Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America
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Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America

Active
(13 reviews)
40m - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Let a three-time Grammy Award winner tell you the story of his hometown. Carlos Vives, one of Colombia's best-known artists, will bring the history of his beloved Santa Marta to life. Learn all about the history of Bastidas Bay. Carlos' voice will lead you to the Plaza de Bolivar, where you will discover one of the local tragedies that played a role in the Nobel Prize-winning book "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. You will admire the monuments in the square and learn the stories about the last days of Libertador Bolivar, who arrived in the city in his last days.The tour also takes you to the local culture, the history of the forts, the convent of San Franciscoand the Cathedral, while discovering how the city was sacked 17 times by pirates. At the end of the tour, Carlos will tell you some of the local legends about the former inhabitants of downtown St. Marta, such as Madame Augustine.

Available options

Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America

What's included

All chapters and maps offline and tips to explore Santa Marta

Detailed itinerary

1

This is one of the stops of this amazing audio tour of Downtown Santa Marta

2

Learn about Bastidas and his story with Santa Marta.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

Bolivar the libertador spent his last years in Santa Marta, let Carlos Vives tell you more about this hero.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Learn about the Tayrona Culture and how it relates to local Samarios.

5

Discover the stories and the different pirate attacks that came to Santa Marta

6

Every streets name has a reason, Carlos Vives guides you through each of them as you follow his voice.

7

The story of the plaza and the cathedral is revealed as you follow Caros Vives voice.

8

Beach

9

Corporate office

10
Stop 10 Pass by

Park

What's not included

Snacks
Smartphone and headsets
Admission Ticket

Available languages

Audio guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3
6 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This is an audio tour experience. No tour guide will meet you, and No admission tickets are sold. This is a tour of downtown Santa Marta, Carlos Vives will be your guide and tell you all the stories of his city

Important notes

Dear Traveler,

Thank you for your purchase! We are delighted to take you on a special self-guided tour discovering Santa marta with Carlos Vives.

Please note that this purchase includes your self guided audio tour, but it DOES NOT include any admission entrance. Also, travelers are responsible for checking the monument's hours of operation. Due to COVID -19 changes are frequent, so we advise you to check the opening hours accordingly.

This is your code: SWCV01. Please follow the next steps:

1. Download the Soundwalkrs app on your smartphone
2. Select your destination
3. Select your purchased Soundwalk
4. Click on the "Enter Code" button.
5. Click the "Download Tour" button for offline use. Wait until the download is complete
6. ¡Start the tour!

Get your headphones ready and immerse yourself in the story! You can also consider the suggestions below:

- Download the tour while you have wifi. Once you download the tour, it will be available in the app even if you are offline.
- Go to the settings at the bottom right of the screen and make sure "Location Events" is selected. This will notify you when you reach a point of interest on the tour.

If you need help or assistance, please contact us via Whatsapp, No calls +57 3052358208 or email experiences@soundwalkrs.com

Our cancellation policy states that refunds will not be provided for cancellations made within 24 hours of your scheduled travel date. Additionally, refunds will not be granted for reasons such as misunderstanding the nature of the product, including assuming it involves a physical guide or included entry tickets. Refunds will only be considered for valid reasons unrelated to these factors.

We hope you enjoy this special trip and do not forget to share your experience with a short review. Positive reviews from great customers like you help other travelers feel confident before booking their own tours. We will be grateful for this.

Have a great time soundwalking!

The Soundwalking Team.

About Santa Marta

Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and as the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park. This city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the Caribbean coast.

Top Attractions

Tayrona National Park

A stunning national park with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, camping, and relaxing.

Nature Full day or overnight Moderate (Entry fee around $10-15 USD)

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

A historic hacienda and museum dedicated to the life of Simón Bolívar, Colombia's legendary liberator.

Historical 2-3 hours Budget (Entry fee around $2-5 USD)

Taganga

A charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Beach Half day or full day Budget to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and arepa.

Lunch Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Arepas

Cornmeal cakes, often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tayrona National Park Trek to Ciudad Perdida Surfing in Palomino Beach relaxation in El Rodadero Spa treatments Coffee tasting in Minca Visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino Exploring Centro Histórico

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the dry season, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.

26°C to 32°C 79°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or app-based services

Getting there

By air
  • Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center
By bus

Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

El Rodadero Centro Histórico Gairiga

Day trips

Minca
40 km • Full day or overnight

A picturesque mountain town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and eco-lodges.

Palomino
80 km • Full day or overnight

A laid-back beach town with beautiful white sand beaches and a relaxed vibe.

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
40 km • Multi-day trek (4-5 days)

A challenging trek through the jungle to an ancient ruins site, older than Machu Picchu.

Festivals

Festival de la Autenticidad • January Carnaval de Santa Marta • February/March (before Lent) Feria de las Flores • July

Pro tips

  • Visit Tayrona National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds
  • Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for a unique experience
  • Explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
  • Try the local coffee and seafood dishes
  • Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-50
1
Childs
Age 7-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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