Santa Marta City Tour + Gold Museum
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Santa Marta is a magical city known for its diversity and for making all its visitors feel at home. In this walking tour, you will explore its history and traditions among its streets and houses. Visit the Tayrona Gold Museum, Parque de los Novios, the Malecon, the Cathedral, and many other places. This experience includes more fun people to walk with, and a very knowledgeable local guide.
• Historical landmarks about Santa Marta City
• A walk through Tayrona Gold Museum
• Visiting Santa Marta’s bay or Malecon, and the main parks and squares
• A brief lesson about Colombian diversity through its history and guide’s recommendations
Available options
Tour from Lodging
Pickup included
Tour from Cruise Terminal
Pickup included
What's included
All Risk Insurance
Tour Guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Learn the fascinating history of Santa Marta and its rich diversity of places and understand why people protect, promote and show their cultural legacy, besides making a living out of it. We know you will feel touched by Colombian joyful and friendly spirit.
2
Stop 2
You will head to Tayrona Gold Museum, where you will have a quick tour inside it. This is the first place to be built in the city by Spaniards and it is now a cultural site with the aim of rescuing and showing the indigenous ancestral heritage through their metalwork.
3
Walk to Bolivar Square Park and then to Rodrigo Bastidas’ monument. The first dedicated to the leader of South American independence, and the second honoring the Spanish founder of the city. Keep walking along the bay and get to “El parque de los novios” (the lovers’ park), the main park of Santa Marta’s downtown that comes alive every night when young samarios meet to dance and have fun. Keep strolling around and discover the main churches, parks, museums and colonial architecture houses as we get to the main Cathedral.
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.8
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
1
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Tour Guide will contact you the day before in case you have any questions or assist you with any requirements
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
Instant confirmation
