Santa Marta Highlights
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Port
Santa Marta, Colombia
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Santa Marta, Colombia's oldest city, is situated on the Caribbean coast. It boasts a fine natural harbor, beaches and splendid views. The Spaniards chose this as their first settlement in Colombia because of the tremendous gold reserves surrounding the city.
Visit the Gold Museum on the second floor of the Bank of the Republic. Admire the museum's pre-Columbian artifacts exhibit and a small yet priceless collection of Tairona gold and pottery pieces.
Next, visit the cathedral -- the Church of Santa Ana -- built in 1529 "with barrel boards carried by the river when it swelled."
The San Pedro de Alejandrino Villa, dating to the 17th century, was originally a country estate outside the city limits. In 1830, Don Joaquin Mier y Benitez offered his home to the great liberator Simon Bolívar as a refuge for his last days. Now a National Monument, the house boasts an interior that has been restored, and its extensive gardens have been returned to their former glory.
Enjoy a delightful display of Colombian culture during a folklore show with traditional songs and dances. A soft drink is included.
A panoramic drive through the modern part of Santa Marta returns you to the ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.