tips from a local
WHERE TO STAY?
There are lots of accommodation options in Santa Marta's center and the nearby villages of Rodadero and Taganga. Prices range from 15.000COP a night to about 30.000COP a night. We recommend hostels La Brisa Loca, The Dreamer Hostel, and Aluna Casa y Cafe for your first days in Santa Marta. If you are staying in Taganga we recommend Casa Holanda.
You also have the option of renting an apartment (about 300.000COP to 400.000 COP per month) or staying with a Colombian family in a homestay,which will allow you to have a room in a house with the family. The price is approximately 30.000 COP per day, including room, all food, and internet.
Please contact us if you would like to arrange a homestay or ask about apartments
EATING!
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The best natural juices (Jugos Naturales) will cool you down on Calle 16/Carrera 5.
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Restaurant New Welcome on Calle 10C offers good power/price ratio.
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An average meal in a restaurant is 5,000-15,000 COP
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Almost all restaurants serve almuerzos (Set Lunch) between 12pm and 2pm for about 6.000 COP
DIVE
If you like diving we recommend Aquantis Dive Center located in Taganga, which offers discounts for volunteers.
MORE TRAVEL INFO!
Lots of information can be found on PoorButHappy in Colombia , Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum and the official tourist website www.colombia.travel. We also recommend travel company Colombian Travels if you would like to do some tours around Colombia.