For your next stay in Santa Marta, like other cities in Colombia, it is better to find out in advance which areas to avoid.
In fact, Santa Marta attracts many tourists for its beaches and its proximity to the Tayrona National Park.
However, there are some security issues in Santa Marta that travelers should be aware of in order to have a pleasant stay.
Discover below the neighborhoods to avoid in Santa Marta as well as the best areas to stay for a tourist stay.
Is Santa Marta dangerous?
The security situation in Santa Marta is complex and changing. Although the city was long one of the safest in the country, it is now among the most dangerous cities in South America.
In fact, in recent months, the situation of insecurity and crime in Santa Marta has reached alarming levels, causing great concern among residents and authorities.
Santa Marta ranks 2nd in the Caribbean region for homicide rates. In 2024, the city recorded 206 homicides, the majority of which were committed with firearms. Sources: snail.com.co, diariolalibertad.com, eltiempo.com.
What are the risks for tourists?
The French government issued a travel alert for travelers to Santa Marta and other cities in Colombia in 2025:
"Colombia is facing a sharp increase in crime, particularly in Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Bucaramanga, Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Cartagena"
In fact, there has been an increase in thefts, armed attacks and risks associated with fake taxis (scams, robberies, rapes and kidnappings).
It should also be noted that Santa Marta has experienced intra-urban displacement due to power struggles and violence linked to organized crime and urban gangs.
Therefore, tourists are advised to use transportation apps like Uber or Cabify and avoid dangerous neighborhoods in Santa Marta (list below).
The 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Santa Marta
(see on opinioncaribe.com,
- Maria Eugenia located in Localidad 2 of Santa Marta.
- Little fish very close to the historic center.
- John XXIII, a neighborhood relatively close to the city center.
- Equidad City on the outskirts of Santa Marta.
- La Paz in the northern part of the city.
- Christ the King in the southern part of Santa Marta.
- Gaira also south of the city center, towards the airport.
- Historical Center : As its name suggests, this is the central and oldest neighborhood of Santa Marta.
- Pastrana in Localidad 2.
- Neighborhood Tayrona west of the city.
Other neighborhoods are also unsafe at night and therefore not recommended for tourists: Timayui 1 and 2, Once de Noviembre, María Cecilia, Los Fundadores, Altos de Bahía, Concha, Nueva Betel, San Martín, 20 de Julio and Corea.
Finally France Diplomacy also advises that caution should be exercised at the port of Taganga and Palomino where armed attacks, assaults and violent robberies have been reported.
Safest Neighborhoods to Stay in Santa Marta
For a safe tourist stay in Santa Marta, you will have to choose to move away from the center of Santa Marta by staying in the neighborhoods of The Rodadero or Bello Horizonte.
Neighborhood The Rodadero is the safest area of the city, well guarded at all hours and very popular with tourists. It offers a seaside resort atmosphere with many restaurants and a lively nightlife.
Here is the hotel I recommend in this area: Hotel Be La Sierra. Perfect for those on a budget, this friendly hotel is facing the beach and close to bars, restaurants and shops.
For those looking for more luxury, the district of Bello Horizonte is also a good option.
The Irotama Hotel is one of the most renowned establishments for its standing.
