The Calle 22 Flea Market: Where Locals Sell Their Treasures and Tourists Walk By

What is the Calle 22 Flea Market?

If you walk along Calle 22 between Carreras 5 and 7 any Sunday before noon, you will come across something few tourists know about: a flea market that locals simply call "la de la 22." It is not an event organized by the city hall nor does it appear in travel guides. It is a street market that started over fifteen years ago, when some neighbors began bringing their odds and ends out to the street to sell among acquaintances. Over time, a community of ferieros —sellers and collectors— formed, gathering every Sunday from 6 in the morning until around 1 in the afternoon.

There are no fancy tents or ambient music here. Goods are displayed on blankets on the floor, in cardboard boxes, or directly from a car trunk. And that is precisely what gives it its charm: it is an authentic flea market where locals sell what they no longer use, and where curious travelers can find anything from a 1950s Underwood typewriter to a tagua nut necklace for 5,000 Colombian pesos.

The Craziest Finds That Have Appeared

In June 2026, the market remains a magnet for objects with history. The most common finds are vinyl records of salsa and ballads from the 70s and 80s, especially from artists like Joe Arroyo, Los Titanes, or Grupo Niche. There are also analog cameras —the kind that used film— like Kodak Retinas or Canon AE-1s, sometimes working, sometimes for decoration. Collectors of old coins and banknotes find pieces from the colonial era here, such as 2-real coins or Bank of the Republic bills from the 1940s.

A curious fact: a couple of years ago, a seller was offering a toolbox from a German carpenter who worked on the construction of the Santa Marta Railway. No one paid it any attention until an antique dealer from Bogotá bought the whole thing for 80,000 pesos. Things like that happen when you know how to look.

What Appears Most Often

• Second-hand books: from novels by Gabriel García Márquez to local history texts. Prices range from 2,000 to 15,000 COP.
• Used hammocks: some are handmade and in good condition. They cost between 20,000 and 50,000 COP, compared to 80,000 or more for new ones on the market.
• Vintage clothing: linen shirts, 70s dresses, leather jackets. You need a keen eye to spot the ones that are washed and stain-free.
• Antique toys: Matchbox cars, rag dolls, wooden spinning tops. Collectors look for them to restore.

Updated Costs

Prices at the market are a reference from June 2026. There are no fixed prices; everything is negotiable. But to give you an idea:

• Tagua nut necklace: 5,000 – 10,000 COP
• Vinyl record in good condition: 8,000 – 20,000 COP
• Working analog camera: 40,000 – 120,000 COP
• Colonial coin (18th-19th century): 15,000 – 50,000 COP depending on condition
• Second-hand book: 2,000 – 15,000 COP
• Used hammock in good condition: 20,000 – 50,000 COP
• Typewriter: 80,000 – 200,000 COP

Tip: If you see something you like, first ask the price and then offer half. Haggling is part of the game. Sellers expect bargaining, but always with respect.

Estimated Times

To thoroughly explore the market without rushing, budget between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. If you are detail-oriented and stop to check every stall, you could be there up to 2 hours. The best time to arrive is between 7 and 9 in the morning, when sellers are still setting up and there are fewer people. By 10, it starts to fill up with curious visitors and the heat sets in.

To get there, from downtown Santa Marta you can walk in 10 minutes or take a bus heading north that passes along Calle 22. If you are coming from El Rodadero, the bus costs 2,500 COP and drops you off two blocks away. By taxi, from anywhere in the city, you should not pay more than 8,000 COP.

Practical Tips

Sundays Are the Key Day

The market only operates on Sundays. If you arrive after 1 in the afternoon, there is almost nothing left. Getting up early is key: by 6:30 there is already activity, and by 7 the best stalls are set up. The most experienced sellers save their most valuable pieces for the first buyers.

Watch Out for Replicas

Not everything that glitters is antique. Some sellers offer pieces that look colonial but are mass-produced reproductions, sometimes made with modern techniques. To distinguish an original piece from a craft made for tourists, look at these details:

• Coins and banknotes: originals have natural wear and irregular edges. Replicas are usually perfect and without signs of use.
• Cameras and electronics: check that the serial numbers match the model and that there are no modern "made in China" stickers.
• Hammocks and textiles: authentic handmade ones have irregular threads and manual knots. Industrial replicas have perfect seams.

If you have doubts, ask the seller where they got the piece. Honest ferieros will tell you the story without issue. Those who hesitate or get nervous are probably selling replicas.

Bring Cash

Almost no seller accepts cards. The nearest ATMs are on Carrera 5 with Calle 22 (a Banco de Bogotá) and on Carrera 7 with Calle 23 (a Bancolombia). Withdraw small bills of 5,000 and 10,000 to make change easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the market only on Sundays?

Yes, the Calle 22 flea market is held exclusively on Sundays, from approximately 6 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon. There are no weekday or holiday editions, unless Sunday coincides with a public holiday.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Almost all sellers only accept cash. It is best to withdraw money before you arrive. The nearest ATMs are on Carrera 5 with Calle 22 and on Carrera 7 with Calle 23.

Are there items of real value or is it all junk?

There is a bit of everything. Most items are used objects of little value, but occasionally collector's pieces appear: colonial coins, working antique cameras, out-of-print books, and even historical tools. The key is to go with time, know how to look, and negotiate. Local collectors know that sometimes they take home real treasures for less than 50,000 pesos.

Join the Ferieros WhatsApp Group

If you want to stay updated on when the next edition is and receive alerts about rare objects that appear, join the ferieros WhatsApp group. There, sellers share photos of what they will bring on Sunday, and buyers place advance orders. Ask any veteran seller at the market for the group link, or search for it on social media as "Feria de las Pulgas Santa Marta 22." There is nothing more useful for not missing a bargain.

Available Options

Vintage Clothing

The Calle 22 flea market is a paradise for retro fashion lovers. Here you can find leather jackets, 80s dresses, and unique accessories. Insider Tip: Negotiate the price, as many sellers are willing to offer discounts if you show genuine interest.

Local Handicraft Items

Local artisans sell handmade products, from jewelry to home decorations. These items are perfect as authentic souvenirs. Insider Tip: Ask about the story behind each piece; many artisans are happy to share their creative process.

Second-Hand Books

Among the stalls, you will often find a collection of used books, from classic novels to local guides. Insider Tip: Do not hesitate to rummage through the boxes, as sometimes there are rare editions or copies signed by local authors.

Street Food

Do not leave without trying the local delicacies. Sellers offer everything from arepas to empanadas. Insider Tip: Look for the busiest stalls where locals buy, as that generally indicates quality and flavor.