Things to do & places to visit in Magdalena Department, Colombia

Magdalena Department #5 destination in Colombia 2023. The average rating score is 4.30 based on 21.1k traveler reviews, of 52 attractions. Timezone: America/Bogota, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 18:50.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Ciudad Perdida (2.007 reviews)
- Unforgettable Experience
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins

Our guide Diego and translator Isidro were great. The cook Conga prepared outstanding meals for us every day, fish, chicken, pasta, and steak for dinner! The beds were comfortable and mosquito nets kept me from being stung at night. The camps were situated to provide an opportunity to swim every evening which was a welcome relief after a day of hiking (sweating) through the jungle. Diego provided the history and perspective of the area and people who lived there and their beliefs and customs. Having to hike for two days before getting to the Lost City made the experience more memorable and worthwhile than just driving up or taking a train to the site. While in the Lost City we were given all the time we needed to look around and take in the site—great tour that I’ll never forget! See more..
5.0 Gabostown Tours (6 reviews)
- Lovely an off the beaten path experience
Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Eco Tours • Factory Tours

It was so refreshing to learn about Colombia and Gabriel Garcia Marquez through a local's perspective. The tour was intimate and authentic. I felt as if I got a window into Gabo's past and present day Aracataca. Rodolfo was our tour guide and he was attentive and genuine. I would recommend this tour to anyone passing through Santa Marta. See more..
5.0 Jireh Tour Express (5 reviews)
- Get to know the real Aracataca through local Cataqueros
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Darlyz was an incredible guide and showed the many facets of what Aracataca has to offer. Everyone knows Gabriel Garcia Marquez, but she and her team were able to add so many interesting pieces of information beyond what is simply present in the various museums. They also organized cultural demonstrations of music, dance, and theatre performed by true Cataqueros (people from Aracataca) that made the experience especially unique. Everyone at Jireh Tour Express are true experts on Aracataca, and the wealth of knowledge they had to share was a true treasure. Highly recommend. See more..
5.0 Itti Takke Zona Recreacional (4 reviews)
- Great experience
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beach & Pool Clubs

Itti Takke ZR es una empresa que se dedica a ofertar productos y servicios recreacionales con la finalidad de proporcionar experiencias basadas en la calidad, el confort y el buen gusto, buscando siempre superar las expectativas de nuestros clientes. Son nuestros servicios: ☆ Restaurante ☆ Bar ☆ Piscina ☆ Programación de Eventos Acompañados de zonas de hamacas, juegos y unidades deportivas. See more..
5.0 The Gypsy Residence Tours (1 review)
- Great tour of Aracataca with Tim
Sightseeing Tours

I didn't book anything (NOT a good move), just came to Aracataca 11ish and went to the Residence. Luckily Tim wasn't busy on that day and agreed to give me a tour of the town. To be honest the town itself has little to offer but with Tim's stories it comes to life and gets your imagination going. We managed to go to a local fiesta and tried some unusual cocktails in the streets. As a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez I think I was very lucky to have a chance to see his birthplace and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is into magical realism. Simply a great day out! See more..
5.0 Palacio Municipal (1 review)
- HERMOSA ARQUITECTURA REPUBLICANA.
Government Buildings

El Palacio Municipal es una de las edificaciones más emblemáticas de Ciénaga, ubicada a pasos de la Plaza del Centenario, una hermosa arquitectura republicana que la hace imponente y majestuosa para disfrute de propios y turistas. See more..
5.0 Iglesia San Juan Bautista (1 review)
- HERMOSA IGLESIA DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA DE CIÉNAGA.
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Es una Iglesia con mucha historia, una riqueza arquitectónica tanto exterior como interior, un ambiente de mucha solemnidad, respeto y tranquilidad.
Ubicada de forma estratégica dentro del perímetro de la Plaza del Centenario, enriqueciendo la vista junto al Palacio Municipal. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (6.353 reviews)
- Start early and wear appropriate shoes
Spent 2-3 hours National Parks

This 37,000 acre ecotourism park includes reefs, beaches, mangroves and Tayrona Indian ruins. See more..
4.5 Playa Cristal (1.591 reviews)
- Amazing Beach
Beaches

Absolutely the best beach in Santa Marta. Beautiful water and reefs to snorkel in. Plenty of fish to see while diving. Had an amazing time there just soaking up the sun and sand. Food was good and you will not find a better place to relax than this beach. Ride in on the road is a little rough, but well worth the journey and the locals are friendly and helpful the entire time you are there. See more..
4.5 Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (1.505 reviews) from $103.00
- An Historical Site Worth Visiting
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens • Art Museums • History Museums

La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is an hacienda or 'quinta' built in the 17th century, famous for being the death place of Simón Bolívar on December 17, 1830. The hacienda is located in the district of Mamatoco within the tourist district of Santa Marta, near the Caribbean sea in northern Colombia. See more..
4.5 Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana (334 reviews)
- I loved the museum, love the history, love Santa Marta!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The house which functioned in the Spanish colonial era as the Customs House (Casa de la Aduana) for the port of Santa Marta is today a museum that lets you explore stories of the past and present from this corner of Colombia's magic Caribbean region. See more..
4.5 Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (213 reviews)
- Walk / Rent a Moto to Cerro Kennedy.
Mountains

Walked up the road from Minca to the top of the mountain called Cerro Kennedy. Amazing views of the glacier capped mountains and surrounding areas. You can stay overnight in one of the caretakers families home for $15 See more..
4.5 Cascadas de Marinka (203 reviews)
- A cold waterfalls after a nice walk from Minca itself
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

In order to get to the waterfalls from town it can take an hour to an hour and a half. You pay 5000 to get in and the falls has 2 levels. The lower pool is a bit bigger and has more room but the higher part of the waterfalls has that photo op moment. There were a few people just off to the side of the higher waterfalls when I was there drawing and writing and with the backdrop and sounds of the waterfalls that must have been a great spot to be inspired. There are the famous style nets right above the first pool which are good to relax it if they are not full. There is a changing room and washrooms for use, the water was cold and refreshing, especially after walking all that way. I would recommend walking there, you can visit oido del mundo aka the ear of the world on the way to Cascada de Marinka. See more..
4.5 Valencia Brook's Waterfalls (169 reviews)
- cold water falls
Waterfalls

We rode horses to this location with our guide it was beautiful and the water was very COLD! it was a great place to take pictures and jump off the rocks into the deep water. See more..
4.5 Museo del Cacao de Minca (103 reviews)
- A must-visit!!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Un mágico lugar donde conocerás la fascinante historia del Theobroma Cacao el Alimento de los Dioses y también aprenderás a elaborar deliciosas y nutritivas Chocolatinas Artesanales. Los esperamos en su próximo viaje a Minca, La Capital Ecologica y Turistica de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. See more..
4.5 Casa Museo Gabriel Garcia Marquez (74 reviews)
- Aracataca
Speciality Museums

I was never inside the house, only in the city, wanted to see, to feel the atmosphere of the town where Gabriel Garcia Marquez was living. Wanted to imagine me his thoughts, feelings, ways of living and writing. This pause in Aracataca made that I understood better and could see his short stories from the inside, so to speak. Was wondering also if he played billiard also or only wrote about. And other such thoughts I had being there. See more..
4.5 El Dorado Bird Reserve (55 reviews)
- Worth the Effort
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I also wrote a review of the lodge separately - I can't imagine making the trip up and not staying the night! BUT in general the reserve is AMAZING with very well maintained trails, vistas and viewpoints. I arranged a local, spanish-speaking guide and was very glad I did and the price was very reasonable. The number of endemic species is amazing and many you are very sure to see easily. So many beautiful views! See more..
4.5 El Paraiso de Tuki B&B (44 reviews)
- Detailed summary of how the plant becomes delicious chocolate
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

La Candelaria farm, we have the best cacao and Coffee tour in Minca The tourist can see and works with, dark, milk, Hot chocolate, (mascarilla de chocolate), also you can taste our fruit and enjoy our culture See more..
4.5 Centro Comercial Zazue Plaza (43 reviews)
- Small, but useful for tourists
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

We visited primarily for Carulla. We wanted items for the room. The supermarket is medium sized, with everything from produce to alcohol at normal prices The rest of the strip center... Local banks (no Citibank, so unlikely US cards will work)... About 3 stores with bikinis 2-3 options for ice cream Juan Valdez coffee (like Starbucks) The left side is restaurants. Creps and Waffle is very popular in Colombia. There is a beer /burger place on the end. Pizza didn't look good to me from the menu Small playground, but wasn't open when we went on a Saturday afternoon Let me know if you have any questions. If this was helpful, click on the thumbs up Les and Yulie Les and Yulie See more..
4.5 Nabusimake (42 reviews)
- Helpful details
National Parks

We visited in the month of March and were not allowed to enter the village due to a two week indigenous reunion. To get there take the bus from Valledupar to Pueblo Bello at 6 am (10.000 Cop). Trip duration 1 1/2 h. From the bus terminal you can take a 4x4 up to the pueblo. It is a two hour extremely bumpy ride. ( 15.000 cop) We stayed at Doña Ines for 20.000 cop a person. She has dorm rooms and offers meals for 6.000 cop.it is a beautiful property with animals and the family was sweet. There are three more "hotels" outside the village where you can stay. Once there you will have to register and pay 10.000 cop. They have a guide that can take you around for tips. You are not allowed to enter the village by yourself. The area is very beautiful and tranquil and you will feel like being in a different world. Although we were not allowed to enter the pueblo we did enjoy our stay. Bring water and warm cloth and hiking shoes. There is no market or store. See more..
4.5 Ensenada de Chengue (39 reviews)
- Amazingly beautiful and quiet hidden gem
Beaches

You have to eat the lobster caught and prepared by the beach keeper. It’s the best lobster i have ever had in my life and incredibly cheap and fresh. See more..
4.5 Playa Bello Horizonte (31 reviews)
- Perfect for kids
Beaches

We went to visit Santa Marta for a few days and were suggested to come to this beach since the environment is more family friendly and the waves aren't too strong. See more..
4.5 Plaza Centenario (9 reviews)
- Nice square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This square is nice. Almost everywhere in Cienaga there is urine smell, which make it less interesting. See more..
4.5 Centro Historico de Cienaga (5 reviews)
- Nice and dirty
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The centre is nice, well organised. The place is also dirty and not maintained, like almost all Cienaga place. See more..
4.0 Playa Blanca (1.960 reviews)
- There are two Playa Blancas in Colombia...FYI
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Beaches

I really liked my day at Playa Blanca near Santa Marta (Rodadero). Yes there are lots of vendors, yes there are lots of people but I think that's the beauty of this beach. Get a cooler of beer from one of the vendors (they will fill it with whatever you want) that way the drink vendors don't keep approaching you, that will eliminate like half of all vendors. Get there early so that you can get a tent in the front row, by early I mean like by 10am or so depending on the day of the week. The ceviche is way overpriced for what you get so I wouldn't recommend spending the money on it, just eat some fish soup and fried fish at one of the restaurants. It doesn't really matter which one you choose cause I think they are all related some way or another cause you see the boat guys going from one restaurant to another. You will have to grab a boat from Rodadero and you can skip the aquarium if you want to. See more..
4.0 Parque de Los Novios (1.728 reviews)
- Best nighttime Scene in Colombia
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

This entire area is a revelation in the evening. By day Santa Marta aint all that, Rodadero much better beach and much more attractive, but after dark there is a marked change. SUPER lively with great ambiance, loads of quality restarautns, tons of street musicians and a lack of the annoying hustlers that plague the Centro Historico in the much hyped Cartagena. More Colombianos than extranjeros. AND with the breezy conditions you never sweat, my wife got goose bumps from chill even. UNLIKE the much less pleasant climate in Cartagena. See more..
4.0 Catedral de Santa Marta (663 reviews)
- Stands out in the Blue Sky
Churches & Cathedrals

I view the cathedral from Casa de Leda Hotel and as I explored Santa Marta's Historic Area. Due to the Covid and time, I was not able to enter it. See more..
4.0 Bahía Concha (613 reviews)
- Lovely day at the beach
Beaches

This was a lovely beach. We were worried based on previous reviews about it being dirty or too many hagglers but neither happened. You are supposed to pay for insurance on way in and then have bags checked (for speakers, glass etc) but the insurance table was out of tickets so we just went in thinking we would need to pay elsewhere. No one asked again. The parking was 10,000 or so (we drove in rental car). Most people come on busses. It’s about a mile walk to the beach from parking. The chairs appeared to be free. We sat in shade. The beach workers were persistent but when they realized we weren’t going to buy left us alone. Pretty location, water was fun / warm. See more..
4.0 Acuario Mundo Marino (265 reviews)
- What to say, simply fantastic!!!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Aquariums

El Acuario Mundo Marino cuenta con más de 276 especies marinas, incluyendo tiburones, rayas, caballitos de mar, estrellas de mar, peces globos, entre otros. El recorrido por el acuario es totalmente guiado y dura 45 minutos aproximadamente. Miércoles, viernes y domingos a las 4:00pm tenemos actividad de alimentación de tiburones y peces. ¡Esperaremos verte pronto! See more..
4.0 Paseo El Camellón (209 reviews)
- Sunset
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of the best places to catch the sunset! Just be aware for strong winds if you are wearing a hat! It can fly away, but luckily there are locals who are willing to swim behind your hat! :-) See more..