Is Santa Marta Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

If you and your travel companions cannot avoid traveling to Colombia, use the following safety tips to stay safer when visiting this highly volatile country.

1. Be Mindful of the High Number of Pickpockets in the Area: The likelihood of getting pickpocketed in cities like Santa Marta is currently very high. Be vigilant in crowded areas and avoid flashing valuables and cash. Nefarious criminals in this area have been known to target tourists primarily.
2. Avoid Communication Issues by Learning Spanish:  Learn basic Spanish before traveling to the South American country of Colombia. Knowing the language can help you avoid becoming the victim of crime and provide a more immersive and enjoyable travel experience when you can seamlessly communicate with locals.
3. Choose Your Transportation Providers in Advance: Avoid becoming the victim of a taxi scam or worse by researching and choosing your local transportation providers in advance. Research providers and read online reviews from fellow travelers to reduce the likelihood of transportation issues during your Colombian vacation.
4. Stay Alert on Beaches: High levels of crime and violence surrounding the city of Santa Marta don’t end at the coastline. Travelers should secure their valuables and remain vigilant when visiting local beaches for leisure and relaxation – especially at night.
5. Beware of Insistent, Over-friendly Street Vendors: Many local scammers in Colombia use distraction as part of their scheme to rob tourists of their cash and precious valuables. Be aware of insistent street vendors or random passersby who insist on grabbing your attention.
6. Secure Your Valuables and Cash: Always secure your cash and valuables, regardless of where you are traveling within Santa Marta. Local criminals seek out distracted tourists to target for pickpocketing, robbery, and potentially worse.
7. Register for U.S. Travel Safety Services: Stay safer when traveling outside the U.S. to Colombia by registering your trip with the State Department’s STEP Traveler Program. This program makes it easier for U.S. travelers to get international support when visiting other countries.
8. Plan for Emergencies in Advance: Create a record of important emergency contacts, including local embassy contacts and phone numbers for US-based support services, and keep it on your person when traveling in highly volatile and crime-ridden areas in Colombia.
9. Stick to Your Itinerary: One of the most important safety tips to follow when traveling to Santa Marta is to stick with your original itinerary. Avoid making spur-of-the-moment changes to travel plans, service providers, and accommodations to prevent becoming the victim of a local tourist scam, which is very common in this town.
10. Stay Alert When Visiting Crowded Areas: Always be on high alert when visiting crowded areas where pickpocketing, terrorist activity, and violent crimes are likely. Avoid overcrowded areas at all costs when you suspect that tensions are incredibly high.