Add dates

Santa MartaMeet the locals

Our most recommended Santa Marta Meet the locals

Santa Marta: Old City, Quinta San Pedro, and Taganga’s Bay

1. Santa Marta: Old City, Quinta San Pedro, and Taganga’s Bay

Santa Marta was founded in 1525. It is the oldest city of Colombia, and the second oldest in Latin America. Its colonial houses, streets, natural parks, and bays hold the country and city’s history of indigenous roots and Spanish conquest. In the present time is a sign of the Caribbean joyful traditions. Come with us. If you enjoy discovering the best of the cities, trust us: this tour is perfect for you. Start this full-day tour by meeting the expert local guide who will pick you up from your hotel. Firstly, you will visit the old city’s most emblematic places. Parque de Los Novios, Simón Bolívar Park, and the monument of Santa Marta’s founder Rodrigo Bastidas, among others. Then, you will go to the old city’s main Cathedral and the Tayrona Gold Museum, where the vestiges of the metalwork done by ethnic groups of the region remain and resist the passing of time. Afterward, jump to La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a 17th-century hacienda, which is nowadays one of the most recognized and touristic spots in Santa Marta for being home and death place to Simon Bolivar, the “father of South American independence”. Learn about his life and enjoy its enormous gardens and patios covered by the trees’ shade before going to a whole different place. After having a delicious gastronomic experience, you will be headed to Taganga, a small fishing village surrounded by cliffs on both sides and with great panoramic views of the Caribbean and the imposing mountains of the region. In the end, the guide will take you back to the hotel. Santa Marta is way more than its downtown and you will prove it after this tour that will make you feel you have done it all.

Santa Marta: Guided Walking Food Experience

2. Santa Marta: Guided Walking Food Experience

In this experience, discover the unique flavors of the Caribbean region of Colombia with a local guide. Visit 7 places in the historical center of Santa Marta and sample a variety of traditional food and drinks. Next, visit multiple family-owned businesses and try arepas de huevo, cayeye, and other special dishes. Meet some of the most professional baristas in the region. In a single afternoon, learn about Caribbean Colombian culture through its food and history.

Palomino: Private Tour of Tungueka Indigenous Village

3. Palomino: Private Tour of Tungueka Indigenous Village

Much more than a tour: A unique experience to discover the fascinating Tungueka indigenous village in one of the most beautiful places in the Colombian Caribbean. Enjoy an ecological walk through the surrounding mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta followed by a refreshing river swim in the middle of the nature reserve. Upon arrival, you can interact with one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the area (the Kogi). The Kogi are descendants of the Tairona culture that flourished before the Spanish conquest. They didn't live much differently than today's Kogi. The Kogi base their lifestyle on their belief in "Aluna" or "The Great Mother," their creator figure, who they believe is the force behind nature. The Kogi understand the earth as a living thing and see humanity as their "children". On the way to the indigenous village of Tungueka you can see the majesty of the Santa Marta Sierra Nevada mountains. The peaks are only 45 km from the Caribbean coast. This makes the mountain range the highest coastal mountain range in the world.

Santa Marta Street Food Tour

4. Santa Marta Street Food Tour

Be picked up at 10:00 AM to head to Santa Marta's historical center and ride in the car to the most delicious places to taste local gastronomy. You will start with a stop to taste envueltos and the exquisite sauces that always join these recipes. There you will taste the typical Costeño cheese the best complement for yucca. You will continue to a hot spot of street food next to Santa Marta’s Cathedral. There you will be able to taste many foods offered and combine them with a delicious tropical fruit beverage. You will be surprised by the fruit offered at this place because for sure you’ll get to know some that you didn’t even know existed. Finally, you will end with one of the most iconic recipes of the Caribbean Coast, the Shrimp Ceviche. You will go to the best place in Santa Marta to eat this dish, where you can even upgrade it with delicious suggestions like avocado, octopus, or stingray. After this tasty experience, go back to your hotel.

Santa Marta: Small Tattoo at Local Studio

5. Santa Marta: Small Tattoo at Local Studio

SMALL AND ORIGINAL TATTOOS live the experience of getting a tattoo in the best studio in the city and with the greatest artists The allowed measure that covers the price of small tattoos are 4 x 4 cm, up to 2 maximum colors, no realism Small tattoos or also known as mini tattoos are the best way to get started in the world of ink. Its delicate strokes on the skin make them original, elegant, discreet and minimalist tattoos ideal for men and women. There are spectacular small tattoos, very symbolic and with great meaning. Not because they are small they have to be simpler. Begin your adventure with a small tattoo! Let the ink run!

7 activities found
Sort by:

You might also like...

Frequently asked questions about Santa Marta Meet the locals

What are other things to do than Meet the locals that are worth visiting in Santa Marta?

The other unmissable things to do in Santa Marta are:

Which Santa Marta Meet the locals are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

Other Sightseeing Options in Santa Marta

Want to discover all there is to do in Santa Marta? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Santa Marta

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

I did an amazing food tour of Santa Marta with Álvaro! He is very knowledgeable and let me in on the secrets of his city, its culture, the different parts of the city and the highlights of the city. Together we tried the local snacks at the Gar kitchens, in fancy restaurants (great salad!) and in cafés. We ate egg specialties, drank local juices and sampled snacks at famous restaurants and on the beach in Santa Marta. I got a very good insight into the food and life culture of Colombia and I am totally enthusiastic! Many thanks Álvaro for this great experience!

De los mejores tours que he tenido! Aprendí mucho sobre la ciudad. Mi guía fue Andrea y hace de la experiencia algo increíble! Si quieren aprender sobre historia de la ciudad y al mismo tiempo pasarla perfectamente, tienen que hacer este tour con ella!

Alvaro is un great guide! It was nice to discover the city with him by walking and stop at different places to eat. I recommend starting your stay at Santa Marta with this tour to see the city and learn about the food.

Alvaro was an awesome tour guide. He knew all the ins and outs of the city and was an excellent guide. Would definitely recommend him to all that want to see the inner city of Santa Marta and try the great food.