Museo de Oro Tairona

Location:
Calle 14 2-07
Santa Marta, Colombia

Museum Types:
Archaeology

By Lorraine Caputo

In the building that was once Santa Marta’s customs (aduana) house is the Museo de Oro Tairona, a must-stop for those planning to visit El Pueblito or Ciudad Perdida. The museum gives excellent explanations on the society, culture and technology of the Tayrona peoples. A scale model of Teyuna, the Lost City, will prepare you for your journey. The vault protects an impressive collection of Tayrona gold artifacts with elucidation of the processing and forging techniques. On the second floor of the ex-Casa de la Aduana is the room in which Simón Bolívar’s body was laid to public viewing. Now, the sala is almost bare save the flags of the six Bolivariana nations.

Travel Tips: Guided tours in Spanish or English are free.

Price Description: Free

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m., 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.

Open Hours to:Monday-Friday noon, 4 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m.

Days Closed:Closed Sunday and holidays.

Travel Skills: None

The other museums in Santa Marta and El Rodadero; free events and exhibits at the cultural centers; a visit to Gabriel García Márquez’ hometown Aracataca; a stroll through Bananatown; the ruins at Playa Brava at Neguange and those of El Pueblito in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona; trek to Ciudad Perdida.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso

Traveler Reviews of Museo de Oro Tairona

Amazing Experience

Rating: 100%

The well-preserved, beautiful and detailed golden works of art of the Tairona people constitute a large part of the legacy of ancient Colombia. The museum in Santa Marta is not as large as the more famous museum in Bogotá but it is much more accessible and "tourist friendly."

By V!VA User from California, Aug 20, 2008