Santa Marta is the gateway to some of Colombia's most dramatic landscapes. Tayrona National Park is under an hour away, and the fishing village of Taganga is a short bus or taxi ride over the hill. Longer expeditions include the multi-day trek to Ciudad Perdida.
Tayrona National Park -- One of Colombia's flagship natural reserves, about 34 km northeast of the city. The park covers 150 square kilometres of land and 30 of sea, with hiking trails, pristine bays for snorkelling and diving, and the Chairama archaeological site. Entrance is around $10 for foreigners. Camping and indigenous-style ecohabs are available at the Canaveral site.
Taganga -- A small fishing village 8 km from Santa Marta, long popular with backpackers. Good for scuba diving, snorkelling, and spear fishing. Small buses leave every hour from Santa Marta (last bus at 9:00 p.m.) or take a taxi. Tour operators here can arrange trips to Tayrona and Ciudad Perdida.
Ciudad Perdida -- The "Lost City" of the Tayrona people, reached by a challenging multi-day trek (typically 4-6 days) through the Sierra Nevada. The ruins are spread over 400 hectares and include stone terraces, buildings, and drainage systems. Only go with a licensed guide -- the terrain is serious.