About
Magdalena is a department on Colombia's Caribbean coast, in the north of South America. It takes its name from the great river that runs through the country, and it offers a visit that moves between sea, mountains and an old port city.
Santa Marta and the coast
The departmental heartland is Santa Marta, a colonial port city on the Caribbean. Its historic setting gives the place a distinct character, and the coastline around it is the main draw for many visitors who come to walk, swim and take in the sea air. Visitors who enjoy wandering on foot will find the old town a natural place to start.
The Sierra Nevada
What sets Magdalena apart from many coastal destinations is its closeness to the Sierra Nevada mountains. The range rises close to the shore, so a single trip can take you from the warm coast into cooler, higher country. Travellers interested in landscape, walking and nature will find this proximity one of the department's strongest features.
Planning a visit
- Base yourself in Santa Marta to combine city time with the coast.
- Allow time for the mountains if you want to see more than the shoreline.
- Check local conditions and transport before you set out, as travel details can change.
Magdalena suits visitors who want a mix of colonial streets, Caribbean coastline and mountain scenery within reach of one another. It is a department to explore slowly, at a pace that lets the sea and the peaks both make an impression.
