Santa Marta is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Santa Marta?
A typical traveler spends $39 (CO$151,122) per day on a trip to Santa Marta. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Santa Marta based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $17 (CO$66,076) on meals
- $5.15 (CO$20,099) on local transportation
- $27 (CO$106,316) on hotels
A one-week trip to Santa Marta for two people costs, on average, $542 (CO$2,115,708). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$271
CO$1,057,854
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$542
CO$2,115,708
-
One Month
Per person
$1,161
CO$4,533,660
-
One Week
For a couple
$542
CO$2,115,708
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,083
CO$4,231,416
-
One Month
For a couple
$2,321
CO$9,067,320
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santa Marta cost?
A one week trip to Santa Marta usually costs around $271 (CO$1,057,854) for one person and $542 (CO$2,115,708) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Santa Marta on average costs around $542 (CO$2,115,708) for one person and $1,083 (CO$4,231,416) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santa Marta will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Santa Marta on average costs around $1,161 (CO$4,533,660) for one person and $2,321 (CO$9,067,320) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Santa Marta expensive to visit?
In Santa Marta, budget travelers spend $15 (CO$62,096) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $38 (CO$151,122) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $91 (CO$365,678) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Santa Marta.
Santa Marta is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Santa Marta has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within South America, Santa Marta is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in South America for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Santa Marta.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santa Marta Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Santa Marta?
The average Santa Marta trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santa Marta travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santa Marta cost?
Santa Marta on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$5
(CO$20,600)
|
$14
(CO$53,158)
|
$36
(CO$140,280)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(CO$6,960)
|
$5
(CO$20,099)
|
$17
(CO$65,114)
|
|
Food2
|
$7
(CO$27,767)
|
$17
(CO$66,076)
|
$37
(CO$142,879)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$5
(CO$21,050)
|
$13
(CO$52,631)
|
$33
(CO$129,363)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(CO$4,547-13,642)
|
$3-10
(CO$12,799-38,397)
|
$10-31
(CO$39,790-119,369)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Santa Marta. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $15 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Santa Marta features plenty of hostels, such as Masaya Santa Marta, The Journey Hostel, and Mr. Baboon Hostel. At hostels like this, you can find economical dorm beds and a great social atmosphere, although amenities might be quite sparse.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Santa Marta will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $38 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Santa Marta. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Gitana del Mar Boutique Beach Resort is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Hotel Boutique Don Pepe is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Santa Marta here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $91. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Tayrona Park Hike And Beach Day with Private Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santa Marta
Hotel rates in Santa Marta vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $38 to $71. Expect prices to range from $17 for budget hotels to $147 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santa Marta for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $27 (CO$106,316). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $14 (CO$53,158) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santa Marta? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santa Marta include:
- Gitana del Mar Boutique Beach Resort starting at $198
- Hotel Boutique Don Pepe starting at $120
- Casa de Leda a Kali Hotel starting at $67
- Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina starting at $59
- Mercure Santa Marta Emile starting at $77
Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Transportation Budget in Santa Marta
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.15 (CO$20,099) per person, per day, on local transportation in Santa Marta. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santa Marta is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.15
CO$20,099
The Simon Bolivar airport, which has the same name as the one in Caracas in Venezuela has non-stop flights from Bogota and Medellin. It is located along the beach, 20 min south of town, but much closer to most of the beach resorts and only 10 min from El Rodadero, Santa Marta's main beach. The bus station is all the way out of town on the main highway and it will cost you between USD$1.75 and USD$3 to be dropped off near the beach in taxi. To avoid any trouble, you should fix the price before you get into the taxi. There are also mini buses that will bring you anywhere in the city for USD$0.50. Bus rides are available from Medellin (15 hours), Barranquilla (2 hours), Bucaramanga (8 hours), Bogota (16 hours) and San Gil (13 hours).
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Santa Marta to or from Cartagena Private Transfer for $149 details
- Roundtrip Private Airport Transfer Santa Marta (SMR) to City for $22 details
- Santa Marta Private Airport Transfer (SMR) to City for $11 details
How much does it cost to go to Santa Marta? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santa Marta will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Santa Marta are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Santa Marta. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
Food Budget in Santa Marta
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Santa Marta can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santa Marta is $17 (CO$66,076) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$17
CO$66,076
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santa Marta is around $16 (CO$66076) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $36. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santa Marta are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $5
- Lunch: $2 to $7
- Dinner: $5 to $12
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $2
Seafood, fish, carimanolas, egg arepas, yam and sweet fritters as well as preparations with green bananas (unripe banana) are essential components of local cuisine. Ceviche, fresh fruit, and lobster are all widely available in Santa Marta's street stalls for only a few dollars. Head to the ocean promenade known as Avenida Bastidas for an unbeatable outdoor dining experience with spectacular ocean views. The cayeye, a dish made with unripe banana is a good example of traditional cuisine of Santa Marta.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Santa Marta, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Private Santa Marta City & Food Tour for $86 details
- Flavors of Colombia - Santa Marta Street Food Tour for $93 details
- Food Tour in Santa Marta Old City Half-Day for $66 details
Typical prices for food in Santa Marta are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Santa Marta. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santa Marta
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santa Marta typically cost an average of $13 (CO$52,631) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
CO$52,631
Santa Marta's landscape consist of hot springs, crystal-clear rivers, cascades and a number of pristinely beautiful beaches. Start exploring this charming colonial city and get a taste of the local life at the Parque de los Novios and its leafy central plaza surrounded by restaurants and bars. The Rodadero is one of the most important tourist areas of the city due to the fact that it has the largest number of hotels, a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs so that you can experience a very unique stay. Live musicians and beach bars are the primary nighttime entertainment in this electric neighborhood. Those who have come to Santa Marta for beautiful beaches, this is your spot. Head to the gorgeous Playa Blanca, located on the other side of a headland just a short trip from the city. While this stunning stretch of sand is lined by a number of basic local restaurants, visitors still manage to feel miles away from the big city. Finally, visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino beautiful country estate where revolutionary hero Simon Bolivar lived out his final days.
As Colombia's premier beach destination, there are plenty of fun things to keep a traveler busy in Santa Marta. Check out to the stunning Tayrona National Park to end up on some of the best beaches in all of South America, where lush jungle scenery edges right up to the white sandy beaches and turquoise water for which the park is famed. Just north of town is Taganga, a tiny fishing village on the border with Tayrona National Park. Some come for its laidback small-town vibe, while others stick around to learn how to scuba dive on one of the most cost-effective PADI courses in the continent. Another incredible adventure is to trek to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). This spectacular indigenous citadel pre-dates the Inca and is a breathtaking sight surrounded by exotic jungle. Not for the faint of heart, a visit to the archaeological site requires an intense four to five-day trek through a difficult trail. Stop by the Museo del Oro to learn more about the history gold and the region. You can also go for a day in the charming town of Minca, only an hour's drive from Santa Marta's city center. Go for the day or stay overnight to really get to know this beautiful section of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and enjoy the organic coffee farms, jungle hikes and refreshing waterfalls.
A nice way to explore destinations in Santa Marta is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full-Day Tour in Minca: Hiking, Waterfalls, Coffee and Cocoa for $40 details
- Private La Victoria Coffee Tour – Waterfalls & Sierra Nevada for $171 details
- Authentic experience with the Sewiaxa Kogui community and the River 1 day. For $137 details
Nightlife Budget in Santa Marta
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $6.55 (CO$25,598) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santa Marta per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$6.55
CO$25,598
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Santa Marta. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Santa Marta, Colombia for $25 details
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Santa Marta, Colombia for $24 details
- Bar Crawl In Santa Marta for $125 details
Listed below are typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Santa Marta, as reported by real travelers. These figures should give you an idea of what drinks cost. However, your actual expenses will depend on your nightlife activities and dining choices, how frequently you consume alcohol, and the quantity you order. If you're looking to save on your trip, reducing your alcohol consumption is one of the easiest ways to cut down on your budget.
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Beer
CO$2,200
-
Beer
CO$9,000
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 11, 2025
Traveling in Santa Marta
Santa Marta, Colombia
Santa Marta is a city in the Magdalena Department of Colombia's Costa Norte. Over the last decade, security has steadily been replacing the shadow of the Colombia's violent past. One destination in Colombia's northeast region is now attracting more international visitors: the coastal Caribbean area of Santa Marta. 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. It is South America's oldest European-founded town and the second most important colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. While many travelers complain about Santa Marta's horrible traffic and unsightly urban sprawl, the city holds a numerous amounts of great hotels, bars and restaurants and holds a few fantastic destinations nearby to which you can go during the daytime.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.