Santa Marta’s best self-guided tours let you experience Colombia’s oldest city efficiently and economically. Three standout options deserve special attention. The Pearl of America tour offers excellent local insight with authentic narration by Colombian musician Carlos Vives. History buffs will appreciate the Old Town, Harbour & Highlights route, which makes learning fun through interactive elements. The Quinta De San Pedro Alejandrino tour is particularly meaningful, taking visitors through Simón Bolívar’s final residence. All tours work offline and accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Ready to explore? Check out our top picks below.
Key Points
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The “Pearl of America” self-guided tour offers an immersive exploration of Santa Marta’s history and landmarks, narrated by Colombian artist Carlos Vives.
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The “Santa Marta: Old Town, Harbour & Highlights” tour provides an engaging 2-hour interactive experience with tasks and riddles to enhance the learning experience.
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The Quinta De San Pedro Alejandrino tour focuses on the home of Simón Bolívar, allowing self-paced exploration of the museum and grounds.
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All tours are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, stroller-accessible, and accommodate service animals, ensuring inclusivity.
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Positive user experiences highlight the flexibility of exploring at one’s own pace and the charming narration provided throughout the tours.
Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America
The Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America provides a captivating exploration of Santa Marta’s history and landmarks. Narrated by the renowned Colombian artist Carlos Vives, this 13-review tour offers an immersive experience with a 4.7 overall rating.
The tour features offline access to all chapters and maps, helpful tips for exploring Santa Marta, and the convenience of a smartphone and headsets.
With no tour guide present and no admission tickets required, you can enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace. The tour begins at the Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas and concludes at the Casa de Madame Augustine, covering key sights along the way.
The tour is accessible to wheelchair users, stroller-friendly, and accommodates service animals. While some users have reported difficulty in syncing audio between multiple devices, the majority of reviewers praise the charming historical narration and the enjoyable weather, museum visits, and overall well-produced audio.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America Review
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Santa Marta: Old Town, Harbour & Highlights Self-guided Tour
Explore Santa Marta’s rich history and vibrant harbor on the Santa Marta: Old Town, Harbour & Highlights Self-guided Tour.
This 2-hour tour offers an interactive, flexible experience for just £6.57 per person. Armed with your smartphone, you’ll embark on a journey through the city’s highlights, discovering fascinating stories, completing engaging tasks, and solving riddles along the way.
Venture through the historic old town, visiting landmarks like the town hall, old prison, and the Gold Museum.
Learn about Colombia’s renowned revolutionaries, Don Antonio Nariño and Simón Bolívar, at key sites. Soak in the scenic harbor views from Parque Bolívar and the city beach.
Enjoy the local culture, exploring street art, theaters, cathedrals, and handicraft markets.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and can be downloaded for offline use. With a 5-star rating and positive feedback, this self-guided adventure is an excellent way to experience Santa Marta at your own pace.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve your spot now without paying today.
Read our full review: Santa Marta: Old Town, Harbour & Highlights Self-guided Tour Review
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Self-Guided Audio Tour – Quinta De San Pedro Alejandrino
Immersed in the rich history of Santa Marta, the Self-Guided Audio Tour at Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino invites you to embark on a captivating journey through the beloved home of Simón Bolívar, the renowned South American liberator.
This self-paced audio tour allows you to explore the museum and grounds at your own leisure, with all chapters available for offline use. The tour features useful maps and tips to guide you through Santa Marta, along with complimentary snacks to fuel your exploration.
You’ll be equipped with a smartphone and headsets, making it a seamless and convenient experience. Located just a short distance from the city center, the tour’s meeting and end points are at the museum’s entrance, ensuring a hassle-free start and finish.
Accessibility is a priority, with the tour accommodating wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals. The surfaces are also wheelchair-friendly.
With a low overall rating of 3.0 stars and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this self-guided tour offers a flexible and affordable way to explore the history of Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Audio Tour – Quinta De San Pedro Alejandrino Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed in Historical Sites?
Photography is generally allowed at historical sites, but you should always check the specific rules and guidelines. Some sites may have restrictions or require a permit. It’s best to be respectful and follow the site’s policies to avoid any issues.
What Should I Bring for the Self-Guided Tours?
When going on self-guided tours, you’ll want to bring a few essentials: comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, water to stay hydrated, and a camera or phone to capture the sights. Don’t forget a small backpack or bag to carry it all.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements?
For self-guided tours, there’s usually no strict dress code. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Avoid anything too fancy or impractical. The focus should be on practicality and comfort to fully enjoy your exploration.
How Long Do the Self-Guided Tours Typically Take?
The self-guided tours typically take 2-4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make. Most can be done at a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully explore the sights.
Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Consider?
When exploring Santa Marta on self-guided tours, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit, populated streets and consider hiring a local guide for added safety and insider knowledge.
Recap
Enjoy exploring Santa Marta’s rich history and vibrant culture through these self-guided tours. From the city’s old town and harbor to the Quinta De San Pedro Alejandrino, you’ll discover the highlights at your own pace. Whether you opt for an audio tour or a self-guided walking route, these options provide a convenient and informative way to experience the best of Santa Marta.