Santa Marta Food Experience
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
In this experience you will discover the unique flavors of the Caribbean region of Colombia with a local guide. We will go to 7 places in total in the historical center of Santa Marta and sample a variety of traditional food and drinks. We will visit multiple family-owned businesses to try arepas de huevo, cayeye, and other special dishes, as well as meet with some of the best professional baristas in the region. In a single afternoon, you will be able to learn more about the Caribbean Colombian culture through its food and history. This tour is accomodating for both vegetarian and vegan preferences. We will eat enough for lunch and dinner so please make sure you come hungry!
Available options
Santa Marta Food Experience
What's included
Bottled water
We will stop at 7 different food and beverage places and try samples of Colombian Costeño food.
Fresh juice
Professional tour guide
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
We will all meet up here to begin our tour.
2
We will start off by heading to a local market to sample a very traditional dish at a family-owned restaurant.
3
Next we will see how a classic dish from the Carribean coast of Colombia is prepared: the arepa de huevo. We will watch as a local cook makes this delicious snack step-by-step before trying them fresh.
4
At this stop we will dive into Colombian coffee culture and discuss its impact on the country. We will have a professional barrista prepare coffee for us in a unique way; we will smell and taste a cup of high quality organic coffee.
5
We will pass by the cathedral of the oldest city in Colombia.
6
We will walk around the harbor of Santa Marta. There we can stop to take pictures, enjoy the beachside, or try any of the small shops and restaurants.
7
Here we will try delicious Caribbean patacones with a special Santa Martan twist!
What's not included
Alcoholic Beverages
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
18 reviews
5★
16
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.8
17 reviews
5★
15
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We will all meet up in front of the San Fransisco Church in the San Fransisco Square.
Important notes
PLEASE BRING YOUR VACCINATION CARD AS SOME RESTAURANTS REQUIRE IT TO ENTER.
Please bring walking shoes, an umbrella, and a bottle of water.
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and as the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park. This city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the Caribbean coast.
Top Attractions
Tayrona National Park
A stunning national park with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, camping, and relaxing.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Moderate (Entry fee around $10-15 USD)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A historic hacienda and museum dedicated to the life of Simón Bolívar, Colombia's legendary liberator.
Historical
2-3 hours
Budget (Entry fee around $2-5 USD)
Taganga
A charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Beach
Half day or full day
Budget to Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Arepas
Cornmeal cakes, often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Contains seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Trek to Ciudad Perdida
Surfing in Palomino
Beach relaxation in El Rodadero
Spa treatments
Coffee tasting in Minca
Visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Exploring Centro Histórico
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the dry season, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
26°C to 32°C
79°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services
Getting there
By air
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and slow.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
El Rodadero
Centro Histórico
Gairiga
Day trips
Minca
40 km • Full day or overnight
A picturesque mountain town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and eco-lodges.
Palomino
80 km • Full day or overnight
A laid-back beach town with beautiful white sand beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
40 km • Multi-day trek (4-5 days)
A challenging trek through the jungle to an ancient ruins site, older than Machu Picchu.
Festivals
Festival de la Autenticidad • January
Carnaval de Santa Marta • February/March (before Lent)
Feria de las Flores • July
Pro tips
- Visit Tayrona National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for a unique experience
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
- Try the local coffee and seafood dishes
- Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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