Santa Marta: The Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada with Yubelis Martínez
In today's podcast we will talk to Yube, our local hostess in Santa Marta, in the Caribbean Sea. Here she found the vocation she was looking for, to show and enamor travelers from all over the world the amazing treasures hidden in this beautiful region.
He will tell us about the infinite and almost contradictory beauties of the place: at the foot of the beach, Santa Marta shows us its history and its beautiful sunsets; at more than 1,000 meters above sea level, the enigmatic Ciudad Perdida opens its doors to one of the best treks in the Americas.A few kilometers away, a jungle barrier under the name of Tayrona Park invites us to light walks, deeper routes and to relax on crystal clear beaches; and the Don Diego River allows us to descend it, accompanied by the monkeys and birds that inhabit its slopes.
At Go and Travel, we are proud to connect with you through local hosts like Yube to inspire you to make Colombia your next vacation destination.
If you want more information to visit Santa Marta in the Caribbean Sea click here. 👈🏼
Brief introduction to Santa Marta
Santa Marta is located on the northern coast of Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea. Known for its white sand beaches and colonial center, the city offers a diversity of landscapes ranging from the jungle of the Sierra Nevada to the desert of La Guajira. In its surroundings, natural parks such as Tayrona and the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta stand out, ideal for enjoying adventure and nature.
Founded in 1525 by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas, Santa Marta is one of the first cities founded in South America. During colonial times, it was an important commercial port and departure point for expeditions to the interior of the continent. It was previously inhabited by indigenous Tayrona communities, known for their agriculture, social organization and spiritual connection with nature. Today, communities descended from the Tayrona, such as the "Arhuacos", "Koguis", "Wiwas" and "Kankuamos", maintain their culture and ancestral traditions, contributing to the conservation of the environment in the region.
What to see and do in Santa Marta
For a city tour in Santa Marta, you could include the following places:
- Historic Center: Start exploring the charming historic center of Santa Marta, with its colorful colonial houses, the Plaza de Bolivar and the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta.
- Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: Visit this historic hacienda where Simón Bolívar died in 1830. Today it is a museum that shows the life and work of the Liberator, in addition to having beautiful gardens.
- Tairona Gold Museum - Casa de la Aduana: This museum exhibits an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts from the Tairona culture, which inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spanish.
- Malecón de Santa Marta: Stroll along the Malecón, bordering the bay of Santa Marta, where you will find restaurants, bars and stores with beautiful views of the sea.
- Parque de Los Novios: This park is popular with locals and offers a lively atmosphere with outdoor cafes, street performers and cultural events.
- Public Market: Immerse yourself in local life by visiting Santa Marta's Public Market, where you will find a wide variety of fresh produce, from tropical fruits to seafood.
- Santa Marta Bay: Take a boat ride on the bay to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
If you want Yube to be your guide to discover these places and many more, click here for more information. 👈🏼
Selection of restaurants
Here is a selection of some of the best restaurants in Santa Marta:
- El Balcón de Santo Domingo Restaurant: With a privileged location in the heart of the historic center, this restaurant offers Caribbean and international cuisine, accompanied by a breathtaking view from its balcony.
- Donde Chucho: Known for its fresh seafood and casual atmosphere. It offers a wide variety of seafood dishes, including ceviches, prawns and fried fish.
- La Casa de Leda: Located in a beautiful colonial house, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with signature dishes and a careful selection of wines. It is ideal for a romantic dinner.
- El Pibe Restaurant: Specializing in Colombian food, this restaurant offers traditional dishes such as bandeja paisa, sancocho and fried fish. The atmosphere is cozy and familiar.
- Café Havana: With a lively atmosphere and live music, this restaurant is famous for its Cuban and Caribbean cuisine as well as its delicious cocktails. It is perfect for a night of fun and good food.
- Gokela Restaurant: Offers a fusion of Japanese and Caribbean cuisine, with dishes such as sushi, ceviche and tempura. The atmosphere is modern and relaxed, ideal for an informal meal.
- La Cava del Chuzo: It is known for its barbecue and grilled meats. It offers a wide variety of meat cuts and side dishes, as well as a selection of wines and beers.
What to see and do in the surroundings of Santa Marta in the Caribbean Sea
- The Tayrona National Natural Park, located north of Santa Marta, is a natural reserve with tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches and a unique biodiversity. In addition to its ecological value, it is of cultural importance because of its connection to the ancient Tayrona civilization. It offers activities such as hiking, diving and relaxation on beaches like Bahía Concha and Playa Cabo San Juan. It is a protected area with regulations to preserve its ecosystem.
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique coastal mountain range, with peaks up to 5,775 meters above sea level and exceptional biodiversity. It is home to endemic species and is of great cultural importance to the local indigenous communities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as trekking, climbing, bird watching and visits to indigenous communities.
- Tubing down the Don Diego River: this is an exciting activity in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It consists of floating in inflatable tires along the river, enjoying the tropical landscape and the gentle current. It is a relaxing and fun experience, ideal for all ages, that allows you to admire nature while you let yourself be carried away by the water.
- Trekking to the lost city: The trekking lasts approximately 4 days and 3 nights. The route goes through rainforest, rivers and mountains. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as insect repellent and sunscreen. During the trek, you will spend the nights in basic jungle camps.
- Taironaka: In the natural reserve of Taironaka, located at km 58 of the road leading to Riohacha, it is possible to see the cultural and historical importance of the Tayrona culture. There are restored terraces where the indigenous people used to build their homes and an archaeological museum with original artifacts. For the Koguis, direct descendants of the Tayrona, the area is of great importance.
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