Things To Do
A Gateway to History, Culture, Celebration and Fun!
Founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, Santa Marta holds the prestigious title of the oldest surviving city in South America. Nestled between the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, it offers a dramatic landscape that has captivated travelers for half a millennium. For those with an interest in history, the city is profoundly significant as the final resting place of Simón Bolívar, "The Liberator" of South America. Visitors can pay their respects at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the beautiful 17th-century hacienda where he spent his final days in 1830, or visit the Cathedral of Santa Marta, where his remains were originally interred. Walking through the colonial center, you will feel the weight of centuries preserved in the architecture, all while being swept up in the warmth of the local Samarios, who are known for their easy smiles and welcoming spirit.