SANTA MARTA... Tourist Heaven or Hell? (Colombia Travel Guide)

[@Javiergarcia-pk4cy]

I’m Colombian from Medellin , and Santa Martha is my favorite coastal colombian city so far , I have to admit lately the city has to deal with some issues like security concerns (immigration has risen those problems though) , but despite of this I still prefer Santa Martha as my destination, and with all respect you missed out a lot of beautiful places that really make of Santa Martha a Heaven , Tayrona National Park it’s a great experience, definitely a must if you go there , and there are 15 beautiful plus beaches to visit from there . Sorry but you missed the best . Always welcome here

[@Juliandemello]

Also from Medellín here, and you are absolutely correct. Hopefully he can visit some other time Tayrona National Park, my favorite place in all Colombia, and that is coming from some who have traveled all over the country. Cabo San Juan de Guía (in Tayrona) is probably the most beautiful beach in all Colombia (South America even so) sorry that he missed it because it's really worth the visit!

[@Javiergarcia-pk4cy]

@@Juliandemello you are right and I think Tayrona national park and all this way through those beautiful landscapes and nature to reach Cabo San Juan beach is one of the most amazing ecological walks , definitely I would go as many times as I could .

[@luicastillo8630]

Two people have already mentioned that you missed the best of Santa Marta. But not to even mentioned El Rodadero beach resort which is a better beach than the one at the bay and within the city itself, is a Huge miss. I like your videos, they are real and down to earth, but in this occasion is was way short.

[@dalexdalex]

This "traveller" is coming from the western side of Canada. There are a lot of "pretentious" people and if they are not finding something "like in Canada", they are not happy...I don't understand what they are looking for in Colombia???

[@ROCKNROLL947]

Medellin is a 3 million brothel

[@carlitoxb110]

I went to Santa Marta last year, I never felt unsafe, food was delicious and people was nice to me, Santamarta is far from perfect but it has a place in my heart, someday I wanna go back

[@Ki113rHun73r]

I live in Santa Marta and sometimes work with tourists. Thanks for your honest feedback. There are many things we need to improve if we want to compete with Cartagena, and your opinions can help us to change the city for the better.

[@canamcartel9694]

I love santa marta, i was there for a month. i went before tourist season. I was the only north American in that whole area and thats y i loved it. Had big 2 bedroom. air conditioned apartment with washer and dryer just 50 yards from the beach. It was great and im going back soon

[@crimsonchin9632]

Which month did you go?

[@corvanschendel8962]

wich period was it you mentioned?

[@luismadrid3380]

I am colombian living in Montreal. I randomly came across your videos, nice videos btw, those are valid point but maybe you miss a bit more of Santa marta, santa marta is just like you said a travel hub to stay to go to the main tourist attractions like minca, palomino, tayrona park that is the must do in the area. things that you could do more for your future videos is to have a list of things to eat, things to see ( like the beaches that the best of santa marta are far away form the city core) and also talk to locals more, colombians are very friendly and very open to give honest opinions about where you should go or eat.. but overall nice video and i hope you can come back to Colombia to explore more we have some really nice places out of the mainstream tourism like santander, cocora valley, llanos orientales, choco and the pacific coast

[@luly2323]

Colombia appears to have no interest in foreign tourists,there are enough local tourists ( other parts of Colombia) to keep everyone busy!

[@leechafertravels]

At this point I'm basically planning my trip to Colombia later in the year based on your videos! 😁😁 Thanks Dan, keep the videos coming. 👏🏻👏🏻😊

[@chrisbutler6258]

I,ve been there 3 times, never had a problem or felt unsafe. I,m from canada. I was out all hours of the night. Keep everything in your front pockets, be careful of course, but its not that bad. Minca, Tayrona, Rodedero, all great places of the beautiful Santa Marta.

[@robinquintero2351]

Hi! great video. I'm from Santa Marta and that's quite an accurate portrayal of the strenghts and problems of the city. If you're still around town i would strongly recommend you go to minca, it's a town in the Sierra Nevada with great views, more safety and very affordable food

[@TheNewTravel]

Thanks Robin

[@robinquintero2351]

nevermind, finished the video and you already went there hahaha

[@TheNewTravel]

😂

[@anamariaduarte4787]

@@TheNewTravel Excelente Calidad de Vídeos 💯%👍

[@williamvonharten1722]

How does one travel from Santa Marta to Minca?

[@sadeiofficial]

I’m on vacation in Santa Marta right now and have had a wonderful time so far.. but yes .. have a buddy system anywhere you travel and do lots of research before you go anywhere! The food out here is delicious.. we are vegetarian and there are amazing cafes out here! Thanks for sharing this video.. such important info 🧘🏽‍♀️✨

[@TheNewTravel]

Enjoy your visit! Thanks Sadei 👍

[@sadeiofficial]

@@TheNewTravel Thanks, You too! Safe travels 🤙🏽✨

[@mstallion98]

Santa Marta is a great city with a lot of history. The security issue you mentioned can be found in every Colombian city. The heat and pushy vendors are in all the coastal cities. In Cartagena I had the same experience. You mostly showed the center of Santa Marta. An area called Rododero is very touristy but it has beautiful sunsets. Also, the beaches towards the airport like Pleno Mar and Playa Salguero, are in the city, have very nice beaches. Some people like the beach area of Taganga just outside the city. Another beach inside the city is Playa Blanca. It also has a zipline across the beach. You take a boat to get there from Rodadero. I thought it was pretty nice. There are other places also. Do you know the history of South America and Santa Marta? Did you know that Simon Bolivar lived there and had a residence there. He also died there. The residence is now a museum. The Cathedral of Santa Marta also has some history. I will let you research it. That alone is a good reason to go to Santa Marta. I am not the KZbinr like you but I have a couple of videos that show some of the areas around Santa Marta. Check them out if you like. Anyway enjoy your travels and good luck.

[@luly2323]

I love the history, but dealing with pushy vendors and sewer / garbage on the streets make it not worthwhile!

[@daritoflow3492]

Gracias por venir a nuestro pais de Canada, los colombianos nos sentimos muy bien cuando nos visitan y los apreciamos mucho, proximamente viajare a santa marta y tus tips fueron valiosos muchas gracias. Thanks for coming to our country from Canada, Colombians are feeling very good when you visit us, we apreciate a lot, soon i will travel to santa marta and your tips was valious, thank you.

[@choisam20]

That list. And the order of it. You drew and visualized that for us perfectly!

[@JERios-wv8lx]

A lovely coastal city, but it has 2 things I definetely hate: pick pocket guys and pushy sales people.

[@Alienana]

Until min 7 you where on 5ta Avenida (5th Avenue), one long street with ONLY small shops, local restaurants and street vendors. Of course they want to sell their products and services, it is their job. Specially when somebody is... filming them, maybe?

[@RaviKumar-pp3pr]

you are very beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤

[@albertol.verdeciaa.3816]

Hey buddy! Thanks a lot for the video, explaining my home: SANTA MARTA!

[@albertol.verdeciaa.3816]

I totally agree with you that the city is travek hub, I've lived like that for the past 10 years! Cheers!

[@orlandomodeno7567]

El Rodadero is where there are a lot of condos and hotels, beach is nice too, it's on the side of downtown Santa Marta and where most people stay. There is a lot more to discover in Santa Marta, you barerly scratch the surface.

[@MeIn80HD]

Hearing you say “for some the work is part of the adventure.” Made my day. My trip to Leticia tomorrow just got cancelled do to the viva air issues going on right now, so Santa Marta it is, wish me luck on my poorly planned adventure

[@TheNewTravel]

Have fun 😎

[@jeylful]

Thank you for your honest opinion on Santa Marta. Safe travels!

[@ravidaniels9693]

Thank you for the review, it was good well explained, I randomly picked this to be the place I start my 3 month adventure. I’d never even heard about this city, just found it on the map, be there in 2 days!

[@UsmanM5]

Did you find Santa Marta to be dangerous? Any regrets?

[@sandragonzalez5646]

I was born in Bucarmanga Colombia, went to College in Bogotá and left Colombia forever to travel the world. I am going back this December for my youngest brother wedding and is the only reason I see myself going back. Still, I am extremely curious to see the Sta Marta I once loved and visit and I all I want to feel is safe. I could deal with anything else, but feeling unsafe is the reason why I left Colombia in the first place. I hope will find out from the locals where not to go to avoid having a scary situation since woman’s are only more prompt to be attacked than a man. Love your video, thanks 😊.

[@lrn_news9171]

Men are more likely to be attacked in basically every country in the world, victims of murder, crime, mugging you name it are mostly men. That's one of the reasons why men have a higher death rate.

[@IT-rj4gf]

As usual your video was balanced and fair, good perspective...

[@jaimearango2698]

Viva Santa Marta Colombia 👏🇨🇴 💛💙❤️

[@abeperez6598]

Hey Dan, it’s not just Santa Marta that is too hot/warm, it’s everywhere nowadays

[@joseriascos]

I'm planning my next trip to Santa Marta this fall ☀️☀️

[@MrBiplabB]

Your Columbia series was great with tons of information and ground reality. Good job and good luck 👍

[@TheNewTravel]

Much appreciated

[@carlitoxb110]

* Colombia

[@ninijohannaq]

It’s not Columbia it’s COLOMBIA

[@Karencita_407]

Thank you for sharing. I just came back from SM and I’m in love with the city ❤

[@Wizpopper]

You people need to learn not to say anything to these people. Beggars, salesman ,etc. I just look at them shake my head and keep moving if they keep asking me stuff I just ignore like I didn’t hear NOTHING😂 I let my energy speak for me

[@jaysusu8623]

This is my 2nd video I’ve seen from your channel. You are getting through this road trip. Cartegena or Medellin?

[@turfnsurf9367]

This will be our 1st port of call on our S. America cruise in January:( I vanlife during winter months in US for the past 10yrs without issues, and got assault in Miami last year. Just be aware, sensible and hope for the best.

[@badgerattoadhall]

i have been to Santa Marta, and i have never been more aware about the number of eyes i could feel on me.

[@statingtheobviousify]

I think your description is very fair. Santa Marta isn't a relaxing place. It can feel very sketchy and the heat and street vendors are intense. The area around Parque de los Novios is very nice though, especially on a weekend when it gets packed with people. If you head a little bit more inland, the vibe changes completely. It feels much more middle-class and relaxed. It's not at all touristy so there's not much reason to go there as a traveller. I think the great thing about Santa Marta is that it's a good base to visit a lot of great things nearby like Tayrona, Minca etc.

[@wordsareweapons]

what areas are safe to get a air bnb? what are the names of the areas? i was looking to visit since i will be in barinquilla already any information would help thank you

[@hometoroostchickens]

I lived in Santa Marta for a year and would not consider it "hell." It's hot, yeah, there were some inconveniences, such as rolling blackouts, some crime, but overall it's enjoyable. I return every five years to visit. As to traveling around, there are beautiful beaches in Parque Tairona and Taganga. Minca, la Sierra Nevada, Cartagena, the island of San Andres. All good stuff.

[@josephpanzarella1417]

Hi Dan. Before my first trip to Colombia in 2017 a good friend warned me against going to Santa Marta. His experiences there had been overwhelmingly negative. As I really only had time for one coastal city I chose Cartagena, the obvious first choice. I'm not big on tropical climates. I prefer the climate in the Colombian interior. Bogota, where I'm soon returning, is called "the refrigerator" by people in other parts of Colombia. It's an obvious exaggeration (it never gets hot but it's not that cold) but I still prefer that to being in a place where it's too hot to walk for much of the day. Still I enjoyed the video, as always. And I appreciate your insights on that region of Colombia.

[@inolvidable.]

Bogota has the most perfect weather. People who say "the refrigerator" are people from the cost, obviously.

[@christopherhouse7937]

Santa Marta Colombia, Merida Mexico, or La Ceiba Honduras? What city would you prefer living in longterm or staying 1 year! What’s the best location?.

[@jonbarrett9053]

Excellent video and thank you for sharing @thenewtravel #ThenewTravel When you describe the weather as Hot, do you mean very Humid and Heat, or just Heat? Thank you for your time and consideration!

[@TheNewTravel]

Thanks Jon. Yes it's very humid

[@melissasueferrin3409]

Mo -Ha-Ra is the fish, it's a freshwater species of Tilapia, I'm surprised you never had it in Mexico

[@jaimechang3794]

Lol, it sounds like an Egyptian king. Why not just say plain tilapia?

[@joseriascos]

I've visited Santa Marta many times and you need to explore more the city, my last visit to Colombia was last march and I really enjoyed my stay in Santa Marta, watching your videos you are not visiting the great places of the city 👎👎👎👎 I think there are more salespeople I'm Cartagena

[@Its_aSmallWorld]

The same way you compared here I say the same for Cartagena. Was planning a trip to Santa Marta but I think I’ll pass now 😂

[@jaimechang3794]

I noticed by watching another one of your videos that you have little tolerance for people asking for money or being pushy when selling something to make a living. Only remember that as many other poor countries they are in survival mode and not like us having enough resources to enjoy a life where everything feels very cheap. After travelling through places like the Philippines or Cambodia to name a few, my point is that there is always a trade between what you can enjoy and what you can hate. I try to be compassionate, which allows for a more enjoyable trip.

[@TheNewTravel]

Your point about making a living is true. But when everyone who visits a city leaves with the impression that salespeople are pushy, then that won't attract more people to come. And then there are less tourists and less sales for everyone, making the problem even worse. Same with pickpockets - they are selfishly benefiting themselves while harming the tourism prosperity of the whole region.

[@jaimechang3794]

@@TheNewTravel What you're saying is correct but they don't know that. Most of them are non educated and have no idea of the consequences of their behavior. I think, we as travelers need to know it and thanks to your videos for showing the reality. We can then make a decision if this is worth or not. I personally think it is, luckily I didn't encounter many major issues just using common sense.

[@JK-nq1dl]

@@jaimechang3794 It’s ironic that you are defending them yet deeply insulting them at the same time. To assume they lack any knowledge of rudeness or pushiness is so ironically disrespectful. Also, many places with poor people don’t also have such high levels of crime. Poverty doesn’t mean you automatically lack decency or morals. Shame on you.

[@JK-nq1dl]

@@TheNewTravel You aren’t wrong and it’s ridiculous to assume people have no common sense just because they are poor. SMH @bleeding heart hypocrites with an innate feeling of superiority shaming other people for holding people to basic standards. Plenty of poor people survive without stealing even when they are barely getting by.

[@jaimechang3794]

@@JK-nq1dl Wow! You went really off the board. I'm Latin American and I grew up among them. I'm one of them.

[@FarangWithAChang]

Thanks for your video. I randomly came across Santa Marta when looking for a cheap one month stay on Airbnb. I've never been to Colombia but the apartment had a nice set up. Sadly still torn on where to work from. I'd much prefer Thailand but I have to work on US time.

[@tonyjaa9503]

Thailand has become expensive and boring. Only bangkok is nice. Dont even bother vietnam or bali. Argentina is nice and cheap other than hotel prices.

[@carfreeneoliberalgeorgisty5102]

I haven't been to Colombia yet but I like watching your videos about Montréal/Québec, especially the one where you visited my mum's hometown.

[@TheNewTravel]

Thanks! What's your mom's hometown?

[@carfreeneoliberalgeorgisty5102]

@@TheNewTravel Knowlton Québec. I go there every summer and often go there for the winter holiday season so it was weird seeing an outsider visit the town. My grandfather is president of the Knowlton museum and he used to own a furniture company in the area, though it's now out of business.

[@Apollyon85]

It all depends on yourself. Don't show fear and you'll be fine.. Like in every other place

[@willlyons9823]

Woo hoo! 15 mins is PERFECT Come see us in the UK, 4 countries in one 😀😲👍

[@davegarmendia1717]

Never had a problem with pushy salespersons in Santa Marta. Cartagena they are much more aggressive and pushy. Plus they are many more in Cartagena.

[@dennishassler605]

It appears there's much better beaches North of the city and perhaps outlaying areas. Please advise. Taganga?

[@JERios-wv8lx]

Hmm, if had not been for the security concerns and the so many pushy sales people, Santa Marta would be the ideal Clolombian city....A really beautiful modern city with some of the most lovely beaches i have ever seen!!!!

[@noramkelly]

I love that you used a Venn diagram. I will have my own review after I make a visit later this year. Thanks!

[@Busybeeee]

Great video! I considered Santa Marta after Cartagena but as a solo female traveller I was concerned of my safety so I crossed it out . Thx for sharing Dan ☺️

[@HoustonGuy]

@Busybee...many females travel to Santa Marta solo. I've been many times and you'll see many women (mostly from Europe) traveling solo or in all girl groups. Please don't allow one person's negative opinion to sway you away from paradise. Tayrona National Park is probably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here are some videos you might enjoy; kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpuZYoOAd7yKlbc and kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qukGuHiLhlaa8 Also, here is my reply to @The New Travel ... Sorry, but I love Santa Marta! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2qukGuHiLhlaa8 An awesome city with a picturesque downtown, the "Parque de los Novios" area has lots of bars, clubs, shops and restaurants!!! You obviously missed RODADERO BEACH (town) to the south and TAGANGA BEACH (town) to the north. Santa Marta is also the main HUB for TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK, PALOMINO and the mountainous paradise of MINCA. Sorry you had a bad trip...however, the extreme heat was due to a heatwave in northern Colombia. Also, many unemployed individuals from VENEZUELA have walked across the border and immigrated illegally and a few are notorious pickpockets. However, the worst place for pickpockets is Europe (Paris, Rome and Amsterdam)! Thanks!!!

[@dilmerfandino]

Visit parque Tayrona

[@robertl8429]

Whats a good all inclusive resort that doesn't break the bank in Colombia? (anything in the 30-50$ range?) (anything with a monthly rate of $1000-$1500?)

[@hoppeanofasgard1365]

Does Santa Marta have a mall?

[@tazman6227]

Agee about either you love it or hate it. And it is exactly in the middle. If you like westernized 5 star comfort in every way, you don't belong in Colombia, but if you don't mind 2 to 3 stars, you can see the culture of Colombia. As for pick pockets...I never had any issues with that and I've been going to Santa Marta/Rodadero twice perbyear since 2006. Just be street smart and you will be fine. People in Colombia are wonderful people and will help you in anyway they can if possible. Don't be afraid to go, but allocate little more funds towards lodging. Well...those Hostels are not for me anyway.

[@BronxBombers_726]

Never stand and watch a game in a crowd. I’m from New York and that’s where a lot of pick pockets target people who are simple looking. Even in Santa Marta. Common sense isn’t common.

[@miguelpelo73]

If you going to the Caribbean obviously is going to be hot, so if you don't like the heat don't go to the the Caribbean.

[@JohnnieV]

Carrera tres? Or carrera trece? Cra 3 o cra 13?

[@TheNewTravel]

Cra 3, sorry, I think I misspoke in the video

[@JohnnieV]

@@TheNewTravel you probably still had medellin in your brain. Comuna 13

[@lawrencemichel5751]

Hot, Are you from Aleska? I live in Phoenix and 9 months out of years is above 95 degree, Santa Marta rarely get to 90 degrees.

[@edcarlson6181]

Were the pushy salespeople and the safety concerns the worst of any city you've been to in Mexico/Central America/South America? Just wondering how it compares...

[@TheNewTravel]

To be fair, I'd say spots on the Mexican coast like Playa Del Carmen have a big issue with that as well. But it's just that there are way more tourists in Playa, so in Santa Marta you stand out more and can get a lot of attention

[@edcarlson6181]

@@TheNewTravel especially at your height LOL

[@AliAli-nu1nr]

First time watching one of your video…. Great and helpful… tnxx

[@TheNewTravel]

Welcome to the new travel :)

[@William_Stephens]

I think a lot of these concerns are ubiquitous with most Latin American beach towns that has tourists

[@mreyesj2]

Great great video

[@oswaldorivaroli9776]

Santa Marta is not perfect but with its imperfections is simply perfect to live. You have a tropical econatural life around you, the ocean, beaches, happy people, smiles all over you, music, culture, the sierra nevada 5600 meters that go down straight to the see in a range of 40 kilometers, you have mountains and the ocean in less than one hour... I live in Europe and i will go to live there. Santa Marta is not so heat like Cartagena. Cartagena prices are at leats 40% more than Santa Marta. And it is not true that in cartagena people dont try to approach you, in Colombia all street sellers will try to approach you, Santa Marta dont make any difference.. The fact is that cartagena is more US style... anything more. And Santa Marta is not so dangerous as Medellin, Bogota, Cali, or Cartagena. People can always find and show the best and the worst of any city... because cartagena have even more poverty than santa marta .. But obviously if you want all the perfection of a western rich world citizen, simply avoid to go, because or you love it, or you hate it, but in my opinion not the both. ANYWAY I WOULD ALWAYS PREFER THE AMAZING SANTA MARTA AND SORROUNDS THAT ANY OTHER IN COLOMBIA (that is a simply personal opinion obviously.)

[@CaseyPomeroy-u3v]

Is minca as hot as santa marta bc im trying to decide weather i want to do the lost city hike?

[@TheNewTravel]

minca is noticeably cooler

[@cubanostarr]

The guy at 4:40 looks like he's ready to take advantage of a situation! 😱

[@danieltrujillo6956]

Just because people are nice doesn't mean they're scammers.

[@TheNewTravel]

Yes that's true..

[@stgermain6488]

I thought all the pushy sales people were just based in Cartagena😭

[@kevinolive354]

Exactly, Cartagena is the absolute worst. Every person trying to sell you something or Venezuelans in your face singing so loud you can’t have a conversation with whoever you’re walking with.

[@mcat6902]

You put the heat as hate??? Did you not research weather before going, also people who are hustling are trying to make a living not build an empire, getting a few dollars from you is a living/meal for them 🤔

[@RaviKumar-pp3pr]

you are very beautiful and sweet ❤❤❤❤❤

[@josepiza3850]

Me gusta

[@HectorPryorYT]

In el salvador and swap meets/flea markets iin California have really pushy sales people. Theybare hispanic as well so it may be connected.

[@cardoncarl]

Typical naive north american tourist who travels to a tropical country, but who complains about the heat. That point is ununderstandable!

[@street_preacher]

Lol the heat one is pretty ridiculous. Like I went to the desert, and there wasn't any water!!

[@Garcia-elf]

Go to the pacific: Medellin to Nuqui. True paradise there (also abject poverty)

[@michaelmoik8377]

Has anybody information on broadband internet speed in Santa Marta/Magdalena?

[@cw286]

Could you fly from Cartagena to santa Marta?

[@BookerT1]

thanks for that minca mention

[@BananaPrint510]

What exactly is Santa Marta?

[@meloisthebest6686]

Did you get robbed yourself or just stories

[@californiadreaming9216]

Hello friend thank you for the video. Santa Marta is one of 3 cities my wife and I are targeting for seasonal retirement (as snowbirds). With respect, some of your complaints are legitimate, some not. If heat isn't your thing, spend more time in Pereira. ALL developing countries, including Colombia, have a significant population of street merchants. Pushy ? By the North American standard, yes. Not by the international standard. Your observation regarding street theft, and even worse-robbery-bears consideration. If Santa Marta (or any other city ) presumes to attract tourists and expats, more aggressive street patrols by police, and stiffer penalties for perpetrators, are needed. The lunch you enjoyed, from street vendor, near beginning, looked like a TAMAL except I thought I saw rice, whereas tamales usually use corn meal. Can you confirm or refute ? Thanks. Abar shalom 😊

[@TheNewTravel]

With respect, I have travelled a lot internationally and still consider Santa Martha among the most pushy sales people when I was there. It was also covid time and so maybe people were extra desperate because of lack of tourists. I don't say this to disrespect Colombia, just to try and offer advice to improve and grow as a destination. As for the lunch yes I think it was rice. Have a nice day!

[@delfina128]

I went to the both Cartagena and Santa Marta many many years ago, and I do not remember it being that hot. So, the only thing that I can think is that it is global warming/climate change. When I went which was in the 90s it felt like a very peaceful, calm, and chilled city. Again, this was many years ago when I was just a teen, but back then I actually preferred it to Cartagena.

[@iovgrkso]

Yes, but both cities are located in the Colombian Caribbean region of Colombia. Were in the Caribbean are you going to get the same temperatures as Bogota & Medellin? Of course, is hot.

[@williamvonharten1722]

Could someone tell me the best way to travel from Santa Marta to Palomino or Tayrona?

[@inolvidable.]

The best way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino is overland by bus. The distance between the two destinations is 80 km (49 miles), which is about 1.5 hours on the road. This bus journey will cost you only 12,000 COP ($2.55).

[@miguelcollado]

You didn’t mention Tayrona Park

[@Busybeeee]

I am re-watching this video one year later, and I am re-commenting after just being in Santa Marta. I have to strongly disagree with your review of the negatives simply because of what you have experience is only specific to the El Rodadero area and the Centro Historico area which are only specific areas of Santa Marta, and don’t represent the entire city. I agree that, especially in the.El Rodadero area, the pushy sales people, and the scamming is high. It is also a really noisy and party area. I stayed in a hotel in that area for two days. Then I moved to another area that changed my experience entirely. I stayed in a nice resort located in the Pozos Colorados and Bello Horizontes area. This area is safe, clean the beaches are incredible, and I was never hassled for anything. You may think that this is too far from all the action and the touristy sites. I don’t drive or own a car. I took a local bus to visit those areas and sometimes I even walked. The bus cost me 2000 Colombian pesos most of the time I just stayed in my area because I had everything I needed and it was so peaceful, quiet and relaxing. Before reviewing the city, it’s important to really know it well and stay there long enough. I’m sad that was your experience, but I hope you will revisit one day and reconsider where you stay.

[@peterlessard]

Recall the name of the resort you enjoyed?

[@Busybeeee]

@@peterlessard it’s called Zazue Bello Horizonte ☺️

[@peterlessard]

@@Busybeeee thank you!

[@peterlessard]

@@Busybeeee we are in Medellin at moment. Was thinking of heading there but weather says it’s only going down to 28 celcius (82 Fahrenheit) at night! And real feel is 34 celcius (93 Fahrenheit) . That seems crazy. Did you experience this? I like heat but the numbers seem crazy.

[@Busybeeee]

@@peterlessard yes it’s hot in Santa Marta but sometimes there are high winds in the afternoons making it pleasant. You will have AC and be by the beach so it should be a pleasant type of heat. I was there in March beginning of April. I am Canadian so I love the heat .

[@Avsenev]

Haha I noticed that you used the same pic of woman walking on several thumbnails 😊

[@Nik-cj7un]

Cat Calling happens in Greece. Where is your post about that?

[@TheNewTravel]

Haven't been to Greece. This is my experience, take it or leave it

[@paddleboardingsantamarta2133]

If you love outdoor activities there is so much to do in and around Santa Marta. Always discovering new things to do here.

[@Gingerbread956]

Beautiful beach needed some improvement

[@suiterd62]

Don't go anywhere you are told: "Don't walk that way ..." We are going to stay away from Columbia and any country where we are not safe to walk down the street.

[@deenyce2216]

I’m Nicaraguan and why did that look like a nacatamal

[@carlosherrera9337]

These You Tubers wants to travel cheap !! Find the cheapest hotels 🏨 hostal - eat cheap street food - they have no transportation - basically saving every single dólar 💵: If you want to review Santa Marta as a tourist city -stay a the good hotels. ( Marriott ) go to the nicest restaurants that the city has to offer !!! If not go back to Canada !!! Canada 🇨🇦 really. ??????

[@boohoo4962]

You don't find many people trying to escape from Canada to Colombia for a reason.

[@Bogotaeverything]

@@boohoo4962 He never said that people were escaping Canada to go to Colombia. Just that the youtube travellers do not have a job other than making videos, hence they cannot afford to go to a fancy hotel or have a good meal, then they produce videos discouraging people from going there because they did not like the food, the weather, the accomodation, the neighbourhood they were staying at, etc. The world is not a freaking amusement park. These are cities people live and work in, Santa Marta is not freaking Disneyland and if they hate the street vendors, they could volunteer and teach kids English so that they will grow up and have more job opportunities instead of harrassing and robbing tourists to feed their six children and even grandchildren. These tourists come with this sense of privilege and entitlement, like "this is not like Europe" because guess what, IT IS NOT

[@UniversoSpiritualUnido]

I’m currently in medellin and I like it but just know if you give papaya you will get robbed at 🔫 point, I’m sorry the beach looks trash!

[@RaviKumar-pp3pr]

you are very beautiful and sweet ❤

[@TonyRizzo-h5f]

If you don’t like it stay in Canada ! Never walk the world scared of anyone ! Come what may

[@JayMack-sq6jf]

Just say "no gracias" and keep it moving, the vendors will eventually get it. This issue is in all the Colombian tourists destinations.

[@MrZeev76]

Hey I have been loving watching your videos the past couple months and over two years. The only thing that bothers me is you have not studied Spanish yet. Spanish is fairly easy to learn but yet you still have not learned much of it yet with all your time in Mexico and in Latin America. Mojarra the J is pronounced like a hard h sound. Learning languages is hard but if you are going to be a travel vlogger it is important to pronounce the places and things correctly. Spanish should be kind of easy. If you were in China or Thailand I'd give you a free pass. But not with Spanish. Spanish can be read phonetically just learn the letters dude. It is easy not like Korean.

[@TheNewTravel]

*Is there a place you have visited that you both loved and hated? Tell me where and why!*

[@joenroute9646]

India was the only place that I was not sad to leave after 3 weeks . The mess , population and crowd were fine but not the continous honking which finally got into my nerves .

[@IT-rj4gf]

There is NO perfect place... There is always pros and cons. Good and bad. Like everything in life you have to balance it.

[@ninijohannaq]

Rome, loved for the history but hated the rudeness of the Italians

[@mad3m6n]

I guess you have never been in Mexico. Street sellers will call you, follow you and what not. I actually think it is pretty normal in Latin America. Yes feels awkward at least, but what the fuck, I am Italian. You got to Rome and you'll experience the same thing.

[@VonRix]

They pointed gun at me on Playa Costa Azul and took my phone - steps away from my resort around 9 AM. Beach was already quite crowded but I was jogging on the water a little bit away from the crowd. I was surrounded, there were people under the palm trees, they blocked the passage, I had nowhere to run. Be careful. They act in groups, they are all complicit. You will be alone

[@cargumdeu]

Sorry to haer that but it didnt happen in Santa Marta, did it?... It happened on a lonely beach 10 miles away. Moral: when in South America learn to distrust empty streets, beaches and stick to where there are plenty of people.

[@JCGamer5]

This is absolutely true. Santa Marta itself is nothing impressive. What is really good of Santa Marta is what surrounds it. Lots of beach resorts and hotels in the nearby towns like Rodadero or Taganga. Tayrona National Park with amazing beaches, full of nature and away from civilization. Minca with the hikes to the mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada and the ruins of the Lost City, getting to know the indigenous tribes living in the area. Santa Marta is more of an "region" than a city to travel to and honestly, if you are going for more of a resort experience, Cartagena is probably better while Santa Marta is more of an adventure kind of experience.

[@laetitiasoto2259]

What I didn't like was the heat... seriously? Wow...

[@luly2323]

I am in Cartagena right now….sales people are very pushy. Streets are generally unclear, sewer and garbage is on the streets in most places including Bocagrande!

[@joeycarter2994]

staying in a hostel in a poor part of any city is just stupid, especially colombia. i've been to colombia over 20+ times, and have never been robbed, because i don't stay in areas where these things happen more often. spend the money and stay in the best areas, where there's more of police presence. amazes me how youtube creators stay in hostels, on the cheap, in bad areas, and complain about safety. duhhhh

[@marimedgal]

I wish they would outlaw the pushy hustlers who are always trying to sell you everything under the sun on the beach and on some of the streets in Cartagena and Santa Marta. It’s hard to relax when they’re constantly harassing you.

[@holysmokes4259]

Went to Santa Marta 12 years ago, loved it. My goal is to retire there.