Best Cafés with Wi-Fi to Work From in Santa Marta
We’ve been to Santa Marta more times than we can count — for family reunions, catching up with friends, and most importantly, as digital nomads. Actually, Santa Marta was the location of one of our NomaTribe trips — we hosted two incredible groups here, and we’ve explored it from every angle. (That specific trip isn’t available right now, but you can check out similar adventures here.)
We’ve heard it more than once: Santa Marta doesn’t always get the best reputation among remote workers. Sure, it’s often seen as the jumping-off point to nature escapes like Minca and Parque Tayrona — and that’s exactly why many travelers come. But if you think this coastal town is just a transit stop, think again.
Santa Marta’s remote work scene is quietly growing, and its café culture is seriously underrated. We’ve done the hard job for you (laptop in hand, coffee in the other) and scoped out the best spots where you can work, connect to solid Wi-Fi, and sip some top-notch brews.
Here are our 4 favorite cafés in Santa Marta — carefully curated and tested by our team. (Spoiler: our favorite is last!)
Part of the NomaTribe group working from La Matta Café
1. Matta Café
If you want your workday with a side of natural beauty, Matta Café is your spot. Tucked away behind a modest façade, this café feels like a little oasis, with a waterfall in the patio that some of our guests said reminded them of Bali.
Space: Large outdoor patio (no AC) and a small, cozy indoor area (with AC)
Wi-Fi & plugs: Solid internet; enough plugs to get by
Atmosphere: Peaceful and laptop-friendly (though bring headphones just in case)
Specialty: Coffee sourced from the Sierra Nevada
Food: Pastries and a few snack options
Great for focused solo work sessions in nature-inspired surroundings.
2. Ikaro Café
Ikaro is a Santa Marta staple — it has a chill, open-air vibe with healthy eats and strong coffee. There’s no AC, so brace yourself for the Caribbean heat, but if you’re here early in the day, it’s perfect.
Best for: Healthy breakfasts, smoothies (try the green one!), and the best banana bread in town
Wi-Fi & plugs: Reliable for checking emails and short tasks
Atmosphere: Relaxed, artsy, and backpacker-friendly
Not the best spot for long work hours, but ideal for a productive morning with a nutritious meal.
3. GNAM DOLCE
More of a restaurant than a traditional café, Gnam Dolce offers the comfort of AC — a rarity in Santa Marta cafés — and a modern workspace.
Space: Indoor, air-conditioned seating
Wi-Fi & plugs: Strong Wi-Fi; wall outlets available
Menu: Creative food and drinks with good vegetarian options
Bonus: Try their ice cream — it’s some of the best in town (not quite Italian gelato, but close!)
This one’s for you if you want a proper meal and a comfortable place to work a full afternoon.
Breakfast at Brot before starting the workday.
4. Brot (Our Favorite!)
Brot wins our hearts as the best remote work café in Santa Marta. It shares its space with a bookstore called El Péndulo, and the creative atmosphere is everything we love about working in inspiring spaces.
Atmosphere: Lively and a bit noisy at times, but full of character
Wi-Fi & plugs: Fast, stable Wi-Fi and lots of outlets
Menu: Fresh salads, sandwiches, and an incredible bakery
Chain: Part of a small Colombian café chain also found in Bogotá — they’ve brought great quality and consistency to Santa Marta
This quickly became our HQ during our time here.
Pro tip: Order the Pan de Bono —a soft, cheesy Colombian bread made from cassava starch. Here’s what it is, if you’ve never tried it!
Final Thoughts
Santa Marta may not be the first place that comes to mind for digital nomads, but its charm, warmth, and evolving café scene prove it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re here to explore the jungle, swim in the sea, or knock out some client calls, these cafés will keep you fueled and connected.
Want to explore places like Santa Marta with a like-minded crew of remote workers? Check out our upcoming trips or join our newsletter to hear first when new adventures launch.
