Beach in Santa Marta

By Lorraine Caputo

Many travelers consider Santa Marta just a passing-through point on their way to Taganga, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona or Ciudad Perdida. However, beneath the surface of this port city, there is much to do. Journeyers interested in history should head for Quinta San Pedro Alejandrina and the Bananatown; ruin rats, to the Museo de Oro, Tayrona’s El Pueblito and Bahía Neguanje’s archaeological site. Art connoisseurs, take in the several museums and the cultural centers, which often present free events. Nature lovers could take in El Rodadero’s aquariums, Santuario de Flora y Fauna Ciénaga Grande or Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Sports enthusiasts, you have a number of deportes, from fishing to scuba diving, as well as minor league baseball. Don’t forget villages like Minca, Ciénaga or Aracataca—and, of course, the many beaches.