I’ve traveled to Santa Marta 20+ times and collectively lived in this city for about 2 years of time. I have never once seen or experienced any incidents with bodily harm or safety issues. In turn, Santa Marta is more safe than any city I’ve been to in The United States. For example: Civilians are prohibited from owning guns. Marijuana is illegal. The police are like the military: swift in action against reported crime, way more powerful than any of the locals, and they even sleep in the same gated buildings together, with their families, in the local neighborhoods. When we hear about crime associated with Colombia, it is often in major tourist (red light) zones in cities like Medellin or Cartagena, where foreign travelers may seek out nefarious activities, and then create danger or attract it. While those major cities can be a lot of fun to explore with close friends for short periods of time, I prefer the relaxation, peace, and natural land of Santa Marta (500,000 population).

After 20+ Travels to Santa Marta, I’ve stayed and explored in almost every neighborhood in the city. In turn, I’ve met people from all ages, have friends at local colleges, churches, play pick up basketball games on Wednesday nights with neighborhood teams, roller blade and hang out on the beach with friends, and have even hired some creative contractors for professional projects here. I’m a regular at some restaurants that are local and have put on events at restaurants that are corporate owned. I have made friends with a few expats, dozens of taxi drivers, shop keepers, cashiers, artists, fishermen, hotel owners, personal trainers (gym), tour guides, and small business owners. In all, I’ve had every local experience I can think of, including sharing meals in homes with local families, visiting schools, and connecting with the city as a tourist, friend, and part-time tenant. I’m close to developing a strong community and feeling like a local here, and along the way, I have learned a ton about how the tourist aspect of life works here.

My vision is to help my USA friends explore an entirely different country for wellness purposes: enjoyment, healing, and personal growth. I’ve been devoting a huge aspect of my life and focus to building infrastructure in Santa Marta that helps my friends enjoy life here, explore the land, and see what’s possible with a lower cost of living— culturally, physically (health), emotionally, spiritually, financially, and romantically. With that, my goal is to host 10 friends in Santa Marta by the end of 2025. These experiences will go beyond a mere vacation. I want to support my own personal transformation and the happiness in the lives of the friends and families who travel here.

Curious travelers can download my travel guide. Eager travelers can provide a deposit and start to prepare for your vacation through language learning with me!