Santa Marta Day Trip

Experience an extraordinary day exploring one of the Americas' most historic cities with this comprehensive journey to Santa Marta from Cartagena. Tour Overview Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Cartagena de Indias at a designated time, followed by a minibus ride towards Santa Marta, a city steeped in history situated in Magdalena, one of the continent's oldest regions. During the journey, we'll pause briefly for breakfast, which includes a sandwich paired with a refreshing glass of orange juice or coffee. Rejuvenated, we will proceed on our way to Santa Marta. After approximately 4 hours of travel, our arrival at the city, affectionately called the 'Pearl of America', will begin our exploration with a stop at the Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino hacienda. This site is historically significant as the place where the revered leader Simon Bolivar passed away. We will delve into its rich history before proceeding to the statue of Pibe Valderrama to discover insights into the life of this prominent Colombian soccer icon. Next, we will ascend to the Taganga viewpoint, a charming fishing village that offers stunning panoramic vistas of Samaria Bay and surrounding mountains—perfect for capturing memorable photos! We will then descend to Santa Marta Bay, where, as we uncover the city’s fascinating history and notable figures, we'll stroll through its historic district. Continuing our journey, we will walk through the historic center of Santa Marta where Parque de los Novios awaits—an ideal spot to reflect on Bolivar’s ties to this significant locale. A proper visit to Santa Marta will also include a stop at the cathedral, recognized as the oldest in South America. Subsequently, we will visit Plaza Bolivar Square and meander through the colonial streets of this charming Colombian town. Our journey will take us next to the Gold Museum located in Casa de la Aduana, a former customs house from the colonial period, where you will gain insights into the rich cultural legacy of both Santa Marta and Cartagena! As the tour progresses, we will take a break for a delightful meal at a local restaurant, featuring a traditional lunch that includes fish, patacones, coconut rice, and fresh salads. After lunch, we will venture to the Rodadero area, specifically to the tranquil beaches of Bello Horizonte. Here, you can unwind for 2 hours, soaking in the sun or swimming in the inviting Caribbean waters. In conclusion, we will return to Santa Marta and complete our memorable experience by dropping you off at your hotel after an exciting 18-hour day filled with discovery.