Simón Bolívar International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Simón Bolívar sits right against Santa Marta's tourist coast: Bello Horizonte and Pozos Colorados, the strip of resorts closest to the terminal, start at 2-4 km, 5-10 minutes by taxi. El Rodadero, the city's historic beach, is a little further south and takes 15-20 minutes; the colonial centre, from where the boats to Tayrona Park leave, is further still and has almost no chain hotel supply. For an early flight or a short layover, staying between Bello Horizonte and Pozos Colorados shortens the transfer to almost nothing.

Bello Horizonte and Pozos Colorados

Airport area · 2-4 km from the terminal, 5-10 minutes by taxi depending on the exact hotel; some resorts also offer their own shuttle.

Best for: Dawn flights, short layovers and those who want a beach resort without straying from the terminal.

Pros

The shortest transfer among all the areas of Santa Marta
Private beaches and resort pools, away from the city traffic

Cons

Few independent restaurants outside the hotels: most meals are eaten there
El Rodadero and the historic centre stay 15-30 minutes away by taxi

Recommended hotels in this area

Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida: In Bello Horizonte, just 2.3 km from the terminal (about 5 minutes): the chain resort closest to the airport in the area.
Hilton Santa Marta: In Pozos Colorados, about 3.8 km from the terminal; four restaurants, two poolside bars and direct beach access.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Marta Resort: Also in Bello Horizonte, with pool, sauna and an airport shuttle; a mid-range option among the area's resorts.

See more hotels in this area →

El Rodadero and Los Cocos

Neighbourhood · 15-20 minutes by taxi from the terminal: a bit more than the Pozos Colorados resorts, but still convenient.

Best for: Those who want the city's historic beach, with more restaurants, shops and evening life on foot.

Pros

More independent restaurants, bars and shops than the airport area
Urban beach with a pedestrian seafront promenade, useful even without a car

Cons

A more crowded and less well-kept beach than the private resorts near the airport
At rush hour the transfer from the airport can exceed 20 minutes

Recommended hotels in this area

AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta: In Los Cocos, minutes from playa El Rodadero; minimalist design typical of the AC brand, aimed at business or couple travellers.
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel: Also in Los Cocos, near El Rodadero and Tayrona Park; a mid-range option with a pool.

See more hotels in this area →