What to do in Santa Marta, things you can not miss when you visit

A good traveler, and specially a smart one, who wants to get the most out of the time he/she has to get to know, see and experience the place they intend to visit, knows that a key part of planning a trip is to create a guide with the main places to visit upon arrival. Santa Marta, although it is a small city, is not an exception to this. Actually, it can be pretty difficult to know what to do in Santa Marta as most of the websites offer you guides that usually vary from one site to another.

Therefore, we have tried to simplify things and we have brought you a list of the Things Not to Miss in Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in Colombia, when visiting for your first time. We are sure that you will come back to this little paradise every chance you can, charmed by the reasons we listed in the previous article. (If you have not read it yet, what are you waiting for? Read our last article here).

Absolute Must-Do Activities in Santa Marta

A few days ago we went around the city asking people from Santa Marta what were the things people cannot miss when visiting Santa Marta. These were the results:

1. Tayrona Park (Parque Tayrona)

Tayrona Park, known for its beautiful river, mountain and sea landscapes, is the number one activity and must-see destination when visiting Santa Marta. Its unique scenery, its wide variety of marine and land ecosystems, and its rich cultural and archaeological heritage of the local indigenous population make it one of the most spectacular natural parks in Colombia. If this was not enough, it also has an abundance of beautiful beaches with blue, crystal clear water, such as La Piscina, Cabo San Juan, Chengue, among others.

2. Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

The preservation of Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino makes you feel like that by entering the estate, you are simultaneously taking a step back in time. The estate was also once a sugar state, or quinta, that occupied 25 hectares of land, and was the last dwelling of the Libertador (Liberator) Simon Bolivar. It is considered by many as the main National Monument where invaluable objects for the Colombian identity dwell. This place is an essential place to visit in Santa Marta.

You might be interested in: Must-See Museums During your Visit to Santa Marta. All That You Need to Know

3. Santa Marta Cathedral

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Santa Marta Cathedral is another must-see location on your travel itinerary, simply because of its historical and national value. This cathedral located in Santa Marta is known as the mother of all the churches in South America, but fascinatingly, it holds a history filled with pirate attacks, destructions, reconstructions, and vandalism. The cathedral was also the resting place of the remains of Simon Bolivar for many years, and where the ashes of the founder of Santa Marta lie to this day.

4. Taking a walk in the Camellón and Downtown (centro histórico)

If you really want to get a feel for the vibe and essence of Santa Marta as a whole, taking a walk in the Camellón and downtown (Centro Histórico) is your best option.  The walk through the streets is not only enjoyable, but a magical way to experience the true nature of Santa Marta. There is nothing like the special feeling of taking a walk through downtown streets and experiencing the magic of the history, which still lives in the colonial houses and buildings facade. You can then conclude your walk at the Bay Camellón, where you can enjoy one the most beautiful sunsets in Colombia decorated by El Morro, while you enjoy a coffee or a beer in one of its many bars or restaurants. And to wind up the day, there is nothing better than dining  or having a drink in one of the restaurants or bars which decorate the Parque de los Novios, while simultaneously enjoying one of the amazing street shows put on by dancers and singers of the area, which are truly worthy of admiration and compliments.

5. Going to Taganga

Taganga is another place you must visit during your time in Santa Marta. It is a special place where you can feel that time has not passed due to the authentic Colombian charm around every street corner. It is a town where there are no trace of industrialization, no big hotel chains, not even restaurant franchises. Everything is traditional. You can enjoy its beaches, practice snorkeling or diving, enjoy good night life or just simply be. Besides, visiting Taganga is easy! You can find more information on how to get there by clicking here.