Santa Marta walking tour & city guide
Colombia's oldest city between mountains and sea.
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Santa Marta, founded in 1525, is the oldest surviving city in Colombia. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range.
The city
The historic center has a white cathedral, a seafront promenade and the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar died. Nearby, the fishing village of Taganga has a laid-back beach.
Nature
Tayrona National Park has jungle-backed beaches. The mountain village of Minca is surrounded by coffee farms and waterfalls, and the Lost City trek leads to an ancient Tayrona city in the jungle.
Top sights in Santa Marta
- 1
Tayrona National Park
Jungle beaches.
- 2
Historic center
Colonial streets and the cathedral.
- 3
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Bolívar's last home.
- 4
Minca
A mountain village of coffee farms.
- 5
Taganga
A fishing village.
Food markets & where to eat in Santa Marta
Parque de los Novios
A square full of restaurants.
Seafront
Fresh seafood.
Public market
Local fruits and snacks.
Food to try in Santa Marta
Cayeye
Mashed green banana with cheese.
Fried fish
With patacones and coconut rice.
Minca coffee
From the nearby mountains.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Santa Marta
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Santa MartaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Santa Marta.
- eSIM for ColombiaStay online from the moment you land.
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