Aracataca is on the main Santa Marta-to-Bucaramanga road, about ninety minutes south of Santa Marta by bus. Buses leave from the Santa Marta terminal more or less continuously through the day; ask for Aracataca specifically as some services bypass the town. The journey is hot and uncomfortable in a non-air-conditioned coach; pay the small premium for a Berlinas or similar service if available.
Most visitors come as a day trip. If you want to stay overnight, there are two or three basic posadas around the main square; reserve in advance only during Carnival or the Gabo anniversary week in March.