Santa Marta Old Town and Rodadero

The Oldest Surviving Spanish City In Colombia (1525), Where Simon Bolivar Died In 1830 At The Quinta De San Pedro Alejandrino. A Port City And The Usual Base For Tayrona, The Sierra Nevada And The Ciudad Perdida Trek. · Santa Marta, Magdalena

Santa Marta was founded in 1525 and is the oldest surviving Spanish city in Colombia, and it is easy to like, but be honest about what you will find: a small historic centre, a working port and a hot, humid coast, rather than a grand colonial set-piece. The old town is a few streets around the Parque de los Novios, the Catedral, the waterfront and the Museo del Oro Tairona in the old customs house, and an afternoon covers it. Simon Bolivar died in 1830 at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino on the edge of town, now a museum and botanical garden. South of the centre, El Rodadero is the resort beach, busy and lined with vendors. The city's real value is as a BASE: Tayrona, Minca and the Ciudad Perdida trek all start here. Come for the food, the evenings on the pedestrian streets, and the access, not for a long colonial stay. Expect heat, noise, vendors and friendly, relaxed Caribbean evenings, and plan the day so the heat never catches you walking in the open. Book Tayrona or Ciudad Perdida trips early, since popular dates fill and the best guides go first.

Caribbean port at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, with the historic centre around Parque de los Novios and the Rodadero beach resort to the south, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

The streets, the waterfront and the plazas are open at all hours and cost nothing, and the centre is liveliest in the evening. Museums, the cathedral and the Quinta keep daytime hours, usually from morning to late afternoon, and some CLOSE on Mondays or for lunch, so confirm locally. Rodadero beach is open all day, with vendors and boat sellers busiest at the weekend. Hours and fees change, so verify before you go.

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