Santa Marta

Santa Marta was the first city that the Spaniards built on the territory of today’s Colombia. In a bay with a deep port it offered a safe refuge and anchorage for the ships. The caribbean city is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world.

Therefore Santa Marta is the perfect starting point for excursions exploring the surroundings. This can be done for example in the Tayrona National Park or around the village Minca. Both spots are also very popular among birdwatchers. It is also a great opportunity to visit indigenous communities that live in the mountains.

The city itself offers beautiful boutique hotels and good restaurants. A nice spot for a walk in the evening is the area around the Parque de los Novios. A little bit outside of the town you can visit the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino, the country home where Simon Bolivar, Colombia’s national hero, spent his last days.