Santa Marta Hotels

Nestled on Colombia’s northern coast is the city of Santa Marta, which offers tourists plenty of sunshine and beautiful beaches. Located between the mountains of Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea, Santa Marta is a popular tourist destination because of its rich history, warm beaches, colonial architecture and nature reserves. Founded in1525 by the Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas, Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia.

There are many popular attractions in Santa Marta, with several dedicated to Simón Bolívar. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino was Bolívar’s last home and is now a museum showcasing his life, and the Cathedral held Bolívar’s remains before they were moved to Caracas. You can check out ancient pottery at the Museo del Oro, which also has a collection of gold items and a scale model of the Ciudad Perdida, or ‘Lost City’. The San Fernando Fort is an example of colonial military architecture from the Spanish conquerors’ era, and the Madame Augustine House also displays fine colonial architecture. Head to Tayrona National Natural Park, located just 34 km (21.1 miles) north of Santa Marta, for a rainforest experience and to explore its archaeological site, Pueblito, which dates to pre-Columbian times.

When To Go

Colombia is close the Equator, meaning Santa Marta has a tropical climate all year. Accordingly, the temperature in Santa Marta is more or less the same year-round, with temperature ranging from 35°C (95°F) during the day to 25°C (77°F) at night. There is a wet and rainy season, however. The rainy season lasts from April to December, and the dry season runs from mid-December to the end of March. The rainfall is most heavy during June and part of July.

• Rainy season: From April to December

• Dry season: From mid-December through March

• Average temperatures range from 35°C (95°F) during the day to 25°C (77°F) at night

Getting There

Those who travel to Santa Marta by air will land at the Simón Bolívar International Airport (which coincidentally has the same name as the airport in Caracas, Venezuela). The airport is located along the beach, 20 minutes south of Santa Marta. Getting around Santa Marta is easy, and you can walk around the historic district to see the attractions without transportation. There is an abundance of inexpensive taxis. Many taxis are not metered, so it would be a good idea to check the rate of the taxi before getting in one. The local bus service runs regularly and is inexpensive, and it can efficiently take you to nearby towns and attractions.

• By air: Simón Bolívar International Airport

• By bus: Local bus service

• Get around by taxis or on foot