Cerro Ziruma Scenic Route
Scenic route with hilltop vistas of Santa Marta Bay & Rodadero Beach, perfect for walks, workouts, and birdwatching.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer people
Cerro Ziruma Scenic Route
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic route with hilltop vistas of Santa Marta Bay & Rodadero Beach, perfect for walks, workouts, and birdwatching.
"Outstanding views along an easy climb, a great workout spot with a bonus quiet beach!"
💧 Stay Hydrated!
It gets very hot. Carry ample water for your walk up and down.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The path is well-maintained, but good walking shoes are essential for the climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Hilltop vistas
Breathtaking views of Santa Marta Bay and Rodadero Beach from the summit. A must-see for any visitor!
The Observation Tower
Top of the mountain
Climb the tower for an even better perspective of the stunning coastal scenery. Perfect photo opportunity!
Quiet Beach Access
Base of the route
Descend to a secluded beach for a peaceful escape and a refreshing swim after your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Views and Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
It gets very hot. Carry ample water for your walk up and down.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The path is well-maintained, but good walking shoes are essential for the climb.
🚌 Bus to the Top
If you need assistance or are short on time, buses stop at the summit.
🌸 Blooming Beauty
Visit when the hills are covered in yellow flowers for a truly magical sight.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
It gets very hot. Carry ample water for your walk up and down.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The path is well-maintained, but good walking shoes are essential for the climb.
🚌 Bus to the Top
If you need assistance or are short on time, buses stop at the summit.
🌸 Blooming Beauty
Visit when the hills are covered in yellow flowers for a truly magical sight.
🏋️♀️ Workout Spot
Great place for a morning workout with scenic views and exercise stations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the amazing walking and hiking experience at Cerro Ziruma, highlighting the outstanding city and bay views. The well-maintained platform makes the climb easy, and the option to descend to a quiet beach is a bonus. Some note it can get hot, so bringing water is essential.
"An amazing walking/hiking experience up and down a hill. From a certain viewpoint, you can see a lovely view of the city of Santa Marta."
S. K. Hill
"Great walking experience between Santa Marta and Rododero. The platform makes the climb easy and you get outstanding views along the way.
It is hot so bring water. If in trouble, buses do stop at the top."
Michael H.
"Nice view-point!
On top of the mountain, there is a tower 🗼you can climb to better appreciate the views 👌🏼"
Kevin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cerro Ziruma is located between Santa Marta and Rodadero. You can walk or take a bus. Buses frequently run along the main road and will stop at the top if requested.
Yes, it's a great walking experience between Santa Marta and Rodadero, with Cerro Ziruma offering a scenic route. The platform makes the climb easier.
You can hike up the well-maintained path, which is a great workout. Alternatively, buses do stop at the top if you prefer not to walk the entire way.
While there might be limited parking near the base, the primary access is via walking or public transport. The route is designed for pedestrian enjoyment.
Yes, it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for views and a bit of exercise. The path is generally easy to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees mentioned for accessing the scenic route or the viewpoints. It's generally a free public space.
Cerro Ziruma is accessible during daylight hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are popular times to visit.
Information regarding an entrance fee for the observation tower is not readily available, but it's likely free to access as part of the scenic route.
It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the views. Access after dark is not recommended.
No, there are no booking requirements. Cerro Ziruma is an open-access scenic route and viewpoint.
📸 📸 Photography
The hilltop vistas offer stunning panoramic views of Santa Marta Bay and Rodadero Beach. The observation tower provides an elevated perspective.
Late afternoons during the golden hour provide beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings also offer clear views with fewer crowds.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views. A zoom lens can be useful for details of the city. Don't forget a polarizing filter for bright days.
The main viewpoints at the top of the mountain are excellent. The path itself also offers various scenic spots with the city and bay in the background.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
It's a great walking/hiking experience up and down a hill with a platform that makes the climb easy. It's also a popular spot for workouts.
While specific facilities aren't detailed, buses do stop at the top, suggesting some level of infrastructure. It's wise to bring your own water and snacks.
Yes, it's noted as a really nice place for birdwatching, especially in the mornings.
Yes, you can walk down to a very quiet beach from Cerro Ziruma, offering a nice reward after your walk.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking a bus part of the way up if younger children might tire easily. The exercise stations along the route can also be a fun distraction. The vibrant scenery, especially when the hills are in bloom, will captivate young imaginations.
🏋️♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
The well-constructed path ensures a safe and enjoyable workout. The cooler temperatures in the early morning make it the most comfortable time to tackle the climb. After your workout, you can cool off with a refreshing dip at the quiet beach located at the base of the route.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Plan your visit for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The vibrant colors of the sea and sky, especially when contrasted with the lush green hills, create unforgettable images. Don't forget your wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Route Experience
The journey up Cerro Ziruma is rewarded with increasingly spectacular views. As you ascend, the vistas of Santa Marta Bay and Rodadero Beach become more expansive, offering a breathtaking panorama of the coastline. The presence of lush greenery, especially when the hills are adorned with yellow flowers, adds to the scenic beauty, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Beyond the views, the route also provides access to a quiet beach at its base. This offers a perfect opportunity to cool off with a swim after your walk or simply relax by the sea. The combination of exercise, stunning scenery, and beach access makes Cerro Ziruma a multifaceted destination for a memorable day out.
Capturing the Views: Photography Tips
Don't miss the observation tower at the summit. Climbing this structure offers an elevated perspective, allowing you to capture even more expansive and impressive shots of the coastline and the city. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the bay and the cityscape. Consider bringing a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sky and sea, especially on bright, sunny days.
While the main viewpoints are spectacular, don't forget to explore the path itself. There are numerous spots along the way that offer charming compositions with the city and the bay as a backdrop. If you're interested in wildlife, the area is also known for birdwatching, so keep your camera ready for any feathered encounters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit