Tours & Activities in Santa Marta

Hello, I'm Javier and I invite you to visit the most iconic places in the historic center of the city of Santa Marta, taking a tour through the culture and history of the city appreciating places such as:

• Simon Bolivar Square
• Tairona's museum of gold
• Gabriel García Márquez Library
• Town hall palace
• San Francisco square 
• mail alley
• cathedral square
• Santa Marta’s theater 
• Calle Grande and Calle Real
• Tayrona Palace
• Lover's park
• bay boardwalk
• Juice place 

 If you like to know details and curious facts, this will be an ideal plan for you, allow me to be your guide on this adventure.

Let me take you on a fascinating journey through the cobbled streets and hidden treasures of Santa Marta!

I want to share with you a one-of-a-kind tour, where history, culture, and mystery intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Get ready to discover the material and immaterial heritage of this vibrant city.

The setup of our story begins in the heart of Santa Marta's historic center, where our expert guides in history, journalism, and anthropology from Colombia will warmly welcome you.

They will be your passionate guides, eager to unveil the mysteries and stories that lie behind every alleyway and ancient building.

Our tour, called "Santa Marta Revealed: The Legacy of a City," is different from any other because we will immerse ourselves in the cultural richness of the city, exploring both its tangible and intangible heritage. It will be a journey of discovery that takes us through the centuries, allowing us to understand the evolution of Santa Marta.

Here is a list of some of the places and topics of interest we will explore on our enchanting and mysterious tour:

• Bolivar Square: We will start our adventure in this iconic square, where history comes to life. We will uncover the secrets that the monument to Simón Bolívar holds and how this revolutionary leader left his mark on Santa Marta.
• Santa Marta Cathedral Basilica: We will delve into this majestic church, where colonial architecture blends with significant religious elements. We will decipher the hidden messages in the frescoes and reliefs adorning its walls.
• The Customs House: We will immerse ourselves in Santa Marta's commercial history in this historic building, once the center of trade in the region. We will uncover the treasures and stories behind the products that passed through its doors.
• Parque de Los Novios: Here, we will explore the social and cultural life of Santa Marta. We will learn about the love stories and legends that have brought this picturesque place to life.
• Tayrona Museum: Our journey through time will take us to the museum that houses the rich heritage of the Tayrona culture. We will decipher the secrets and symbols of this ancestral civilization.

The climax of our story arrives when, after traversing Santa Marta's mysteries and wonders, we discover a location loaded with symbolism. At this pivotal point, we will find ourselves in Paseo de Bastidas, where history and the city's vibrant present converge. It will be here that the pieces of the puzzle fit together, revealing one last secret that will leave everyone in awe and admiration.

And so, our tour reaches its conclusion, with a sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to delve into the richness and magic of Santa Marta. We will have explored every corner of the historic center, unearthing layers of history and unveiling the treasures that lie within each alleyway.

But our tour is not just about the information and the places we visit—it's about the passion and enthusiasm with which we share each story.

Our expert guides will be eager to answer questions, share intriguing anecdotes, and immerse travelers in the city's atmosphere.

Book your spot now and get ready for a journey filled with emotions, mystery, and unforgettable discoveries. I promise you will be captivated by the magic of this charming coastal city and its historical legacy! 

Discover the magical essence of Santa Marta on our Free Tour! For two hours and 45 minutes, we will take you on a tour of the historic center of the city, where you can immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. From pre-Columbian times and the indigenous communities that inhabited these lands, to the colonization process that disintegrated them. We will explore the streets of Santa Marta through time, from the independence of Colombia to the beginning of the industrial era. We will analyze the social, environmental and cultural impact of industrialization in Santa Marta and its surroundings, and we will discover the influences that make up the current cultural richness of the city. Join us to tour not only the streets of the city but also its soul!

We will visit emblematic places such as Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral of San Miguel, the Tayrona Palace and much more. Do not miss this unique opportunity to discover Santa Marta in all its splendor!

Our tour starts at:

1- Plaza Bolívar (meeting place)
Where I will show you the monuments, with their respective ancient and modern history, and I will show you all the activities to do there

2- San Francisco Square
Where I will show you the daily life of the locals, talking about customs and traditions

3- Cathedral Basilica
Our third square houses the oldest cathedral of Spanish colonial architecture in Colombia, as well as a great variety of colonial houses around

4- The couple's park
There I will tell you the local history of how the park ended up becoming the pink zone of Santa Marta and I will give you tips on gastronomy and places of entertainment.

6- zone of crafts
and souvenirs/exhibition of representative indigenous items from Santa Marta. Where we will learn very closely about the indigenous cultures that currently inhabit and the indigenous influences on the culture of the Colombian coast

7- Santa Marta Marina
Speaking of the marina, we will touch on the topic of tourism development in Santa Marta and how the city has adapted to it.

8- Tayrona Palace
Current governorate of Magdalena, place that was the first hotel in the bay of Santa Marta

9- Santa Marta Malecon
We will take a walk by the sea, with the sound of the waves while I tell you about the Morro de Santa Marta and the safe areas within the historic center.

9- Typical juice square (last stop) where we can buy a delicious native drink from the area, while we talk and have fun with a wonderful exchange of ideas.

"Rescuing the Indigenous History of Santa Marta"

Welcome to a journey through time that will take us to discover the secrets and hidden wonders of the indigenous history of Santa Marta , Colombia.
On this exciting free tour, we will explore an intriguing period, which has been largely overshadowed by traditional accounts. It is a great opportunity if you plan to go to the lost city and want to understand the entire context. What happened in Santa Marta between the 16th and 19th centuries? Why the historical silence and the apparent lack of interest in these events? Was it the influence of the Catholic Church that erased these traces?

Join us as we unearth forgotten treasures and reveal the mysteries behind the Black Line, a spiritual belief that marks a symbolic border between the world of the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the outside world.

Stop 1: Tayrona Gold Museum

• We will begin our tour at the Tayrona Gold Museum, where we will learn about the Tayrona culture that inhabited the region long before the arrival of the Spanish. We will explore the crafts and gold and ceramic objects that reveal the cultural richness of this pre-Columbian civilization.

Stop 2: The Black Line

• The Black Line is a spiritual belief of the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the Kogui. This symbolic border marks the separation between their sacred territory and the outside world. We will discuss the importance of this belief and how it influenced the history and relationship of the indigenous people with Santa Marta.

Stop 3: Magdalena University Museum

• We will continue our trip at the Magdalena University Museum. Here, we will explore "historical silence" and how the indigenous history of Santa Marta was marginalized or ignored in the colonial period and after. We will learn about current efforts to recover and preserve this history.

Stop 4: Churches and Devastation of Indigenous Tradition

• We will visit some historic churches in Santa Marta and talk about how the arrival of the Spanish negatively impacted indigenous tradition. We will discuss forced conversion to Catholicism, the destruction of indigenous temples, and the loss of ancestral knowledge.

Stop 5: Guaqueros and Treasure Seekers

• We will address the topic of guaqueros and treasure hunters, who have looted indigenous archaeological sites in search of valuable objects. We will discuss how this activity has contributed to the loss of valuable information about the indigenous history of the region.

Stop 6: Church of San Francisco

• We will end our tour at the Church of San Francisco, a historical place where we will reflect on the transformation of the indigenous religion over the centuries and its influence on the culture and identity of Santa Marta.

This free tour will provide participants with a more complete view of the indigenous history of Santa Marta before the arrival of the Spanish and how it has been preserved and recovered over time. The challenges and importance of preserving this rich cultural heritage will also be highlighted.

Enjoy your stay in Santa Marta walking through the streets of the Historic Center of the city with one of our local guides. Get ready to receive an incredible cultural and historical experience through the main emblematic places and monuments of the oldest city in Colombia.

Before and after the tour you will enjoy unlimited water and coffee inside the Casa Marina and you can use the bathrooms and Wi-Fi at any time.

ITINERARY

This tour will be carried out through the Historic Center of the city of Santa Marta which begins at the meeting point in race 1c. No 22 - 19 - La Casa Marina (Casa de Murales) , once we are all together we will begin the route of this journey through time through the following destinations:

1. The ridge of the bay
2. Bolivar Park
3. San Francisco Square
4. The Alley of the Cathedral
5. The Cathedral Square
6. Mail Alley
7. Santander Park
8. The San Juan de Dios Chapel

Each of these places will make you travel back in time and awaken your imagination. After completing the route, we will return to the meeting point where this wonderful experience ends, which will enrich you with culture, history, and above all, it will awaken your imagination.

IT INCLUDES

- Tour guide
- Medical Assistance Insurance

NOT INCLUDED

- Services not mentioned

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOURIST

- The use of masks or plugs is mandatory
- Remember to use alcohol constantly
- It is important to maintain physical distancing
- The Free Tour has no cost, the tip for the guide is completely voluntary

ITEMS TO TAKE

- Use sunblock
- Bring water for hydration
- Bring a parasol or umbrella to protect yourself from rain or sun
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking

POLITICS

- This tour can be canceled at any time you want, it does not have any collection penalty
- The tour will take place only within the Historic Center
- Groups may not exceed 10 people

Meeting point: race 1c. No 22-19 - The Marina House. (House of Murals near the police)

• We are going to take a bike ride and explore the historic center together, we will immerse you in the theme of the city at the best time of the day, when the sun sets and the weather is a little cooler, we will walk through the historic streets. , emblematic parks and the new crest of the city, while we do so we will contemplate the beautiful sunset that this beautiful city offers us, this is a different experience, this is by bicycle!

During our tour we will tell you about the important transformation that our city has had in recent years,
We will give you tips that you will need to know while you are in the city, eh, where to find typical food of the city", ask us about the typical breakfast "EL CAYEYE" where to find a good place to have a delicious typical juice in front of the sea, museums, food from other parts of the world, music and events that are currently in the city.
While we ride we will teach you about the urban slang of Samaria, customs, history and how to get around the city and many more things... don't miss this great adventure!

Because it is faster and more comfortable to visit the city by bicycle
You will visit:

• Bolívar Park (Plaza de Armas)
• Santa Marta Bay
• Maritime Port of Santa Marta
• Park of the bride and groom (Pozo Madrid)
• Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta
• San Miguel Park
• "Los Cocos" beach

IMPORTANT information that the traveler must take into account!

- The bicycle is not included and is valued at $10 for the duration of the experience, which must be paid before starting the experience (Tip is additional)
- Low difficulty
- Suitable for people from 16 to 60 years old.
-Minimum height 1.50

Ask us about the experiences we have on the seashore or in the mountains on electric bikes, they are fantastic!

Hello walkers, welcome to Santa Marta, a fantastic city with many interesting stories, let me share the best of it while we walk through its streets and its historical places in this fun and complete free tour.

Get ready for more than just a tour; Get ready for an authentic adventure among friends, 5 years of experience support it, our team, full of enthusiasm and style, will guide you through the charming streets of the Historic Center of Santa Marta.

This tour is a unique fusion of history, street art, characters, local culture along with inspiring social projects without leaving aside the fun party places and in addition, we will have the best gastronomic recommendations in the area.

For an exciting 2 hours and 30 minutes, we will explore together the most emblematic monuments and discover those hidden treasures that will immerse you in the authenticity of the local culture and help you understand the various dynamics that define the Historic Center.

We will tour the tourist area, marveling at the republican architecture, historical monuments, charming parks and points of interest. We will venture into the commercial area to learn about the nerve centers of local commerce and its evolution over time. In addition, we will explore the heart of the neighborhood, visiting cultural, social and environmental projects that promote the comprehensive development of the inhabitants of the sector.

As they say in many parts of Colombia, "Ask for what you don't see." We will be happy for you to join this experience that will allow you to enjoy Santa Marta to the fullest. We invite you to live unforgettable moments with us!

We recommend fresh clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, punctuality and the best attitude for walking!

I want you to immerse yourself in the incomparable and magical history of the city of Santa Marta , stalked multiple times by pirates and corsairs, a place where archaeological sites of indigenous communities dating back hundreds of years are still preserved , and which still stands today. its historic center that reminds us through its mix of architectures a little about that colonial past legacy of the Spanish, along with the Republican style as a result of the banana emporium and that also still preserves the different ethnic groups in its Sierra Nevada.
The places that we will visit within our tour will be:
👉🏽 Tairona Gold Museum or Customs House
👉🏽Bolivar Park
👉🏽Mural by Gabriel García Marquez
👉🏽Mail Alley
👉🏽 Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta
👉🏽Boyfriends Park
👉🏽 Paseo Bastidas

Our tour will begin at the Tairona Gold Museum, where we will learn about the history of pre-Hispanic cultures, the diversity of the people of Magdalena, and a little about our liberator Simón Bolívar who stayed in this facility.
Then we will tour Bolívar Park, which is made up of different statues and also a beautiful fountain.
If you are a literature lover, you will love the mural in honor of our first and only Nobel Prize in Literature in Colombia, a precursor of magical realism.
As you pass through the post office alley you will love the combination between the colonial and the current variety of restaurants that our city has to offer.
We will visit the imposing Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta or better known as the mother of all churches in Colombia.
Upon arriving at the park of the bride and groom, we will learn about the history and the changes that this place has had until today and finally we will end our tour at the Camellón or Paseo Bastidas where we can appreciate our beautiful bay.

Recommendations:
Bring sunscreen
Water bottle
Comfortable clothes

Meeting point: Entrance to the Tairona Gold Museum


I invite you to join this tour to get to know Santa Marta from a much more diverse perspective!

We invite you to visit Santa Marta and visit its most emblematic places, and its colorful and colloquial streets enjoying a complete and magical relaxation. We will visit the Customs House, Gold Museum, the Cathedral, the Mayor's Office, Plaza de Bolívar, Camellón, Marina, Novios Park, San Miguel Cemetery. The tour begins with a description of the places that we are going to visit so that tourists are located in the city of Santa Marta. This was the first city founded in South America on July 29, 1525, so we can infer that it is a city with a high historical content. The tour shows emblematic places of the city, where the incidence of the society that lives in Santa Marta will also be analyzed. Social, historical, architectural, cultural, gastronomic, economic and political aspects will also be shown.

The History of Santa Marta "La Fiel y Hospitalaria" Santa Marta is considered the pearl of America, not only for the beauty of its Bay and present Biodiversity, but also for the role it played for the economy of Europe during the 16th century. The tour is structured by 4 key points within the Historic Center that reveal the history of the city: - Customs House (Tayrona Gold Museum): Here 565 objects are exhibited of which 471 are pre-hispanic pieces, 53 ethnographic and 41 colonial objects. It is considered the first construction with architectural design in South America. - Paseo de Bastidas: This ridge allows us to get a beautiful view of the most beautiful bay in America, decorated with monuments to the Tayronan deities that contrast with the imposing design of the International Marina of Santa Marta. - Old Hospital San Juan de Dios: Represents charity and service to others, "Property of National Cultural Interest." - Los Novios Park: Also called Santander Park, it is a place where different artistic and gastronomic expressions converge. This place witnessed countless passions of the past that met in this busy place. - Santa Marta Cathedral: Considered the heart of the city, it represents the most sacred place for samaria. Here rested the remains of Liberator Simón Bolívar, The Greatest Man in America. Recommendations: - Sunblock - Sunglasses - Hat, Cap or any element for sun protection. Inside the Cultural spaces (Gold Museum and Cathedral) - Do not consume any type of food. - Talk in a moderate way - No smoking - Pets are not allowed The tour does not have a stipulated cost, it is subject to economic stimuli by tourists.

Welcome to Santa Marta, my city!

Throughout the 3-hour tour, my objective will be to show you the essentials and that you learn a little more about the history, culture and gastronomy so that you can enjoy your stay in the best possible way.

At the end of the tour there will be time for questions, consultations and advice.

Welcome to this 1 hour bike tour!
Embark on an exciting cycling adventure and discover the charm of our city's historic center! Immerse yourself in its unique theme as we visit together the city's historic streets, iconic parks, and new median. Get ready to enjoy the rich Samaritan culture as we travel. This experience is completely different, because it is done by bicycle!

During our tour we will reveal to you the transformation that our city has experienced in recent years. Plus, we'll provide you with valuable tips to make the most of your stay here. Are you looking for where to find the city's typical food? Ask us! "EL CAYEYE", the local breakfast par excellence! We will also guide you to the best places to enjoy a refreshing typical juice in front of the sea.

Pedaling together we will tell you about the urban slang of Samaria, its deep-rooted customs and the fascinating history of this fascinating city. And that's not all! There are many other surprises and curiosities that you will discover along the way. You can't miss this great adventure!

Important information that the traveler should take into account:
- The bicycle is not included and is valued at $30,000 pesos for the duration of the experience (voluntary contribution is additional)

I love that tourists learn about our customs, captivate them with history and current architectural beauty.
I love this city, here you will find a lot of history, you will be captivated by its landscapes, the quality of its people and its gastronomy. I invite you to get to know the city in a special way, immersed in its historical memory that is present throughout our journey.... Santa Marta "the magic of having it all".

Historical, Cultural and Architectural City Tour of Santa Marta through the Historic Center of the oldest city in Colombia.
 We start at the Tayrona Gold Museum where we will learn about the Pottery and Goldsmithing made by the indigenous people in addition to the history of the house, Lugo we will visit the Simón Bolívar park and monument of the four faces, and we will continue to the cathedral basilica of Santa Marta to see its history passing through the post office alley, then we will visit the bride and groom's cause where we will appreciate the surroundings of the place and then we will walk along the median getting to know the entire bay of Santa Marta.

Embark on a journey through Santa Marta, an ancient city embraced by the majestic Sierra Nevada. Among its mountains, ancient indigenous towns reside, and rivers descend from the snowfall to the paradisiacal beaches of Tayrona.
My tour will immerse you in the richness and beauty of this unique region. You will discover secrets of the native peoples, explore natural trails and feel the magic that permeates every corner of this special place.
Live the experience of connecting with the essence of Santa Marta, where history is intertwined with nature. From the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the golden beaches, I invite you to be part of this enriching narrative and discover the true wonder of our land. Welcome to a tour where each step is a memorable chapter!

Additional payments.
Transportation from the center to the entrance of some Tayrona beaches € 2.30
Entrance to the Tayrona beaches, high season (June 15 to July 15 – December 15 to January 30 – Thursday to Holy Sunday – Weekends with Holiday Bridge) €15.66
Low season €13.24

Ven y deléitate con la historia y cultura de la hermosa ciudad de Santa Marta.

En este recorrido haremos un viaje en el tiempo  a través de los sucesos que marcaron los inicios de una ciudad entre la montaña y el mar, donde la diversidad permite que pescadores y cafeteros habiten en la misma ciudad. 



Aquí visitaremos

 

🗺️:LUGARES PRINCIPALES:

📍Museo del Oro Tayrona
📍Parque Simón Bolívar
📍Plaza San Francisco
📍Plaza de la Catedral 
📍Callejón del Correo 
📍Parque de los Novios 
📍Malecón de la bahía 
📍Palacio Tayrona 
📍Monumento en honor a Rodrigo de Bastidas  
📍Plazoleta de Jugos 


Te estaré esperando enfrente del Museo del Oro Tayrona. 

Santa Marta is defined as a Hispanic colonial city, the oldest in South America, about to commemorate 500 years of its founding. Its history has been immersed in betrayals, intrigues, looting, pirates and privateers, fires and earthquakes, independence and civil wars.

The historic center of Santa Marta, declared a national monument in 1959 and in 1997 an Asset of National Cultural Interest, was recovered in a first phase by the national and local government in 2010, and includes 8 sectors. Our adventure begins in the Bolivar park sector.

Walking through the Malecon Sector in the Bay, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Marina and port sectors.

This city, doubly holy, known as “the faithful and hospitable” and “the tourist pearl of America”, has “the magic of having it all” : its colonial buildings, the sea and its countless beaches, rivers and the majestic Sierra Nevada, they realize it.

Can you believe it? The front limbs of the horse in the equestrian monument, which is located in the Parque Bolivar sector, suggest that the hero who rides it was murdered and not a natural death as we have always been told. I will reveal to you why!!

At the Tayrona Gold Museum, Casa de la Aduana, I will give you first-hand information about the Tayrona culture, its customs, its ceramics and beautiful goldsmithing.

Did you know that Gabriel Garcia Maquez, Nobel Prize winner in literature, was born and lived his early years just one hour from Santa Marta? We will go through his chronography on the façade of the library that bears his name.

Aaaaah the Parque de Los Novios sector, gastronomy and partying on par with the history of the place.

I will take you where others do not take you and I will tell you what others do not dare to tell you.

I can recommend other walks and give you gastronomic suggestions.

Useful information for the traveler: I recommend sunscreen, constant hydration, for my part, I will take care of making the guide enjoyable.

I am the head of the Explorambiente Foundation, located in the Barrio Pescaíto, on Calle 10 Madrid, a traditional sector very close to the bay, the historic center and the port of Santa Marta. Since 2019 we have started a project to recognize our identity with the participation of children, young people and neighbors. I invite you to have the experience of learning about the natural, cultural and historical riches of our neighborhood. With your contribution you will help finance our Explorambiente Foundation: a sea of ​​dreams! Follow our social networks and get to know our management: Facebook and Instagram @explorambiente.