Santa Marta: heart of the caribbean

Step into the oldest city in Colombia and the heart of the Caribbean. As the first Spanish settlement in the country and located between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Santa Marta has a ton to offer you. Many tourists come for the history, but it is popularly known as a beach destination and a great place to get in touch with Mother Nature.

History buffs will enjoy Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the historic colonial mansion where infamous liberator Simon Bolivar lived out his last days. Its grandeur won’t disappoint! To see some of the pre-Columbian history, visit the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum) which showcases archaeological finds from the local populations, whom largely worked with gold.

Take a short ferry ride and enjoy some time at Playa Blanca, relaxing on the sand as the waves lazily lap the shore and marine birds soar up high above you, occasionally diving for dinner. For an even closer beach, El Rodadero is located in the city limits but has the feel of a nice getaway destination. The nightlife here isn’t to be missed, as live music and beach bars light up the night. A quick drive away is Taganga, a small fishing village with a quaint, quiet beachfront where you can watch the fisherman coming in with hoards of fresh seafood, and where the stunning sunsets bring warmth to your soul.

If nature is your calling, this is the place for you. Not too far from Santa Marta is the famous Tayrona National Park, where protected mangrove forests hide nicely maintained walking trails, leading from beach to beach. The park is even equipped with accommodation ranging from sleeping in a hammock to renting a cabaña. Stay as many days as you’d like and explore the gorgeous beaches that are sure to make you fall in love.

If you want a break from the heat, the small village of Minca is a quick car ride away, where refreshing, clean waterfalls and natural pools call you to jump in and cool off. Swim in the clear waters fringed with jungle-esque vegetation. It’s located slightly uphill from Santa Marta, providing cooler air temperatures.

Head further into the Sierra Nevada mountains to challenge yourself with a multi-day trek through tropical forests and head back in time as you hike with a local Indigenous guide to Teyuna, the Lost City. It isn’t an easy feat, but it is completely worth the effort to arrive at what is known as Colombia’s Machu Picchu. This archaeological site is considered sacred by the indigenous communities and is well protected. Only parts of the city are opened for tourism as it is extensive and still mostly covered in forest growth. Climb up hundreds of stone steps to reach the top of the city and get rewarded with an unbelievable view. Along the way you’ll learn all about the beliefs of the 4 indigenous groups who claim ancestry here, their traditions, and history.

Santa Marta’s culinary scene is something of its own spectacle, especially when it comes to seafood and fruit. Indulge in the freshly caught fish and try the local ceviche. Street food is plentiful, and restaurants have everything you could want, so be sure to take a look around and taste the wonders of the Caribbean!