One of the most popular beach destinations in Colombia, Santa Marta is a Caribbean paradise filled with fantastic food and beautiful, sandy beaches. Beyond simply lounging in the sun, visitors can explore the ruins of the Ciudad Perdida (or “Lost City”), which were thought to have been founded some 650 years before Machu Picchu.
Santa Marta is the fourth largest city in the Caribbean region Colombia and the capital of the department of Magdalena. It was also the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, and the city still has a bustling port where boats come in from Santa Marta Bay. The city is home to many fascinating museums, countless dive shops, and many tourists choose to trek to Tayrona National Natural Park and to the Ciudad Perdida. Whatever your interests in Santa Marta are, the best way to get around the city is to rent a motorcycle and explore on your own time.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Medellin. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to drive a motorbike in Santa Marta
- The price of motorcycle hire in Santa Marta
- Where to rent a motorbike in Santa Marta
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive a motorcycle in Colombia
- The best things to do in Santa Marta by motorcycle
Is It Safe To Drive a Motorcycle in Santa Marta?
While Colombia sometimes gets a reputation of being violently dangerous from foreigners, the country has really cleaned up its act in the last few years, and Santa Marta is largely without violent crime. That being said, it’s probably best not to drive around too late at night and to watch out for petty criminals like thieves or scammers.
Motorcycles are also extremely popular in Colombia, and motorcycle drivers often drive rather aggressively and recklessly. You should always wear a helmet while driving a motorbike in Colombia, and do your best to be aware of your surroundings at all times. You should also be careful when driving through the Comuna 2 area at night, as this is where most of the nightclubs are, and you’ll be more likely to encounter drunk drivers.
What Is the Cost of Motorcycle Hire in Santa Marta?
Motorcycle rental in Colombia is very affordable compared to other parts of the world, and Santa Marta is no exception. You can rent a fairly basic motorbike, such as a Honda Navi, for as little as $30 per day, which is about 110,000 in Colombian pesos.
If you want something a bit more powerful for getting around the city, you can rent a 300cc motorbike for around $70 per day, about 260,000 in Colombian pesos. Many motorcycle hire shops will offer weekly and monthly rates for rentals, so it’s worth inquiring with your shop if you plan on staying in Santa Marta for a long time.
Where Can You Rent a Motorcycle in Santa Marta?
If you want to hire a motorcycle in Santa Marta, your best bet is to go to the Comuna 4 neighborhood, specifically Calle 22. This area has several rental shops that you can easily walk between and compare rates.
If you plan on flying into Simon Bolivar International Airport, the main airport in the region around Santa Marta, you can rent a car directly outside the terminal. Unfortunately, there are no services at the airport that provide rental motorcycles. If you’re set on renting a motorbike, you’ll have to catch a taxi into the city first.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Hire a Motorcycle in Colombia?
If you plan on entering Colombia with a 90-day tourist visa, you will not need an international driving permit to rent a motorbike (or any other type of motor vehicle) in Colombia. However, you should always carry your passport with you while driving and be able to present your entry stamp to police officers to prove that you entered the country legally.
If you enter Colombia on any other type of visa, you’ll need to obtain a Colombian driver’s license to drive in the country. The application process for a Colombian driver’s license is relatively hassle-free; however, it can take a long time.
What Are the Top Things To Do in Santa Marta by Motorcycle?
Now that you’re aware of everything you need to know about motorcycle hire in Santa Marta, here are some of the best things to do with your rented wheels:
Tayrona National Natural Park
The areas around Santa Marta are filled with stunning natural views, and one of the best natural sites in the region is Tayrona National Natural Park. The park will make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a forgotten island with its lush jungle, swaying palm trees, and white sand beaches that border on the Caribbean.
The entrance to Tayrona Natural Park is about a 30 minute drive east from the heart of Santa Marta. The entrance fee to the park is about $15 for adults. The park is absolutely massive, and you could spend 3 or 4 days in it without seeing the same place twice.
Ciudad Perdida
Though far less impressive architecturally than Peru’s Machu Picchu, Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida predates the Inca civilization by some 650 years. Unlike Machu Picchu, however, you’ll have to make a four- or five-day trek to reach the “Lost City”. The hot and humid climate also makes this hike quite a challenge, but it’s certainly worth it.
Sometimes known as “Teyuna”, the city consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into a mountainside, tiled pathways, and circular plazas dotted all over. The city was built by ancient indigenous tribes, but was only rediscovered in 1972 by treasure looters.
Playa Blanca
If you’d rather spend your time lounging on a beach rather than going on long hikes, then Playa Blanca is the place to do so. Located a 15 minute drive southwest from the center of Santa Marta, Playa Blanca is a relatively secluded beach lined with authentic Colombian restaurants. You can hang out on the sand and catch some rays, go swimming, or get a bite to eat.
There are also several locations for boat tours and jet ski hire in Playa Blanca if you want to get involved with some watersports.
Feel the Santa Marta Breeze From a Motorcycle
There are plenty of things to do in the areas around Santa Marta like visiting the Ciudad Perdida and Tayrona National Natural Park, and renting a motorcycle will definitely make those activities easier. However, one of the best ways to spend your time in Santa Marta is to rent a motorcycle and feel the breeze on your face as you ride down the Caribbean coastline.
Do you still have questions about motorcycle rentals in Santa Marta? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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