5 Best Santa Marta Tours in Colombia to Take in 2026

Expotur
November 30, 2025

Santa Marta is a beautiful city, known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for the warmth of its people, who make every visit even more enjoyable. Don’t let 2026 come to an end without discovering one of Colombia’s most captivating destinations. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your trip, this guide will introduce you to 5 Santa Marta tours that should be part of your itinerary in 2026.

Explore Tayrona Park: paradise beaches

Just a short distance from Santa Marta lies Tayrona National Natural Park, one of the most iconic destinations on the Colombian Caribbean coast and a must-have experience when visiting the Pearl of the Caribbean. Its combination of paradise beaches, tropical rainforest, mountains, and rich biodiversity makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to connect with nature and escape from their daily routine.

During your visit to Tayrona National Natural Park, you can explore trails surrounded by lush vegetation, spot different species of wildlife and plants, and discover some of its most renowned beaches, including Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal, and Gairaca. Each route offers a different perspective of this national park, where the landscapes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta meet the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Marta, visiting Tayrona National Natural Park is an excellent option for combining adventure, nature, and relaxation in a single trip.

Below, you’ll find three Santa Marta tours that will allow you to discover different landscapes, beaches, and natural settings within the park. Each destination offers a unique experience and different ways to enjoy the biodiversity and scenery that make Tayrona National Natural Park one of the must-visit destinations in the region.

1. Cabo San Juan Tayrona Tour

Cabo San Juan del Guía is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in Tayrona National Natural Park. Its iconic lookout hut, perched on a rocky formation surrounded by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, has become one of the most recognizable images of this popular destination in Santa Marta. However, the real magic of this tour lies in the journey to get there: an ecological hike that is ideal for nature and hiking enthusiasts.

During this trek, you’ll immerse yourself in a fascinating landscape of contrasts. The trail winds through the shade of tropical vegetation, allowing you to enjoy the local flora and wildlife at your own pace. At the end of this ecological hike, the reward is truly unforgettable: you’ll find yourself in front of one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches, where golden sand meets the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

What will you find at Cabo San Juan?

A natural connection: It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after an ecological hike along the park’s trails.
Complete services: It features a restaurant and shop where you can enjoy local cuisine, as well as a camping area if you decide to extend your adventure.
Travel tip: To ensure the best experience, we recommend checking the Tayrona National Park closure schedule in advance. This will help you plan your visit and make sure you can enter on your preferred dates.

👉 If you’d like to experience it for yourself, click here to book your day tour to Cabo San Juan Tayrona.

2. Playa Cristal Tour

Named the No. 1 beach in South America by TripAdvisor users in 2019, Playa Cristal, also locally known as Playa del Muerto, is a destination that truly lives up to its name. This corner of the Colombian Caribbean is the perfect escape for travelers seeking to disconnect from the everyday and enjoy a relaxing experience by the sea.

Unlike tours focused on long hikes, the main appeal of this experience is taking in and enjoying the surrounding environment. Its warm, crystal-clear waters and soft white sand create the perfect setting to relax under the sun and enjoy the beauty of the Colombian Caribbean.

It is also one of the best spots in Santa Marta for snorkeling. Just a few meters from the shore, you’ll find beautiful, colorful coral reefs that make it easy to discover the fascinating marine life of the region.

What will you find at Playa Cristal?

Experience focus: Total relaxation, ideal for families, couples, or travelers who prefer to avoid strenuous hikes.
Must-do activity: Go snorkeling to explore the coral reefs and discover the diversity of tropical fish.

👉 If you’d like to experience it for yourself, click here to book your one-day tour to Playa Cristal.

3. Gairaca Tour

Gairaca Beach is a lesser-known destination, but one filled with magic within Tayrona National Natural Park. Unlike some of the park’s busier bays, Gairaca stands out as one of the less-visited beaches, allowing you to enjoy its natural beauty in a truly peaceful and serene setting.

Access to this beach is through the Palangana entrance, a less crowded gateway that takes you along an unpaved road. Along the way, a must-see stop is the spectacular Siete Olas Viewpoint, where you can enjoy unforgettable views of the waves crashing against the coastline.

This one-day tour is ideal for travelers looking for more than just sun and beaches and wanting to experience something truly authentic. Its clear waters are perfect for swimming or enjoying some basic snorkeling from the shore. The experience is further enriched by a cultural talk led by a local guide, who shares the historical significance of the beach and insights into the Indigenous communities that once inhabited the surrounding area.

What will you find on this tour?

Peace and connection: A natural bay free from commercial activity, ideal for disconnecting from the noise of modern life and relaxing in the shade.
Immersive experience: Combine relaxation by the sea with the opportunity to learn about the ancestral culture of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Complete convenience: It is highly recommended to visit Gairaca with an organized tour through Expotur, which includes transportation, specialized guidance, and a traditional Caribbean lunch. To plan your visit without any setbacks, remember to check these dates against the park’s official environmental closure schedule.

👉 Discover this hidden gem and book your one-day tour to Gairaca Beach.

Adventure and culture in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Leaving behind the tropical beaches of Tayrona National Natural Park, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers a completely different experience as a tourist destination near the Pearl of the Caribbean. This mountain range is home to lush rainforests, rivers and crystal-clear waterfalls, Indigenous communities, hiking trails, and a cool climate that contrasts with the warmth of the coast.
If your goal is to connect with nature through active experiences and explore the cultural richness of the Pearl of the Caribbean, the following two Santa Marta tours are must-have experiences for your next trip.

4. Lost City Tour Colombia

The Lost City Teyuna is located deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. To reach this sacred archaeological site, you can choose between 3-, 4-, or 5-day tours. If you’re considering the 3-day option, it is important to confirm availability in advance.

The 4-day Lost City tour itinerary is the most popular choice among travelers looking to experience this unforgettable adventure. It offers the perfect balance between the physical challenge of the trek and enough time to enjoy a destination filled with nature, history, and immense cultural richness.

What makes this trek special?

Transformative Adventure: You’ll hike through lush rainforest trails, cross crystal-clear rivers, and sleep at campsites surrounded by the vastness of the mountains.
Ancestral connection: Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the heritage of the ancient Tayrona civilization and gain insight into the way of life of the Indigenous communities who protect this territory.
The ultimate destination: You’ll complete your journey by climbing the stone steps leading to the impressive archaeological terraces of Teyuna, a majestic landscape that will transport you back in time.

👉 Dare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Discover more information about this tour.

5. Minca Tour

Minca is a picturesque coffee-growing village nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Famous for its mild and pleasant climate, this destination offers a refreshing escape that perfectly contrasts with the warmth of the beaches, while providing plenty of opportunities to explore the lush rainforest.
It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking ecotourism and adventure, as well as those looking to spend a relaxing day surrounded by nature.

What activities can’t you miss in Minca?

Hiking Trails and Refreshing Waters: Explore the mountain’s ecological trails to discover beautiful crystal-clear waterfalls and natural pools where you can cool off and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Traditional agrotourism: Visit local farms to discover extensive coffee and cacao plantations and learn firsthand about the traditional processes behind their production.
Biodiversity and local flavors: Spend the morning birdwatching and spotting exotic species—Minca is a world-class destination for this activity—and end the afternoon by visiting the town’s popular craft brewery.

👉 Escape to the mountains! Discover more details and book your Minca tour here.