Introducing Santa Marta
Santa Marta's grace as a colonial city has faded under newer concrete buildings, but its proximity to the sea still makes it an attractive destination. For Colombians, this is one of the most popular tourist towns in the country, offering liberal amounts of sun, rum and long stretches of sandy beachfront property.
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Among the city's attractions are an aquarium and the grand hacienda where Simón Bolívar died. But most travelers simply use Santa Marta as a jumping-off point for nearby attractions. El Rodadero, just to the south, is a fashionable beach resort. North of Santa Marta is the attractive fishing village of Taganga and, further northeast, the beautiful Parque Nacional Tayrona. Santa Marta is also the place to organize a trip to Ciudad Perdida, Tayrona's great pre-Hispanic city.
The climate is hot, but the sea breeze, especially in the evening, cools the city and makes it pleasant to wander about, or to sit over a beer or juice in any of the numerous open-air waterfront cafés.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Safety in the Lost City/ Tayrona Park
by rhythmbug 14 September 2011
travellernorway raises some frightening accounts of recent history in the area. OK sure tourists are not usually targeted but it is a…
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RE: Things to see on the road from Santa Marta to Cartagena
by Bickerss 13 September 2011
Taganga is not beautiful at all. Rodadero is better, also suggest maybe a day trip (or 1-2 day) to Minca in the mountains. You will…
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RE: to Santa Marta Airport early in the morning
by catrachomax 13 September 2011
The bus is the easiest route. I wouldnt take a taxi if I was you, it can be really expensive.
Hotels & Hostels in Santa Marta
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The Dreamer Hostel
Santa Marta
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Kayros Vivienda Turistica Backpackers
Santa Marta
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