I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in both Santa Marta and Cartagena, and while both are undeniably beautiful, I’ve got to be honest—Santa Marta has my heart. If you’re planning a trip to Colombia’s Caribbean coast and aren’t sure which destination to pick, let me help you out.
Here’s my breakdown of how they compare, and why I believe Santa Marta deserves the top spot on your itinerary.
Atmosphere
Cartagena is picture-perfect—no doubt. The colonial architecture is stunning, and walking through the Old Town feels like a fairytale. But… it’s also packed. And expensive. And a bit curated for tourists. Santa Marta, on the other hand, is more laid-back and real. You’ll see locals living their lives, not just catering to cruise ship passengers. It feels more grounded.
Nature and Things to Do
This is where Santa Marta shines. If you love beaches, hiking, wildlife, waterfalls, and jungle, it’s all at your fingertips. Tayrona National Park is right there. You can be hiking through rainforest in the morning and swimming in the sea by afternoon. Cartagena? You’ll need to boat out to the Rosario Islands to get close to nature—and it’s not quite the same.
Beaches
Cartagena’s city beaches don’t do it for me. They’re crowded and a bit murky. To get the good stuff, you need to hop on a tour. Santa Marta has beaches everywhere—Playa Cristal, Cabo San Juan, Bahía Concha, Taganga, Costeño Beach—each one with its own vibe, and many are easy to get to without much hassle.
Prices
Another reason I keep going back to Santa Marta? It’s way easier on the budget. You can eat amazing seafood, stay in boutique hostels or hotels, and take day trips to waterfalls or national parks without emptying your wallet. Cartagena’s prices feel more like Miami or Cancun these days.
Culture
Cartagena wins when it comes to colonial charm and preserved architecture. It’s hard to beat the magic of that walled city. But Santa Marta is Colombia’s oldest city, and its cultural richness shines in a different way—through its indigenous heritage, laid-back Caribbean vibe, and music you’ll hear spilling out of every corner.
My Takeaway
Cartagena is great for a short visit or romantic weekend. But if you want a real adventure, if you want to swim under waterfalls, sleep in a hammock by the ocean, explore lost cities, and still enjoy good food and warm hospitality—go to Santa Marta.
