Understand

While Taganga is a popular spot for tourists, it also presents a set of challenges due to its infrastructure and public services. The area has faced prolonged droughts, resulting in the need for hotels, businesses, and residents to have their water delivered in tankers. Despite these obstacles, the allure and charm of Taganga remain undeniable.

Get in

Getting to Taganga from Santa Marta is quite convenient with several transportation options available. If you prefer public transportation, you can catch blue city buses that pass the corner near Santa Marta's market. Look for the buses with a sign saying "Taganga." The fare for these buses is approximately $1,800 COP. Another option is to take frequent minibuses, also known as colectivos, which depart from Santa Marta Bus Terminal via the city center. It's a beautiful 15-minute ride from the Santa Marta Historic Center or about 30-40 minutes from the terminal. If you prefer a more private mode of transportation, taxis are readily available. The standard fare for a taxi from Santa Marta Bus Terminal to Taganga starts at $12,000 COP, and from Taganga to Santa Marta, it is $15,000 COP. Please note that on Sundays, holidays, and at night, the fare increases by $2,000 COP. If you're arriving at Santa Marta airport, you can take a taxi to Taganga for approximately COP$45,000, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. Travelers arriving by cruise ship in Santa Marta will find plenty of taxis and minibuses waiting in a gated police-controlled area to take them around town. For those coming from Cartagena, there are shuttle services directly to Taganga for approximately COP$45,000. This avoids the long trip to the bus station in Cartagena and the transfer at Santa Marta bus station. With multiple transportation options available, getting to Taganga is a breeze!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Bandeja Paisa: This hearty platter is a staple in the Colombian cuisine and typically consists of white rice, red beans cooked with pork, ground beef, chorizo sausage, morcilla (blood sausage), plantains, avocado, ground meat, and a fried egg. It's often served with an arepa, a corn-based bread, on the side.

Ajiaco: This traditional Colombian soup is made with chunks of chicken, corn, potatoes, avocado, and guascas (a type of herb). Served hot, it is typically accompanied by a portion of white rice, capers, heavy cream, and an avocado slice. The unique taste comes from the combination of the herbs and spices used in its preparation.

Arepas: These versatile, round corn-based breads are a staple in Colombian cuisine. They can be found everywhere, from street vendors to restaurants. Traditionally made with pre-cooked corn flour called masarepa, they come in a variety of flavors like plain, cheese, or sweet ones with coconut or cinnamon. Arepas can be served warm, either halved and buttered, or split and used as a pocket bread filled with tasty ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing