Santa Marta, Colombia

Up along the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia sits the town of Santa Marta, well visited for it's location as a base for travelers planning on trekking to La Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), scuba diving in Taganga, or hiking through Parque Tayrona.

Though most travelers just pass through Santa Marta, or base themselves here for a night before their next adventure, this little city is actually a historian's gem. 1. It is the oldest colonial city in all of South America... pretty cool... 2. What's even cooler is it's the burial spot of Simon Bolivar... Simon Bolivar! As in THE Simon Bolivar! The guy who liberated Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama from Spain... (He's a pretty big deal here in case you didn't know...)

Many locals here can trace their roots back to the pre-colonial era and maintain a rich cultural heritage. They set up a little market area near the bay where they sell their wares; jewelry, masks, clothes, juices, and other knickknacks that seem to cost exponentially more the whiter your skin...

Though the beach is less than impressive, this more of a nocturnal town. By day there isn’t much going on other than venders hitting up tourists and a couple museums (which are actually really good). In fact, if you do plan on trekking to La Ciudad Perdida, I would highly recommend a tour of the Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana (it’s free!). They have a great gold artifact exhibit with lots of history on the people of Tayrona. You will have a much better experience doing the Lost City trek if you have some information beforehand. It also has a great section on Simon Bolivar.

As soon as the sun sets over the ocean, which everyone seems to be watching from the pier… the town comes to life! On come all the lights and music and suddenly the streets are filled with chairs and tables for dining or people dancing next to bands. While the city during the day has a dusty, dead, sort of hue, at night it is rosy and romantic! You can sit outside and have some beers, make friends, and people watch, or you can go to one of the various clubs that promotors will be sure to inform you of.

Where to stay:

Masaya Hostel: For about $15USD per person you can stay in a luxury hostel; with 2 pools, clean rooms, breakfast and a great atmosphere.

The Emerald Hostel: For about $10USD per person, you can stay in a lovely, clean, charming hostel, with a bar on the 2nd floor and a roof top terrace where they serve breakfast. The only problem is, they tend to run out of toilet paper (this is common in South America…) and it’s right next door to the party hostel… La Brisa Loca…

La Brisa Loca: For a fun time, but no sleep, and roughly $12USD per person for a bed, you can at least have a place to pass out when you’ve partied to hard… It’s really more of a night club than a place to sleep… Even with ear plugs and sleeping pills, you won’t be sleeping… the music from this place rocks the whole town. It is a good place to go for a party though. For their big events they usually charge $10USD per person… but everything in South America is negotiable…

Where to eat:

LULO! Located in the heart of Santa Marta, perfect for starting the night… its Lulo, (Cra 3 #16-34 Callejon del Correo). Lulo will either enlighten or ruin your perception of Colombian cuisine. Either you will have your eyes opened to the most delicious, creative, and artistic foods you have ever had… or you will be depressed because by comparison no food in Colombia will ever come close to matching… and also you will want it forever, but you can’t… unless you move to Santa Marta… The food is healthy, authentic, local, and a good value! The restaurant is small, and will fill up! Happy hour is awesome, the smoothies are amazing… don’t pass up the ceviche! The arepas will blow your mind… and if that isn’t enough… for all you veggies and vegans… HERE YOU GO! There is literally nothing bad on the menu… I know… I tried them all.