Useful Santa Marta tips.

Stay.

There are lot of accommodation options in Santa Marta's center and the nearby villages of Rodadero and Taganga. Prices range from US$5 a night to about US$30 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 300.000 COP to 400.000 COP per month) or staying with a Colombian family in a homestay, which will allow you to get your own room in a house with a Colombian family. The price is approximately 28,000 Colombian pesos per day, including room, food, laundry and internet. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a homestay or ask about apartments. Get more tips on our practical info page.

Una ranita, Tayrona National Park

Eat.

- The best natural juices (jugos naturales) will cool you down on Calle 16 / Carrera 5.
- Restaurant New Welcome on Calle 10C offers good power/price ratio.
- An average meal in a restaurant is 5,000-15,000 COP
- Almost all restaurants server 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.

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.

Still at home and need help with packing? You may find this article useful.