Santa Marta is an enchanting city located on the coast of Colombia that is growing in popularity as a tourism destination. This city has a population of over 450, 000 which makes it the 4th largest city in Colombia. The city is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the country and is surrounded by an exotic jungle and the Sierra Nevada mountain range which is the highest coastal mountain in the world. The town is also brimming with history and culture since it was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia. There are also protected areas and national parks in the alluring city, and you will be thrilled with the variety of attractions and things you can do in this beautiful tropical city. We will highlight the best experiences available to you in Santa Marta and also recommend some of the best activities to do here.
One of the things that you will love about Santa Marta is its lovely beaches. There are several beach options available for you to kick back and enjoy the tropical climate with your favorite cocktail or go for long walks with your special someone. Some of the most popular beaches in Santa Marta are the Crystal Beach, which is one is probably the calmest beach in the area. This beach got its name from its crystal clear waters, and the abundance of its coral reef and milky white sand makes the beach a picture perfect option for the entire family. The Bahia Concha Beach is another stunning beach in Santa Marta with a seamless combination of blue waters, white sand and the sprawling Sierra Nevada Mountains as its backdrop. The Neguanje, Playa Del Amor, Playa Gairaca and Playas Chengue are some of the beaches in Santa Marta that should not be missed!
The city of Santa Marta is certainly a place where you can enjoy a varied mixture of outdoor activities and attractions. From visiting the beautiful Tayrona National Park to trekking through the jungle on a journey to discovering the lost city of Ciudad Perdida, you will surely be excited about the outdoor activities that you can do in Santa Marta. The Tayrona National Park covers over 180 square kilometers of land and sea and offers visitors activities such as hiking, snorkeling or just admiring the beautiful flora and fauna in the park. There are over a 100 species of mammals, more than 300 bird species, over 400 species of fish, 770 plant species and over 30 reptile species in the Tayrona National Park. You will, therefore, have a lot to see and enjoy when you visit this naturally beautifully and ecologically rich national park.
Santa Marta is surrounded by the pristine Caribbean Sea and as such offers exciting water-based activities for the discerning traveler. Santa Marta is scuba diving and snorkeling heaven because of the stunning underwater flora and fauna that the area possesses. You can also enjoy the Rodadero Sea Aquarium or the Santa Marta Marine World Aquarium when next you visit Santa Marta.
The city of Santa Marta has a storied history – it was the first place to be settled by the Spanish in Colombia and possesses several relics of this bygone era. There are also indigenous tribes still living in the area including the Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuacos and Kankuamo people. Santa Marta has also preserved some of its precious cultural heritage which is available to visitors in the city’s museums. Some of the museums that will give you an insight into the history of Santa Marta Are the Tairona Gold Museum, the Bolivariano Museum of Contemporary Art, the Santa Marta Historic Centre, The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino (last residence of Simon Bolivar) and the Centro Cultural San Juan Museum.
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