Santa Marta

Framed by the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Santa Marta is Colombia’s oldest colonial city founded in 1525 by Don Rodrigo de Bastidas.

At its heart, the impressive cathedral built in 1765 dominates the old town amidst crumbling colonial architecture while close by the Parque Simon Bolivar opens onto the bustle of the sea promenade. Long a vibrant coastal resort for Colombians, the historic quarter is slowly being restored and is now home to a number of simple boutique hotels and restaurants, well worth a short stay. The beaches and nightlife are well known yet spend a few days, and you can take in the Gold Museum housed in the original Custom House as well as the sanctuary of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the estate where the great Liberator Simon Bolivar drew his last breath.

Santa Marta Hotels

Hotel Don Pepe$$$$

Don Pepe is a charming boutique hotel in Santa Marta framed by the sweeping peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and sparkling waters of the bay. Spead across 3 stories of a historic mansion, itself once part of a Dominican convent, Don Pepe combines heritage and Colombian colour with modern technology and contemporary comfort. The rooms are light and breezy while leafy patios, tiled floors and high ceilings keep the hotel cool and welcoming at the height of summer. Santa Marta has no shortag...