Santa Marta

Overview

You should not miss Santa Marta. There are so many reasons to come here: to relax, because the area has great beaches, to visit the oldest town of Colombia (founded in 1525!) or to explore the ancient culture of the Tayronas, who lived in the area before the Spanish came. The Ciudad Perdida or lost city of the Tayronas can be visited in a 5 day trek through a national park. This will be an experience you will never forget.

Santa Marta is also a very lively place with good nightlife. The clubs near the beach attract a colourful crowd.

Santa Marta is relatively secure. Crime rates are low and its streets are clean.

El Rodadero is the main touristic area. A place full of high-rises, shops, and cafés. The Annual Festival del Mar, or Festival of The Sea, brings many people.   

Also, be sure to visit the Tomb of Simón Bolivar, El Libertador, alongside a wonderful art museum.

History

La Perla de Las Americas (Pearl of the America). Santa Marta is both an important commercial port and tourist destination. Everyday there are cargo ships coming and going and the action is very much visible from any of the restaurants, bars, cafeterias, hotels etc. that are behind the street that parallels the beach. From the beach, the view of the Caribbean Sea is more or less to the north with a huge rock of an island jutting up out of the water to make a somewhat dramatic effect. Off to the right is the port snug behind another even bigger rock. This is a decent beach if you like beaches that are right in town (i.e. lots of people, vendors, noise, etc.) Speaking of vendors, they are rather aggressive if you are on the beach or in one of the many businesses across the road from the beach. This also goes for the market district to a somewhat lesser extent. Speaking of expenses, there is a high season and low season. High season is more or less December thru April. January is BEAUTIFUL and a party. Simon Bolivar described Santa Marta as the most beautiful Bay on Earth.