This tour is a good introduction to Santa Marta, the oldest Spanish colonial city in the Americas. Although the city doesn't have the wealth of beautiful colonial buildings that neighbouring Cartagena can offer to the visitor, it is nonetheless an interesting city and one that is being bestowed with more and more interest and investment.
The colonial centre is undergoing a huge restoration programme and the narrow streets and cobbled plazas, overhanging balconies and elegant churches are being returned to their former glory. Explore the Bolivar Plaza with your guide and continue to the impressive cathedral, the Parque de los Novios, for a refreshing drink, and stop at the Gold Museum with interesting gold and pottery pieces, many of which are attributed to Colombia's pre-Columbian cultures from the Sierra Nevada mountains nearby.
After taking in the views from outside the city you'll continue to La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a 17th century hacienda where Simon Bolivar spent his final days and died in 1830. You will no doubt hear more about the famous Simon Bolivar on your travels in Colombia, or indeed in most South American countries.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Colombia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Minca Tour
Travelling west from Santa Marta you will head up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, soon noticing the cool fresh climate as you leave the humid coast behind and wind up into the peaceful countryside.
Tayrona National Park
Head east from Santa Marta into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal mountain range in the world.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
