Aracataca, Municipality in Magdalena Department, Colombia.
Aracataca is a municipality in Magdalena Department lying between the coast and the mountains of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The town center consists of single-story houses with open courtyards, gardens with banana plants, and wide streets that spread out under tropical heat.
The municipality was founded in 1885 and grew with banana cultivation during the presence of the United Fruit Company. After the decline of plantations in the mid-20th century, the town remained a quiet regional center with agricultural roots.
García Márquez spent his early years in his grandparents' house, where they told him stories that shaped his later imagination. Visitors can walk through streets where everyday scenes still echo the world of his novels.
Buses run several times daily from Santa Marta along Highway 45 to Aracataca, connecting the coast with the interior. The climate is hot and humid, so light clothing and water are recommended for outdoor walks.
The house where the writer grew up displays a courtyard with an almond tree often mentioned in his works. The telegraph house next door recalls his father's profession and reflects the communication world of the early 20th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
