Dream trips Santa Marta planning

Santa Marta in Kolumbien is a destination that Once in a Lifetime plans for travellers with a lifelong wish, with a focus on uniqueness and careful preparation. Once in a Lifetime is a Swiss travel agency with video consultation and prepares lifelong wishes with care. Describe your wish in the planner, and in the video call Once in a Lifetime goes through it with you point by point.

Updated: 7 August 2026.

Why this trip

Several days of walking through the jungle, and at the end you climb many steps to a city that is older than Machu Picchu: the Ciudad Perdida near Santa Marta is a journey for people who want to fulfil a lifelong wish physically. The Caribbean city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada is the starting point for it. Tayrona National Park offers paths through forest to bays with rocks and palms, a counterpart to the effort of the Ciudad Perdida. The Acuario Mundo Marino shows the marine fauna of the coast, and the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino recalls Simón Bolívar, who died here.

Anyone who explores the city on foot discovers an old town that is less polished than Cartagena. December to March is the dry, favourable time. Cartagena and Medellín lie as neighbouring destinations in Colombia. Because the hike to the Ciudad Perdida demands fitness and equipment, preparation begins long before departure, with shoes, vaccination advice and training.

That is not a burden but part of the occasion. In the video call Once in a Lifetime discusses with you whether you put the multi-day hike or rather the coast at the centre.

Places and experiences

Once in a Lifetime shows you the whole selection for Santa Marta and takes time for your priorities.

Acuario Mundo Marino, Experience
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Experience
Playa Blanca, Experience

Place
Acuario Mundo Marino
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Playa Blanca

Getting there

From your Swiss airport, Once in a Lifetime plans flights and transfers so that the occasion stays at the centre.

Frequently asked questions

What sets Once in a Lifetime apart?

Once in a Lifetime plans trips for lifelong wishes with a focus on uniqueness and careful preparation. We plan Santa Marta by video call with plenty of lead time according to your occasion.

Which places are part of the programme in Santa Marta?

To fulfil your wish in Santa Marta, the catalogue includes Acuario Mundo Marino, Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Playa Blanca among others. Once in a Lifetime sorts them in the video call by what they mean to you.

Who is a dream trip to Santa Marta suitable for?

For travellers with a lifelong wish or a special occasion who want to prepare a trip well in advance and with care.

Which accommodations are listed for Santa Marta in the catalogue?

For the special occasion, the catalogue lists Hilton Garden Inn Santa Marta, Hotel Boutique Don Pepe and Tewimake | Hotel de Lujo en Santa Marta, for example, in Santa Marta. The choice depends on your wish.

Which destinations in Kolumbien work well together?

In addition, Cartagena and Medellín can be reached. You decide calmly whether they fit your wish.

Can I adapt the trip?

Yes. We tailor occasion, duration, stops and pace to your wish. In a video call we discuss what the trip means to you and how that should show in the schedule.

How much does a trip to Santa Marta cost?

The price depends on the dates, the accommodation and the length of the trip. We do not quote flat prices, but prepare an individual offer after you have filled in the planner.

How does the consultation work?

The consultation takes place by video call. After the planner you receive a reply from us within one working day.

How do I start planning?

You fill in the planner and state dates, budget and wishes. We get back to you by video call within one working day.