Santa Marta, Port city on Caribbean coast, Colombia
Description
Santa Marta is a city on the northern coast of Colombia, where a seaport meets the Caribbean and the Sierra Nevada rises in the background. The streets in the older center run in a grid between the waterfront promenade and the hills that climb inland.
History
Rodrigo de Bastidas founded the settlement in 1525, making it the oldest surviving city in Colombia. During colonial times, the harbor served as a launching point for expeditions inland and was attacked by pirates several times.
Culture
In the streets near the cathedral, vendors sell fried fish and arepas following recipes passed down through generations. On weekends, the plazas fill with families listening to vallenato music and gathering together late into the evening.
Practical
The Simón Bolívar Airport lies about 14 kilometers south and connects the city with Bogotá and other destinations. Within the neighborhoods, most distances can be covered on foot, while minibuses run along the main roads.
Did you know?
The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, an estate on the outskirts, preserves the room where Simón Bolívar spent his final days. Visitors can walk through the gardens and see the personal items displayed there.
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Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
72.8 km
Ciudad Perdida
37.4 km
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
2.6 km
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
67.1 km
Minca
13.8 km
Cathedral of Santa Marta
1.3 km
Estadio Eduardo Santos
825 m
Museo de Oro Tairona
1.6 km
Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum
4.4 km
Cabo de la Aguja
8 km
Costeño beach
39 km
Tayrona National Natural Park
5.6 km
Parque de Taminaca
769 m
Puerto Drummond
18.3 kmRéserve naturelle des oiseaux El Dorado
19.8 km
Teatro Santa Marta
1.2 kmPlaya Lipe
2.8 kmPlaya del Centro
1.7 kmPlaya Santo Cristo
3.7 kmPlaya Cristal
16.9 kmPlaya Brava
14.6 km
Cerro Ziruma
3.3 km
Playa Nudista
27.3 kmSeb's rock
27.8 kmPunta Grande
6 kmEl Rodadero
4.7 kmCabo Tortuga
8 kmAmazing Graffiti
5.5 km
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