Santa Marta Adventure

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Culture Activities In Santa marta

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Ruins, reefs, mangroves, and beaches make up the 37,000-acre Tayrona National Park, one of Colombia’s most popular ecotourism destinations. Visit to hike along the coast, relax on the beaches, snorkel among the coral reefs, or simply disconnect from daily life.

Tayrona National Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona)

Ruins, reefs, mangroves, and beaches make up the 37,000-acre Tayrona National Park, one of Colombia’s most popular ecotourism destinations. Visit to hike along the coast, relax on the beaches, snorkel among the coral reefs, or simply disconnect from daily life.First established in 1969, Tayrona National Park is named after the Tayrona tribe and remains a sacred space for several indigenous groups in the region. Visitors can trek to Pueblito, the park’s largest set of archaeological ruins; tackle the Nine Stones trail, look out for animals like howler monkeys and jaguars; or go bird-watching—the park is home to more than 300 species of birds. If you want to escape the humidity, spend some time scuba diving or snorkeling.Daily entries to the park are limited, so you’ll need to book admission in advance to guarantee access. Alternatively, book a hassle-free excursion; options range from half-day trips to multiple-day adventures and can include guided walks, beach hopping, and intimate encounters with indigenous cultures.<ul><li>Tayrona National Park is ideal for adventurous travelers and nature lovers.</li><li>The park only allows a limited number of visitors, so book in advance.</li><li>Admission fees vary depending on the time of year and nationality of the visitor.</li><li>Motorized vehicles, alcohol, plastic bags, polystyrene, and musical instruments are not allowed in the park.</li><li>Visitors must have medical emergency and evacuation insurance for each day spent in the park.</li><li>There is no WiFi, no ATMS, and limited cell coverage. Card payments are not accepted, so bring cash.</li><li>Tayrona National Park is neither stroller nor wheelchair accessible.</li></ul>Tayrona National Park is situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, roughly 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Santa Marta. You can reach the El Zaino entrance to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta by car or take one of the buses marked ‘Tayrona’ from the Santa Marta marketplace. Speed boats also run from nearby Taganga to Cabo San Juan. Alternatively, you can avoid the hassle of public transit entirely by choosing a tour that includes round-trip transportation.Tayrona National Park is open from morning until evening, and last entry is an hour before closing. Indigenous communities sometimes request park closures around February. It’s more expensive to enter Tayrona National Park during peak seasons, which are typically mid-June to mid-July, around Christmas and Easter, and on three-day weekends. Trails can get especially muddy during the rainy season (roughly April–May and October–November).After seeing the best of Tayrona National Park, don’t miss the rest of the Colombian Caribbean’s sights. For some city life, head to lively Cartagena, known for its colorful buildings, year-round warm weather, and walkable city walls. Alternatively, you can venture into the La Guajira region, which shares a border with Venezuela, to visit the northernmost point of the continent, Punta Gallinas.Most travelers say the perfect amount of time to spend in Tayrona National Park is two or three days. This gives enough time to take jungle hikes and get in some beach lazing, too. While you can experience it in one day, a lengthier stay makes the admission fee worthwhile.Tayrona National Park has three closure periods in the year that allow the park, its nature, and its indigenous people to rest and recuperate. Typically, the closures fall in the first couple of weeks of February, June, and October—double-check before you visit.Yes, Tayrona can be done in a day, although a trip this short only scratches the surface. To maximize time, book advanced entry, arrive before the doors officially open, and enter at El Zaino. This main entrance puts you within easy reach of highlights like Cabo San Juan beach.Many visitors have El Pueblito hike on their list of things to do in Tayrona National Park, even though parts are challenging. This forested 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) trail leads from Cabo San Juan beach to the outskirts of El Pueblito village, taking in steep inclines and boulders along the way.Yes, there are plenty of swimming spots in Tayrona National Park, and many people visit for this reason. Aside from the popular Cabo San Juan, other good swimming beaches include La Piscina and La Concha Bay. When you enter, check with the park staff about swimming conditions and appropriate beaches.While Tayrona National Park is in a coastal area where cases of malaria are rarer, the park is in Colombia where the malaria risk is official. Speak with your medical provider before a visit, and get advice on relevant medicine and precautions. And pack bug spray to keep the mosquitos at bay.

Deep within the Sierra Nevada, the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida is an indigenous archaeological site accessible only via a challenging multi-day trek through the surrounding jungle. Prepare to wade through waterfalls and climb more than 1,000 stone steps to reach the secluded ruins, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views.

Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

Deep within the Sierra Nevada, the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida is an indigenous archaeological site accessible only via a challenging multi-day trek through the surrounding jungle. Prepare to wade through waterfalls and climb more than 1,000 stone steps to reach the secluded ruins, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views.Lost City tour options abound, with journeys lasting anywhere from three to five days. Private and small-group excursions typically include round-trip transportation and certified guides—the latter is mandatory if you wish to do the hike. Don’t worry about lodging, food, or water either—these are usually also included.<ul><li>Wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of socks and bug repellent before embarking on your hike.</li><li>The hike to the Lost City isn’t for the fainthearted—make sure you have a reasonable level of fitness.</li><li>Before beginning the hike, you need to store the bulk of your belongings in Santa Marta, a service many tours provide.</li><li>The Lost City isn’t accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.</li></ul>Situated in the Sierra Nevada, the Lost City is neither easy nor possible to access independently. Hikes normally depart from Santa Marta.While you can get to the Lost City year-round, it’s best to attempt the trek during Colombia’s dry season (October to April). The weather is still hot and humid, but downpours are less likely, and the experience will be much more enjoyable.If you’re looking for easier-to-access archaeological ruins, Colombia has several options. Venture belowground at Cauca’s Tierradentro ruins; admire anthropomorphic sculptures at San Agustín in Huila; or stick to the Colombian Caribbean and explore the Tairona ruins of Pueblito in Tayrona National Park.You generally need at least four days to complete the Lost City Trek from the nearest city of Santa Marta. The 4-day route to the Lost City is the most common one that tourists take and includes travel to and from Santa Marta, but there are also longer treks that take six days to get there.No, you cannot visit or do the Lost City Trek without a guide. Permits to enter the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park are required for all visitors to the Lost City and can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator. This leaves you no option but to visit with a tour guide.The Inca Trail and Lost City Trek are considered challenging and strenuous treks. Many people consider the Lost City Trek harder than the Inca Trail because of the heat and humidity you experience hiking through the Colombian jungle, even though you don’t need to cope with the effects of hiking at altitude.Yes, even though it’s a reasonably arduous trek, the Lost City is worth doing if you get the opportunity. Not only will you get to spend days in the mountains and jungle of northern Colombia, but you’ll also be rewarded with seeing the remote ruins of the Lost City that were only rediscovered in 1975.Besides packing your hiking boots, you will want to bring items that help you stay comfortable and safe while exploring and staying in the jungle and mountains. Sunscreen, insect repellant, a hat, and lightweight clothes will help you cope with sweat, the sun, and bugs, while bringing a bathing suit will let you take advantage of streams and waterfalls where you can cool off.During your Lost City trek, you’ll stay overnight at remote campsites. Facilities at these campsites are basic, with limited electricity and no potable water, and you’ll be sleeping in bunk beds in a shared space or hammocks if no beds are available. A mosquito net covers each bed and comes with linen provided.

Just off the coast of northern Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is home to a wealth of endangered flora and fauna as well as the world’s highest coastal peak. Dominated by mountains and popular among hikers, this UNESCO-recognized national park is home to bird reserves, archaeological ruins, and indigenous villages.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park

Just off the coast of northern Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is home to a wealth of endangered flora and fauna as well as the world’s highest coastal peak. Dominated by mountains and popular among hikers, this UNESCO-recognized national park is home to bird reserves, archaeological ruins, and indigenous villages.Hiking is the park’s most popular activity, although there are several ways to experience the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, the second oldest in Colombia. Take a multi-day trek to the Lost City; venture deep into the region’s indigenous heartland in Nabusimake, the spiritual home of the Arahuaco people; visit the mountain town of Minca; or tour coffee farms. Most excursions to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park include round-trip transportation and dedicated guides. Visits to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park are often combined with time in the neighboring Tayrona National Park.<ul><li>Birders won’t want to miss the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, which is home to Colombia’s top birding location—the El Dorado Bird Reserve.</li><li>Look out for any number of animals, such as jaguars, condors, and tapirs, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park.</li><li>Coffee and cocoa cultivation is prominent in the region so pick up some samples of both to take home with you.</li><li>Visitors must show proof of tetanus and Yellow Fever vaccinations dating from at least 10 days prior to their visit.</li><li>The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.</li></ul>Situated across the departments of Magdalena, La Guajira, and César, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is accessible from several places in northern Colombia. However, Santa Marta is the most popular gateway and most excursions from there into the national park include round-trip transportation.There’s no bad time to visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, which is accessible year-round. For the Lost City trek, visit in the cooler winter months to avoid the worst of the region’s humidity. Meanwhile, birders should visit outside the April-May and October-November rainy seasons for the greatest chance to spot rare and endangered birds.Colombia is one of the most biodiverse nations on earth and the wealth of national parks proves it. For languid beach days, Tayrona National Park is unbeatable, while Serranía de la Macarena is home to the impressive Caño Cristales (River of Five Colors). For snow-capped peaks, don’t skip the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park.

Part of Tayrona National Park, Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal is a white-sand haven that provides ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Marine life off Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal includes sea turtles, dolphins, and several species of fish. Even without spotting one of these creatures, the coral and sponges of the reef provide colorful underwater scenes.

Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal)

Part of Tayrona National Park, Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal is a white-sand haven that provides ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling. Marine life off Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal includes sea turtles, dolphins, and several species of fish. Even without spotting one of these creatures, the coral and sponges of the reef provide colorful underwater scenes.A stop at Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal) is a staple of more relaxed Tayrona sightseeing excursions, which tend to avoid more strenuous activities such as hiking and jungle treks. Day trips to Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal) typically depart from either Santa Marta or Taganga, and tend to include snorkel equipment, a seafood lunch, and convenient round-trip transfers from your accommodation. Some multi-day tours allow you to explore the neighboring beach of Cabo San Juan and tend to include an overnight stay in Tayrona.<ul><li>There is no admission fee for Playa Cristal if you arrive by boat however, if you’re arriving by land then you’ll need to pay the entrance charge for Tayrona National Park.</li><li>Due to the rugged location of the beach, it isn’t accessible to travelers using wheelchairs and strollers.</li><li>There are a handful of rustic restaurants and kiosks on the beach—be sure to take cash as they don’t accept credit cards.</li></ul>Playa Cristal is accessible via a 1-hour hike through Tayrona Nation Park or by water taxi, which departs from both Taganga and Santa Marta. The journey takes around 45 minutes and can be rocky during the windy season in December.For the best experience of Crystal Beach’s sandy shores and turquoise waters, visit during Colombia’s summer months, which span December, January, and February. Thanks to its hard-to-reach location, you’ll generally always find a spot to relax on the beach.Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal) is one of many pristine beaches in Tayrona National Park. Some of the best include Cabo San Juan—which is popular due to the fact that you can swim there, something that isn’t too common in Tayrona due to its treacherous currents; Canaveral, which leads to the park’s eastern cliffs via the Nine Stones hiking trail; and Arrecifes, which is home to a handful of campsites and restaurants.

The final resting place of South American liberator Simón Bolívar, the 17th-century Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is now a historical landmark, museum, gallery, and botanical garden containing over 200 works of contemporary South American art. See where Bolívar took his last breath, marvel over antique artefacts, wander the expansive gardens, and admire artworks from the countries that Bolívar liberated.

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

The final resting place of South American liberator Simón Bolívar, the 17th-century Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is now a historical landmark, museum, gallery, and botanical garden containing over 200 works of contemporary South American art. See where Bolívar took his last breath, marvel over antique artefacts, wander the expansive gardens, and admire artworks from the countries that Bolívar liberated.In 1986, the Museo Bolivariano de Arte Contemporáneo (Bolivarian Museum of Contemporary Art) opened its doors at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, an historic hacienda and former estate. Now, visitors can explore both the grounds of the Quinta, as well as marvel at the museum’s contemporary artworks during a private, group, or audio guide tour.As one of the most significant landmarks in Santa Marta, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is also a stop on many city sightseeing excursions, although history buffs can combine a visit to the Quinta with a stop in Gabriel García Márquez’s hometown of Aracataca.<ul><li>The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is a must for fans of South American art and architecture.</li><li>Children and Colombian nationals enter for a reduced fee.</li><li>Visitors can take a free guided tour of the property.</li><li>La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is accessible for both strollers and wheelchair users.</li></ul>La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is situated in the Mamatoco district of Santa Marta, around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the historic center. For ease, take a taxi from the center of Santa Marta or look for buses marked 03C or 03G which depart from the corner of Carrera 5 and Calle 17.The Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino typically opens daily from 9am to 5:30pm during low season and the ticket office closes one hour earlier. During the high season—which includes the Christmas, Easter, and summer vacations—the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino often stays open 30 minutes longer. There are limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and it closes entirely on New Year’s Day.A politician, military man, and son of wealthy landowners, Simón Bolívar pushed for the liberation of many South American countries—then known as Gran Colombia—from Spanish rule. Nowadays, those countries include Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia. Bolívar died on December 17, 1830 at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.

Housed in the restored 16th-century former Customs House—itself one of the oldest buildings in the Americas—the Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona) offers an insight into the region’s history. Admire a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold and pottery, while learning about the indigenous Tairona people.

Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona)

Housed in the restored 16th-century former Customs House—itself one of the oldest buildings in the Americas—the Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona) offers an insight into the region’s history. Admire a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold and pottery, while learning about the indigenous Tairona people.There are many ways to experience the Tayrona Gold Museum—sometimes known as the Casa de la Aduana—including group and private tours. Most Santa Marta city tours, whether on foot or by bike, include a visit to the Tayrona Gold Museum, although you can also explore at your own pace as part of an audio city tour or learn more about the exhibits on a guided tour of the space.<ul><li>The Tayrona Gold Museum is free to access.</li><li>Don’t worry about the language barrier as signage is displayed in both English and Spanish.</li><li>Guided tours are offered every Tuesday and Wednesday in the mid-afternoon and typically last less than an hour.</li><li>On Thursdays, there are guided tours for hard of hearing visitors.</li><li>The Tayrona Gold Museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.</li></ul>Tayrona Gold Museum is situated in downtown Santa Marta, just off Plaza Bolívar. As such, most visitors staying downtown find it easiest to access on foot although arriving by taxi is a more convenient option for those staying farther afield—agree on a price before getting in, as Colombian taxis aren’t metered.Tayrona Gold Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between the mid-morning and late afternoon, although the museum closes slightly earlier on Sundays. Last entry is always 30 minutes before closing time and guided tours are typically offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Stop by earlier in the day for a quieter experience.After getting a glittering overview of the region’s indigenous and colonial history at the Tayrona Gold Museum, move onto the contemporary art exhibits at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, before marveling over marine life at the El Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum. Many city tours visit some or all of the above attractions.

With more than 200 species on display, Santa Marta’s Marine World Aquarium (Mundo Marino Acuario) is a must for nature lovers of all ages. Discover sharks, turtles, starfish, octopuses, seabirds, and more, while learning about conservation efforts in the region.

Marine World Aquarium (Mundo Marino Acuario)

With more than 200 species on display, Santa Marta’s Marine World Aquarium (Mundo Marino Acuario) is a must for nature lovers of all ages. Discover sharks, turtles, starfish, octopuses, seabirds, and more, while learning about conservation efforts in the region.For more than two decades, Marine World Aquarium has been a leader in marine investigation and conservation. Journey through the aquarium, as well as the indoor and outdoor pools, alongside a tour guide who shares information about the animals as you go. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss feeding and interacting with the sharks and manta rays.<ul><li>Entry is free for children age 3 and under.</li><li>The aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.</li></ul>Located beside Rodadero Beach in the neighborhood of the same name, Marine World Aquarium is about a 20-minute drive from the center of Santa Marta. Access via public transit is limited.Marine World Aquarium is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and on Sunday and holidays from 9am to 5pm. The shark interaction experience happens on the aquarium’s busiest days: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.After spending some time at Marine World Aquarium, make the most of its proximity to popular Rodadero Beach. Sunbathe, take a dip in the ocean, and relax along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, or try your hand at snorkeling during a brief guided excursion. Alternatively, take a boat trip to other beaches and bays in the area.

Backed by verdant mountains and lined with swaying palms, Playa Blanca is a tropical paradise situated just outside of Santa Marta. Go for a swim in the calm waters, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, and relax under a thatched roof palapa for a quieter alternative to El Rodadero Beach.

Playa Blanca

Backed by verdant mountains and lined with swaying palms, Playa Blanca is a tropical paradise situated just outside of Santa Marta. Go for a swim in the calm waters, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, and relax under a thatched roof palapa for a quieter alternative to El Rodadero Beach.One of the calmer beaches in the Santa Marta region—providing you visit at the right time—Playa Blanca is the place to snorkel, go for a ride on a banana boat, or even speed down a zipline. Adventurous travelers can also hike to the nearby viewpoint for panoramic views over the bay. Most tours to the Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum include a visit to Playa Blanca, although you can also combine a Playa Blanca beach day with a journey to mountainous Minca or a ride on a lively chiva rumbera (party bus).<ul><li>The boat ride to Playa Blanca is fast but relatively rough, so plan ahead if you suffer from seasickness.</li><li>Take cash to buy snacks and souvenirs from the beach vendors or enjoy a seafood lunch.</li><li>Watch out for sea urchins in the waters off Playa Blanca.</li><li>Freshly fried fish—which is usually served with plantain and coconut rice—makes for a quintessential Playa Blanca lunch.</li><li>Playa Blanca is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.</li></ul>Playa Blanca is accessible by both land and water, with the latter option proving easiest for most visitors. From El Rodadero Beach, small speed boats depart daily for Playa Blanca but the journey can be rough.Escape the crowds on popular Playa Blanca by visiting midweek or in the afternoon when tour groups depart. Alternatively, go on a weekend to enjoy the beach at its bustling best.Playa Blanca is one of the most popular beaches in Santa Marta, but the Colombian Caribbean has plenty of picturesque shoreline to explore. Head into Tayrona National Park for Playa Cristal (Crystal Beach), stop by the other Playa Blanca on Isla Barú, just outside of Cartagena, or get away from it all on the beaches of Capurganá.

Backed by luxury high-rise hotels and popular among Colombian travelers, El Rodadero is a lively, local alternative to the internationally popular Playa Blanca.

El Rodadero

Backed by luxury high-rise hotels and popular among Colombian travelers, El Rodadero is a lively, local alternative to the internationally popular Playa Blanca.A popular spot for snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving, El Rodadero is one of the region’s most popular beaches. Many scuba diving tours depart from El Rodadero, some of which head north to nearby Playa Blanca, while beachside rentals offer snorkel masks, kayaks, and novelty floaties. Combine a visit to El Rodadero with stops in Barranquilla and more as part of a multi-city tour of the Caribbean coastline, take a private boat ride along the coast, or stick around after dark when El Rodadero comes alive with drinking, dancing, and music.Situated 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) from the Santa Marta downtown, El Rodadero is most easily accessible by car. Make sure to agree your price before getting into a taxi though, as Colombian cabs aren’t metered. Meanwhile, those staying in the luxury El Rodadero region can access El Rodadero on foot.El Rodadero is pleasant year-round although it gets especially crowded at weekends and is a popular party spot during Colombian holidays. Avoid these periods for a quieter experience.<ul><li>Take cash if you plan on buying snacks, drinks, or souvenirs from the vendors on El Rodadero but check around for the best price first.</li><li>Don’t go in the sea after dark—it’s both forbidden and dangerous to take a nighttime dip.</li><li>El Rodadero is lined with beach bars and seafood restaurants.</li><li>You can rent snorkel masks and sailboats on El Rodadero.</li><li>El Rodadero isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.</li></ul>After spending some time on El Rodadero, return to Santa Marta to explore the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and browse the market stalls. Many travelers also like to use Santa Marta as a jumping-off point for visits to Tayrona National Park or multi-day treks to the Lost City.

Sandwiched between picturesque beaches and lush mountains, Santa Marta is both the oldest surviving city in Colombia and a gateway to Tayrona National Park. Explore the UNESCO-recognized historic center on foot, making time to visit highlights such as the 18th century cathedral, Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Tairona), and Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.

Santa Marta Historic Center (Centro Historico de Santa Marta)

Sandwiched between picturesque beaches and lush mountains, Santa Marta is both the oldest surviving city in Colombia and a gateway to Tayrona National Park. Explore the UNESCO-recognized historic center on foot, making time to visit highlights such as the 18th century cathedral, Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Tairona), and Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.You can easily explore the Santa Marta Historic Center on foot in just a day, starting from Plaza Bolívar before moving onto Parque de los Novios and the surrounding museums. Opt for a self-guided audio tour and move through the center at your own pace or join a walking tour—these typically stop at Santa Marta Cathedral, Paseo El Camellón, and more. If you have limited time in the region, a bike tour can help you cover more ground, while street food-focused excursions are also an option.<ul><li>Santa Marta is hot and humid year-round—pack bug repellent and sunscreen if you plan on exploring on foot or by bike.</li><li>Taxis in Santa Marta don’t use meters, so remember to agree on a price before getting into the vehicle.</li><li>Santa Marta has several accessible attractions, although the narrow sidewalks of the historic center may not always be fully wheelchair accessible.</li></ul>Santa Marta is situated 65 miles (105 kilometers) from Barranquilla on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Most easily accessed by air, Avianca flies daily from both Bogotá and Medellín, while buses run regularly from Cartagena and Barranquilla.For the best weather, visit Santa Marta between December and May but remember that this is peak tourism season in the city, so crowds may be larger than normal in the historic center. Alternatively, visit in late-July for the annual Festival of the Sea.Although Santa Marta Historic Center is a destination in its own right, many travelers use the city as a starting point for further exploration of the region. One of the most popular day trips from Santa Marta is Tayrona National Park, although you can also retreat to the mountains in Minca—a village hemmed by lush jungle and known for its giant hammock—or explore the legacy of Gabriel García Márquez in his hometown of Aracataca.

A small Colombian fishing village-turned-beach hangout, laidback Taganga is a hub for party-loving backpackers and scuba divers alike. Use Taganga as an affordable jumping-off point for exploration of Tayrona National Park, Ciudad Perdida, or mountainous Minca, before returning to admire the sunset from one of Taganga’s many beach bars.

Taganga

A small Colombian fishing village-turned-beach hangout, laidback Taganga is a hub for party-loving backpackers and scuba divers alike. Use Taganga as an affordable jumping-off point for exploration of Tayrona National Park, Ciudad Perdida, or mountainous Minca, before returning to admire the sunset from one of Taganga’s many beach bars.Although it’s a popular pitstop for party-hard backpackers along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, Taganga has more to offer than beach bars and beers. Take an affordable diving certification course through one of Taganga’s many dive shops or experience the town’s picturesque views, affordable eats, and popular beaches during a bike tour, ideal if you’ve got limited time in the region. Alternatively, combine a stop on the Taganga coast with an excursion to nearby Minca. Most Taganga tour options also include a visit to Playa Grande.<ul><li>Would-be scuba divers won’t want to miss Taganga, which is known as an affordable place to secure a diving certification.</li><li>Be sure to pack bug repellent and plenty of sunscreen for a visit to this hot and humid coastal town.</li><li>Take care at night in Taganga and never leave your belongings unattended on the beach—petty crime is a problem in the area.</li><li>Taganga’s streets are mostly unpaved and can be muddy depending on the season, so wheelchair users may find access difficult.</li></ul>Sandwiched between Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, Taganga is just a 15-minute bus ride from the former—look for the blue buses marked &quot;Taganga&quot; which depart from Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) in downtown Santa Marta or opt for a taxi instead. Remember that Colombian taxis don’t operate meters, so you should agree to a price before getting into the vehicle.Hot and humid Taganga is best visited in the dry but busy winter months, although the town is a year-round destination for scuba diving. Travelers looking for a quieter visit should stop by midweek, as Taganga is especially popular with both visitors and locals on the weekend.If you’re itching to explore more of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, colonial Cartagena—with its colorful street art and rich, complicated history—is a great place to start. From there, head north to Tayrona National Park, known for dramatic scenery and sun-bleached beaches, before tubing down the Palomino river in the Guajira region.

Renowned for his soccer skills and outgoing personality, former Colombian football player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama is immortalized by the 22-foot (7-meter) bronze statue of him in his hometown of Santa Marta, outside the Estadio Eduardo Santos. Nicknamed “El Pibe” (or “the Kid”) for his curly blond head of hair, he was one of the most recognizable figures in football worldwide, and one of the few Colombian players to ever join Major League Soccer in the United States.

Carlos El Pibe Valderrama Statue

Renowned for his soccer skills and outgoing personality, former Colombian football player Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama is immortalized by the 22-foot (7-meter) bronze statue of him in his hometown of Santa Marta, outside the Estadio Eduardo Santos. Nicknamed “El Pibe” (or “the Kid”) for his curly blond head of hair, he was one of the most recognizable figures in football worldwide, and one of the few Colombian players to ever join Major League Soccer in the United States.As part of the Colombian national team in the 1990s, Valderrama represented Colombia in several international tournaments. Erected in 2006 in honor of his contributions to Colombian national sports, the statue was created by Colombian artist Amilkar Ariza. You’re likely to pass by the monument on a sightseeing tour of Santa Marta, which typically combines it with other top sights, such as the former home of Simón Bolivar and the fishing village of Taganga.<ul><li>The statue is free to go and admire.</li><li>Beside the statue, there’s an outdoor swimming pool that’s an ideal place to cool off in the midday heat.</li><li>The area surrounding the statue is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.</li></ul>The statue stands proudly outside the Estadio Eduardo Santos, a soccer stadium with a capacity of 23,000. It’s in the Comuna 4 neighborhood on Carrera 19. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi, since public bus services are infrequent.Though the statue can be viewed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the stadium hosts soccer matches and other sporting events throughout the year—check the website for the schedule, as the atmosphere at a Colombian game is unrivaled.The statue of Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama isn’t the only cultural attraction in Santa Marta, which is mostly known for its natural splendor. The Museo del Oro Tairona exhibits gold pieces reflective of ancient Indigenous Colombian culture, while the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino pays homage to renowned revolutionary Simón Bolivar, and recreates his living quarters.

At the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Nabusimake—the spiritual home of the Arhuaco people—is a secluded indigenous village which few outsiders get to experience. Known for virgin landscapes and wattle-and-daub homes, this sacred settlement is mostly closed off to the outside world.

Nabusimake

At the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Nabusimake—the spiritual home of the Arhuaco people—is a secluded indigenous village which few outsiders get to experience. Known for virgin landscapes and wattle-and-daub homes, this sacred settlement is mostly closed off to the outside world.Located 6500 feet (2000 meters) above sea level, deep in the Colombian mountains, Nabusimake—which means &quot;birthplace of the sun&quot; in the Chibchan language—is not easy to reach, but those who do make the trip will be rewarded with an inimitable experience. While some visitors make the long return trip in just a day from Pueblo Bello, you can stay overnight in Nabusimake in order to spend more time hiking into the surrounding mountains.<ul><li>The Arhuaco people may well deny entry or camping permissions to visitors arriving from Pueblo Bello; access to the village is never guaranteed.</li><li>There is a daily fee to enter Nabusimake.</li><li>There’s only one road from Pueblo Bello to Nabusimake and it’s incredibly rough; be prepared if you suffer from carsickness.</li><li>Nabusimake is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.</li></ul>Nabusimake is situated within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and is not easily accessible. Travelers must first travel 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Valledupar to Pueblo Bello. Once in Pueblo Bello, a once-daily bus runs the 24 miles (38 kilometers) into Nabusimake. It leaves in the morning and returns in the mid-afternoon. If you miss the bus, the only way back is on foot.Nabusimake can be visited throughout the year, although access to the village is never a guarantee. Be prepared to turn back if the indigenous residents refuse entry.Descendants of the Tairona people, Arhuacos—sometimes called Arawak, Bintuk, or Ijka–are indigenous to the country now called Colombia. Most Arhuaco people live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with Nabusimake serving as their nation’s capital, as well as the peoples’ spiritual home.

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