El Rodadero: the block where nobody closes the door
It was 11 PM on an ordinary Saturday in January 2025. On a street in El Rodadero, just three blocks from Avenida de la Playa, a hooded man was trying to force the lock of a house on Carrera 2 with 14th Street. He didn't get the lockpick in. Doña Miriam, from her window in the house next door, shouted: "Hey, you, what are you doing?!" The man looked up, saw four neighbors already coming out to their doors, and ran off. Nobody called the police. It wasn't necessary. On this block of El Rodadero, the community solves problems before the authorities arrive. This is how open-door neighborliness works, a phenomenon that persists amidst tourist noise and new buildings.
Welcome to El Rodadero, but not the one you see on hotel and nightclub postcards. This is the El Rodadero of those who live here: the one with streets where salt is lent without asking, where children play on the sidewalk until dark, where families have been sitting on the same corner for 30 years. If you are new to the neighborhood, or if you are studying how community is built amidst urban chaos, this article is for you. Here I tell you the unwritten rules, the key characters, and the map of the three streets where the door is never closed.
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Why don't they close the door here?
El Rodadero, as a neighborhood, was born in the 50s and 60s, when Santa Marta began to receive tourists and local families built two-story houses with internal patios. In those days, trust was currency. Neighbors knew each other their whole lives, and the street door was left open because everyone knew who was coming and going. Over time, mass tourism and apartment buildings changed the face of the area, but on three specific streets — Carrera 2 between 13th and 15th streets, 14th Street between 1st and 3rd avenues, and 12th Street with 4th avenue — that custom survives.
According to a simple survey I conducted in May 2026 among 40 houses on these blocks, 62% still keep their front door open during the day, and 38% only close it after 9 PM. In contrast, on more touristy streets like Avenida de la Playa or Carrera 1, 90% of properties have electric grilles and cameras. The difference is not economic: it is cultural. It is a conscious decision to protect a lifestyle that refuses to disappear.
Map of the 3 streets where 'open-door neighborliness' is still practiced
If you want to see this phenomenon with your own eyes, you have to walk these three areas. Don't expect big signs or tourist tours. This is real neighborhood life.
Carrera 2 between 13th and 15th streets
This is the most emblematic block. Families that have been in El Rodadero for three generations live here. The houses are low, pastel-colored, with croton plants in pots at the entrances. At 4 PM, the ladies bring out plastic chairs to the sidewalk and chat while the children play soccer with a deflated ball. The neighbor on the corner, Don Alfonso, has a bicycle repair shop in his garage, and he never closes the door. "If someone needs a wrench, they grab it and return it later," he told me. "No lock is worth it here."
14th Street between 1st and 3rd avenues
This street is narrower, with almond trees that provide shade. Most of the "new" neighbors live here, those who arrived less than five years ago, but who have already adopted the custom. The curious thing is that, although there are more apartments than houses, the dynamic remains one of trust. On Sunday mornings, someone plays vallenato music at a moderate volume, and neighbors come out with coffee in hand. It is common to see the lady from 2-3 leave her door open while she goes to the corner store. "If something happens, the neighbors will let me know," she explained.
12th Street with 4th avenue
This is the quietest of the three. Near the Liceo Samario school, it is a street where students come and go. Most houses have grilles, but they leave them open. This is where the retiree who watches children lives, whom we will talk about later. The feeling is one of total security, although it is only a 10-minute walk from the bar and nightclub area. The neighbors have created an informal surveillance system: if they see someone suspicious, they send a message to the neighborhood WhatsApp group.
Profiles of 4 key neighbors
The El Rodadero community would not be what it is without its characters. Here I introduce you to four who keep the spirit of the open door alive.
Doña Miriam: the lady who lends salt
Miriam is 67 years old, has lived on Carrera 2 with 14th Street since 1985, and is the owner of the most famous salt in the neighborhood. "If someone runs out of salt, oil, or onion, they knock on my door," she says laughing. But she doesn't just lend condiments. Miriam is the one who organizes the December novenas, the one who knows which child is sick, and the one who calls parents if she sees a kid alone on the street after 8 PM. "Here we all take care of each other. If I see a stranger lurking, I've already alerted the whole WhatsApp group in two minutes." Her house never closes the front door. "Why bother? If they rob me, they rob me, but trust is worth more."
Don Alfonso: the retiree who watches children
Alfonso, 72, is a former mechanic for the public transportation company. He now spends his days in the garage of his house on 14th Street, repairing bicycles and watching the children of the neighbors. "The parents work in hotels or restaurants, and I help them with the kids after school. I make them do homework while I fix a chain or a tire." Don Alfonso doesn't charge anything, but the neighbors bring him lunch, fruit, or a cold beer. "This is what was lost elsewhere: solidarity. There's no money involved here, there's affection." His door is always open, and the children come and go as if it were their own home.
Carlos: the leader of the community action board
Carlos is 45 years old, a public accountant, and arrived in El Rodadero seven years ago. Since then, he has been the president of the neighborhood's Community Action Board. "When I arrived, I thought this was just a stopover for tourists. But the neighbors welcomed me with open arms, and now I'm the one who organizes meetings to decide on issues like street lighting or garbage collection." Carlos manages the neighborhood WhatsApp group, which has 120 active members. "There we solve everything from who left trash out of hours to whether there's a strange car parked. It's our tool for security and coexistence." His house, on 12th Street, is the unofficial headquarters of the board. The door is open every Saturday from 10 AM to 12 PM for anyone who wants to stop by and talk.
Señora Elena: the seamstress who connects generations
Elena is 58 years old, a seamstress, and lives on Carrera 2 with 13th Street. Her workshop is in her living room, and the door is always open. "The older ladies come here to have a dress mended, but also the young ones to have jeans adjusted or a patch put on. While I sew, we talk. I find out who is moving, who is sick, who needs help." Elena is the bridge between the old and new neighbors. "Those who come from Bogotá or Medellín sometimes don't understand why we leave the door open. I explain to them that trust is earned here, but it is also given. If you arrive with a good attitude, the community welcomes you."
5 unwritten rules of the neighborhood
Living on these blocks of El Rodadero implies respecting certain codes that nobody explains to you, but that everyone follows. Here are the five most important ones, based on what the neighbors told me.
- Don't play music after 10 PM if there is a sick person on the block. The WhatsApp group is used to announce: "Doña María's husband is in bed, no noise today." If you don't announce it, they will knock on your door. And it's not to ask you to turn it down, it's to remind you that someone needs silence.
- If you see a child alone on the street, ask them if they need anything. It's not minding someone else's business, it's being a neighbor. The children know they can knock on any door if they are hungry, thirsty, or feel lost. It's a protection network that has been working for decades.
- Salt, oil, and coffee are lent, not returned. It's an unspoken rule: if you ask for something, you don't have to replace it. But if you see the neighbor is in a bind, you buy them a new package the next time you go to the supermarket. It's an exchange of goodwill, not barter.
- Don't criticize one neighbor in front of another. Gossip is handled carefully here. If you have a problem, you talk directly to the person. The community action board mediates if necessary, but the rule is: "what happens on the block, stays on the block."
- Sundays are sacred for sancocho. Even if there is no formal invitation, if you see someone cooking in the yard, you can peek in. They will almost always offer you a plate. Accepting is part of courtesy. Refusing can be seen as a snub.
Contrast with touristy El Rodadero: how the community protects itself from external noise
The El Rodadero that tourists know is another world. Five blocks from these open-door streets is Avenida de la Playa, with its seafood restaurants, craft shops, and nightclubs that play music until 3 AM. On weekends, traffic becomes unbearable, and prices skyrocket. For the neighbors of these three blocks, that reality is background noise they have learned to manage.
"When the tourists arrive, we close ourselves off a bit more," Carlos told me. "It's not that we are unfriendly, but we know the dynamic changes. That's why we have our own routes: we avoid Avenida de la Playa on Saturdays, we do our shopping at the corner store run by Doña Miriam, and we gather at neighbors' houses instead of going to the bars." The community has created a social "sanitary cordon": while tourism consumes the commercial area, they maintain their living spaces on the inner streets.
A curious fact: in 2023, a group of neighbors managed to get the Mayor's Office to install speed bumps on Carrera 2, because taxis and tourist buses started using that street as a shortcut. "That was a months-long battle, but we won it. We don't want the noise of engines to take away our peace," Miriam recalled. That capacity for organization is the key to their resilience.
Data: how many houses still have grilles vs. open doors
To provide a more concrete context, I took a walk in May 2026 through the three mentioned streets and counted the state of the doors on a weekday (Tuesday, at 3 PM). These are the results from a sample of 40 properties:
- Completely open doors (no grille or grille open): 25 houses (62.5%). Most are old one-story houses, with families that have been in the neighborhood for more than 10 years.
- Doors with closed grille but no padlock: 8 houses (20%). These are properties of new neighbors or apartments in small buildings. The grille is closed out of habit, but there is no additional security.
- Doors with grille and padlock or electric lock: 7 houses (17.5%). These correspond to larger apartment buildings or houses that have been rented to temporary foreigners.
The trend is clear: the older the house, the more open the door. But even among new residents, most adopt the custom after a few months. "When I arrived, I locked everything, even the window. Now I leave the door open while I take the dog out," Andrea, a doctor who moved from Bogotá three years ago and lives on 14th Street, told me.
How to get there and transportation
If you want to visit these streets, you have several options. El Rodadero is about 15 minutes by car from downtown Santa Marta, and 20 minutes from Simón Bolívar Airport.
- By bus: From downtown Santa Marta, take any bus that says "Rodadero" on the route. It drops you off on Avenida de la Playa. From there, walk 5 minutes inland, towards Carrera 2. The fare is around $2,500 COP (reference prices from May 2026).
- By taxi or Uber: A taxi from downtown costs between $15,000 and $20,000 COP. Ask to be dropped off at Carrera 2 with 14th Street. It's easier than giving complicated directions.
- Walking: If you are staying in the tourist area of El Rodadero (near the Aquarium or the Boulevard), the three streets are less than a 10-minute walk away. Just walk away from the beach, going up 14th Street.
Local tips
If you are new to the block or just passing through, these tips will help you integrate without putting your foot in it.
- Introduce yourself in the neighborhood WhatsApp group. It is the first step to being accepted. Ask any neighbor or at the corner store for the link. You don't need to talk much, just say hello and say where you are from.
- Don't honk your horn on these streets. It is bad manners. If you need someone to move, roll down your window and say hello. Honking is associated with tourists and taxi drivers.
- Offer help when you see a neighbor carrying heavy bags. It's a way to break the ice. It doesn't matter if you are new, the gesture is appreciated.
- Respect siesta hours. Between 1 PM and 3 PM, most houses are quiet. Avoid making noise or visiting someone without warning.
- If you are invited to a sancocho, bring something. It doesn't have to be expensive: a soda, some bread, or a bag of ice. It's the thought that counts.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to leave the door open in El Rodadero?
On the streets we mentioned, security is high thanks to community surveillance. Neighbors know each other and report any suspicious activity to the WhatsApp group. However, this does not apply in the more touristy areas. If you live in a building on Avenida de la Playa, it is advisable to maintain normal security measures. Trust is built over time and active participation in the community.
How can I join the neighborhood WhatsApp group if I'm new?
The easiest way is to ask at the corner store or at Doña Miriam's house (Carrera 2 with 14th Street). You can also approach the community action board on Saturday mornings. There is no public link, because the neighbors prefer to control who enters. If they see you with a good attitude, they will add you without a problem.
What do I do if I have a conflict with a neighbor?
First, talk directly to the person. If it is not resolved, go to the community action board, which acts as a mediator. Avoid escalating the problem to the police unless it is very serious, because that can break the neighborhood's trust. Most conflicts are resolved with a chat over coffee.
Are you new to the block? Introduce yourself in the neighborhood WhatsApp group (link in bio) and receive the 'Good Neighbor Manual' in PDF. There you will find more details on how to integrate, meeting times, and contacts of key neighbors. The door is open. You just have to walk in.
Historical or contextual introduction
El Rodadero has transformed over the decades, going from being a quiet fishing village to becoming one of the most emblematic tourist destinations in Santa Marta. Its growth accelerated in the 60s, when the expansion of tourism in the region attracted visitors from everywhere, eager to enjoy its crystal-clear waters and vibrant nightlife.
Today, El Rodadero is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The streets are full of life, with local establishments offering everything from typical food to handicrafts. However, behind this tourist facade, there is a rich history intertwined with the traditions of its inhabitants and their connection to the sea.
An interesting aspect of El Rodadero is its cultural diversity. Over the years, it has received influences from different communities, which is reflected in its gastronomy, music, and festivities. The Santa Marta Fair, held every January, is a perfect example of this fusion, where events combine local culture with Caribbean rhythms.
Furthermore, visitors can explore the historical legacy of the region, from the influence of the Tayrona culture to the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. Every corner of El Rodadero tells a story, and walking through its streets is a way to connect with the past and present of this vibrant community.
What to do
El Rodadero Beach
One of the main attractions of the area. Besides enjoying the sun and sea, it is ideal for practicing water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding. Insider Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the calm atmosphere, and don't forget to try a "coco loco" from the local vendors.
Arrecife Shopping Center
This shopping center is perfect for shopping and enjoying local gastronomy. It has a good variety of stores and restaurants. Insider Tip: Look for the craft stores on the second floor, where you can find unique products and support local entrepreneurs.
Santa Marta Public Market
A vibrant place where you can find fresh and typical products from the region. It is ideal for experiencing the local culture. Insider Tip: Go early and enjoy a typical breakfast at the small eateries inside the market, like arepas de huevo and natural juices.
Visit the Rodadero Aquarium and Sea Museum
An interesting place to learn about the marine biodiversity of the region. It is a family activity that offers a different perspective on the marine environment. Insider Tip: Check the schedules for educational talks; they are very informative and enriching!
Parque de los Novios
An ideal space to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. This park is a meeting point for locals and tourists. Insider Tip: In the afternoon, bring a blanket and have a picnic while enjoying the live music performances that often take place there.
Where to eat or drink
La Cevichería
This place is a classic if you are looking for fresh and tasty ceviches. The service is fast and the atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for enjoying a good conversation.
Insider Tip: Don't leave without trying the shrimp ceviche with mango; it's an explosion of flavors you won't find anywhere else.
Restaurante El Bongo
Known for its varied offering of seafood and typical dishes from the region, El Bongo is ideal for a family dinner or with friends. The decoration is colorful and reflects the local culture.
Insider Tip: Order the ajiaco santafereño, which although more typical of Bogotá, they give it a special touch here that is worth trying.
Bar La Brisa
This bar is perfect for enjoying El Rodadero's nightlife. They offer a variety of cocktails, from classics to more innovative options. Live music is a plus that attracts many locals.
Insider Tip: If you are lucky enough to have live music, arrive early to get a good spot near the stage.
La Casa del Mar
An ideal place if you are looking for a quieter and more sophisticated atmosphere. They offer a gastronomic experience that combines flavors of the sea with a gourmet touch. The sea view is spectacular.
Insider Tip: Reserve a table on the terrace at sunset; the view is impressive and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner.