The Rodadero Stairs: Much More Than a Shortcut
If you've walked through El Rodadero, you've surely come across them: stairs that climb the hillside, some of worn concrete, others with rusty iron handrails, many flanked by bougainvillea. For the hurried tourist, they are just an obstacle. For those who know how to look, they are the true arteries of the neighborhood. In May 2026, when the sun beats down hard at 10 in the morning, climbing one of these stairs is understanding how this piece of Santa Marta was built: on a topography that demands effort, but rewards you with views that no beach hotel can offer.
Here you won't find the usual guide with the same restaurants and nightclubs. This is for those who want to sweat it out, count steps, and discover why locals call certain streets "the stations of the cross." Get ready to walk, ask questions, and take home a story on every landing.
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Why the Stairs Define El Rodadero
El Rodadero is not just the avenue that borders the beach. Behind the hotels and shopping centers, the neighborhood climbs the San Martín hill. Originally, these slopes were parceled out without formal urban planning: the first inhabitants traced dirt paths that later became concrete stairs. Today, over 30 public staircases connect the lower part (Carrera 1, facing the sea) with the upper part (Carrera 5 and beyond).
For amateur urban planners, this is a case study: a pedestrian infrastructure network born out of necessity, not a blueprint. Each staircase has its own rhythm, its own shade, its own story of neighbors greeting each other as they pass. And for runners, they are the most demanding free gym in Santa Marta.
The 3 Stairs You Have to Know
Not all stairs are the same. Some are straight and steep, others wind between houses. Here are three that no urban explorer should miss.
Calle 9 Stair: The Most Photogenic
It starts at Carrera 1 with Calle 9, right next to the Terraza del Mar building. It has 127 steps (yes, we counted them) that go up in an L-shape. The special thing: from the first landing you already see the Caribbean Sea peeking out between the tiled roofs. Halfway up, a century-old ceiba tree shades a concrete bench where neighbors sit to cool off. It's the favorite of local Instagrammers, but it hasn't made it into the travel guides yet.
- Fun fact: At the top, the staircase leads to Calle 10, where there's a neighborhood store that has been selling ice-cold corozo juice since 1987.
- Recommendation: Climb it at sunset. The golden light hits the steps directly and the shadows of the palm trees look like drawings.
Mirador Stair: The Steepest
This one is for those who aren't afraid of slopes. It's on Calle 12, between Carreras 3 and 4. It has 98 steps, but with a gradient that forces you to hold onto the handrail. They call it "del Mirador" because at the top there is a small square with a metal railing from which you can see the entire bay of Santa Marta, from the port to the Gaira headland. Runners use it for interval training: going up and down five times is a full session.
- Architectural detail: The steps are narrower than normal (barely 25 cm tread), a sign that it was built on a small lot, with no space for a standard staircase.
- Tips for tourists: Bring water. There's no shade at the top, but the sea breeze cools you down. If you go during Holy Week or December, the square fills with children flying kites.
Carrera 5 Stair: The Longest
This is not a straight staircase, but a system of ramps and steps that goes up from Carrera 1 with Calle 14 to Carrera 5, almost at the top of the hill. In total, about 250 steps spread over six sections. It passes by the side of the Liceo Samario school, and in the mornings it fills with students in white uniforms. It has the most biodiversity: lizards, iguanas, and if you're lucky, a sloth hanging from an almond tree.
- Neighbor's story: Doña Cecilia, who has lived on the second section since 1992, says the stairs used to be made of dirt and cars couldn't go up. "Everything was done on foot," she says.
- Recommendation: Climb slowly and look at the gardens. Many houses have pots with orchids, cacti, and even fruit trees like lemon or mango.
What to Do on the Stairs (Besides Climbing Them)
The stairs are not just a means of transportation. They are spaces of neighborhood life. Here's how to enjoy them like a local.
Observe Vernacular Architecture
Each staircase is surrounded by houses that tell a story. You'll see unplastered block facades, wooden windows with wrought iron grilles, eternit roofs, and some two-story houses with concrete balconies. It's popular Caribbean architecture: functional, colorful, adapted to the heat. Pay attention to the details: the gutters that collect rainwater, the clotheslines on the rooftops, the inner courtyards visible from above.
Make Friends (or at Least Say Hello)
On the stairs, people get to know each other. Neighbors sweep the steps, children play on the landings, dogs walk around without leashes. If you're a runner, you'll run into the same faces every morning. If you're a tourist, a simple "good morning" is enough for them to tell you where to buy the best fried fish in the neighborhood.
Look for Secret Viewpoints
Not all viewpoints are signposted. From the landing of the Calle 11 staircase, between Carreras 2 and 3, you can see the Santa Marta City Hall building and, in the background, the Sierra Nevada. From the Calle 8 staircase, at the top, you can make out the airport and planes landing. Bring a camera with zoom.
Where to Eat and Drink Near the Stairs
After climbing stairs, your body needs fuel. Here are real options, no gimmicks.
Doña Rosa's Shop (Calle 10 with Carrera 4)
A wooden kiosk selling natural juices (mango, corozo, tamarind) for $3,000 COP and meat or chicken empanadas for $2,500 COP. It has no name, but everyone knows it as "Doña Rosa's place." Open Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm.
La 14 Arepa Spot (Carrera 3 with Calle 12)
At the base of the Mirador staircase. Grilled arepas with coastal cheese, butter, and suero. A simple arepa costs $4,000 COP. They are open from 6pm to 11pm, Thursday to Sunday only. Bring cash.
El Buen Sabor Restaurant (Calle 8 # 2-45)
A popular eatery with a daily menu: bandeja paisa, fish stew, chicken with rice. Dishes from $12,000 COP. Open Monday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm. There's no menu, just ask what's available today.
How to Get to the Rodadero Stairs
Getting to the base of the stairs is easy if you're in the tourist area.
- From the beach: Walk south along Carrera 1 (the avenue bordering the sea). The stairs start between Calles 8 and 14. Any local can point you to "the stairs that go up."
- By bus: Take any bus that says "Rodadero" or "Gaira" from downtown Santa Marta. Get off at the stop by the City Hall building (Carrera 1 with Calle 10). From there, walk one block towards the hill.
- By taxi: Tell the driver to drop you off at "the entrance to Calle 9, next to Terraza del Mar." The ride from downtown costs about $12,000 COP (reference prices from May 2026).
Local Tips for Enjoying the Stairs
These tips will save you trouble and make you look like an expert.
- Wear non-slip footwear: After rain, the concrete steps become slippery. Flip-flops are not a good idea.
- Bring water: There are no stores at the top of all the stairs. A 500 ml bottle is enough for one climb.
- Avoid peak sun hours: Between 11am and 2pm, the sun beats down directly and there is no shade on the more exposed stairs. Better early (6am-9am) or late afternoon (4pm-6pm).
- Always greet people: In the neighborhood, people are friendly but expect courtesy. A "good morning" or "good afternoon" opens doors.
- Don't take photos of houses without permission: Some homes are private and owners don't like being pointed at with a camera. Ask first.
- Bring cash: Neighborhood stores don't accept cards or Nequi in all cases. Bills of $2,000, $5,000, and $10,000 COP are the most useful.
The Biodiversity You See from the Landings
Climbing stairs in El Rodadero is not just exercise: it's an outdoor biology lesson. From the landings you can observe:
- Birds: Doves, blue-gray tanagers, parakeets, and if you're lucky, a kestrel gliding over the hill.
- Reptiles: Blue lizards (Cnemidophorus lemniscatus) running through the cracks, and green iguanas sunbathing on the roofs.
- Trees: Almond trees, ceibas, guayacanes, and matarratones. In February, the guayacanes bloom yellow and tint the stairs with color.
- Insects: Morpho butterflies (blue) and heliconius (red and black) flutter among the bougainvillea.
A fun fact: on the Carrera 5 staircase, neighbors have reported sightings of crab-eating foxes (a small mammal that comes down from the hill to look for food). They are not aggressive, but if you see one, don't touch it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Climb the Stairs Alone?
Yes, it is generally safe during the day. The stairs are used by neighbors and students until 7pm. After that time, lighting is poor and there are fewer people. If you go alone, it's better to go in a group or during daylight hours. The quietest areas are the stairs on Calle 9 and Calle 12; the one on Carrera 5 is more solitary in the afternoons.
How Long Does It Take to Climb a Full Staircase?
It depends on your fitness level and whether you stop to take photos. The Calle 9 staircase (127 steps) can be climbed in 3-5 minutes without stopping. The Carrera 5 staircase (250 steps) can take 10-15 minutes at a moderate pace. If you're a runner, you can be at the top in 2-3 minutes per staircase.
Are There Public Restrooms Near the Stairs?
There are no public restrooms on the stairs themselves. The closest ones are at Rodadero beach (public restrooms in the restaurant area, costing $2,000 COP) or at the Ocean Mall shopping center (Carrera 1 with Calle 14), open from 10am to 9pm. If you go up early, use the bathroom before leaving your accommodation.
Can I Bring My Dog to the Stairs?
Yes, but with caution. Dogs can climb without issue, but keep in mind that some steps have loose grates or rough surfaces that can hurt their paw pads. Bring water for them too. On the Calle 9 staircase, neighbors often walk small dogs without a leash, but it's better to bring yours for safety.
Which Is the Best Stair to Watch the Sunset?
The Mirador staircase (Calle 12) is the best. From the upper square, you see the sun setting behind the Gaira headland, with the sea in the background. Arrive 20 minutes before sunset (around 5:45pm in May 2026) to get a good spot at the railing. The Calle 9 staircase also has a good view, but it's more limited by the buildings.
Feeling adventurous? Dare to climb the Calle 9 staircase: count how many steps it has (hint: it's 127) and tell us what you saw from the top. Write to us on our Instagram @malokal or leave a comment on the article. We want to know if the sea looks bluer from up there.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
The Rodadero stairs are a symbol of the transformation of this coastal area of Santa Marta. Originally, they were built as a practical solution to connect the different heights of the neighborhood, facilitating access to the beaches and the homes of its residents. However, over time, they have become a tourist attraction, representing the daily life of the people of Santa Marta.
This phenomenon is not isolated; the stairs reflect the history of urbanization in the region, where the mix of indigenous and colonial influences has shaped the local culture. The stairs have witnessed festivities, family gatherings, and the day-to-day life of those who inhabit this part of the city.
An interesting aspect is that many of these stairs feature mural art, which not only beautifies the surroundings but also tells stories of the community. As you walk them, it's common to find inspiring phrases and works by local artists that add a touch of color and feeling to the landscape.
If you decide to explore these stairs, here are some insider tips:
Learn the Story Behind Each Staircase
Some stairs have names and legends that tell the story of the community. Don't hesitate to ask residents about them; they will share stories you won't find in travel guides.
Visit at Sunset
The best time to walk the stairs is at sunset. The views of the coast and the sky painted in colors are stunning. Bring your camera and get ready to capture unique moments.