mattWhen history decided to leave significant imprints on Colombia, its streets turned into a secret pocket to a bygone era. See how they turned their colonial past to something they now call their own.
Attended this Colombian beach town for a wedding this year! More popular with domestic tourists than foreign guests (who tend to stick to Cartegena) the town has a laid back air and is very walkable. The beach in town is not that great but there are great options a short taxi ride away.
Magdalena, Colombia
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Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (Tayrona National Natural Park)
1 saveSanta Marta, Colombia • Wishlist •
Looks beautiful, national park near Santa marta. Couldn’t make it on this trip as it closes each February for eco restoration! Next time!
Santa Marta, Colombia
- https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/portal/en/
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Standard Marriott brand hotel one block from the marina. This and the nearby Hilton garden inn are both solid options. Some rooms have balconies with nice views of the Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean. Breakfast is Continental style but they’ll make you an omelette if you ask. Free coffee in the lobby
- +57 5 4377100
Calle 23 No 1C-37, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
- https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/smrsm-ac-hotel-santa-marta/
- Check rates and book
Good and cheap ceviche, although the sauce is a bit heavy on the mayo.
- +57 5 4361883
Carrera 1C, #23-34, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/Elgranjuanchocevicheria/
Set in one of Santa Marta’s oldest buildings, this free museum provides a great introduction to the city with exhibits about the pre-Hispanic civilizations, conquest and the independence struggles. Simon Bolivar died in Santa Marta. A must see is the Caiman costumes some local indigenous people wear for festivals.
- +57 5 4210251
Carrera 2 con Calle 14, Bolivar Park, Santa Marta, Colombia
- http://www.proyectos.banrepcultural.org/museo-del-oro-tairona/es/english
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This lively square is just one block from the beach. In the evening it’s great for people watching and it’s surrounded by some of Santa Marta’s best bars and restaurants.
Calle 20, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
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Run by a expat from Connecticut, this cafe on the main walking street has tasty sandwiches, excellent fresh smoothies and of course great Colombian coffee.
- +57 5 4232725
Carrera 3, #16-34, Centro Historico, Santa Marta, Colombia
- http://www.lulocafebar.com
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Fun and friendly burger joint on the corner of park los novios. Speak excellent English. Good place to go for a drink as well as a burger.
- +57 5 4351857
Parque de los Novios Carrera 3, #18-52, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/RadioBurgerSMR
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Spectacularly good Peruvian food a block away from park los novios. The menu is only in Spanish but a combination of google translate and a very patient waiter helped us navigate it. The coconut rice and octopus were both melt in your mouth!
- +57 300 8358604
Carrera 2, #19-15, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
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Beautiful hotel and beach resort about a 20 mins taxi ride outside of Santa Marta. you can buy a day pass for access to the facilities if you are not staying. Lots of big swimming pools and kids pool, plus access to a sandy with the balmy Caribbean Sea.
- +57 5 4380011
Carrera 2, #6-80 Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
- http://www.zuana.com
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