I regularly hike to Playa Inca Inca both in the early morning for a quick swim and the late afternoon for a sunset swim.
It takes about 45 minutes to hike to Playa Inca Inca beach from El Rodadero, then it’s an easy 10-minute boat back (you need a reservation for a boat after sunset).
I think Playa Inca Inca is the best beach near Santa Marta, without having to go to Tayrona National Park by boat. It’s never crowded, the water is the perfect temperature and it’s relatively easy to hike.
Some of my Colombian friends are working on some local hiking tours where they will organize a boat back after sunset (right now you have to walk back at night) and possibly a morning tour with a boat back with a quick visit to swim in the spectacular natural pool at Isla Pelicano.
We have a group that regularly goes on Mondays at 4:30 pm for the sunset. Please feel free to reach out if you want to join sometime and I can add you to the group WhatsApp chat.
Playa Inca Inca used to be more undeveloped and the hike was considered dangerous but now there is a new restaurant lounge on the north end of the beach and the security situation has improved significantly.
This trail is considered safe but it’s best to go in a group and not to walk back alone at night (after sunset). No dar papaya (the Colombian slang for don’t make yourself a target).
If you’re visiting Santa Marta and you’re looking for some epic beach and mountain adventures, here are some more of my hiking guides to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on the Northern Colombia Caribbean Coast:
- 7 Best Santa Marta Waterfall Hikes For Swimming In The Jungle
- 15 Best Hikes In Minca And The Sierra Nevada De Santa Marta
- A Hiker’s Guide To Santa Marta’s 10 Best Hikes And Trekking
- The 25 Best Multi‑Day Colombia Trekking Adventures
- 15 Best Santa Marta Beaches And Tayrona Boat Tours
As you can see, the around Santa Marta is a beach and mountain paradise!
