From Cartagena: Santa Marta Day Trip With Breakfast & Lunch

Exploring the historic city of Santa Marta from Cartagena can be an enriching cultural experience. This day trip offers visitors a well-curated itinerary, featuring visits to significant landmarks, a charming neighborhood tour, and opportunities to savor local cuisine. With breakfast and lunch included, the tour provides a seamless blend of sightseeing and culinary delights. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a food lover, this excursion promises to immerse you in the unique character of Santa Marta. Uncover the city’s treasures and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Colombian experience.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Lunch Experiences In Santa Marta.

Key Points

• A 17-hour excursion from Cartagena to Santa Marta, visiting attractions like Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, Gold Museum, Pescadito neighborhood, and more.
• Includes breakfast at Rodadero and a lunch featuring typical regional dishes such as fish, patacón, and rice with coconut.
• Tour price starts from K$3,113 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Pickup from select hotel areas in Cartagena and a total tour duration of 17 hours.
• Mixed reviews from previous customers, with some noting issues like lack of English-speaking guide and rushed itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Marta Day Trip is a 17-hour excursion from Cartagena that departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The tour includes visits to Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the Gold Museum, Pescadito neighborhood, La Castellana field, the Bay, Marina, Parque de los Novios, the Cathedral, Plaza Bolívar, and the colonial streets.

Breakfast is provided at Rodadero with options like scrambled eggs, fried eggs, perico, arepa, sliced bread, chocolate, or coffee.

Lunch consists of typical dishes such as fish, patacón, rice with coconut, salad, grilled chicken or beef.

The tour returns to Cartagena by approximately 4:00 PM, with participants arriving at their hotels around 9:00 PM.

Itinerary and Activities

The Santa Marta Day Trip offers a jam-packed itinerary, allowing visitors to explore a variety of attractions throughout the coastal city. The tour begins with a visit to Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the former hacienda where Simón Bolívar spent his final days. Next, guests will venture to the Gold Museum, showcasing the region’s rich pre-Columbian heritage. The itinerary also includes stops at the charming Pescadito neighborhood, the scenic La Castellana field, and the picturesque Bay and Marina. Travelers will then explore the lively Parque de los Novios, the impressive Cathedral, and the historic Plaza Bolívar, before strolling through the city’s captivating colonial streets.

Activity	Duration	Location
Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino	1 hour	Santa Marta
Gold Museum	1 hour	Santa Marta
Pescadito Neighborhood	1 hour	Santa Marta
La Castellana Field	1 hour	Santa Marta
Bay and Marina	1 hour	Santa Marta
Parque de los Novios	1 hour	Santa Marta

Breakfast and Lunch Options

Breakfast on the Santa Marta Day Trip is served at Rodadero, offering a variety of options to start the day.

Travelers can choose from scrambled eggs, fried eggs, perico (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and onions), arepa (a grilled corn cake), sliced bread, chocolate, or coffee. This breakfast spread provides a hearty meal to fuel the day’s activities.

For lunch, the tour includes typical regional dishes such as fish, patacón (fried plantain), rice with coconut, salad, and grilled chicken or beef.

These local specialties give participants a taste of the culinary delights of the Santa Marta area.

The breakfast and lunch are included in the tour price, ensuring a complete dining experience during the day trip.

Pricing and Booking Details

According to the information provided, the price for the Santa Marta Day Trip starts from K$3,113 per person.

The tour offers a reserve now and pay later option, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup is included from select hotel areas, including Bocagrande, Laguito, Centro Histórico, Getsemaní, and Zona Norte.

Some key booking details:

1. Departure days: Wednesday and Saturday.
2. Duration: 17 hours.
3. Return to Cartagena by approximately 4:00 PM, arriving at hotels by 9:00 PM.
4. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Cancellation Policy

Pickup from select hotel areas in Cartagena, including Bocagrande, Laguito, Centro Histórico, Getsemaní, and Zona Norte, is included as part of the Santa Marta Day Trip. Plus, the tour operator offers a reserve now and pay later option, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours
Refund Amount	100%
Payment Options	Reserve & Pay Later

This flexible policy allows travelers to book the tour with confidence and adjust their plans if necessary.

Tour Highlights and Experiences

Though the Santa Marta Day Trip primarily focuses on historical and cultural attractions, it also offers glimpses of the city’s natural beauty. The tour includes:

1. A panoramic visit to Barranquilla, with stops at the Caiman del Rio and Window to the World viewpoints, providing scenic perspectives of the city.

2. A chance to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and white sands of Playa Blanca, a popular beach destination.

3. An opportunity to take pictures with the statue of Pibe Valderrama, a beloved Colombian football player.

4. Time to explore local attractions and savor traditional Colombian cuisine, immersing participants in the city’s vibrant culture.

Participant Information

For participants, the Santa Marta Day Trip may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments. The tour requires a significant amount of walking and exploration of local attractions.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sandals, a camera, snacks, cash, and comfortable clothes. The long duration of the trip, approximately 17 hours, means participants should be prepared for a full day of activities.

While the tour provides breakfast and lunch, individuals may want to bring additional snacks or beverages to sustain themselves throughout the journey. Overall, a certain level of physical fitness and mobility is recommended to fully enjoy the Santa Marta Day Trip.

Customer Reviews

According to the available customer reviews, the Santa Marta Day Trip has received a rather lukewarm overall rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

Common complaints include:

1. Lack of English-speaking guide, which made it difficult for non-Spanish speakers to fully understand and engage with the tour.
2. Poor organization, leading to a rushed itinerary and inadequate time to fully experience the attractions.
3. Disappointment with the breakfast, which didn’t meet some travelers’ expectations.
4. Overall dissatisfaction, with some travelers suggesting skipping the trip altogether due to the issues experienced.

On a more positive note, tour guide Julio received praise for fulfilling promises during the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets to accompany participants. The tour is designed for human passengers only and does not accommodate bringing any animals along. Pets are not permitted on this day trip from Cartagena to Santa Marta.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. All participants pay the standard per-person rate, which is listed as starting from COP $3,113. Special pricing or concessions are not available based on age or student status.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Meal Option for Lunch?

Yes, there is a vegetarian/vegan meal option for lunch. The tour includes typical dishes like fish, patacón, rice with coconut, salad, and the option of a grilled vegetable plate instead of chicken or beef.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Attractions to Visit?

The tour guide can likely provide recommendations for local attractions to visit in Santa Marta. They’re familiar with the area and can suggest must-see sights, hidden gems, and experiences that align with the interests of the group.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Clothing Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended to ensure a pleasant experience during the day trip.

Recap

The "From Cartagena: Santa Marta Day Trip With Breakfast & Lunch" offers an immersive 17-hour experience to explore Santa Marta’s cultural and scenic highlights. Participants enjoy breakfast, lunch, and visits to significant sites like the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino and the Gold Museum, providing a well-rounded blend of sightseeing and culinary experiences. With pickup, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, this day trip from Cartagena is a convenient and comprehensive way to discover the charms of Santa Marta.

You can check if your dates are available here: