Explore Santa Marta’s History, Museums and Architecture in 4 hours
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
With your personal guide and driver, you will explore Santa Marta with this 4-hour city tour precisely designed for cruise ship passengers. Get to know the top highlights of Santa Marta and fall in love with this gorgeous city. Its ancient streets and colonial architecture still prevail, even after having being sacked and burned dozens of times by pirates. Santa Marta is also known for being the place where Simon Bolivar (El Libertador) lived his latter days. Get to know his history, what he did and how he managed to liberate six Latin-American countries from the Spanish empire.
Available options
Santa Marta Highlights
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Professional English-speaking guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
One bottled water per person
Detailed itinerary
1
Taganga is a small village with great cultural significance. This town hosted one of the multiple ethnic groups who inhabited La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an amenable tribe called "Los Tagangas". Its people have been following their ancestors' artisanal fishing techniques for years, being this its main economic activity. Nowadays, it is considered an important touristic place in Santa Marta's surroundings due to its beautiful beaches and mountains.
2
Stop 2
In this museum, you will know first hand the history of Simon Bolivar. Our airport, parks, neighborhoods, and streets are named after him. The reason everything has his name is that Santa Marta was the death place of this once powerful man, who managed to liberate six countries from the Spanish kingdom. Here, you will know more about his life and feats. Finally, if you have a little bit of imagination, you would probably travel 200 years ago.
3
Santa Marta is considered the second-oldest city founded by the Spanish kingdom in South America. Walk around its colonial streets and beautiful squares, and immerse yourself into the history of this important city in the Colombian Caribbean coast. Visit with our guide Santa Marta Cathedral, Santander park (Parque de Los Novios), Bolivar park, Seminario San Juan Nepomuceno building, the bay, and the international marine.
What's not included
Food (breakfast, lunch or dinner)
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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