About Santa Marta

Santa Marta, is the capital city of Magdalena, a Colombian department, in the Caribbean coast. Santa Marta was founded July 29th, 1525, by the Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas. It is the oldest existing city in Colombia and the second oldest in America. The city is surrounded by the magic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Caribbean sea. Santa Marta represents a region recognized as one the top ten beach and nature destinations in the world. The region is full of sun, beaches, nature, cultures, history, colonial architecture, and lost of fun.

MUST SEE LOCATIONS:

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: Is the famous colonial farm, quinta or hacienda built in the 17th century, were Simón Bolívar died on December 17, 1830. At that time, the estate produced rum, honey and panela. The hacienda is located in Mamatoco a traditional municipality part of larger Santa Marta.
http://www.museobolivariano.org.co/
Parque de los Novios: The park was created in 1830 as a market square. It served as a market until 1881 and then became the Parque Santander. In 2009, the square was restored and became the main meeting point for young residents, tourists and party goers. You can find many good restaurants and bars and feel the lively energy of Santa Marta and its people.
Parque Simon Bolivar or Plaza de las Armas: This is the main and first square founded in Santa Marta. The Spanish ‘conquistador’, Rodrigo de Bastidas, founded the city in 1525 and built a small settlement in a U shape around the plaza de las Armas. The square change its name after the death of the Liberator Bolivar to Plaza de Bolivar. In 2009 the Square was restored and it is now the centre of financial and also recreational activities.
Plaza San Francisco: Took its name from the San Francisco convent built on one side of the square. The plaza served as market place until late 1990. In 2009, the Plaza San Francisco was restored and it is now known as a commercial hub of the city. You will find San Andresito (commercial zone) on one side of the square and many banks and offices around the area.
Plaza de la Catedral: The Plaza was built as a part of the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Marta in 1795. Most public and religious events and festivals took and continue to take place in this beautiful plaza. In 2010, the square was restored and it is today one of the main attractions of the city.
Plaza de San Miguel: The Cemetery of Santa Marta was relocated to the outskirts of the city in 1789, and by 1808 the area besides the cemetery became a square. In 2010 the square was restored and it is now one of the liveliest places on the city. The square has an area dedicated to flowers, to games and recreation activities for all ages.
Paseo de Bastidas: Known as the Malecón, the paseo is one of the main attractions of the Bay of Santa Marta. Along the short public beach, locals and visitors enjoy early morning walks, swimming and playing. The astonishing views of the port of Santa Marta, the recently built Marina and the small rocky island of El Morro are inspirational and relaxing.