Santa Marta City Tour

Santa Marta’s rich history and vibrant culture come alive on the city’s captivating tour. Visitors are immersed in the past as they explore the final resting place of the legendary Simón Bolívar and marvel at the stunning Cathedral Basilica Menor. The tour also unveils the region’s remarkable pre-Columbian heritage through the Gold Museum’s exquisite artifacts. With breathtaking viewpoints and knowledgeable guides, this excursion promises to leave travelers with a deeper appreciation for Colombia’s oldest city. Those seeking to uncover Santa Marta’s treasures won’t want to miss this comprehensive experience.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best City Tours In Santa Marta.

Key Points

• A 4-hour excursion in Santa Marta that covers historical sites like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, Cathedral Basilica Menor, and the Gold Museum.
• Includes panoramic views from the Taganga Viewpoint, a monument to Colombian soccer legend Carlos Valderrama, and a flexible cancellation policy.
• Highlights the legacy of Simón Bolívar and the city’s founder, Rodrigo de Bastidas, as well as the region’s pre-Columbian cultural heritage.
• Offers insights into the architectural, artistic, and religious significance of the Cathedral Basilica Menor and the extensive collection at the Gold Museum.
• Provides the opportunity to witness the dramatic landscapes and coastline of Colombia’s Caribbean region from the Taganga Viewpoint.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Santa Marta City Tour is a comprehensive 4-hour excursion that showcases the historical, cultural, and scenic highlights of this vibrant coastal city.

Priced from COP2,073 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and a live Spanish-speaking guide.

Visitors can explore the 17th-century Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the grand Cathedral Basilica Menor, and the Gold Museum’s impressive pre-Columbian artifacts.

They’ll also enjoy panoramic views from the Taganga Viewpoint and a visit to the monument honoring soccer legend Carlos Valderrama.

With a flexible cancellation policy and private English services available, the Santa Marta City Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the city’s rich heritage.

Highlights and Itinerary

The Santa Marta City Tour offers visitors the chance to explore the historical sites, cultural experiences, and scenic views that define this vibrant coastal city.

Highlights include the 17th-century hacienda of La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar spent his final days, and the Cathedral Basilica Menor de Santa Marta, an architectural landmark housing the remains of the city’s founder.

The tour also takes guests to the Gold Museum, showcasing indigenous pre-Columbian artifacts, and the Monument to Pibe Valderrama, honoring a Colombian soccer legend.

Breathtaking vistas await at the Taganga Viewpoint, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Historical Sites

Two of the historical sites visited on the Santa Marta City Tour are the highlights of the itinerary. The first is La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a 17th-century hacienda where Simón Bolívar spent his final days and died in 1830. It now operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and legacy of the revered South American revolutionary. The second site is the Cathedral Basilica Menor de Santa Marta, an architectural landmark featuring the remains of the city’s founder, Rodrigo de Bastidas, as well as an extensive collection of religious art.

Site	Significance	Highlights
La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino	17th-century hacienda, site of Simón Bolívar’s death	Museum showcasing Bolívar’s life and legacy
Cathedral Basilica Menor de Santa Marta	Architectural landmark, resting place of city founder	Extensive religious art collection

Cultural Experiences

Alongside the historical sites, the tour also showcases Santa Marta’s rich cultural heritage.

The highlight is the Gold Museum of Santa Marta, which displays an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, including:

• Intricate masks
• Delicate bracelets
• Stunning necklaces
• Ornate ceremonial pieces

Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and gain insights into the indigenous cultures that once thrived in the region.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Monument to Pibe Valderrama, a bronze statue honoring the legendary Colombian soccer player.

These cultural experiences provide a well-rounded understanding of Santa Marta’s vibrant identity and legacy.

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Scenic Views

Offering panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, the Taganga Viewpoint is a highlight of the city tour.

Visitors can gaze upon the picturesque coastline and the dramatic, snow-capped peaks in the distance. The viewpoint is especially stunning at sunset, when the warm, golden light bathes the entire scene in a breathtaking glow.

Travelers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the breathtaking vistas. With its strategic location, the Taganga Viewpoint provides an ideal opportunity to take in the natural beauty that defines this part of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Tour Details

The Santa Marta City Tour kicks off at 2:00 PM with a hotel pickup, allowing guests to embark on their exploration of the city’s highlights.

Traveling by car, the tour takes visitors to the various historical sites, cultural experiences, and scenic viewpoints, with guided stops for further exploration. Guests will have ample opportunities to take photographs and enjoy personal exploration at the different locations.

The tour includes:

• Entrance fees to all the featured sites
• A professional guide who provides commentary in Spanish (or English for private tours)
• Medical assistance insurance during the tour

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and dress appropriately for potential rainy weather.

Inclusions

The Santa Marta City Tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels, entrance fees to all the sites mentioned, a professional guide who provides commentary in Spanish or English for private tours, and medical assistance insurance during the tour.

This ensures a hassle-free and inclusive experience for visitors. The tour takes guests to historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and scenic viewpoints, allowing them to fully enjoy the rich heritage and natural beauty of Santa Marta.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can focus on enjoying the journey and creating lasting memories of their time in this captivating Colombian city.

Important Information

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and comfortable clothing for the Santa Marta City Tour.

The tour takes place rain or shine, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. Participants should also bring a passport-sized photo and a reusable water bottle.

The tour may change order of visits due to operational decisions, and the Gold Museum is closed on Mondays, with alternative options provided.

For the group service, a minimum of 4 passengers is required.

Remember to bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Comfortable clothing
• Passport-sized photo

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour offers a private service where the itinerary can be customized based on the client’s interests. The private tour is available in English for an enhanced personalized experience.

What Are the Payment Methods Accepted for Booking the Tour?

The tour accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and online bookings. Guests can conveniently pay for the tour at the time of booking to secure their reservation.

Can the Tour Be Combined With Other Activities in Santa Marta?

The tour can be combined with other activities in Santa Marta, allowing visitors to maximize their time and explore the city’s diverse attractions. Many tour operators offer package deals or the option to customize itineraries.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Families or Groups?

The tour company offers a group discount for bookings of 4 or more passengers. Families may also qualify for reduced rates, so it’s best to inquire about any available discounts when making a reservation.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled or Postponed if Needed?

The tour can be rescheduled or postponed with proper notice. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

Recap

The Santa Marta City Tour offers a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Colombia’s oldest city. From the historic sites like the final resting place of Simón Bolívar to the captivating cultural experiences and breathtaking views, this tour provides an immersive experience that’s not to be missed. With a knowledgeable guide, convenient hotel pickup, and all entrance fees included, it’s the perfect way to discover the treasures of Santa Marta.

You can check if your dates are available here: