Things To Do
in Santo Tomás
Santo Tomás is a small town in Magdalena, Colombia, set among green hills and the Magdalena River delta. It exudes Caribbean warmth and rural charm, with friendly locals, markets, and colorful streets that invite slow-paced exploration. The town serves as a gateway to nearby natural areas and coastal adventures, while still feeling authentically local.
Visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine, plazas, and easy, approachable day trips in a picturesque setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Santo Tomás and get settled in your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Colombian dishes. Spend the morning exploring the charming town square and visiting the local artisan shops.
After lunch, join a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Santo Tomás. Discover the unique architecture and visit historical landmarks, including the colonial-era church. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you interact with locals and sample regional snacks.
Unwind at a local restaurant with live music, enjoying the flavors of the region. Engage in conversations with friendly locals, sharing stories and laughter. As the day comes to a close, take a peaceful stroll under the starlit sky.
Start your day with an invigorating hike in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains. Marvel at the stunning scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Bring a packed breakfast to enjoy amidst the lush greenery.
After the hike, visit a nearby waterfall for a refreshing dip. This is the perfect time to relax and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. As you dry off, have a picnic lunch while listening to the sound of the water cascading.
Return to town and find a cozy spot for dinner, perhaps trying a local specialty such as arepas or sancocho. Take a leisurely walk around the town, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Settle in for the night with a good book or share stories with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi within town | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $25-50 |
| 🧃Market fresh fruit or groceries | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace
- Good value for money and easy day trips
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Transportation can be sparse outside the town center
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quisiera una cerveza, por favor" - I would like a beer, please
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Santo Tomás
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful facades, church façade, and morning light on the central square.
Historic church with white walls and intricate doors; great for detail shots.
Calm water, boats, and lush banks at golden hour.
Vibrant houses and stairways perfect for portraits.
Food in Santo Tomás
Santo Tomás Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut-infused rice often served with fried fish and plantains, a staple on coastal tables.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried fish with a bright green herb sauce, commonly enjoyed near the river and docks.
A crispy, egg-filled corn cake popular at street stalls and morning markets.
Fried plantain slices with a savory tomato-onion sauce, ideal as a snack or side.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where you can sample tropical fruits, fresh fish, and traditional snacks.
Casual vendors offering arepas, patacones, empanadas, and seasonal fruit cups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'; use 'usted' with elders. In social settings, a handshake or a friendly kiss on the cheek may occur among friends.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and speak politely in public spaces.
People are warm and helpful; avoid loud behavior late at night in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Santo Tomás
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in restaurants if service is good. Small tips for guides or street vendors are common but discretionary.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in markets and small shops; many restaurants and hotels accept cards; mobile payments are growing but carry cash for stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with little rain; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography.
Afternoons often bring tropical showers; trails can be slippery but vegetation is lush and light is dramatic.
Santo Tomás at Night
Hiking in Santo Tomás
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate day hikes with forested paths and scenic overlooks.
Gentle trails along the Magdalena riverbanks and agricultural lanes.
Airports
How to reach Santo Tomás by plane.
Santa Marta's airport; national and limited international connections; gateway for reaching Santo Tomás by road.
Barranquilla's airport; larger hub with more flight options; about 1.5–2 hours by road to Santo Tomás depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cultural influences shape language, music, and cuisine across the region.
Smallholder farmers and craftspeople are central to the local economy and daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across towns and communities; watch local matches and informal games in the streets.
Quiet rural roads make great routes for weekend rides and sightseeing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santo Tomás.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose plant-based dishes like arroz con coco, patacones with hogao, arepa de queso, fresh fruit, and vegetable stews. In markets, ask for platas sin carne.