Santa Marta

A pass through city that makes it worth your while. Santa Marta is located an hour outside of Tayrona National Park, making it the go-to stop for people heading to the park. As I mentioned in the post about Tayrona, getting from Cartagena to Tayrona is difficult. They recommened stopping in Santa Marta because there are buses and taxis willing to travel that route. 

Downtown Santa Marta

Santa Marta has a hipster vibe. You can find some cool cafes with live walls, fantastic street music, and healthy wraps. Here are my recommendations for your 24 hour visit:

Walk Calle 19- This seemed to be one of the busiest streets at night. It is filled with bars, restaurants and street performers. I didn't get to try many of the spots, but you can follow the crowds and they won't steer you wrong. My favorite part of the night was having a drink in the narrow alley and watching these young artists jam.  

Local talent

A full band entertains us in the alley

Lulo- Healthy and tasty food options. Sit outside and watch the locals walk by. I had the plantain chips with guacamole as an appetizer and it was out of this world. And check out this delightful wrap with a balsamic glaze. Santa Marta has a lot of organic/local grown/healthy options, but be sure to try this one in particular! 

Ikaro Cafe- This organic cafe offers way more than locally grown eats. It's half cafe and half lounge. People spread out across the big mattresses and enjoy drinks while chatting, writing, drawing and napping. If you are in need of a good day time hangout spot to catch up on emails or just want to rest among people, Ikaro Cafe is the spot to go. 

Entrance to Ikaro Cafe

La Primera Restaurant Bar- This is the spot for sunset drinks. This roof deck provides an unobstructed view of the sunset. The only complaint is that a little to the right is a huge, ugly plant and port with cruise ships. The waiter at this location was my favorite of the whole trip. He kept coming over to me with words he wanted me to teach him in english. He wanted to be able to communicate in english to future guests so he was practicing. He was the best! 

Sunset view from La Primera Restaurante Bar

Taking it all in at La Primera Restaurante Bar.