Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Barranquilla, CO:
Closest international airport
1.5 hours away from Santa Marta. Transportation will be arranged from here.
Should I carry cash?
Yes! We strongly recommend to bring COP cash with you or you can withdrawal cash from a Bancolombia or Servibanca ATM to carry with you. There will be occasions where you’ll be allowed to pay with a credit card but most vendors and taxis require cash.
Is Uber available?
Uber is NOT available in Santa Marta so you'll be required to use taxis. Minimum fare will cost $6.000 COP ($1.50 USD) Uber is available in larger cities like Barranquilla and Bogota.
Can I bring a plus one? - ¿Puedo traer uno más?
Plus ones have been included in your RSVP, however if you would like bring a guest please contact Jose & Estrella.
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Se han incluido más en su RSVP, sin embargo, si desea traer un invitado, comuníquese con Jose & Estrella.
What type of weather can you expect?
Weather in the Caribbean is very hot during the day, 80+ degrees, but very breezy at night. Please be aware that you will likely break a sweat but it is recommended to bring a light jacket for the evening.
Parque De Los Novios
Most popular area of the city filled with bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Taganga
A traditional fishing village that contains bars and restaurants. Boat rides to remote beaches ie. Playa Cinto, Playa Crystal & Cabo San Juan can be found and booked from here.
Parque Tayrona aka. Cabo San Juan
Highly recommend!!
Hike from the shuttle drop off to beach is about 3 hours so get there as early as possible as the park closes at 5 PM
Minca
Sierra Nevada Mountains. You'll find eco hotels, coffee tours and waterfalls. We recommend renting a motorcycle to explore or a moto-taxi can be found in Minca's town.
No des papaya
“No dar papaya” is a popular saying in Colombia which translates to “don’t give papaya.” This basically means: don’t give someone the opportunity to take advantage of you. Although violent robberies are not common, petty theft is. So don’t walk down the street with your phone out, and not paying attention to your surroundings.
Phrases when paying with a credit card
In the USA and many other countries, all you need to do when purchasing a product is hand over your card and the cashier will swipe and you’re done. In Colombia, the payment systems are very different and so the cashier is required to ask you questions when paying with a credit card. This is one of the most helpful things to know before visiting Colombia because I was SO confused when they first were asking me these questions!
The first question they will ask after you hand over your credit card is “ahorros, corriente, o credito?” you will respond with “credito.” (ahorros is savings, corriente is checking, credito is credit)
The second thing they will ask you is “cuantas cuotas?” you will answer with “una.” Cuotas are like installment payments. So even if you are purchasing a loaf of bread, they will ask how many installments you’d like to pay in. Cuotas only work with Colombian cards so no matter what, your card will only be charged one quote – but you still have to answer
Booking Flights
Try using the “Hopper” app. It searches for flights and gives the best time to buy predictor.
Houston friends - the cheapest airlines from, experience, has been Spirit. We also suggest exploring a departure from Austin as tickets have been significantly cheaper. :)
Ouzo - Mediterranean www.ouzosantamarta.com/
Alfaix - Breakfast alfaix.co/
Andres Santa Marta - typical Colombian food www.andrescarnederes.com/
Donde Chucho - Seafood www.restaurantedondechucho.com