Santa Marta: a Cozy Caribbean Retreat

There's gold in them thar hills!

Well, maybe not anymore, but it was the lure of gold that drew the Spaniards to Colombia's Caribbean coast in 1525 and led to the establishment of Santa Marta, the oldest Spanish settlement in the country.

While the gold might be gone, the golden beaches and salubrious climate of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta continues to lure tourists to this underrated southern country.

Ancient History in a Modern Setting

Santa Marta might be the oldest European settlement in Colombia, but the modern city, while it maintains much of the charm of earlier days, has been transformed into a Caribbean Mecca for tourists who want to sample the beauty and warmth of one of the Western Hemisphere's most exotic locales.

The Tairona, an indigenous tribe native to the region around Santa Marta, were famed for their goldsmithing work. The product of their labors that was not shipped to Spain is on display as part of the Treasures of the Museo del Oro. The Tairona Heritage Studies Center, part of the museum, focuses on study of the Tairona and other indigenous populations of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

While in Santa Marta, you must visit La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the home of famed revolutionary hero Simon Bolivar who died in Santa Marta on December 17, 1830. Although his remains have been removed to Caracas, Venezuela, there is a memorial at the estate which is open to tourists.

Where the Mountains meet the Sea

Santa Marta is situated in the shadow of the Santa Marta mountain range, second only to the Andes in altitude. There are miles of golden, sandy beaches, mostly located in Tairona Park. The tourism infrastructure, though not as developed as Cartagena down the coast, is nonetheless adequately developed to provide for a pleasant stay.

The city boasts a number of beachside resorts, ranging from modest inns to luxurious bungalow-luxury suite hotels.

Getting to Santa Marta is easier than one might think. There are daily flights from Bogota and other major Colombian cities to El Rodadero airport located just outside the city on the route to Barranquilla. Air-conditioned busses run daily from Bogota as well, and the improved security situation along this route makes it a safe way to go overland. Cruise ships call frequently at Santa Marta's port, and there is also a marina and berthing facilities for private yachts. If you plan to visit Santa Marta by traveling on a private vessel, though, it's best to be aware that you might be subject to extra security screening because of the smuggling that is pervasive in this coastal region.

Things to Do in Santa Marta

In addition to just lounging on the beautiful beaches, soaking up the Caribbean sun, excursions to the nearby mountain range and visits to the museum and other cultural sites is a must. The cuisine of Colombia, a combination of local and international foods, is guaranteed to please even the most discriminating palate, and coming as it does along with the warmth of Colombian hospitality, ensures your trip will be unforgettable.

Santa Marta is also a great place for bird watching, with hundreds of inland and coastal species of bird life.

Getting around is easy. Knowing a few words of Spanish will help, but many of the residents of Santa Marta speak English thanks to the large number of English speaking tourists who call at the port.

Where to Stay

There are a number of great places to stay in Santa Marta, but my favorite, due to its location and ambience, is the Zuna Beach Resort. You have a choice of bungalows or luxurious rooms and suites, with a wide variety of restaurants, and luxury service.

Zuna Beach Resort

Santa Marta, Colombia

(57) 5 436 61 11

www.zuana.com.co

References:

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-482592-santa_marta_vacations-i

http://www.discovercolombia.com/santa-marta/

gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/​southamerica/p/ColSantaMarta.htm