The first person that referred to Santa Marta as America’s Pearl was Father Antonio Julián, back in the XVIII century. He was impressed by the astounding landscapes and geographic and natural futures
Together, we’ll take a fantastic journey through tales and adventures that narrate Santa Marta’s history.
Among the stories and the tragedies of America's discovery involving colonization, no other is more beautiful tragic and human, that the story of Rodrigo Bastidas. Carlos Vives will tell you why!
Esta catedral fue construida a finales del siglo XVIII. Y la pobre... Imagínate que recibió docenas de ataques de corsarios y piratas ya que en sus bitacoras, relataban que era el lugar más visible.
La primera persona que se refirió a Santa Marta como La Perla de América fue el padre Antonio Julián en el siglo XVIII impresionado por imponentes paisajes y características geográficas y naturales.
Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America 6
Let Carlos Vives guide you through his hometown
Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America 8
Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America 9
Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America 10
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Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America

Santa Marta, Colombia
Cultural ToursWalking Tours
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About this activity

This cultural tours is one of the standout things to do in Santa Marta, Colombia. it combines the highlights below into a single, easy-to-book experience from €6 per person. Let a three-time Grammy Award winner tell you the story of his hometown. Carlos Vives, one of Colombia's best-known artists, will bring the history of his beloved Santa Marta to life. Learn all about the history of Bastidas Bay. Carlos' voice will lead you to the Plaza de Bolivar, where you will discover one of the local tragedies that played a role in the Nobel Prize-winning book "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. You will admire the monuments in the square and learn the stories about the last days of Libertador Bolivar, who arrived in the city in his last days.The tour also takes you to the local culture, the history of the forts, the convent of San Franciscoand the Cathedral, while discovering how the city was sacked 17 times by pirates. At the end of the tour, Carlos will tell you some of the local legends about the former inhabitants of downtown St. Marta, such as Madame Augustine.

Let a three-time Grammy Award winner tell you the story of his hometown. Carlos Vives, one of Colombia's best-known artists, will bring the history of his beloved Santa Marta to life. Learn all about the history of Bastidas Bay. Carlos' voice will lead you to the Plaza de Bolivar, where you will discover one of the local tragedies that played a role in the Nobel Prize-winning book "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. You will admire the monuments in the square and learn the stories about the last days of Libertador Bolivar, who arrived in the city in his last days.The tour also takes you to the local culture, the history of the forts, the convent of San Franciscoand the Cathedral, while discovering how the city was sacked 17 times by pirates. At the end of the tour, Carlos will tell you some of the local legends about the former inhabitants of downtown St. Marta, such as Madame Augustine.

Good to know

  • •Duration: approximately 55 minutes.
  • •Confirmation is instant — your spot is secured the moment you book.
  • •Offered in 1 language.
  • •A specific meeting point is provided — check the Meeting point section below for the exact location and map.
  • •Confirm weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear before you go.

Who it's for

Culture lovers

Best time to visit

Santa Marta is rewarding year-round, but spring and early autumn typically bring the most comfortable temperatures and thinner crowds than peak summer. Morning departures tend to be quieter and cooler; booking ahead is recommended in high season as popular cultural tours slots in Santa Marta sell out.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€6
per person