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Santa Marta Turns 500: Culture, History, and Magic by the Sea

In 2025, Santa Marta celebrates its 500th anniversary—a milestone that not only marks its legacy as the oldest city in Colombia, but also makes it the epicenter of a national celebration filled with history, culture, magical realism, and a deep connection to our roots.

Founded on July 29, 1525, by Rodrigo de Bastidas, Santa Marta is the second-oldest city in South America still standing and a symbol of resilience and transformation.

For five centuries, this Caribbean gem has witnessed the arrival of the Spanish, interactions with indigenous communities, the birth of independence movements, and the creation of a city where beaches, mountains, colonial architecture, and a rich literary legacy all coexist. Today, Santa Marta remains a destination that has it all: sun, history, and soul.

A City Written in History (and Literature)

Visiting Santa Marta is like walking through the living pages of Colombian history. One of Latin America’s most important figures, Simón Bolívar, died here on December 17, 1830, at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. Today, the colonial estate is a museum, botanical garden, and cultural center. Bolívar’s legacy lives on in every corner of the city—from Plaza Bolívar to the statue that honors him as a symbol of freedom.

But it’s not just Bolívar. The region also inspired Gabriel García Márquez, Nobel Prize-winning author, who, though born in nearby Aracataca, based many of his literary settings on this area. In Love in the Time of Cholera, the characters travel along the Magdalena River, connecting readers emotionally with Colombia’s fluvial past. Today, with the return of river cruises like AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, these poetic routes come alive again.

Santa Marta: Where the Caribbean Meets the Sierra Nevada

Santa Marta blends beaches, mountains, and spirituality. The Sierra Nevada, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the ancestral home of the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples, who maintain their worldview and traditions. Travelers can visit these communities respectfully through sustainable tourism initiatives.

In a single trip, you can go from sea to mountains, from the historic center’s bustle to the sacred silence of the hills. It’s perfect for reconnecting with nature, adventure, and living culture.

Must-Do Experiences in Santa Marta

Beaches

El Rodadero: lively and family-friendly.

Taganga: a bohemian fishing village with sea views.

Playa Cristal & Playa Blanca: ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.

Tayrona Park: one of the world’s most beautiful natural parks—hiking, virgin beaches, and unique biodiversity.

Culture & Heritage

Historic Center: cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and vibrant squares.
Tairona Gold Museum: showcases the region’s indigenous legacy.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: essential for understanding Bolívar’s legacy.

Nature & Wellness

Minca: an eco-paradise in the mountains with waterfalls, organic coffee, and lookouts.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City): a four-day jungle trek and spiritual experience.

Local Flavors: Santa Marta’s Gastronomy

Samaria cuisine blends coastal tradition with fresh Caribbean ingredients. Must-try dishes:

Coconut rice with fried fish

Seafood casserole

Arepa de huevo (egg-stuffed corn cake)

Cayeye (mashed green banana)

Local sweets and yucca-based snacks

Enjoy them in plazas, markets, or restaurants near GEH Suites Hotels. Traveling also means tasting culture!

Caribbean Traditions and Joy

Santa Marta is alive with its people and their vibrant expressions:

Fiesta del Mar (July): honors the sea and samaria identity.
Holy Week: religious processions.
Carnaval del Sur: music, dance, and joy.

Music styles like mapalé, cumbia, and champeta fill the streets with Afro-Caribbean rhythm and heritage.

Family Plans and Experiences for All

Santa Marta is great for families. Visit:

The Aquarium and Sea Museum in El Rodadero

Banana boat or kayak rides

Eco-hikes in Minca or Tayrona trails

Many GEH Suites hotels are near these areas and offer amenities for families and groups.

Instagram Spots and Memory Albums

Top photo ops in Santa Marta:

Sunset at El Rodadero pier

Taganga viewpoint

Callejón de los Cactus & Calle Real in the historic center

Marinka waterfalls in Minca

The city is as photogenic as it is magical—make space in your gallery!

Santa Marta as a Starting Point

From here, explore:

Palomino (2h): wild beaches and eco experiences
Aracataca: land of Gabriel García Márquez
Ciénaga and Zona Bananera: magical realism routes

Corporate Tourism and Events by the Sea

Santa Marta is also perfect for business trips, events, and weddings. GEH Suites hotels offer event spaces with ocean views for unforgettable celebrations.

GEH Suites: Your Home in Santa Marta

Celebrate 500 years by staying at GEH Suites—perfect for travelers who value comfort, service, and location.

Our Options:

Rodadero Inn: family-friendly, steps from the beach.
Axis Inn: centrally located.
Sansiraka: nature-surrounded, with pool and relaxation zones.

All hotels include:

Breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Warm, professional service
Special rates for agencies
Booking through Booking Connect

How to Get There

Santa Marta has the Simón Bolívar International Airport with daily flights from:

Bogotá
Medellín
Cali
Panama (via Copa Airlines)

Also accessible by road from Cartagena or Barranquilla along a beautiful coastal highway.

Santa Marta is waiting… and not just for its 500 years.
Because traveling here means walking through Colombia’s history, touching literature, and reconnecting with the essential. It’s bathing in the Caribbean while gazing at snowy peaks on the horizon.

Book your trip with GEH Suites
This is the moment. Experience Santa Marta like never before and be part of a celebration that will go down in history.