello Horizonte
Playa Bello Horizonte: Located on the outskirts of Santa Marta, Playa Bello Horizonte is a quiet beach with a laid-back atmosphere. You can relax on the sand, go for a swim, or try local seafood at one of the nearby restaurants.
3. Playa Taganga – Cartagena vs Santa Marta
Playa Taganga: Located a few kilometers from Santa Marta, Playa Taganga is a small fishing village with a bohemian atmosphere. You can visit the local market, try seafood, or take a boat tour to nearby islands.
3. Playa Rodadero
Playa Rodadero: Located on the outskirts of Santa Marta, Playa Rodadero is a popular tourist destination known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear water. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or try water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
4. Playa Neguanje
Playa Neguanje: Located a few hours from Santa Marta, Playa Neguanje is a secluded beach known for its white sand and crystal-clear water. You can go swimming, sunbathing, or take a boat tour to nearby islands.
Are the beaches in Santa Marta better than Cartagena?
The quality of the beaches in Santa Marta and Cartagena can vary depending on the specific beach and the time of year. In general, both destinations have beautiful beaches with clear, turquoise waters and soft, white sand. Here are a few things to consider when deciding which destination has better beaches:
Proximity to the city
Santa Marta is located closer to the beaches than Cartagena, so it might be more convenient if you want to spend a lot of time at the beach.
Beach Quality
Some of the beaches in Santa Marta, such as Playa Blanca, are known for their pristine, white-sand beaches and clear waters. However, there are also many beautiful beaches in Cartagena, such as Playa Blanca and Playa del Bosque, that offer similar qualities.
Crowds
Both destinations can get crowded during peak season (December to April), so you’ll need to consider this if you prefer more solitude on the beach.
Ultimately, the best destination for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of trip you want to have. It’s a good idea to research the specific beaches you are interested in and compare them to find the one that best suits your needs.
Best time to Visit Cartagena
The best time to visit Cartagena depends on your preferences and the type of trip you are planning. Here are a few things to consider:
Weather
Cartagena has a tropical climate, with hot, humid weather year-round. The rainy season runs from May to November, and the dry season runs from December to April. If you prefer dry, sunny weather, you might want to visit during the dry season. However, the rainy season can also be a good time to visit, as the showers are often brief and the prices for accommodation and flights may be lower.
Crowds
Cartagena is a popular tourist destination, and the city can get quite crowded during peak season, which runs from December to April. If you prefer to avoid crowds, you might want to visit during the off-peak season.
Festivals and events
Cartagena is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cartagena International Film Festival and the Cartagena Music Festival. To experience one of these events, you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Cartagena depends on your personal preferences and the type of trip you want to have. It’s a good idea to consider the weather, crowds, and events when planning your trip.
Best time to Visit Santa Marta
Weather
Santa Marta has a tropical climate, with hot, humid weather year-round. The rainy season runs from May to November, and the dry season runs from December to April. If you prefer dry, sunny weather, you might want to visit during the dry season. However, the rainy season can also be a good time to visit, as the showers are often brief and the prices for accommodation and flights may be lower.
Crowd
Santa Marta is a popular tourist destination, and the city can get quite crowded during peak season, which runs from December to April. If you prefer to avoid crowds, you might want to visit during the off-peak season.
Festivals and events
Santa Marta is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata and the Carnaval de Barranquilla. To experience one of these events, you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.
Cash and ATMs in Colombia
The official currency of Colombia is called Colombian Peso (COP). And $1 USD=4000 COP. ATMs are available all throughout the country but my advice to you is to use those inside the banks.
And it is also advisable to withdraw as much as you can because fees for transactions tend to be higher for foreign cars. The maximum amount that you can withdraw will be around 600K COP depending on the bank.
Click here to check the exact change rate.
Final Thoughts on Santa Marta vs Cartagena
Between Santa Marta and Cartagena, we choose Santa Marta as our winner! Santa Marta’s nice warm beaches is just a nice excuse to stay longer in Colombia, and we love how we can add more activities like Sierra Nevada, Minca and Tayrona to Santa Marta. Cartagena is perfect if you want more of an urban city-centered trip, colonial and beautiful with chances of visiting beaches as well.
Let us know what you ended up choosing and don’t hesitate to ask us questions!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.