Jens got some time off work to join me during on my sabbatical year and we decided to visit the Caribbean Coast of Colombia together. Our trip together was centered around hiking the Ciudad Perdida, with some beach time and visits to coffee and chocolate farms sprinkled in. As the Ciudad Perdida treks typically originate in Santa Marta, that is the airport we both flew into (me from San Andres, and Jens from Canada). Instead of staying in Santa Marta however, Jens and I decided to stay in El Rodadero 5KM south of Santa Marta instead. El Rodadero is just a 10 minute drive (or 15-20 minute collectivo ride) South of Santa Marta and is a popular vacation spot for people from Santa Marta because of its beaches. Santa Marta has a beach but it’s close to a lot of boat traffic, and not the cleanest at times. Using El Rodadero as a base for our time in the Santa Marta area allowed us to be conveniently located close to Santa Marta, but with the benefit of enjoying some beach time.
Contents:
- Accommodations
- Travelling between Santa Marta from El Rodadero
- Rodadero Beaches
- Museo de Oro in Santa Marta
- Parque de los Novios, Santa Marta
- Diving in the Santa Marta Region
- Trip Costs for 3 days and 2 nights in El Rodadero, Colombia
- Final Thoughts on El Rodadero and Santa Marta, Colombia
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Accommodations:
One of the benefits of staying in El Rodadero is that accommodations are typically cheaper than in Santa Marta. Jens and I got a private room at the Hostal Casa Telma just a few blocks from the beach for just approximately 85,000 COP (approx. $20USD) a night. The price even included breakfast!
Travelling between Santa Marta from El Rodadero:
While we stayed in El Rodadero, we definitely wanted to did not want to miss out on what Santa Marta had to offer. Taking a collectivo to Santa Marta from El Rodadero is very easy. Collectivos (basically public buses and mini vans) towards Santa Marta run every couple of minutes and vice versa. The one way fare is 2000 COP (approx. $0.50USD) and the ride takes about 10-15minutes depending on traffic. Taxi fare between Santa Marta and Rodadero is approximately 10,000 COP (approx. $2.50USD). Just hop on the bus, and give the fare to the driver when you’re ready – you can even take a seat while you take your money out. They will provide change.
Rodadero Beaches:
There are two major beaches within walking distance of Rodadero. Playa El Rodadero which is the larger beach to the north of the city and Playa Mamon to the south of the city. Playa El Rodadero being larger and busier has many restaurants nearby, as well as on the beach. It also has many more vendors. If you’re looking for something quieter, you might want to try Playa Salguero to the south of the city which is much quieter but does not have amenities like restaurants on the beach, although there are still vendors. Jens and I stayed just a few blocks from Playa Salguero at Hostel Casa Telma, and very much enjoyed the proximity to this quiet beach.
Museo de Oro in Santa Marta:
Housed in the colonial-era Casa de la Aduana (Customs House) – which is also the location where Simon Bolivar spent his final days – the Museo do Oro in Santa Marta is not to be missed. It contains a timeline of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast from indigenous civilisation; to colonisation; to liberation. The museum is an excellent primer to anyone wanting to know more about the history of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. Admission is free! Vaccination passport is required to enter.
Mercado Central Santa Marta:
A buzzing central market full of many fruit, vegetable, meat and other vendors. The market is also a major stop for collectivos going to other destinations along Colombia’s Caribbean coast including to Minca and Palermino.
Parque de los Novios, Santa Marta:
A beautiful square in the heart of Santa Marta surrounded by quaint cafes, and often musicians playing for tips. The large gazebo is often used by dancers practicing their craft. A wonderful place to have a coffee and watch life go by.
Diving in the Santa Marta Region:
Caribbean Pro Dive Center in Santa Marta is an excellent choice if you want to go diving the Santa Marta Area. Jens and I did two 2-tank dives at the Tayrona-Santa Marta reef for just 180,000 COP (approx $45USD) including all equipment. The company even arranged a taxi transfer (15,000 COP – about $4USD) for us that was ready and waiting to take us directly to the Santa Marta Marina 5 minutes before the pick-up time outside of our hostel in El Rodadero! Super professional, and highly recommended. Bring an extra 10,000 COP cash (approx. $2.50USD) each for the Marina entry.
Trip Costs for 3 days and 2 nights in El Rodadero, Colombia (for two people):
Accommodations: $60USD
Food and Dining: $80USD
Diving and Excursions: $95USD
Transportation: $8USD
Total: $243USD (for two people) or $121.50USD (per person).
Total costs for one person (Vivian) with flight from San Andres to Santa Marta:
Per-person cost for trip: $121.50USD
Flight from San Andres to Santa Marta: $79.83USD
Total cost (Vivian): $201.33USD
Final Thoughts on El Rodadero and Santa Marta, Colombia:
When people think of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta immediately spring to mind. While these cities are amazing, there’s one thing that both cities lack – proper beaches. El Rodadero allows you to be close to the major hub of Santa Marta while also having access to some lovely beaches for your downtime between museum visits, diving, and preparations for a Ciudad Perdida trek. Accommodations and dining also tend to be less expensive in Rodadero compared to Santa Marta as well.
Thank you so much. This was very helpful. In 20 days I will be going to Santa Marta and I was debating on where to stay.
How did you decide for Casa Telma? Are there any other comparable places?
Hello Alain, thanks for the lovely comment! We decided to stay at Casa Telma because it was the best price for value we found in El Rodadero. The property is on a quiet, safe street, but was just a 5 minute walk to the beach – which was wonderful 🙂 Hope this helps!