Historic Santa Marta Walking Tour

This tour is a perfect introduction to Santa Marta, the oldest Spanish Colonial city in the continental Americas. Much smaller than Cartagena, and having been neglected for many years, the city is now undergoing a restoration program and you will get to see the results of this as you stroll through the atmospheric plazas and narrow streets of this compact, beautiful and unique city. Colombia is synonymous with Gold and departing from the pier by coach your first visit will be the beautifully restored Gold Museum, which houses some interesting gold and pottery objects from the indigenous cultures that inhabit the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which rise up behind the city. Located in the old Customs House, one of the city’s oldest Spanish colonial buildings, the museum also tells an interesting history of Santa Marta and its development. From here you will continue on foot accompanied by your guide through Bolivar Plaza and the bustling streets with their eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial, Republican and Contemporary architecture to the 17th century Cathedral, Colombia’s oldest church.

The simple but beautiful interior is dominated by the grey Italian marble alter a fine barrel roof and chandeliers. It was in this church that the remains of Simón Bolivar were kept from his death in 1830 until 1842 when they were transferred to the Pantheon in Caracas. From here it is a short stroll to the beautiful Parque Santander more commonly known as Parque de los Novios (lovers park) with its mimosa trees providing a shaded place for the “samarios” to meet and relax.

Practical information: 

• Language: English and Spanish

• Remarks/requirements: Dress comfortably and sturdy walking shoes, sunhat and loose clothing. Sunscreen recommended.

• Walking information: Approximately 2 hours of walking. Curbs in old city can be high. Some cobblestone streets in city & Sandy surfaces at the Malecón

• Wheelchair accessible: No